In a quiet neighborhood, a kind-hearted neighbor noticed an orange cat who had made a storm drain his shelter. Day after day, the lonely cat struggled to survive, darting away from people and hiding in the shadows. While most people simply walked by without noticing him, one compassionate woman stopped. Instead of ignoring him like the rest, she offered food and kindness, giving him the hope he had been waiting for. It was the beginning of a life-changing journey for the little cat who would later be named Dewey.
Dewey — Photo: TailsHigh
Dewey had been living in the storm drain for weeks, if not longer. He was skittish, nervous, and always on guard. The compassionate neighbor started visiting him every day, bringing food and checking on him. Slowly, Dewey began to look forward to her presence. However, not everyone approved. Before long, she received a warning from her community management, saying that feeding stray cats could “lead to consequences.” Despite this, she refused to abandon him. Since she had previously adopted from her local rescue, Tails High, she reached out to them for help. With a vacation coming up, she knew Dewey needed a safe place and couldn’t be left behind.
He was found living inside a storm drain — Photo: TailsHigh
Tails High stepped in immediately. The neighbor’s family promised that once they returned from vacation, they would foster Dewey and provide him a safe home. At first, Dewey was shy and unsure about his new surroundings, but he quickly began to realize he was safe. For the first time, he no longer had to hide in dark corners. With gentle care, soft voices, and warm food, Dewey’s walls started to crumble, and he began to trust the humans who had taken him in.
Shy at first, but he warmed up to indoor life — Photo: TailsHigh
It wasn’t long before Dewey’s true personality started to shine. He began exploring his foster home, playing with toys, and rolling over on his back whenever his people came near—showing complete trust. After so many cold and lonely nights in the storm drain, he now had warmth, food, and love. The rescue team searched for his original family, hoping someone might be missing him. But after weeks with no response, it became clear that Dewey had no one looking for him. He wasn’t neutered or microchipped, making it unlikely that he had a previous home at all.
He came out of his shell and loved being petted — Photo: TailsHigh
Tails High ensured Dewey got the vet care he needed and began preparing him for adoption. With a full belly, cozy blankets, and a safe environment, Dewey blossomed into a loving, purring teddy bear. He batted at toys, rolled in catnip, stretched his paws toward the sun, and enjoyed every comfort of indoor life. He had truly transformed into a happy, playful cat, ready to find his forever home.
With newfound confidence, his personality began to shine — Photo: TailsHigh
Then, something wonderful happened. His foster mom shared pictures of Dewey with her coworkers while chatting about fostering. Soon after, an adoption application arrived—and it turned out to be the perfect match. Before the rescue even had the chance to share his story publicly, Dewey was on his way to his forever home. From a lonely storm drain to a warm and loving family, Dewey’s transformation was nothing short of magical.
He blossomed into a snuggly teddy bear — Photo: TailsHigh
It’s hard to believe that just a few weeks earlier, Dewey was surviving on scraps and rainwater in a storm drain. Today, there will be no more hiding, no more fear—only cozy beds, delicious meals, sunshine, and people who adore him. All it took was one person who cared enough to stop and help. With the support of Tails High and a loving foster family, Dewey—also called Honeydew Melon—has found his happily ever after. His journey proves that one small act of kindness can change a life forever.
Reaching for a brighter future — Photo: TailsHigh
Dewey has found his forever home — Photo: TailsHigh
Happy, safe, and loved — Photo: TailsHigh
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