logo
Senior Cat with $1.25 Adoption Fee Gets Second Chance at Life

Senior Cat with $1.25 Adoption Fee Gets Second Chance at Life

Newsweek4 hours ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A recent trip to the humane society turned into a life-altering experience for a woman online.
In a Reddit post, u/natanyad shared that she spent a mere $1.25 to bring home her very first orange cat, a nearly 15-year-old senior she named Ichabod. The heartwarming story of his adoption has resonated widely with Redditors, receiving 29,000 upvotes.
"Look what I got for $1.25! My first orange [cat]," the proud owner wrote in the post. "We got Ichabod for $1.25 at Elmbrook Humane Society (Wisconsin). Brought him home a few weeks ago, a few months shy of his 15th birthday. One of the chillest cats we've ever adopted. Social and vocal. My first orange and refreshingly at home after just a few days."
Stock photo: A woman opens her wallet to pay for something.
Stock photo: A woman opens her wallet to pay for something.
lolostock/Getty Images
She urged others to "please consider adoption, especially the seniors."
The incredible deal and the heartwarming nature of adopting an older cat sparked enthusiastic responses from Redditors.
"A senior orange cat for $1.25? That's the best investment ever! An amazing deal for such a wonderful companion! A win win," one user commented.
"Well, you definitely got a good deal there," another person reacted to the purchase. "Just look at this guy. He's perfect."
Many echoed the call to adopt senior pets for their charm and often overlooked status: 100 percent. All cats regardless of age deserve a safe and loving home. But so often elder cats are overlooked," a commenter wrote. "My current cat was almost 10 when I adopted her. She is a loving cuddler. I know I will have less time with her, but that just means she will get twice the love."
"I got my 9-year-old cat for $5, absolutely the best $5 I've ever spent," another wrote.
In the comments, the owner provided further insight into Ichabod's background, painting a picture of his journey to his new home. She wrote that Ichabod's family moved and couldn't take him, and that he came with a huge bag of toys. "Someone spoiled him," she wrote. And despite his age, his health is manageable, with only some thyroid medication to take for his maintenance.
The poster's commitment to senior pet adoption runs deep. She wrote that her effort to rescue pets spans decades and numerous furry companions.
"I've been adopting...for 35 years—since I moved here right out of college," they revealed. "I'm losing track, but I've adopted seven dogs, and Ichabod must be my eighth cat. We tend to adopt older pets since I'm old too."
Newsweek reached out to u/natanyad for comment via Reddit.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

What Mom Does To Keep 13-Year-Old Safe While She Runs: 'This Is America?'
What Mom Does To Keep 13-Year-Old Safe While She Runs: 'This Is America?'

Newsweek

time4 hours ago

  • Newsweek

What Mom Does To Keep 13-Year-Old Safe While She Runs: 'This Is America?'

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. When Jessica Davila-Alvarez drives her car behind her teenage daughter running in the woods, she is not just supervising the 13-year-old's routine run—she is ensuring safety in a world that many parents believe no longer feels safe. The Houston-based mom, 34, has found viral recognition for her dedication to her daughter's well-being, sparked by a March 14 TikTok video that has since drawn more than 263,000 likes. The clip, posted by Davila-Alvarez under the handle @justjessoverhere, shows her daughter jogging down an isolated wooded path with the family car rolling slowly behind her. An overlaid text read: "Following my 13-year-old baby girl while she runs her daily 5K." The video touched a nerve among parents and young runners alike. It earned widespread praise among viewers and sparking conversations around youth safety, parental involvement, and what it means to let children roam freely in 2025. "I wake up at 5:50 a.m. to take her to practice, and at night, she goes on her runs," Davila-Alvarez told Newsweek. "She runs track and field and cross country for her school so she runs at home to keep up her endurance. "During the week, she runs anywhere from 1 to 8 miles," the mom of three added. Davila-Alvarez said the decision to follow her daughter was not made out of paranoia but from practicality—and love. "We do live in a 'better part' of the city, but, regardless, my daughter is my responsibility," she said. "It is my responsibility as a mother to do my best to keep her safe and make sure she feels comfortable when she goes on her daily runs." Davila-Alvarez is a stay-at-home mom who shared that she has also shifted the family's focus to wellness and cleaner eating. "We recently took dyes out of our diets, and we are focusing on whole foods and just being healthier overall," Davila-Alvarez said. "Then I started recording my daughter, with her support and permission—I don't record or post anything she doesn't approve—and people really loved it." From left: Jessica Davila-Alvarez's teenage daughter runs in Houston, Texas; and the mom sits in her car. From left: Jessica Davila-Alvarez's teenage daughter runs in Houston, Texas; and the mom sits in her car. @justjessoverher The attention, especially from other parents, has been overwhelmingly positive. "As a teen I would have hated this but as an adult I salute you," one viewer said, while another added: "It's sad that you have to do it but thank you for doing it." Davila-Alvarez said: "Other parents applauded the support; kids shared beautiful memories of their parents or grandparents doing the same thing; and some kids wished their parents did the same because they are always worried when they go on a run." While some TikTok users have expressed disbelief that such measures are necessary, with one viewer commenting, "I'm guessing this is America?" Davila-Alvarez said the feedback only underscores how common concerns like her own have become. "My daughter is not oblivious to the dangers," Davila-Alvarez said. "I show her the stories, show her the women, and I educate her on safety precautions she needs to take while running. "Even if I'm behind her, I still stress having awareness and being hyper vigilant," Davila-Alvarez added. While her daughter sometimes runs alone with classmates and under the supervision of school coaches, at-home runs are a different matter. "At home, she asks that I follow behind her and I'll always be there to make sure she's safe," Davila-Alvarez said. For now, the family uses their car, though Davila-Alvarez said she hopes for a more-active alternative in the future, as some viewers suggested. She hopes to soon follow behind her daughter in a bike or golf cart. Davila-Alvarez added that her two sons, both of whom are autistic, require child locks and close supervision, making the car the safest option currently. "We are currently looking for a way to safely turn this into a family thing where we can tag along with my daughter and be active as a family," she added. Davila-Alvarez's plan may seem excessive to some, but for many others, it is a reassuring sign of involved parenting in uncertain times. "I have heard so many stories of runners getting attacked all over the country while they are running alone," Davila-Alvarez said. "And I will do what I can to make sure that doesn't happen with my baby." If you have a family dilemma, let us know via life@ We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.

