When Joy J. and her family decided to adopt a cat, they didn’t imagine choosing one over the age of 10 years, let alone a cat with chronic kidney disease. But when they met Braveheart, a 12-year-old female feline at the 

ASPCA^® Adoption Center, they knew they’d found their pet.  

 Meeting Braveheart for the first time proved to be a special moment for everyone. “We all piled into her room, and Braveheart approached us,” recalls Joy, who was there with her husband Gregory and their three children. “She was quiet but didn’t shy away. She just seemed like she was at home.”

It wasn’t long before Joy and Gregory, along with their kids, DJ, 14; Dorian, 11; and Alicia, 9; agreed that Braveheart was “the one.”

Waiting for the Right Family

True to her name, Braveheart, has shown remarkable resilience. She was transported to the ASPCA from South Carolina’s Grand Strand Humane Society. Senior Braveheart was adopted—and returned—twice.

Once the Jones family made their decision, Dr. Danielle Delfino, a veterinarian at the Adoption Center, met with them and provided critical information about Braveheart's possible life expectancy and future health needs.

“I was surprised at her age,” admits Joy. “But we decided then and there that Braveheart should be part of our family. Older animals need homes too, and Braveheart needed a place to spend the rest of her life.”

A Home for Life

In her new home, Braveheart has acclimated well. Thrilled with her good fortune finding the “perfect” pet, Joy offers this advice for future adopters: “Don’t forget about those who are not the youngest or aren’t perfect. They need love, too.” 

As for Braveheart, she’s getting exactly what she needs. “We are all in love with Braveheart,” Joy says. “She’s here to stay.”