Amabella once lived a peaceful life with her dad — until everything changed. When her loving owner lost his home, the two spent weeks living together in his truck.
He did his best to keep Amabella safe and comforted, but eventually, he made the heartbreaking decision to surrender her to the Humane Society of Broward County, hoping she could find a better life than he could give her on the streets.
At the shelter, Amabella didn’t understand why her world had suddenly fallen apart. Without the warmth of her dad’s blanket or the security of his voice, she began to withdraw.
Shelter staff watched with heavy hearts as the once-affectionate cat slowly shut down.
“We noticed that Amabella was starting to shut down and become withdrawn about two weeks after arriving at our shelter,” said Susan Leonti, the shelter’s digital marketing specialist. “We immediately made signage for visitors to see her story.”
To help her find a home before her spirit dimmed further, the shelter pinned a note to Amabella’s kennel. It told her story in her imagined voice — raw, emotional, and deeply moving:
“I don’t know if I can take anymore. My dad lost his home and I moved into a truck with him. After awhile he thought it would be better for me if I found a new home. I miss him. We slept together under his blanket and I miss his love… I heard today a volunteer say that ‘I’m shutting down.’ If that means my heart is sad, she’s right. I really need a new best friend and to be loved again. Pick me?”
The shelter posted a video of Amabella and her heartfelt message on social media — and the response was overwhelming. Messages poured in from across the globe, with people touched by her story and eager to help.
“After we posted Amabella’s video, there was an instant outpouring of care and concern,” Leonti said. “Her new family was the first to arrive at our shelter the very next morning.”
Now, Amabella is thriving in her new home with a family who adores her — including a human sister she already dotes on.
Her dad made the most selfless decision in letting her go, and now she’s found another loving chapter to continue her story.
To support more animals like Amabella, consider donating to the Humane Society of Broward County.
