Inspirational Cat Overcomes Rough Beginnings And Graduates College With A Degree In Emotional Support
Salem did not exactly get an easy start. The cat was adopted at just seven weeks old with two broken legs, and his early days were spent getting the care he needed to heal.
Hailee Weader stepped in and helped him recover, but the bond quickly became a two-way street. As Salem grew into a confident, sassy companion, he also became the steady presence Weader leaned on through college, campus life, and a stressful senior year.
By the time graduation rolled around, Salem was more than a pet, he was part of the celebration. Read on.
In an interview with The Dodo, Hailee said:
“If it's been a bad day or I'm having a panic attack, he'll come sit on me or nuzzle beside me and start kneading my legs and purring.”
“He's definitely been a comfort through everything this past year.”
The next step in life for Weader was preparing for her senior year of college, no small task. She realized she couldn't get through all the stress without Salem by her side.
Salem then became her emotional support cat on campus, and honestly, it went really well!
He quickly became part of her everyday routine.
It also echoes the foster family who restored her trust after her heart was torn open.
“He was kind of like a little celebrity around campus, and every time we'd be walking or I'd be pushing him in his cat stroller, people would stop us to talk or pet him for a while,” Weader told The Dodo.
Who wouldn't want to pet this face? So cute.
As the end of the year approached, so did graduation. Hailee credited her ability to get through college to Salem and wanted him right there with her at graduation.
Unexpectedly, though, she got him a matching cap and gown.
Campus life clearly agreed with Salem.
Because of pandemic-related restrictions, the graduation was a drive-up ceremony, but that didn't stop Hailee and Salem from thoroughly celebrating or being noticed by their campus pals.
“Everyone was gushing and adored his outfit all around,” Hailee said. “It all worked out, and we were able to enjoy our ceremony and celebrate.”
How's the spunky, graduated cat doing today? Glad you asked. Hailee said:
“If you don't wake up at 8 a.m. on the dot to feed him, he'll sit on top of you and swat your face or pull your hair until you wake up. He'll walk around the house meowing or ‘talking’ to us all and follow us everywhere, even into the shower. If we ignore him or he doesn't like something, he'll find the nearest plant and knock it off the windowsill or table, making a huge mess.”
Before Salem, read how Yoda the Persian foster cat lived on after his demise.
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