Ambrosia and Rafiki wait for homes at Humane Society of York County
A young cat who can only live as an only pet or with another cat with the same virus, and a dog left at the shelter door in the middle of the night, are this week’s featured adoptable animals at the Humane Society of York County.
The Fort Mill rescue, at 8177 Regent Parkway, has placed 543 animals in permanent homes so far in 2026, including 117 dogs and 426 cats, according to the organization.
Ambrosia
Ambrosia arrived at the shelter as a stray about six months ago and is estimated to be about a year and a half old. After her stray hold ended, staff gave her vaccinations and tested her during intake. She tested positive for FIV/FeLV, according to Mary Beth Knapp, a Humane Society of York County volunteer.
Feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus are contagious viruses that weaken a cat’s immune system. They spread between cats through bite wounds and close contact such as mutual grooming or shared food bowls and litter boxes, and a mother can pass the infection to her kittens. Outdoor cats and cats living in multicat homes face the highest risk. Neither virus can be transmitted to people.
Because of her status, Ambrosia needs a home where she will be the only cat or will live with another cat that has the same virus. The shelter requires that all adopted cats live indoors, and Knapp said the risk of spreading viruses like this one is part of the reason.
Otherwise, Ambrosia is healthy. She is spayed, vaccinated, microchipped and tested. Knapp said she would love a window where she can watch birds and whatever else is happening outside.
Rafiki
Rafiki, a dog estimated to be a little over 2 years old, was abandoned at the shelter overnight and is still working through that experience, Knapp said.
“As we often say, they all have their stories and we only have a glimpse,” Knapp said.
The shelter describes Rafiki as a sensitive dog who gains confidence when other small dogs are around. Staff are looking for a calm home with a person or couple willing to help him through his fears, ideally with another small dog to keep him company. He is neutered, vaccinated, tested and microchipped.
How to help
The shelter is asking for donations of clay cat litter, laundry detergent, bleach, and hard and soft dog treats. Volunteers can also pick up clean laundry from the shelter to dry, fold and return.
The organization also needs foster homes and volunteers at the shelter and at its Pawsibilities thrift shop, 2144 Carolina Place in Fort Mill. Shoppers can support the rescue at Pawsibilities, through its eBay store and at its holiday shop.
To meet Ambrosia or Rafiki, call the shelter at 803-802-0902 to make an appointment or stop by. Adoption requirements are posted at humanesocietyofyorkcounty.org.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Associate Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
