When Abby and her husband were ready to adopt again after the loss of their beloved senior cat, Walter, they knew they wanted to open their home to another senior cat, especially knowing how often older pets are overlooked. While grieving and caring for their other senior cat, Freddy, Abby came across a photo of a shy black cat on PAWS’ Instagram. At the time, his name was Walter too. It felt meant to be! It wasn’t along before Abby made it officially and adopted Walter, who they renamed Oliver. Before finding the comfort of home, however, he had spent years surviving as a community cat on the streets of South Philadelphia.

Freddy and the original Walter, thick as thieves

Oliver was cared for by Tara, a dedicated colony caretaker who fed and looked after him as part of her neighborhood cat colony. Over the years, she watched him father at least one litter of kittens, trailing protectively behind them until they were old enough to be on their own. Not long before Oliver came to PAWS, Tara made sure he was neutered through trap-neuter-return, helping prevent future litters and giving him a better chance at a healthier life. Until one day, Oliver seemed to begin hanging around Tara for help.

Tara noticed him sitting outside her door for days, something he had never done before. One day, he even stayed there in the rain. Tara had the sense that something was wrong so she brought him inside and cared for him in a spare room while waiting for space to open at PAWS. As it turned out, Oliver was suffering from severe dental disease and had been living with significant pain. Tara brought Oliver to PAWS and through our Tooth Fairy Fund, Oliver received the dental care he desperately needed while recovering in foster care. A few months later, in May 2023, Abby brought him home!

While Oliver adjusted quickly, Freddy needed time. After spending nearly his whole life with Abby’s previous cat, Walter, Freddy was grieving deeply, and welcoming a new companion didn’t come naturally. It took months of slow introductions and patience before the two found their rhythm. Today, Abby says they’re more like brothers than best friends. They still tussle, and Freddy, now almost 14, sometimes gets annoyed by Oliver’s rougher play, but Abby has the photo evidence that underneath it all, they love each other.

Proof that sweet brothers Oliver and Freddy do get their snuggle on!

Oliver has fully embraced indoor life. He spends his days stretched out in sunny spots, curled up beside Freddy, or “hiding” under furniture with his tail sticking out. “We always joke that he thinks he’s invisible,” Abby shared.

Oliver’s dental journey didn’t end there. About six months ago, Abby’s family made the decision to have most of his remaining teeth removed after his dental disease progressed. Today, he has just six teeth left and is happier and more playful than ever.

Oliver showing off his tooth extractions

For Abby’s family, his story feels especially meaningful. Her husband is an endodontist, a dental specialist focused on saving teeth, making it feel full circle that Oliver was once a Tooth Fairy Fund recipient himself! Inspired by the care that changed Oliver’s life, Abby and her family have since become proud supporters of the fund, helping other pets receive the same treatment.

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