A senior’s heartwarming journey to adopting her purr-fect companion

At the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, we believe every animal deserves a loving home. We are dedicated to matching each adopter with their perfect animal companion, which is exactly what happened when 93-year-old Kelly welcomed a cat named Birdie into her life. Their story is a heartwarming reminder that love truly knows no age. 

A journey to find a new companion 

In 1981, Kelly adopted a dog named Buddy from the Ontario SPCA, and she proudly refers to him as “the best dog ever.” Many years later, after the passing of her beloved cat, Autumn, Kelly found herself longing for the love and companionship of an animal. 

She began her search for a new feline friend but faced disappointment when other animal organizations denied her adoption applications.  

“Because of my age (I’m a senior), I was unable to adopt a cat,” Kelly says of her first attempts to adopt.  

A purr-fect match 

Kelly didn’t give up. Finally, she found hope at the Ontario SPCA Barrie Animal Centre. The team there welcomed her with open arms, ensuring her adoption experience was a positive one. While she met several lovely cats, it was Birdie, a five-year-old cat with playful energy and a loving personality, who instantly captured Kelly’s heart. 

“Birdie and I seemed to pick each other,” Kelly says. “It immediately felt like I knew her, and she knew me.” 

Birdie’s new home 

Birdie quickly settled into her new home, bringing joy, comfort, and laughter to Kelly’s life. A chatty little cat, Birdie frequently “talks” to Kelly throughout the day and loves to drink from the tap. She’s often found lounging in sunny spots, watching the world go by from the cat tree, or perched on the sofa, keeping an eye on the bird feeders. 

Find your perfect match 

If you’re thinking about welcoming a furry friend into your family, the Ontario SPCA is here to help you find your perfect match. Explore our adoption page to discover available animals and learn more about the process of adopting a new family member. You might just create your own heartwarming story! 

As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need. Please consider donating today to give animals like Birdie the second chance they deserve.