As pet parents, we’ve all headed out for one simple thing—like picking up ear cleaner for our dogs—only to come home with so much more. For Hannah from Minnesota, that “so much more” was a sweet rescue cat named Signe, who melted her heart in an instant.
This unexpected adoption story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, our pets choose us when we least expect it. Here’s how Hannah’s routine trip became a life-changing moment for her family.
An Unplanned Visit to the Pet Store
Hannah, 29, was just running a quick errand to her local pet store for ear cleaner for one of her dogs. The store partners with Arrow’s Heart Animal Rescue, a foster-based nonprofit in the Twin Cities area that helps find forever homes for abandoned, abused, or neglected animals. While browsing, Hannah spotted Signe, a skittish cat who was up for adoption alongside other felines.
“I was not planning on getting a cat, at least not for a while yet,” Hannah shared with Snugglesouls. But Signe had other ideas. As Hannah walked by her enclosure, the cat pressed right up to the glass and started kneading her paws—making “biscuits,” a sign of pure contentment.
Hannah knelt down to say hello, and Signe kept going. Even the volunteer caring for the cats was surprised, noting that Signe was usually super shy and hadn’t done this with anyone else.
The Moment Signe Stole Hannah’s Heart
Intrigued, Hannah called her husband, Donovan, to say she might have fallen in love. She arranged a meet-and-greet, but a loud noise spooked Signe, sending her hiding in a cubbyhole.
It took an entire tube of treats to coax her out, but once she did, Signe let Hannah hold her and even crawled into her lap. “She crawled her way right into my heart,” Hannah said.
Hannah had to head home, but she couldn’t shake the thought of Signe. “I was almost in tears at the thought of never seeing her again.” Just hours later, she returned—with Donovan in tow.
Signe recognized Hannah immediately, greeting her at the glass and purring during ear scratches. Donovan knew right then: Signe was coming home with them. “Things like this don’t just happen. She chose us. I definitely think she was meant to be ours.”
Hannah did remember to grab the ear cleaner for her dog, but the real prize was Signe, now a cherished part of their multi-pet household.
Settling In: Signe’s Journey to Feeling at Home
Signe is already making friends with Hannah’s dogs, though she’s being kept separate from their other cat for now to ease the transition. Their first interaction went smoothly, a promising sign for future harmony. While Signe remains a bit skittish, she’s warming up quickly—purring instantly when brushed or getting ear scratches.
Hannah, who has adopted multiple animals from rescues and rehoming situations before, is excited to watch Signe blossom. “We cannot wait to watch her come out of her shell and become a fixture in our home.”
Hannah shared Signe’s story on Reddit’s r/cats subreddit under u/adhd_exploring, captioning it: “Went to the store for ear stuff for the dog, and now I have another cat.”
The post earned over 15,000 upvotes, with users relating to the surprise: “She is so cute and clearly chose you,” and jokes like, “Good luck stuffing this cat in your dog’s ears.”
Why Rescue Cats Like Signe Thrive in Loving Homes
Stories like Signe’s highlight the magic of rescue adoptions. Skittish cats often need patient, empathetic pet parents to build trust, and with time, they become loyal companions. Hannah’s family provides the perfect environment, complete with dog siblings for socialization and a supportive rescue like Arrow’s Heart backing them.
If you’re considering a rescue cat, remember: They might start off shy, but their gratitude and affection make every moment special.
A Purr-fect Reminder of Fate and Furry Friends
Hannah’s quick errand turned into a forever bond with Signe, proving that love finds us in the most unexpected ways. From kneading at the glass to purring in her new home, Signe’s story warms our hearts and inspires us to keep an open mind during pet store visits.
Takeaway for Pet Parents
Sometimes, our pets pick us when we’re not even looking. If you’re thinking about expanding your family, visit a local rescue partner like Arrow’s Heart Animal Rescue—they might just introduce you to your next best friend. And yes, don’t forget the original errand item!
FAQ
Q: How can I help a skittish rescue cat like Signe adjust to a new home?
Give her time and space, use treats and gentle brushing to build trust, and introduce her slowly to other pets. Patience is key— she’ll warm up with consistent love.
Q: What should I expect when adopting from a foster-based rescue like Arrow’s Heart?
These rescues focus on matching animals with compatible homes, providing spay/neuter and medical care. Fill out a pre-adoption questionnaire and attend events at partner stores like PetSmart.
Q: Is it common for pets to “choose” their owners during adoptions?
Absolutely—many pet parents report instant connections, like Signe kneading at the glass. It’s a sign of trust and can make the adoption process feel meant to be.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to lifo@snugglesouls.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
EN
DE
ES
PT