Simon, a senior Tuxedo cat estimated to be around 10 years old, had been living in the Here Kitty Kitty shelter in New Jersey for three years. Despite the shelter staff's efforts to provide him with love and care, Simon was suffering emotionally from the separation from his previous family, which included a feline companion named Spice. After his owners moved and surrendered him, Spice was quickly adopted while Simon was overlooked by potential adopters, possibly due to his age and appearance.

Read More

As months turned into years, Simon’s condition worsened. He became depressed, losing weight and fur, with a veterinarian finding no physical causes for his distress. The shelter staff expressed heartbreak over Simon's situation, noting that the stress of shelter life was causing him to lose his will to thrive. They appealed to potential adopters, offering medical support and emphasizing Simon’s need for a quiet, loving home.

On September 15th, Simon’s story caught the attention of Gwen Cooper, known for her advocacy for cats, who shared his plight with her social media followers. This prompted a flood of interest, with numerous applications arriving for Simon in less than 24 hours.

Among those who expressed interest were Peter and Suzanne Bako, who discovered Simon’s story while in Seattle. Suzanne, a lifelong cat lover and certified volunteer, felt an immediate connection and insisted they adopt him. The couple had recently lost two senior cats and were eager to provide a loving home for Simon.

The Bakos have extensive experience in animal care and have previously taken in various rescues. With Simon’s adoption, he not only gained caring owners but also three feline siblings and a dog named Bear. As he adjusts to his new home, Simon has his own space and has already started to regain weight, indicating a positive change.

Though it took three long years for Simon to find a family, the Bakos' commitment provides him with the loving environment he needed. Suzanne is considering creating an Instagram page for Simon to share updates on his new life.