An animal shelter in Vermont has dubbed its latest group of rescue animals the real-life version of the Homeward Bound trio — and the two dogs and cat have just found a forever home.
In a post shared on Facebook on Monday, March 24, the Central Vermont Humane Society — located in East Montpelier — detailed how rescuers found the two dogs and one cat wandering the streets together.
“Are you one of the many people who loved the movie Homeward Bound (original or remake)?” the shelter began their heartfelt post, referring to the 1993 Disney film (and 1996 sequel) that follows three pets, dogs Chance and Shadow and Sassy the cat, as they embark on a thrilling adventure to return to their family after getting separated from the group.
“Meet our happy little trio who remind us of that story of endurance and commitment to friends,” the shelter continued.
According to the organization, the three animals — now named River, Rain, and Reed — were found loose in the street together on March 3. To rescuers, the trio appeared closely bonded.
“They were found together as strays,” Erika Holm, the co-executive director of Central Vermont Humane Society, told local outlet WPTZ.
The shelter wrote on Facebook that the three animals received thorough veterinary checkups and treatments to address their minor health issues.
“River’s skin has already improved dramatically when you look at the pictures from when we got her,” Holm, said of one of the dogs. “We’ve seen really good hair growth.”
Once the animals left the vet and moved to the shelter, they were split up while there, as cats aren’t housed in the dog boarding area of the humane society. Reed, the male black cat group, struggled with being separated from his friends and wasn’t interested in the company of other cats or humans.
“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,” the shelter wrote. “Until….we brought River and Rain to his colony room to visit, and he lit up like a happy boy!! The three of them shared head bonks, muzzle rubs, purrs, and cuddling!!”
Shortly after sharing the news about the pet trio on social media, a couple contacted the Central Vermont Humane Society and expressed interest in adopting all three animals. On Friday, March 28, River, Rain, and Reed moved into a new home and are now going through a foster-to-adopt trial period.
“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,” Holm added to WPTZ before the trio’s adoption.
“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?”
