After spending over three years in an animal shelter, Kato the Akita has finally found a loving home just in time for Christmas. Kato, who arrived at Cheltenham Animal Shelter in April 2021 alongside his best friend Poppy, had been searching for a forever home for years. Unfortunately, the pair struggled to find an adopter, and in July 2023, Kato’s world was further upended when Poppy passed away, leaving him “alone and depressed.”
Despite years of appeals for adoption, it wasn’t until October 2024 that Kato’s luck changed. David and Jackie, a couple from a nearby rural village, reached out to the shelter following the death of their own Siberian Husky, Shadow. They were looking to offer a new home to a dog in need and hoped to meet Kato.
When the couple first visited the shelter, they had no expectations, but Kato quickly ran over to greet them in the paddock, making an immediate connection. Allison Jarvis, head of fundraising at Cheltenham Animal Shelter, described the encounter as “clearly meant to be.” Kato’s bond with the couple deepened after several more meetings, both at the shelter and at their home.
Kato’s new family is thrilled to offer him a peaceful life, complete with endless walks and fields to explore. “It is safe to say that Kato approved of his new surroundings, immediately taking over the chair that Shadow once slept in,” said Ms. Jarvis. The couple is overjoyed to provide Kato with a loving home where he will now spend his first Christmas.
Having spent over 1,300 days at Cheltenham Animal Shelter, Kato’s long wait was finally over, thanks to the shelter’s dedicated care and the support of its donors. Ms. Jarvis encouraged the public to contribute to the shelter’s Christmas appeal, ensuring that more animals like Kato receive the care and attention they need to find their forever homes.
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