Recently, Julia Wood attended an adoption event in Fork Union, Virginia, where she spotted an adorable black and white cat that seemed desperate for attention. Drawn by curiosity and the kitty’s pleading eyes, she decided to approach the kennel for a closer look. What she discovered left her utterly heartbroken. The note on the kennel detailing the cat’s past and why she had been returned to the shelter was enough to make Julia’s heart ache. Moved by the story, Julia knew she had to share the cat’s plight with others.
The note revealed that the cat’s name was Ellie, a sweet, four-year-old feline. However, beneath the basic information was the shocking reason why Ellie had been surrendered to the shelter. Her previous owners had given her up because she was “too affectionate.” It seemed unimaginable that a cat could be returned for being overly loving, but that was exactly the case.
The note, written from Ellie’s perspective, read: “I was returned to the shelter because I wanted to sleep with my human at night, and I wasn’t allowed to, so I would cry outside the bedroom door.” Julia was stunned that anyone could give up such a gentle, loving cat simply for wanting to be close to her humans.
Even from behind the glass in the kennel, it was clear that Ellie was a kind soul who just craved companionship and love. Deeply affected by what she read, Julia decided to share Ellie’s story on her X (formerly Twitter) account. She took a photo of Ellie, along with the note, and posted it online, hoping to find someone who could give Ellie the home she deserved. What happened next was nothing short of amazing—Ellie’s story went viral, touching the hearts of thousands of people worldwide.
Among those moved by Ellie’s story was a woman named Sammi Schouler, who would soon become Ellie’s new mom. In an interview with The Dodo, Sammi explained how she came across Ellie’s story online and immediately felt compelled to adopt her. “I was heartbroken when I learned that Ellie was returned for wanting too many snuggles,” Sammi shared. “I just knew she would fit well here, and that I could give her the love and attention she wants and deserves.”
Sammi’s decision was not just a moment of sympathy—it was a genuine commitment to give Ellie a forever home. She quickly contacted the shelter, arranged the adoption, and made the trip to bring Ellie home. At last, Ellie found the loving family she longed for—no more closed doors, no more crying for affection, and no more feelings of rejection. Just a warm, welcoming environment where she could thrive and be herself.
Now, Ellie has full permission to snuggle with her new mom in bed as much as she desires, and she couldn’t be happier. “She enjoys sleeping on the bed with me at night, right next to my head,” Sammi says.
Ellie has also found a friend in her new feline brother, Bubby, a chunky black and white tuxedo cat. Although initially cautious, Ellie quickly warmed up to her big brother, adoring his calm nature while he embraced her playful quirks. They have become a perfect duo, truly a match made in heaven!
The National Park Service has a plan to potentially euthanize up to 170 feral cats under the guise of nuisance control. Demand a policy that protects these cats!
But above all, Ellie adores her new human, Sammi. She constantly shows her gratitude for being adopted with endless snuggles and affectionate headbutts, never missing a chance to express her love for the person who gave her a second chance.