At an Oregon animal shelter, a feline’s small, unassuming gesture captured the heart of Chuck Hawley, who was still mourning the loss of his beloved pet, Sticky the Kitty. Captured on video, this unexpected encounter with a shelter cat turned out to be more than just a chance meeting. It marked the beginning of a new chapter filled with hope and healing for Hawley.
Grieving cat owner adopts rescue cat after he does something unexpected
Chuck Hawley, who first made headlines in 2018 for rescuing Sticky — a kitten he found glued to the road — recently faced the heartbreaking loss of his beloved cat. Sticky had grown into an internet sensation and the beloved star of a children’s book series, inspiring countless people with messages of empathy and kindness. With Sticky’s passing, Hawley was left with an irreplaceable void as he struggled to fill the space his cherished companion once occupied.
During a visit to the Oregon Humane Society’s Portland campus, Hawley was not necessarily looking to adopt. Yet, as fate would have it, something remarkable occurred. As he walked past a row of cages covered with blue tarps, a tiny paw reached out from under one of the covers. Intrigued and touched by the gesture, Hawley stopped to investigate further.
Upon drawing back the tarp, Hawley found himself staring into the eyes of a 6-month-old kitten. The kitten, whom he would later name Allen, reminded him of Sticky in a way that was both comforting and uncanny. This unexpected connection struck a chord with Hawley, who was moved by the kitten’s seemingly deliberate act of reaching out to him. Hawley adopted Allen on the spot, sealing a bond initiated by a simple, yet profound, gesture.
Hawley’s previous experience with Sticky had shown him the impact that animals can have, not only in individual lives but also in broader communities. The children’s books he wrote featuring Sticky had reached audiences across the globe, teaching young readers about compassion and understanding. Now, with Allen by his side, Hawley hopes to continue this mission. He encourages potential pet owners to consider adopting from shelters, where countless animals await the chance to connect with a human who needs them as much as they need that human.
