Every year, around 3.5 million cats enter animal shelters in the U.S., according to the National Kitten Coalition. Tragically, about 1.5 million of them are euthanized simply because they can’t find a loving home.
But one little kitten, named Ares, was lucky enough to escape that fate. In late December 2017, Ares found his forever home, thanks to Alana Hadley, who adopted him from the Sturgeon Bay shelter in Wisconsin.
Ares wasn’t the only stray at the shelter—his sister, Aphrodite, had also ended up there. When Alana first met Ares, it was love at first sight. She asked about Aphrodite, hoping to adopt them both, but someone else had already put in an application for her.
So, Ares went home with Alana as a solo kitten. At first, everything seemed fine. But on the very first night, Ares began meowing. And he didn’t stop.
Kittens are known to cry when they feel scared or lonely. Alana tried comforting him with a soft, fluffy toy to snuggle, but Ares wasn’t having it. The meowing continued—louder and more persistent.
Alana reached out to the shelter for advice, sharing her struggles:
“He’s been almost non-stop meowing until he falls asleep …and then starts again when he’s awake.”
Then, something unexpected happened. The person who was supposed to adopt Aphrodite backed out. When Alana got the news, she rushed back to the shelter, determined to reunite the siblings.
The moment Ares and Aphrodite saw each other, it was pure magic. Their excitement was undeniable, and Alana didn’t hesitate—she adopted Aphrodite on the spot.
Back at home, the transformation was immediate. The endless meowing stopped, replaced by cuddles, purrs, and naps. Alana shared:
“They both love to cuddle and purr like crazy when we’re holding them. They sleep most of the day and snuggle up to each other when they nap!”
Today, Ares and Aphrodite are inseparable. Their bond is as strong as ever, and it’s clear they were meant to stay together. Maybe Ares knew all along that his sister, the Greek goddess of love herself, was the missing piece in his life.
Share this heartwarming story of sibling love with your friends and family—it’s guaranteed to make their day!
