This is the story of Sookie, an inspiring 16-year old kitty who overcame incredible odds on his journey to living his best life. He did so with help from all the friends he met along the way.
On September 15, 2024, 15-year old Sookie was found wandering stray by a Good Samaritan who brought him to safety at the SPCA’s Yarmouth Shelter. We don’t know this person’s name, but we are grateful to them for rescuing Sookie. Life on the streets had obviously been hard and since it was clear that Sookie had numerous medical needs, he was transferred to the Dartmouth Shelter.
Sookie arrived significantly underweight, with patchy hair loss on his back legs and tail, and an old injury on his hind leg. He was diagnosed with osteoarthritis, early kidney disease and all of his teeth had to be removed. Then as fate would have it, pan leuk – a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease – broke out in the shelter and Sookie had to be sent to foster care for two weeks (he had been exposed but luckily tested negative). Despite everything Sookie had been through, his foster mom described him as a sweet senior companion and had nothing but glowing praise for this special boy.
Sookie proved to be a very quick learner and reminds us that it’s never too late to try something new. Because of his gentle disposition, he was a guest at the SPCA College of Animal Welfare when students were learning how to properly handle a cat.
From the veterinary team that provided Sookie with high-quality medical care, to the shelter staff and volunteers that showered him with love and affection, to the foster mom that treated him like a member of her own family – everyone was dedicated to preparing Sookie for the day he would meet the perfect adopter.
Sadly, in spite of Sookie’s charming personality, he waited and waited for a special someone who would look into his eyes and see the wonderful loving soul inside. Finally, after 4 long months of hoping for a forever home, Sookie’s wish came true. Enter Hannah Clark. 
Animals had always been a large part of Hannah’s life, but she had never adopted a cat of any age before. She said “I’ve always had the biggest soft spot for senior animals and knew that would be the route I took when I finally adopted a pet of my own. They truly do have the sweetest, loving personalities. I like to think that I waited all this time because Sookie and I were meant to find each other.”
Hannah first learned about Sookie from one of her coworkers. She related “My colleague had seen Sookie on the SPCA adoptions page for a number of months in fall 2024 and she kept telling me I would be the perfect mom for him. I had just moved into my own apartment, however, and thought that the timing wasn’t the best for adopting a pet. In January 2025, I saw that Sookie was still on the website, which broke my heart. I couldn’t imagine why he wasn’t adopted sooner based on his amazing bio. honestly couldn’t stop thinking about him!”
On January 25th, Hannah decided to make a trip to the SPCA ‘just to visit’. She recalled “It was a busy day with many people in and out of the cat room. I didn’t want to overwhelm Sookie, who was curled up asleep in the corner of his kennel. I waited until the room was quiet and just kept him company while he slept. I ended up talking with shelter staff and expressing my interest in Sookie.”
“I went to the shelter that day with the plan of just spending time with the cats, but a part of me knew that Sookie and I were meant for each other” shared Hannah. “The minute I left the shelter I found myself driving directly to the pet store to pick up everything I would need to make Sookie feel comfortable in his forever home. I returned the next day to the shelter and said I was there to take Sookie home.”
Hannah exclaimed “The love that staff had for Sookie was evident – they were thrilled to know he was being adopted. That was the moment I knew that adopting Sookie was the best decision I have ever made! The minute we got home and Sookie got out of the carrier, he explored and picked his favourite spots to lounge and take a well-deserved nap. He basically moved himself right in from the moment he got there.”
Like many older cats, Sookie does have arthritis. However, that does not stop him from trying to jump from the highest ledges or run down Hannah’s apartment building hallway. She said “He takes a couple of oral medications twice a day for general comfort and some skin issues. Giving him his medication really is just a part of our routine, and he has been a champ taking them. Honestly, it’s much harder to brush him than it is to give him his meds! Many people are shocked when I tell them that he does have some health issues since he really doesn’t show it.”
Napping on his window bed and cuddling for hours are high on Sookie’s list of favourite things to do. Hannah added “We go on walks (with a harness) in Point Pleasant Park which he absolutely loves. He also enjoys looking out the car window on road trips and exploring new places we visit. I think Sookie would go anywhere so long that we’re together!” 
Sookie’s quirky personality brings smiles and laughter to every day. Hannah said “I was quick to order him a water fountain after learning from his foster mom how much Sookie liked washing his face with running water!” chuckled Hannah. “His outward appearance looks as though he must be a cranky old man, and it makes me laugh that he is not one at all. Sookie is truly one of the most chatty, happy cats, just with a permanent grumpy face!”
His bedtime habits are one of Hannah’s favourite things. She shared “Little did I know a queen bed would not be big enough for myself and my cat! Sookie has claimed the right side of the bed as his own, and many times I’ve woken up to him sleeping with his head on the pillow, tucked under the blanket.”
Despite all the awful things Sookie must have experienced, like other senior pets, he has so much love to give. “It doesn’t matter what we are doing, he always wants to be near me purring away,” said Hannah. “From day one he came into my life full of trust and love. He has never once wavered in showing how trusting he is, as if he knows he no longer must worry about the things in his past.”
Hannah shared “I wake up every day being so thankful that I decided to adopt Sookie. I could have the absolute worst day at work, or could be feeling down, and knowing that he is at home waiting for me makes all of that fade away. It is such a sweet feeling knowing that he is just as happy to see me as I am to see him.”
And Hannah’s final thoughts? “I always wish that Sookie didn’t have to experience the things he did for so long. In saying that, he really has taught me that sometimes, the bad things that happen in our lives can lead us on the path to the best things that will ever happen to us. I truly believe he is one of the best things that has ever happened to me and I like to think he feels the same.”
Without the support of generous donors, Sookie’s inspiring story and so many more like it would never be possible. Please join us in giving homeless animals their best days ahead.