At Jackson County Animal Shelter (JCAS), staff have seen countless animals come and go — but few have touched their hearts like Sassy and Shadow.
Sassy, a 6-year-old dog, and Shadow, a 1-year-old cat, aren’t just companions. They’re inseparable best friends who’ve refused to part ways since the moment rescuers met them.
The pair’s story began when a Good Samaritan discovered them abandoned in a field. With no fences or barriers to hold them there, they could’ve gone their separate ways. Instead, they clung to each other, determined to face the world together.
“This cat and dog were practically glued together,” said Lydia Sattler, JCAS’s animal services director. “It’s really rare to see that.”
The man who found them noticed how hungry Sassy was, so he brought back some kibble. But instead of devouring it, she did something remarkable:
“The dog let the cat eat first,” Sattler recalled. “She just sat there, patiently waiting until her kitty friend was finished. It was so sweet.”
When rescuers arrived, the two went willingly into the van, immediately curling up side by side in the back seat as if to reassure each other that everything would be okay.
At the shelter, staff knew separating them wasn’t an option. Though dogs and cats usually stay in different areas, the team arranged for them to share a larger cat housing space — just so they could remain together.
“Everywhere the dog went, the cat was right there with her,” Sattler said. “They snuggled every day. Every morning, our staff would walk in to see what cute thing they were doing. It was just adorable.”
The bond between Sassy and Shadow was so clear that the shelter made it their mission to find them a forever home — together.
“Whatever they’ve gone through so far, they got through it together,” Sattler said. “We knew they needed to stay that way.”
After a month of searching, the perfect family finally stepped forward. Today, Sassy and Shadow are thriving in a loving home, still side by side, but with new adventures ahead.
“They’re continuing to enjoy their time together,” Sattler shared. “And they don’t have to worry about being hungry anymore.”
Updates from their new family show the pair just as close as ever — snuggling, exploring, and sharing a life filled with love.
Though the JCAS team misses their daily cuddles, knowing that Sassy and Shadow are happy, safe, and still together is more than enough.
“They’re finally enjoying life,” Sattler said. “And they’re getting all the love they deserve.”
To help animals like Sassy and Shadow, you can donate to Jackson County Animal Shelter here.
