Meet Walter, a friendly customer service representative and manager of mice control.
Home Hardware’s slogan, ‘Home Owners, helping homeowners’ could be changed to:
‘Home Owners helping homeowners and cats in need of homes.’
At least for the store located in Bradford, Ontario (Canada).
Walter had found shelter in a condemned, vacant house in the area. Thankfully, one of the workmen who had been contracted to demolish the house discovered Walter before completing the task.
The workman also knew Home Hardware manager Jim Schaefer and was aware the store was having trouble with unwelcome customers. MICE!
They would get into the grass seed and bird seed and make quite a mess of the merchandise. They would also get into the waste of the restaurant next door
In a bid to find Walter alternate accommodation, his was transported to the store where he was left to learn the ropes and adapt to his new role and the new surroundings in his own time. This wild cat preferred to work the night shift and would retreat to the rafters at the first sign of the day shift – happy to sleep most of the day.
It turns out, Walter was a great fit for the team; as well as having previous ‘mousing’ experience, he demonstrates a positive ‘can do’ cattitude. Walter was moving on up, landing his dream job as manager of mice control at his local store. Walter has proven his dedication and is one hundred percent committed to his role.
Walter would leave the store spotless and place his trophies by the employee time clock in the hallway at the end of each shift
Within weeks, there was no longer a problem with mice.
Walter is proud to be part of the Home Hardware team and enjoys the perks as well. When I first spotted Walter, he was determinedly pawing his way into a desk drawer to access his treats. He is entitled to his breaks!
As well as a private dining area and washroom, this fast-tracking feline also has his choice of sleeping quarters. Or, should I say sinks. He was happy to demonstrate the beautiful selection available and on display in-store.
He no longer spends his days in the rafters, his accommodation is the whole of the store. He is left to his own devices and sleeps most of the day. Walter seems content watching shoppers roam the aisles. I’m told Walter prefers to keep a ‘professional’ distance from customers.
He doesn’t care for too much fussing or petting. However, he does provide customer service with a purr!
Click the following hyperlink to learn of the many other ways Home Hardware helps others
Congratulations Walter. And thank you Home Hardware, Bradford.
You have a repeat customer in me,
Love this story! Great pics, Sadie. Leave it to you to stumble upon such a great tale. Xo
Thank you! It was an honour to share Walter’s story.
What a lucky cat. So glad you shared his story. I believe every store needs a Walter. Thank you Sadie.
I agree! Thank you Adrianna.
I love store cats. I used to go to a garden center that had three feline managers. Loved that place!
Carleen recently posted…Supplements for Dogs with Lymphoma
Retail AND Feline therapy – fabulous!
Win win for everyone! Our local hardware store has two Goldens that patrol.
That’s wonderful! Love to hear it is happening at other retail outlets.
What a wonderful story! Love it! And bravo to Home Hardware!
FiveSibesMom recently posted…Gibson Does the “Nae Nae” Dance on a Fond and Fun Flashback Friday!
Thanks so much!
Store cats B da bomb!
MattieDog recently posted…Careful, Your Dog Understands Your Moods!
MOL – thanks MattieDog!
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story! I put a smile on my face and everyone wins! There needs to be more stories like this! One lucky cat! 🙂
Spencer the Goldendoodle recently posted…Birthday Surprise
Our pleasure – a story with a happy ending is always worth sharing.
Most cats would love the job title: Manager of Mice Control. Great story – Walter is a lucky cat indeed.
Pawesome Cats recently posted…Valentines Day Gift Ideas for Cat Lovers
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed Walter’s story.
I love this! I think people are finally starting to rediscover how useful cats are to us. There are several companies that are now “employing” cats, like Disney World. If you ask me, it saves the life of the cat, reduces and unwanted rodent population, and it is one of very few pest control methods that won’t poison/hurt anyone. Yay for Walter!
Robin recently posted…Tough Decisions: The Cat’s Meow Awards
Yes, Disney for Cats – Amazing!
What a wonderful story! I would shop at that store for that reason alone. ☺
M. K. Clinton recently posted…Why Do My Dog’s Paws Smell Like Corn Chips?
I’m definitely a repeat customer because of Walter!
What a great story and a very lucky cat! 🙂
Golden Daily Scoop recently posted…If Dogs Could Talk…
Glad you enjoyed it.
That is so cool! What cat wouldn’t enjoy a nice sink to curl up in on his breaks? 🙂 So glad that Walter has found himself a place to stay.
Fur Everywhere recently posted…Jewel’s Journey
Gotta love a wags to riches story!
What a wonderful story! I’m so glad someone was able to rescue Walter and he’s found a great place to stay.
Sweet Purrfections recently posted…Caturday Art
I’m glad you enjoyed Walter’s story as much as we enjoyed sharing it.
This is so awesome!!! We love that this hardware store took Walter in, giving him shelter AND a job. Way too cool. ConCATulations, Walter — you deserve the Employee of the Year title for sure!
Walter is very grateful for this opportunity – very dediCATed!
Home Hardware sounds like a great place…and Walter confirms that =)
Mary Haight recently posted…Five Star Raw Dog Food: Pet Safety First
They definitely won my business! Thanks Mary
Aww love this story. Very uplifting to see the store and Walter winning. Miss my rescue cat Nala as we have a few mice occasionally.
Talent Hounds recently posted…Day 1 Mr Beefy
Maybe another Talent Meow in the future?
Walter is a very special feline & a very special employee!! Great story, thanks for sharing.
Love & biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Love Them
Cathy Armato recently posted…Favorite Read Friday
Thanks Cathy!
What a great employee! Sounds like Walter ended up in just the right job.
Beth recently posted…Holiday Photos with Dogs
He definitely found his calling and landed on all four paws!
Aww, I just love Walter! Great story.
Lindsay, Matilda – Little Dog Tips recently posted…Why Cats and Dogs Can Be Best Friends
Thanks Lindsay. He’s a special guy!
What a fun story! Love it!
Rachel Sheppard recently posted…How Far Would You Go For Your Pet’s Health?
Thanks for stopping by Rachel – I’m glad you enjoyed Walter’s story!
Awww a really heartwarming story!
Jennifer recently posted…Top 3 German Shepherd Dog Bed Reviews
Thank you Jennifer.