Oh Kim... {Hugs} to you...
You DID do the right thing, and yes, he does know what you did for him and for that he'll love you for ever. Even once he's in his new home
Can you keep an eye on him at the shelter to see if/when he's adopted out?
I had to call a pound yesterday to find out about a dog... I was crying as they put me on hold to check his file. http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=92917
You've got a great group of furkids to comfort you in your time of need!
Maybe they were thanking you for helping one of their own.
{{{{{Hugs}}}}}