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After Scaring Adopters Away, This Gentle Giant Became the Ultimate Foster Dad
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Meet Hagrid, affectionately nicknamed "Haggy Bear" by those who adore him.
This majestic, black-furred feline, complete with a charming snaggletooth, initially faced some challenges in the adoption process.
Yet, as they say, finding the right match is crucial to living one's best life - and for Hagrid, that perfect match came along and transformed his life forever.
Hagrid's tale begins in a rural shelter in Maryland, where he patiently awaited a family to call his own for two long years.
But his fortunes changed when rescuers from a Washington, D.C., animal welfare group noticed him.
Captivated by his presence, they were determined to bring him and several other cats under their wing.
Their plans nearly faced a setback when another foster home expressed interest in Hagrid.
Unfortunately, they withdrew their offer, intimidated by Hagrid's sizeable and formidable appearance, fearing he might not integrate well with other cats.
Contrary to his somewhat daunting exterior, Hagrid's gentle and loving nature quickly shone through, proving the wisdom of never judging a book by its cover.
His journey led him to the Playschool for Wayward Kittens in Washington, where he formed also formed a heartwarming bond with resident kittens, Pokey and Dora
Their connection was so strong that, within three weeks, Dora, who had been distant since the loss of another beloved cat, sought comfort in Hagrid's embrace.
It was clear that this gentle giant belonged in this foster home, so he became the third permanent feline resident..
Hagrid soon excelled in nurturing young kittens, vigilantly overseeing their play and ensuring their safety just like a foster parent.
This nurturing role was not only beneficial for the kittens, who learned essential feline behaviors from him, but it also cemented his place in the heart of his new family.
Most potential adopters are looking for a kitten to join their family, but Hagrid has shown us there are lots of benefits when adopting an adult cat.
Being older, these cats typically come with developed personalities, providing a clearer expectation of their future behavior, unlike kittens whose personalities can unpredictably evolve.
Moved by his remarkable character, Hagrid's new family realized they had made the right decision to adopt him permanently.
He was the first adult cat they had ever adopted - and they have had no regrets.
His presence has been so transformative that they now celebrate "Haggaversary" each year, honoring the joy and love he brings into their lives.
Today, Hagrid thrives in a loving environment, continuing his role as a foster dad to kittens, including those facing various health challenges.
He supports them through their life's trials with the same compassion he was once shown.
When he's not busy nurturing or snuggling with his feline friends, Hagrid enjoys his time as a prolific "biscuit-maker," a joy to watch for anyone fortunate enough to see him in action.
Hagrid is the nicest cat in the Universe!
His story is a reminder of the profound connections that can form between humans and animals when kindness leads the way.
Check him out in the video below:
A big thank you to Jen for sharing Hagrid's story with us.
You can see more of Hagrid and family on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook
Related story: Feral Senior Cat Becomes A Total Mama's Boy
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