Being an animal rescuer is deeply rewarding, but it can also bring moments of heartbreak.
Kate has dedicated much of her life to caring for animals in need, opening her home to countless foster pets over the years. Each one left a paw print on her heart, but none quite like a dog named Nacho.
An Instant Bond
When the Nebraska Humane Society contacted Kate about a dog urgently needing a foster home, she agreed without hesitation.
For the next three months, she and Nacho became inseparable. Their days were filled with playtime, walks, and plenty of cuddles. They were a perfect match from the start.
When a family showed interest in adopting Nacho, Kate felt both joy and sadness. She was thrilled that he had found a permanent home, but letting him go was incredibly hard.
Still, she reminded herself that fostering means saying goodbye so others can begin their forever stories. In time, Kate continued with her life and eventually moved to Ohio.
She had no idea that destiny would bring Nacho back into her world.
A Surprise Reunion
One day, while browsing the Nebraska Humane Society’s website, Kate’s heart nearly stopped. On the screen was a familiar face: it was Nacho, once again listed as a stray in need of a home.
“My friend let me know he was found as a stray. Previous owners were contacted, they didn’t claim him, so I went and adopted him,” Kate told GeoBeats.
It felt like fate. The moment Nacho returned to her home, it was as though no time had passed. He settled in immediately, completely at ease.
Kate’s heart melted seeing him bond so quickly with her other dog. The two became instant companions, spending their days side by side, playing and cuddling.
“The first night he got home he just felt like he was like ‘I’m home. I’m here. This is where I am meant to be,’” she said.
When Nacho rested his head on Kate’s shoulder again, just as he had done years earlier, she knew this was no coincidence. Their bond had never truly been broken.
“Nacho, he needs to be by a human. He loves to cuddle when I sit and watch TV at night, he’s half on my lap when I’m working. He refuses to sleep anywhere but my bed and he takes over my bed. We are both healing each other,” Kate added.
This time, Nacho wasn’t going anywhere.
Now, Kate and Nacho are making up for lost time, enjoying every day together. Their reunion is proof that sometimes the ones meant for us always find their way back.
