Long-term Shelter Dog Finds Permanent Home for Christmas

An akita named Kato has been adopted into a permanent home just before Christmas, following several years residing at an animal shelter. Kato and his companion, Poppy, were taken in by Cheltenham Animal Shelter in April 2021 subsequent to their owner’s passing. The two dogs faced difficulties in being adopted together, and after Poppy’s death in July 2023, Kato was left “alone and depressed”. After multiple appeals spanning several years to secure a home for him, Kato is set to experience his initial Christmas with a couple who recently lost their own dog. David and Jackie, identified as Kato’s new owners, contacted Cheltenham Animal Shelter in October, following the death of their Siberian husky, Shadow, to arrange an introduction with the akita. Allison Jarvis, the head of fundraising, reported that during the couple’s initial encounter with Kato in one of the shelter’s paddocks, Kato “came running over to introduce himself,” despite the couple not having high expectations for the meeting. Ms. Jarvis remarked, “It was clearly meant to be.” The couple proceeded to meet Kato on several subsequent occasions, initially at the shelter and later at their residence. Ms. Jarvis commented that Kato’s “wishes came true” after his stay at the shelter, which exceeded 1,300 days. “It is safe to say that Kato approved of his new surroundings, immediately taking over the chair that Shadow once slept in,” Ms. Jarvis stated. She further added, “His new family dote on him and are chuffed to bits that they were able to offer him a lovely new home where he will spend Christmas this year.” Ms. Jarvis issued an appeal to the public, encouraging donations to Cheltenham Animal Shelter’s Christmas campaign. She remarked, “Thanks to our supporters, we were able to care for Kato for the 1,323 days he needed us.” She elaborated, “During his stay, we made sure he had all the love, food, treats, training, exercise, behavioural support and medical care he needed to stay happy and healthy.” For updates, follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.