Have you ever made something as a child that turned into reality as an adult?
Well, Geeta did. She always wanted an animal companion when she was young but couldn’t have one. So, she made a cat out of cardboard boxes. When done, she also made a promise that when she had her own space, she would open her home and heart to a furry best friend.
Years passed, Geeta moved from Vancouver to Halifax for school, and once the timing felt right, she was ready to welcome a new family member.
“I was searching through the Nova Scotia SPCA website when I found Johnny! I was immediately drawn to the huge eyes, pink nose, and tuxedo colouring. When I was a kid, I made a DIY cat out of cardboard boxes and colored him black and white – seeing Johnny reminded me of this,” Geeta explained.
Johnny came into the care of the Kings SPCA Shelter in May 2024 with small wounds on his neck that needed tending to. After he got the medical care he needed, he was ready to find his people. Almost two months later, he was adopted, but it wasn’t the right match. So, he was back in the shelter, waiting for the right family.
The wait was a bit longer. But it paid off at the beginning of September.
An hour away, Geeta was reading his bio. Every line seemed to reinforce that she could provide Johnny with the life he needed. So, she called the Kings SPCA Shelter about him. Hearing that he was available, she made the drive to the shelter.
When she left, it wasn’t just her. It was a family of two and a new beginning for both. 
But not every start is a smooth journey.
“At the shelter, Johnny seemed very shy and fearful, but when I brought him back to my apartment, he started exploring immediately,” Geeta stated. “A week or two after I brought Johnny home, I took him for this first vet checkup. It was a two minute drive from my apartment, but I think he thought I was returning him. When we got back home, he was very reclusive and untrusting. I slowly gained his trust back by giving him space, treats, and lots of encouragement. He felt safest hiding under my bed so I would just sit on the bedroom floor and chat with him from there.
“After not too long, Johnny regained his courage and finally took over my apartment as his own!”
It has been two years since Johnny showed his true personality. He is now a social kitty who loves meeting new people. His person describes him as chill, curious, cuddly and loyal. And they do everything together. Including visiting Geeta’s parents in Vancouver. The flying part is not Johnny’s favourite part, though he enjoys it when people around chat with him.
However, what he is most excited about at the end of the trip is Geeta’s mom.
“Johnny loves hanging out with my mom and bribing her for extra food. When we came back home to Vancouver the first summer, I noticed that Johnny got a bit chunky, and I realized it was because my mom was feeding him too many treats! I now hide the treats from Johnny and my mom, and he only gets two a day after performing a trick, letting me cut his nails, or letting me brush his teeth!” she exclaimed.
As exciting a trip is, life is made of the slow, everyday moments, some quieter than others. For Geeta and Johnny, it is watching reality TV on the couch together, teaching Johnny tricks, like sit and jump, him waking Geeta up in the morning by sticking his paw on her nose, or simply having a conversation only they understand.
And with each memory made, it continues to prove that finding each other was meant to be. But also that choosing each other, back in 2024 and every day after, was definitely the right choice.
Other animals like Johnny are in the care of the Nova Scotia SPCA. If you are ready to open your heart and home to a new family member, you can drop by one of our six shelters or take a peek at our adoption website. And if you aren’t able to adopt right now, you can always help more animals on their journey to their happily ever after by making a donation.
