Kitten Thrown From Car Clings to Officer Who Saved Her, Finds His Shoulder a Purrfect Spot

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Three weeks ago, Officer Rugg was patrolling the streets on what seemed like a routine shift when his radio crackled with an urgent distress call. The details were chilling—a tiny kitten had been heartlessly thrown from a moving vehicle, abandoned without a second thought. The cruelty of the act sent a jolt of anger through him, but there was no time to dwell on it. He immediately flipped on his sirens and accelerated toward the location, hoping he wouldn’t be too late. His mind raced with possibilities. Was the kitten injured? Would it still be alive by the time he got there? Every second counted. As he approached the scene, he felt an inexplicable sense that this call would be different—that it would leave an imprint on his life in ways he couldn’t yet understand. What he didn’t know was that fate was about to bring him a companion he never knew he needed.

When Rugg arrived at the location, he scanned the area and soon spotted the frightened kitten, later named Penny-Furthing, trembling beneath a couch. The poor creature, barely three months old, had likely darted there in search of shelter after enduring the horrifying ordeal. As he cautiously approached, he could see the fear in her wide eyes and the way her tiny body shivered from both cold and terror.

At first, Penny-Furthing seemed hesitant to trust the stranger looming over her. But the moment Rugg extended his hand and gently lifted her, something miraculous happened—she immediately climbed onto his shoulder, pressed herself close, and began to purr. It was as if she knew she had finally found safety.

Recalling the emotional moment, Rugg later told Good Morning America, “She was absolutely terrified, but as soon as I picked her up, she just climbed right up to my shoulder, started purring, and wouldn’t let go.”

In that instant, an unbreakable bond was formed.

The connection between the officer and the abandoned kitten was instantaneous. Rugg, who had always been an animal lover, felt something stir deep within him. Looking at the helpless kitten clinging to him, he knew she had chosen him. “I knew right away that we were meant to be together,” he later shared.

Realizing Penny-Furthing needed immediate medical attention, Rugg wasted no time in getting her to the Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA. Though the shelter was already at full capacity, they refused to turn the little kitten away.

A thorough examination revealed that she was suffering from pink eye, likely caused by the stress and exposure she had endured. Fortunately, with proper care, medication, and rest, she had a strong chance of making a full recovery.

While at the shelter, Rugg felt his attachment to Penny-Furthing growing stronger by the minute. When he learned about the foster program, he didn’t hesitate. “The moment they told me about the foster process, I was in. I knew I had to take her home,” he said.

As fate would have it, the very day he made the decision to foster Penny-Furthing was also his wife’s birthday. Bringing home an unexpected new family member was an unconventional yet heartwarming surprise. “That was definitely an interesting birthday gift for her,” Rugg laughed. “But she fell in love with Penny just as quickly as I did.”

Naming their new furry companion became a fun family affair. While “Charlie” was initially a strong contender, they ultimately settled on the whimsical name “Penny-Furthing.” Inspired by the old-fashioned penny-farthing bicycle and the kitten’s soft fur, the name was a perfect fit.

As Penny-Furthing adjusted to her new home, her personality began to shine. She was naturally curious, constantly exploring new corners of the house and finding cozy hiding spots. But one thing remained consistent—her love for Rugg’s shoulder. It became her favorite perch, as if claiming it as her personal throne.

The initial three-week foster period flew by in an instant. By the end of it, there was no doubt—Penny-Furthing was already a permanent part of the family. The once-scared and fragile kitten had blossomed into a confident, affectionate, and playful companion. Whether it was curling up for a cuddle session, engaging in energetic zoomies around the house, or splashing in the water bowl just for fun, Penny-Furthing had made herself right at home.

Rugg and his wife knew they could never part with her. The decision to adopt her officially was a no-brainer.

Penny-Furthing’s incredible journey resonated deeply with the community and the RHSPCA. Huck Nawaz, the shelter’s executive director, was especially moved by her story. “It’s devastating to think of what Penny endured, but thanks to Officer Rugg, she found the loving home she deserved. This is one ‘failed foster’ story we couldn’t be happier about.”

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Penny-Furthing’s story also served as an inspiration for many others to consider fostering and adopting animals in need. Officer Rugg, now a strong advocate for pet adoption, encourages others to open their hearts and homes to rescue animals. “The fostering process is simple, but the impact is life-changing. It’s about giving animals like Penny a second chance at love,” he emphasized.

For Rugg, Penny-Furthing is more than just a pet—she is a symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of kindness. What started as an ordinary call for help turned into a life-changing moment, proving that sometimes, the best bonds are the ones we never see coming.