Onyx is a stray cat that showed up at the Butler County Humane Society with her whole family of kittens. When they are this young, the litter is kept together until they are ready to be adopted. The super cute little kittens were adopted quickly, however, the mom was a bit more of a challenge.
Onyx was born with a cleft palate. Luckily, she didn’t require any surgery to continue living a healthy life and it really just made her look a little different from the rest of the cats. Because of her unique look, most people passed on her with the exception of Cindy Houk.
Cindy Houk had only been working at the shelter for a few weeks when Onyx showed up. She saw her and immediately felt that she had to adopt her. Unfortunately, new employees at the shelter must wait 90 days before they’re able to adopt. While she waited, Cindy visited Onyx every day and built a special bond.
“[I] instantly fell in love with her the first time I saw her,” said Houk. “I have two special needs children and I just have a special place in my heart for anyone with special needs. There was just something so beautiful about her sweet face.”
As time went on, less and less people seemed interested in adopting Onyx. Fortunately, you could say that this was a blessing to both Cindy and Onyx, as Onyx would soon find her forever home in the loveliest of places.
“I showed cats to many people who wanted to adopt, and there wasn’t once that anyone wanted her,” Houk said. “It was heartbreaking, but at the same time, I was thrilled knowing my time would come and I could take her home.”
As Cindy reached her 90-day mark, she took her kids in to meet Onyx, and they fell in love with her too! They loved everything about her – Her unique smile, caring nature, and it gave them a reason to smile.
“After my daughter, who has down syndrome, met Onyx, she came home and told her Dad that Onyx needed to be part of our family since she had special needs too,” Houk said. “I just needed her, knowing that she needed a good family that would love her exactly the way she is.”
Finally, with the wait was over, Cindy adopted Onyx. Onyx had found the perfect forever home, and she is absolutely loving it. She was a little shy at the shelter, but as soon as she stepped foot in her new home, her personality came out immediately. “She’s such a playful, loving (and vocal) cat .”
“She never stops talking,” Houk said. “I absolutely love it! She is extremely playful. She is happy first thing in the morning when she sees us. It is such a good feeling. We have five other cats, all rescues, that she has to play with, plus a big, fun dog. We plan on spoiling Onyx for the rest of her life. To my family, she is absolutely perfect!”