Cat Walks 12 Miles to Reunite With Family — They Ask Shelter to Euthanize Him Instead
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — In a heartbreaking twist of loyalty and betrayal, a 7-year-old cat named Toby walked 12 miles to find his former owners — only for them to try to have him euthanized when he arrived back home.
The emotional story unfolded in February 2018, when Toby’s family gave him away to another household. Refusing to stay, the Maine coon mix made an incredible journey across North Carolina to return to the family he knew. But instead of a warm reunion, his owners took him to a local shelter in Wake County and requested that he be put down.
Shelter Workers Refused to Kill Him and Called the SPCA
Shelter staff were stunned when Toby’s family asked them to end his life despite him being a healthy, friendly cat. They refused to comply and instead contacted the SPCA of Wake County, who agreed to take him in immediately.
“It was really hard to understand why someone would want to euthanize a pet who just wanted to come home,” said Tara Lynn from the SPCA.
When Toby arrived, he was found to have a mild cold and a condition known as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) — a virus similar to HIV in humans that weakens the immune system but does not prevent cats from living long, healthy lives with proper care.
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From Rejection to Rescue: Toby Finds His Forever Home
SPCA staff quickly fell in love with Toby, describing him as a gentle, affectionate cat who just wanted attention and affection. Over the next 45 days, shelter workers nursed him back to health and shared his story online — where it captured hearts around the world.
In April 2018, Toby was adopted by Michele Puckett, a Raleigh resident who learned about him through her sister in New Hampshire after the story spread on Instagram through animal advocate Beth Stern.
“It felt like Toby had been with us forever,” Puckett told the SPCA, adding that her children instantly bonded with the cat.
A Viral Symbol of Hope and Compassion
Toby’s story inspired thousands online, with his new family creating an Instagram page that quickly grew to over 16,000 followers. Fans across the world celebrated the cat’s second chance at life — one filled with love, playtime, and comfort.
Though Toby’s beginnings were marked by neglect and heartbreak, his journey became a symbol of resilience and unconditional loyalty. What started as a tragedy turned into a worldwide reminder that every animal deserves kindness — and that even the most broken stories can find a happy ending.
Stories like Toby’s highlight the importance of animal rescue organizations and the compassion of people willing to give abandoned pets a second chance. For more inspiring animal stories, rescue news, and community features, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.