Recently, an outgoing pup named Lentil found himself in a difficult situation. He’d been abandoned, tied to a pole in Brooklyn, New York, and left to fend for himself on a freezing-cold night.

When Rain or Shine Rescue heard about Lentil’s situation, they quickly agreed to help save him and coordinate his care. They teamed up with Sarah, an animal advocate and dedicated pet mom who runs @grumpybarbara, an Instagram account featuring her lovably cranky cat.

After spending a few nights with a different foster parent, Lentil got cozy at Sarah’s house.

“We spent some quality time together,” Sarah said in a video for The Dodo. “I immediately fell madly in love with him.”

Sarah almost couldn’t believe Lentil’s easy trust and kindness, given his backstory.

“He’s so cuddly,” Sarah said. “And just so gentle and very well behaved.”

Sarah hoped she could keep Lentil forever. But her cat, Barbara, made it clear that she didn’t want another roommate.

Lentil continued to swap between foster homes, and eventually ended up with Sarah again. This time, Barbara decided she’d tolerate the visitor … for now.

With help from Rain or Shine Rescue, Sarah set out to find a permanent family for Lentil. Together, they finally found the perfect place.

Sarah drove Lentil to his new home, petting and assuring him the whole way. When they reached their destination, Lentil excitedly greeted his new family members. His parents showed him the warm winter coat they’d bought for him, and they let him snack on a dog-safe cake. But Lentil’s favorite part came when he discovered his new backyard. He excitedly ran in circles, overjoyed to have so much space to himself.

As she drove away, Sarah’s heart filled with a bittersweet mix of sadness and gratitude.

“[H]e’s left a huge hole in both my and Barbara’s hearts,” she wrote in a video. “[But] we know he’s going to be the happiest and most spoiled in his new incredible home.”