I’m Bruce Willis, and this is my story.

Everything changed for me the day I arrived at AHS. I wandered the streets alone for years, even though I loved people. I had to fight for my food and struggled to stay warm. How was a stray tomcat like me to know there was another way?

Then one day, someone swooped me up in their arms and brought me to AHS. Suddenly I was surrounded by soft blankets, colorful toys, and plenty of food. Sure, there were some parts I didn’t like. I got shots, and medicine — I even had surgery.

Every day visitors would walk by my kennel and comment on my sad eyes. I heard them say the word “home,” but then they’d leave and never come back. Except for one friend, she came back to see me again and again.

As a former stray, I loved all the attention I received at AHS. The staff, volunteers, and visitors were so sweet to me. They’d say, “We love you Bruce,” and “Bruce you’re so cute!” But none of them took me home.

Weeks passed by, and I caught a cold.

I felt tired all the time. My eyes watered. My chest rattled. I heard the vets say I had a problem with my immune system and it could take me a long time to feel better. They whispered in my ear, “just hang in there bud.”

Luckily my friend kept coming to visit me. One day, I felt too sick to get up and say hello to her. I laid on my bed, eyes closed, trying to purr to show her I was glad she was there. That’s when I heard her say it — something no one had ever said to me before. She said, “I’m going to take you home Bruce.”

I never knew life could be so purrfect.

My friend who visited me when I was sick brought me to a magical place called home.

She says she’s my new mom, but I know who she really is. She’s my hero — and so are you.

I’m home, but my friends at the shelter are still patiently waiting and filled with hope. Together, we can help them. If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s this: animal lovers like you save lives. I know because you saved mine.

This is by far the best chapter of my life.

I used to think the best part about being adopted would be the delicious food and warm beds, or lounging on cat towers and napping in the sun. But I was wrong.

The best part about being adopted is that my mom loves me unconditionally. She’s promised to care for me and protect me — to put up with me when I try to steal food off her plate (I really can’t help myself.)

My mom doesn’t have family nearby, so she told me I’m it.

I’m home, but my friends at the shelter are still patiently waiting and filled with hope. Together, we can help them. If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s this: animal lovers like you save lives. I know because you saved mine.

Thank you for everything,
Bruce

Follow Bruce's new adventures on Instagram @mrwillisthecat.