Unlikely Pair Find New Home Together
Oreo the Cat, Boogie the Ferret

More than 100,000 animals come to the Michigan Humane Society every year, and each has a different story. Some are strays, waiting to be reunited with worried owners. Some come to take advantage of MHS’ veterinary services. And many others come to MHS with the hope of finding their new forever home. This is the story of a very special duo that, with the help of the Michigan Humane Society and the support of friends like you, found themselves a loving new home.

Oreo and Boogie came to MHS’ Berman Center for Animal Care in Westland together after being surrendered by their previous owner. Oreo, a three-year-old cat with beautiful black and white markings, and Boogie, a two-year old ferret, had developed a strong bond. When exposed to the hectic and unfamiliar world of an animal shelter, they needed that bond more than ever.

Oreo had an especially hard time adjusting. Naturally shy, he was frightened by the noise and other animals in the shelter. He would hide in the back of his cage when people came by, and didn’t seem interested in meeting new people. Staffers became worried when Oreo showed further signs of being unable to adjust. He didn’t respond well to attempts at socialization and didn’t have much interest in food.

As a last resort, MHS staff decided to reunite Oreo with Boogie, to see if it would help the cat adjust. The transformation was almost instantaneous. With his ferret friend back, Oreo relaxed and became more social – he even started purring as he was petted! Overjoyed, staffers at the Berman Center for Animal Care knew it was the right thing to put the two of them up for adoption together.

MHS often attempts to find adopters willing to adopt best friends like Boogie and Oreo together, but this is a significant challenge. Many come to MHS looking to adopt "a" dog or "a" cat, and are unable or unwilling to bring more than a single animal into their home. Others are unaware that MHS also adopts out pets like rabbits, ferrets and other more “unique" animals. Combined, this created a significant challenge for Oreo and Boogie.

Or so we thought.

The same day that Boogie and Oreo went up for adoption was the day that Mr. and Mrs. Little came to the Berman Center for Animal Care looking to find a new family member. When they laid eyes on the playful ferret and the shy cat, they immediately fell in love. Charmed by their loving personalities and their close-knit friendship, within minutes, the Livonia couple were headed home with Oreo *and* Boogie.

There are many more animals here who need your help. Adopt, donate, or volunteer to help make a difference for an animal today.