A shelter cat reached out to a woman who had only come by to drop off a few donations. Neither of them knew it at the time, but this chance encounter was about to change both of their lives forever.
Dobby aka Lenny - ExploitsValleySPCA
Dobby, a striking foster cat with round cheeks and soulful eyes, had built a reputation for being irresistibly affectionate. His foster mom adored him, but she knew he needed more exposure to find the perfect forever home. Late last month, she brought him to the Exploits Valley SPCA, hoping someone would see just how special he was.
“He’s the most lovable cat,” the SPCA shared. “His foster mom worried he’d be heartbroken in the shelter without someone to cuddle him all the time.” Dobby was everything anyone could want in a cat—sweet, gentle, and full of love. The only thing missing was a family of his own.
ExploitsValleySPCA
The very next day, fate stepped in. Sandra, a local woman, arrived at the shelter—not to adopt, but to drop off some belongings of her beloved cat Lucy, who had recently passed away after 15 wonderful years together. Her heart was still aching, but she wanted to do something kind in Lucy’s memory.
While at the shelter, she wandered into the cat rooms. “It was spontaneous,” she said. In the last room, she spotted a mackerel tabby with big, soulful eyes and chubby cheeks staring up at her. That cat was Dobby. His gaze felt like it reached straight into her heart.
ExploitsValleySPCA
Dobby pressed his face against the bars, eager for her attention. “Something told me to pick him up,” Sandra recalled. The moment she held him, he melted into her arms, resting his head on her shoulder like they had known each other forever.
ExploitsValleySPCA
It was closing time, so Sandra had to leave. But for the next two days, she couldn’t stop thinking about him. “Forty-eight hours later, he was in my car, coming home for a trial weekend,” she said.
ExploitsValleySPCA
“I wasn’t looking to replace Lucy,” Sandra explained. “I just wanted to fill some of the quiet space she left behind. This little sweetheart needed a home, and I knew I had love to give.”
From the moment Dobby walked in, he acted like he belonged. Within 15 minutes, he was lounging on the couch, purring contentedly.
He is quite the biscuit maker - ExploitsValleySPCA
That night, he followed Sandra to bed, curled up beside her, and fell asleep. He explored every corner of the house, kneaded blankets like a seasoned baker, and showered her with head bumps. “He’s played hard all weekend and loves everyone he meets,” Sandra said. “In a nutshell, he’s perfect.”
He follows his mom everywhere - ExploitsValleySPCA
Dobby was spoiled with food, toys, and endless affection, but what he loved most was being close to Sandra. He followed her everywhere, clearly smitten with his new mom.
Dobby, now Lenny, has found his forever home - ExploitsValleySPCA
Now renamed Lenny, he spends his days by Sandra’s side, a living reminder that love can find you when you least expect it. “He’s not a replacement,” Sandra said. “He’s a continuation of the love I had for Lucy and Leroy. That sweet, gentle soul with the big eyes is now home for good.”
ExploitsValleySPCA
