Some animals come to HOPE and settle quickly into their new chapter. Others, like Casserole, need something different—more patience, more understanding, and, most importantly, more time.
Casserole arrived at the HOPE Adoption Center in October of 2023 as part of a group of nine cats and kittens we took in during a time we were already bursting at the seams. Every one of them had a Thanksgiving-themed name, but one stood out right away.
Casserole was unforgettable.
A black cat with a big presence and an even bigger wobble, he lived with Cerebellar Hypoplasia (C.H.), a neurological condition that affects balance and coordination. For him, that meant a life full of brave attempts—wobbling forward, falling backward, getting up again, and trying anyway. He was spicy yet sweet, stubborn yet playful, and determined in every way that mattered.
Because of his condition, the staff and volunteers tailored his environment to keep him safe. He was eventually given his own padded enclosure filled with blankets, pillows, and mats to soften any tumbles. During the day, he roamed the center to stretch his legs and work on his dexterity. And over time, he became a fixture at HOPE. Staff and volunteers greeted him daily; visitors stopped in just to meet the wobbly black cat they had heard so much about.
Casserole needed a very special home—one without stairs, dogs, or tall cat trees, and with people experienced enough to understand both his disability and his “spicy” moments. He was cat-selective, too, which ruled out many otherwise wonderful adopters.
One family visited him early on, thinking he might be a match for their own wobbly kitty, but the timing wasn’t right. They left with heavy hearts, worried the personalities wouldn’t mesh. Still, they never forgot him.
Two years passed of Casserole living safely, comfortably, and confidently at HOPE because donors like you made that time possible. Your support meant he had daily care, medical oversight, enrichment, and a soft place to land while he waited for the person who was meant for him.
In September of 2025, that same family returned. Their beloved wobbly cat had recently passed, and they still couldn’t shake the memory of Casserole. After home visits and many honest conversations about his quirks and his needs, we agreed to try a foster-to-adopt arrangement. Four weeks to see if this long-awaited match was truly meant to be.
On October 24, 2025—exactly two years from the day he arrived—Casserole was officially adopted.
Today, he is in a home where his disability is understood, where his spicy-sweet personality is celebrated, and where his future is secure.
Casserole’s story reminds us that every animal has a home out there—it just may take time, patience, and a little bit of HOPE. And because of you, he got the time he needed. Every wobble, every tumble, every moment was worth it.