In East Montpelier, Vermont, an extraordinary rescue story unfolded—one that mirrors the classic film Homeward Bound but with its own unique, real-life magic. At its heart were three unlikely companions: River and Rain, two loyal dogs, and Reed, a black cat who refused to be left behind. Their connection defied logic but proved that family isn’t always about blood—it’s about love and loyalty.
A Trio Against the Odds
On March 3, 2025, the Central Vermont Humane Society (CVHS) received a call about three animals found wandering the streets together. From the moment they arrived, it was clear this wasn’t just a random grouping of lost pets. River and Rain stayed close to Reed, never straying far, as if protecting him from the unknown. They moved in sync—one entity, one family.
At the shelter, the staff did what they always do with new arrivals: they separated them for medical evaluations. That’s when they noticed something unusual—Reed became withdrawn. The once-alert cat shut down, refusing to engage with anyone. But the moment he was reunited with River and Rain, everything changed. Reed pressed his small body against the dogs, purring in contentment. River and Rain responded with nuzzles and wagging tails. The transformation was undeniable. They weren’t just a group of animals; they were each other’s safe place.
Finding a Home for Three
Shelter workers quickly realized that splitting them up was not an option. But finding an adopter willing to take in not one, but two dogs and a cat was a tall order.
“We knew we couldn’t separate them,” said Erika Holm, co-executive director at CVHS. “They aren’t just friends—they’re family.”
Animal behaviorist Alana Stevenson echoed this sentiment in an interview with NBC5. “Cats are very selective with who they bond with,” she explained. “If a cat forms a connection with someone—human or animal—it’s a voluntary choice. They bond with those who make them feel safe.”
River and Rain had become Reed’s security, and he, in turn, had become theirs. The question remained: who would open their home to them all?
A Hopeful New Beginning
On March 28, a glimmer of hope arrived. A couple who had been following their story reached out to the shelter. They had seen the photos and read about the trio’s unbreakable bond. Something about their journey resonated deeply, and they decided to give them a chance.
“We’re starting them on a foster-to-adopt trial,” CVHS shared. “We have high hopes this will be their forever home. Once we know for sure, we’ll celebrate with everyone who has supported them.”
More Than Just a Rescue
River, Rain, and Reed’s story is more than a rescue—it’s a reminder of the profound connection’s animals share. Like the beloved Homeward Bound film, their journey proves that love defies distance, circumstance, and even species.
For those who followed their story, it’s a testament to the power of compassion and the belief that sometimes, family is found in the most unexpected places.
