Sometimes, love finds you when you least expect it. That's exactly what happened when Jules and Nick visited HSVC! Adoption wasn’t part of the plan; Jules was inquiring about fostering, and Nick wanted to check out the dogs under our care. On their way through the shelter, a very vocal cat in the outdoor catio made his presence known to the couple. He meowed, chirped, and angled for their attention with the charm only a determined former street cat could muster.

At the time, the cat room was closed for lunch, so Nick and Jules continued on their tour. However, on their way back, a team member was available and asked if they’d like to meet the chatty gentleman whose name was, fittingly, Loverboy. The moment Jules sat down, Loverboy hopped right into her lap, and she burst into happy tears. Loverboy had clearly lived a hard life. He was healing from an abscess, his ears were torn and weathered, and X-rays would later show his belly still held gravel and sand. He’d been brought in by a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) volunteer, and though his body showed signs of struggle, his spirit was open and affectionate.

Thanks to our two-week foster-to-adopt program, Jules and Nick brought him home to see how he’d adjust to indoor life. They quickly learned that Loverboy, now renamed Moishe Loverboy, or Moish, Moishy, and Moosh, was more than ready to embrace the good life. While he was still figuring out furniture (he’d fall asleep on chairs and slowly slide off), Moishe never scratched a thing, never meowed at the door, and never once looked like he missed life outside. He was calm, cuddly, and completely content simply being close to his people. With one blue eye and one half-green and a face as unique as his personality, Moishe is adored for exactly who he is. As his adopters say, “I think he’s the handsomest boy in the whole world.”

This is what rescue is all about. Moishe didn’t just find a home, he found his people. People who didn’t plan to adopt, but who opened their hearts when the right soul came along. He returned that love with full trust, gratitude, and purrs. We’re so proud to have played a small part in Moishe’s journey. From streetwise survivor to beloved family member, Moishe Loverboy is finally home.

Thinking about fostering or adopting a companion of your own? Visit us at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai, Monday through Saturday, from 10 am to 4:30 pm, or see our adoptable animals anytime on our website.