With incredible patience, the kitten waited for two years until the most perfect family found him, surprisingly, just 15 minutes away.
This heartwarming story revolves around a paralyzed rescue kitten named Gavin (Gavi) and his journey to finding the perfect forever family. Gavi was found with severe infections in his hind quarters when he was just a few weeks old. Danielle Chavez, the founder of With Grace, a kitten rescue specializing in neonatal and special needs, immediately offered to take him in for long-term foster care.
Despite his paralysis, Gavi had a larger-than-life personality and a zest for life. With love, care, and assistance from his foster parents, Gavi made a full recovery and blossomed into a beautiful house panther. He could race across the room, climb cat trees, and do almost everything that a “normal” cat could do, with just a bit of assistance when it came to going potty.
As months turned into years, Gavi celebrated his first and second birthdays while patiently waiting for his forever family to find him. Finally, about three months after his second birthday, an adoption application arrived that seemed like fate. Chloe and James, a couple who lived just 15 minutes away from Gavi’s foster home, came across a post about him and knew he would be the perfect addition to their family.
Chloe and James saw past Gavi’s disability and fell in love with him instantly. James, who had suffered a spinal cord injury, felt an instant connection with Gavi. When they met, Gavi snuggled up in Chloe’s arms, and it was clear that the adoption was meant to be.
Gavi has now settled beautifully into his new home with Chloe and James, and he is getting very snuggly with his new family. He will soon be introduced to his feline sisters, Stevie and Fiona. The entire adoption process felt serendipitous, and everyone involved feels immense joy and appreciation that Gavi found his perfect forever home so close by.
Gavi’s story is a testament to the power of love, patience, and finding the right family match for a special needs pet. It also showcases the amazing work done by rescue organizations like With Grace, which go above and beyond to care for and find loving homes for animals in need.
