Chaddy the Advo-cat: Making a difference in the lives of many
I’ve known Chaddy cat since I started working for PetSmart Charities®. We’d receive tweets from his pet parent, Sue, with adorable photos of him at his local PetSmart Charities Adoption Center. Chaddy brings a smile to my face every time.
Chaddy is a 4-year old Brown Tabby/Maine Coon mix adopted August 5, 2008.
Over the years, I learned that Chaddy isn’t everyone’s ordinary cat: He is a true advo-cat and role model for cats everywhere.
Two souls connected
Chaddy was adopted from a PetSmart Charities Adoption Center in Moorseville, NC. The pets at this adoption center come from the Humane Society of Iredell (HSI), a PetSmart Charities adoption partner. Sue was on a shopping trip at PetSmart® with her cats Jimmie and Casey when they strolled past the adoption center.
Chaddy, a 4-month old kitten named Sinatra at the time, was awake and looking out the window. Sue’s eyes locked with his and as she put it, “our souls connected.” Her eyes filled with happy tears and she knew he was something special.
One unique cat
“I have been told on numerous occasions that Chaddy is one in a million,” Sue said. Chaddy enjoys car rides, dressing up, interacting with everyone (including children and dogs) and watching NASCAR racing. He sits in the racetrack infield or the stands and watches the racecars go by, drawing a crowd at every race he attends.
Chaddy in front of the PetSmart Charities Adoption Center in Moorseville, NC.
Chaddy has made a big difference in Sue’s life, and he’s had the opportunity to impact others as well. One of Chaddy’s fans, Walter, was in the final stages of cancer. When Walter and his wife saw Chaddy’s photos online, he brought them so much joy that they asked for daily pictures. Walter’s nickname at the hospital was “Superman.” So, on the day that he passed away, Chaddy wore a “Superman” shirt to honor him.
Chaddy the role model
When they’re not out brightening peoples’ days, Sue and Chaddy are both active HSI volunteers (Chaddy has a custom-made HSI tee). They also attend PetSmart Charities adoption events on Saturdays to promote pet adoption and fostering and to collect donations and supplies for HSI.
“When Chaddy attends the adoption events,” Sue said, “people can’t resist him and want to learn more about saving homeless pets.”
See more photos of Chaddy on Facebook or follow him on Twitter.
My name is Lynn and Walter was my husband in the article. There are not enough words to fully express my love and thankfulness to Chaddy and his Mommy Sue. We never met them but sometimes your BEST FRIENDS are angels you’ve never had the opportunity to meet. I would just like to say “Thank You” to both of them for all of the joy they bring to so many people and pray that they continue to do this for many, many more years to come. Love you guys!