Tara and Steve walked into a shelter one day with one simple goal: to find a cat that could help heal their broken hearts.
After losing their 18-year-old tabby, Jackson, their home felt painfully empty. They missed the soft purrs and the comforting presence only a cat could bring.
Yet, as the couple wandered through the shelter, something unexpected was about to happen, something that would change their lives forever.
The couple had their eyes set on Shadow. It was like fate had led them to him.
This handsome tabby had a coat that reminded them so much of their late cat. Tara and Steve were certain he was meant to be theirs, so they quickly applied to adopt him.
When the call came to set up a meet-and-greet, they could hardly contain their excitement. The couple arrived at the Exploits Valley SPCA almost an hour early, their hearts pounding with anticipation.
As soon as they saw Shadow, Tara and Steve felt a deep connection. It was as if this kitty knew he was meant to go home with them.
The moment was perfect, and they were convinced their search was over, as Tara shared in an interview:
“As soon as we saw him, we knew that feeling we had was spot on. It was almost like he did as well. Two seconds of being with him, and we knew he was coming home with us.”
But then, just as they were discussing the idea of adopting a second cat, the sweetest thing happened.
Another little soul appeared – Poco, a tiny bundle of white and brown fur that instantly cuddled into Tara’s arms.
Her heart swelled with love as Poco purred softly, melting away any doubt she had about bringing another cat into their lives.
And then, as if the universe wanted to surprise them once more, a third cat made an entrance – Pony, a tabby with striking markings. He sauntered over and affectionately rubbed against their legs.
At that moment, Tara and Steve found themselves in a dilemma they hadn’t seen coming. They came for one cat, but now three were vying for a place in their hearts.
The couple tried to decide which of the three cats would be the best fit for their family, but each one had their own unique charm. Tara laughed, sharing:
“It was like they had a group meeting the night before where they prepared ahead of time how to get us to adopt all three.”
It was a decision too tough to make – so they didn’t!
Instead, they decided to adopt all three, knowing that each of them was meant to be a part of their family.
Back at home, the couple prepared for their new, larger family. They renamed their cats Chirp, Flynn, and Riggs.
Each cat quickly found their place in the household. Flynn, with his constant purring, became Riggs’ best friend, while Chirp, who had a more difficult past, slowly began to open up, learning to trust and love again.
Tara found joy in watching Chirp play, knowing that every day he grew more comfortable in his new home, sharing:
“Every day, we can see he’s starting to get that with us. He is very entertaining to watch when he’s in full play mode.”
The couple never once regretted their decision. Their home, which had felt so empty before, was now full of life, laughter, and love.
They believed Jackson would be happy to know that his people were once again surrounded by love and that his memory was being honored in such a beautiful way.
The couple’s hearts were healing, and their house finally felt like a home again.
In a world where choices aren’t always easy, Tara and Steve’s story shows that sometimes, when faced with an impossible decision, the answer is simply to say “yes” to love!