Shelter Me: Animal Rescue League

BERKS COUNTY, Pa. (WPVI) -- A rescue cat is helping one woman cope with the loss of her mother.

Patti Hughes, Adopted Skippy in August 2009.

"I was the caregiver for my mother when she was elderly, and I wanted company for her when I went to work so um this was the guy," said Patti.

When Patti Hughes was searching for a companion for her mother, Skippy, the tuxedo cat had something about him.

"They put a video up of him and talked about how great he is, and the whole time while they're talking he's crawling over their shoulders," said Patti.

Her mom was hesitant at first but quickly warmed up to Skippy.

"As soon as she saw him she loved him," added Patti.

And the feeling was mutual.

"He was always so gentle around her. When she would go to bed, he would sleep on the bed with her because he knew she needed him more than I did." said Patti.

When her mother passed away, it was Patti who found comfort in her companion.

Patti says, "He's such a great cat he's almost like a dog that looks like a cat. He licks me all the time when I get home from work he's right there to greet me at the door, and we formed a great connection."

At the A-R-League of Berks County, no animal gets left behind.

Animal Rescue League is an open admission shelter we take in 6000 animals a year.

And like Skippy, they try to give every animal their happy ending.

Liz McCauley is the Executive Director of Animal Rescue League of Berks County.

It means the world to us when they can find a family like this to adopt one of our animals it's the best feeling in the world," said McCauley.

Rosemary is a 4-year-old domestic short hair who would love a home with no dogs.

Nan Parks, the Marketing Director said, "She is just a loving little cat, love to be part of your family."

Dexter is also 4-years-old and was found as a stray.

"He's very playful with our other cats and gets along with the other cats, but also like his own independence time," said Parks.

Flip Flop is very good with basic commands and would be great in a home with older children.

Parks says, "She loves her toys. She's the gal who would be chasing balls, and keeping you entertained for hours."

Herbie is an 8-year-old Chihuahua who still has plenty of energy to share with his forever family.

"Great home, great lap dog, and just brings a lot of joy to anyone," said Parks.

And finally, there is Macy, a 10-year-old German Shepherd Rottweiler mix. They think she may have escaped from home, and has been living as a stray. She is lovable and domesticated, and looking for a forever home.

If you're interested in Macy or any of the animals you've seen today, visit the Animal Rescue League of Berks County's website.

And, if you'd like us to share your shelter success stories, post a picture to the FYI Philly Facebook page using #6abc Shelter Me and tell us where you adopted your pet and how much they mean to you.

Action News will feature your stories in upcoming Shelter Me segments.