Senior Cat with $1.25 Adoption Fee Gets Second Chance at Life
Senior Cat with $1.25 Adoption Fee Gets Second Chance at Life

Newsweek

time4 hours ago

  • Newsweek

Senior Cat with $1.25 Adoption Fee Gets Second Chance at Life

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A recent trip to the humane society turned into a life-altering experience for a woman online. In a Reddit post, u/natanyad shared that she spent a mere $1.25 to bring home her very first orange cat, a nearly 15-year-old senior she named Ichabod. The heartwarming story of his adoption has resonated widely with Redditors, receiving 29,000 upvotes. "Look what I got for $1.25! My first orange [cat]," the proud owner wrote in the post. "We got Ichabod for $1.25 at Elmbrook Humane Society (Wisconsin). Brought him home a few weeks ago, a few months shy of his 15th birthday. One of the chillest cats we've ever adopted. Social and vocal. My first orange and refreshingly at home after just a few days." Stock photo: A woman opens her wallet to pay for something. Stock photo: A woman opens her wallet to pay for something. lolostock/Getty Images She urged others to "please consider adoption, especially the seniors." The incredible deal and the heartwarming nature of adopting an older cat sparked enthusiastic responses from Redditors. "A senior orange cat for $1.25? That's the best investment ever! An amazing deal for such a wonderful companion! A win win," one user commented. "Well, you definitely got a good deal there," another person reacted to the purchase. "Just look at this guy. He's perfect." Many echoed the call to adopt senior pets for their charm and often overlooked status: 100 percent. All cats regardless of age deserve a safe and loving home. But so often elder cats are overlooked," a commenter wrote. "My current cat was almost 10 when I adopted her. She is a loving cuddler. I know I will have less time with her, but that just means she will get twice the love." "I got my 9-year-old cat for $5, absolutely the best $5 I've ever spent," another wrote. In the comments, the owner provided further insight into Ichabod's background, painting a picture of his journey to his new home. She wrote that Ichabod's family moved and couldn't take him, and that he came with a huge bag of toys. "Someone spoiled him," she wrote. And despite his age, his health is manageable, with only some thyroid medication to take for his maintenance. The poster's commitment to senior pet adoption runs deep. She wrote that her effort to rescue pets spans decades and numerous furry companions. "I've been 35 years—since I moved here right out of college," they revealed. "I'm losing track, but I've adopted seven dogs, and Ichabod must be my eighth cat. We tend to adopt older pets since I'm old too." Newsweek reached out to u/natanyad for comment via Reddit.

Senior Dog Ends Up in Shelter After Owner Dies—Then Someone Notices Her
Senior Dog Ends Up in Shelter After Owner Dies—Then Someone Notices Her

Newsweek

time5 hours ago

  • Newsweek

Senior Dog Ends Up in Shelter After Owner Dies—Then Someone Notices Her

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A video of a senior dog lying in a shelter after losing her owner has gone viral on TikTok. The dog, named Annie, was filmed lying on her bed inside an enclosure at an animal shelter based in Dorset, England. In the clip shared by fostering organization @phoebesfosterfriends, which has racked up over 107,000 views, the door to her kennel opens and Annie's tail begins to wag as the person filming moves closer and gives her attention. Text over the video reads: "We've got you now, sweet girl. It's not your fault." According to the post, Annie's owner died last October, and the family was unable to keep her. "She lost the only person and home she's ever known in 10 years, all at once," the text continues. A stock image of a hand petting stray dog in pet shelter. A stock image of a hand petting stray dog in pet shelter. undefined/iStock / Getty Images Plus The caption notes that Annie is now in a foster home instead of a shelter and is being considered for adoption. Why Dogs Are Given Up to Shelters A study by the Animal Welfare Program at the University of British Columbia examined more than 32,000 dog surrender cases in British Columbia from 2008 to 2019. It identified several key reasons owners gave up their dogs: Having too many dogs Housing problems Personal issues Financial difficulties Dog behavior Owner's health The study found some trends shifted over time. Surrenders due to financial hardship became less frequent, while cases related to dog behavior and overpopulation increased. Other factors included the dog's age, breed, size, health, and the owner's location. For instance, puppies and small dogs in rural areas were more likely to be surrendered due to having too many pets, while housing issues were a more common reason in urban settings. The researchers suggested that targeted support, such as pet-friendly housing policies and affordable veterinary services, could help reduce the number of dogs entering shelters. TikTok Reacts The video, posted on June 12, has received over 10,800 likes and more than 700 comments. "I already made arrangements with my kids that if something happens to me, my son will be taking care of my puppers. What a weight off my shoulders knowing she won't be thrown away. Wishing the best parents for you lil puppers," one user wrote. Another commenter added: "She's so lovely. Why would the family give her up?!! We would've loved to have her but we have a very bouncy male Golden Retriever. I hope she finds her happy retirement home." "That's so sad. Family dogs should stay family. I would never do this to any of them," said a third. The original poster replied: "I don't know the circumstances so I can't judge but it's just so sad for little Annie. Losing all she knows overnight." Newsweek reached out to @phoebesfosterfriends for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store