An 11-year-old grey cat was abandoned by its owner in a cage outside a shelter, leaving behind a handwritten note filled with love and regret. Despite the act of abandonment being wrong, it's possible that the owner had no choice but to give up the cat they had cared for over a decade. This story, as reported by The Dodo, highlights the emotional journey of Lala, a cat who spent 11 years with her family before being left at the Humane Society of Greater Miami.
The Discovery
Tiffany Hernandez, the community manager at the shelter, recounted that volunteers found Lala in a carrier at the shelter's entrance. The cat was visibly distressed, curled up in a ball. Attached to the carrier was a heart-wrenching note that read: "Lala is a member of our family. She has been with us for eleven years and is a very sweet and loving cat. All she needs is food and love. Due to certain circumstances, we have to say goodbye. Please take good care of her." Hernandez noted that reading the note was deeply moving, and it was clear that the owner's decision was not taken lightly.
Lala's Journey
Since being left at the shelter in 2023, Lala has struggled to find a new home. Her shy nature often causes her to be overlooked by potential adopters. However, a volunteer who took Lala in for a few weeks discovered that she is incredibly affectionate and playful. Despite initial hesitation, Lala quickly warms up to people and enjoys being petted and fed treats.
The Search for a New Home
The Humane Society of Greater Miami continues to seek a loving home for Lala. While many prefer younger cats, Hernandez believes that older cats like Lala deserve love and care just as much. The hope is to find a family that can provide Lala with happiness in her later years.
@humanemiami In November 2023, Lala was abandoned in the middle of the night by her family, left at the shelter with only this heartbreaking note. No matter what they were going through, this was not the right way to say goodbye. We can empathize, but animals deserve better. Now, nearly April 2025, Lala is 12 years old and still waiting for a family to call her own. Sadly, the shelter environment doesn’t bring out her best side, making it harder for her to catch the eye of potential adopters. But in foster care, she’s been described as a loving, gentle girl—she just needs a chance to show it. Let’s find Lala the home she deserves in the time she has left, whether that’s months or years. She still has so much love to give, and we want her to spend her days in a warm, cozy home—not in a shelter environment that doesn’t let her true personality shine. #adoptme #adoptacat #adoptasenior #seniorpets #seniorcat #adoptdontshop #cat #adoption #humanemiami #humanesociety
♬ DIM - Yves
