For many Philadelphians, Patty Jackson is a familiar voice — the beloved DJ of WDAS (105.3FM) who’s been a fixture in the city’s music scene for decades. But this summer, her voice has taken on a new sweetness as she recounts her journey of adopting a furry friend, Butter Pecan, through PAWS.

The summer of 2024 began on a bittersweet note for Patty, as she said goodbye to her cherished cat, Sam, who passed away at the remarkable age of 21. “He was part of my life for so long,” she reflects. “Losing him left such a void.” But out of that grief came the decision to welcome a new companion into her life. Enter Butter Pecan, a tiny kitten who instantly captured Patty’s heart. “He was so small at first, but he’s growing so much! He’s been the best decision after Sam.”

Patty’s love for animals stretches back to her childhood. “I think I’ve always been an animal lover,” she says. “When I was little, I had a kitten named Tabby, and ever since then, I’ve had this deep sensitivity to animals. Animal abuse upset me. I’ve been an animal lover all my life.”

Sam, Patty’s beloved cat who was cherished by her and her family for 21 years

Patty’s journey with PAWS began years ago when Bryant Green, who runs a sanctuary in southern New Jersey, introduced her to the organization. Since then, she has been an avid supporter, participating in a photo exhibit in Old City featuring her and her cat, Sam, and using her platform to promote PAWS’ lifesaving work to her many radio listeners. That connection ultimately led her to PetSmart, where she first saw Butter Pecan. “I knew the moment I laid eyes on him that he was mine. A friend came with me, and there were people crowded around him. His sign said, ‘I’m lonely,’ and I just knew — I told him, ‘You’re going home with me!’”

Music has always been a central part of Patty’s life, and she’s been sharing that love with Butter Pecan. “I’ve exposed him to so much music — Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire. He loves music time!” she laughs. The early days with Butter Pecan were an adjustment, as Patty recalls. “The first couple of weeks, he’d hide, and I’d coax him out with treats. He took his time getting familiar with the house, but once he settled in, it became his home. Now, I can’t wait to come home to him at the end of the day.”

Patty’s great-niece, Autumn, loves Butter Pecan too, and together they’ve created a home filled with love and companionship. “Working with PAWS has brought me so much joy. I’m so glad I got another pet. My son may have said it was too soon, but I knew it was right. There’s truly nothing better.”

Patty, Butter Pecan, and Patty’s great-niece, Autumn, share a special moment together

For those considering adopting a pet, Patty offers heartfelt advice: “When you adopt from PAWS, you’re getting a safe, healthy pet — microchipped, vaccinated, and ready to bring joy into your life. The love you give a pet, they give back to you tenfold. After Sam passed, I felt like I was missing a sense of purpose. Butter Pecan gave me that back. He needed a home, and we were so glad to give him one.”

Patty and Butter Pecan’s adoption story is a reminder of the incredible impact that rescuing a pet can have — on both human and animal lives. If you’re thinking about adopting, PAWS is the perfect place to start your journey. As Patty knows all too well, sometimes the love you need is waiting for you to bring it home.