Success Story: Rhodie

Rhodie’s Journey from Rhodes to Holland

Susanne and Jody never expected to bring a new family member home from their vacation in Rhodes, Greece. But on their last day, as they sat at the harbor watching boats drift by, a ginger kitten wandered up and changed their plans forever.

The kitten, a delicate ginger beauty with bright eyes, practically leapt into Susanne’s bag. Susanne placed her on Jody’s lap, and the little kitten curled up, purring contentedly. They instantly fell in love, and half-jokingly, Susanne said, “Shall we take her home with us?” The idea grew on them, and they started to wonder if it could actually work. A helpful woman behind the boat rental counter told them it was possible to adopt a Greek cat, so they did a quick search online: How to adopt a cat from Greece?

An hour passed, and the kitten was still snuggled happily with Jody. Feeling hopeful, Susanne called their airline to inquire about a cabin ticket for the little kitten. Just as they were considering their next steps, a Dutch couple overheard their conversation and offered their help. They even had a cat carrier in their car, as Edith volunteered for years at the animal shelter Kallithea Cats. The couple explained that they would be returning to the Netherlands on September 26 and could take the kitten with them. It felt like a sign—the first green light.

With hope growing, Susanne spoke with Tsambicats' Tania, who happened to work six counters down. Tatiana was warm and understanding, offering to look after the kitten until it was time for her flight. Another green light! The woman behind the counter even helped them arrange a vet visit, so Rhodie (as they’d started to call her) could get her vaccinations, a passport, and a chip.

They named her "Rhodie," in honor of the beautiful island where their paths had crossed. With her vet visit complete, the helpful taxi driver took them back to the harbor, where they spent the final hours with Rhodie before leaving her with Tatiana. Over the next ten days, Tatiana sent photos and videos of Rhodie every day, keeping them reassured that their little kitten was in good hands.

On September 26, Rhodie’s big journey to the Netherlands began. Everything went smoothly, and soon enough, she was safely in Susanne and Jody’s home. For the first few days, Rhodie stayed in a cozy crate by herself, gradually getting to know their other cat, Loekie, and their dog, Sam. To everyone’s delight, the animals quickly bonded. Rhodie fit right in—she loved to cuddle, eat, and play, and her affectionate nature made her a treasured addition to their family.

“Rhodie’s story is a testament to the kindness of strangers and the magic of fate,” Susanne and Jody shared. “We are grateful to everyone who helped, especially Tania. Our hearts are full, and Rhodie is happy, safe, and home.”

Rhodie on Instagram

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