Two Dogs And Cat Found Together As Strays Are ‘Homeward Bound’

A real-life Homeward Bound trio has found a forever home together after being discovered wandering the streets of Williamstown, Vermont, last week.

Central Vermont Humane Society (CVHS) shared how they found the two stray dogs and cat on Facebook on March 24, writing, “Are you one of the many people who loved the movie Homeward Bound (original or remake)? Meet our happy little trio who remind us of that story of endurance and commitment to friends.”

“These three were found loose one night, sticking together as they anxiously navigated the dark streets. Little did they know their lives were about to improve dramatically,” the animal shelter continued.

River, a German Shepherd, Rain, a Chihuahua, and Reed the black cat were picked up together on March 3. They appeared bonded and were in rough shape.

“It was immediately apparent they had not been receiving basic care for a while, so we got to work getting them healthy, and giving them all the love they could soak up,” the shelter wrote.

River’s poor skin and fur improved in the weeks following her rescue, and Rain enjoyed playing outdoors with his pal. But Reed, the rescued black cat, didn’t do well when moved to the cat enclosure and away from his friends.

CVHS wrote, “While River and Rain came out of their shells quickly, Reed the cat remained shy, and did not want to interact with us or the other cats. Until….we brought River and Rain to his colony room to visit, and he lit up like happy boy!! The three of them shared head bonks, muzzle rubs, purrs, and cuddling!!”

A news video from WPTZ revealed just how delighted River and Reed were to see each other. River barked and jumped onto the table so she could sit next to Reed. Realizing the homeless trio were truly best friends, CVHS put out a plea to see if they could find one home that would keep them together.

“This unlikely trio would be happiest together, in a new home that can give them the care they deserve,” they wrote. “Are you, or someone you know, able to give these three a home together? A ready-made family, no slow introductions needed.”

“We know that asking somebody to take on two dogs and a cat is a lot, but we are hopeful somebody has a big space in their heart and their home that these three can fill for them,” Erika Holm, the co-executive director at CVHS told WPTZ. “How often do you see not only cats and dogs together and love each other,” she finished, “but in their case, [become] loose and stay together?”

Shortly after the news broke, a couple contacted the shelter about adopting River, Rain, and Reed. The three pets have moved into their new home and are now going through a foster-to-adopt trial period.

CVHS wrote in their update on Mar 28, “These three have met a very special couple, and today they will start a foster-to-adopt trial in the home!! It’s important for all that these sweet souls are in the best environment for their needs, so we’ll give it a little time to be absolutely certain they’ve found their happily-ever-after, and then we’ll full-out celebrate with you all!! Stayed tuned!!”