The amazing diversity among businesses that have “shop cats” is truly astounding. What’s most heartwarming of all is that every single one of them is a rescue — just like me!
I’d love to take a moment to introduce you to all my new friends and hope you appreciate them as much as I do.
One of the most unique cats we met is Jenny — also known as Jenny Sweetheart. This fabulous feline works for the City of Kerrville Water Production, where the city’s ground and surface water is treated, stored and distributed for public use. Jenny holds a very important position — she not only keeps up employee morale but also manages rodent and pest control.
After the devastating floods recently ravaged the plant, her expertise was put to the test. Jenny rose to the occasion, putting in long hours and keeping her loyal staff company as they worked around the clock to restore operations. Thankfully, their efforts paid off. The pumps are all up and running again, and it’s back to business as usual for Jenny and and her team — who never forget to tell her what a fine one she is.
Next up are two local celebrities. First, there’s Big Black, who works tirelessly at JAM Broadcasting, where he proudly holds the titles of Program Director, Chief Morale Officer and Button-Pusher Extraordinaire. After a near-death experience from a dog attack, Big Black decided that the indoor life of running a radio station was more his style. Besides, he’s pretty sure they need him to keep those ratings on the rise.
Our other celebrity duo calls The Plant Haus 2 home. Named after flowers, Agapanthus and Calla Lily are well known among folks with green thumbs. Some of you might remember when Calla Lily let her curiosity get the best of her and hitched a ride to East Texas in the back of a delivery truck. Once her people figured out what had happened, they set out to find her — and they did! The story made the local papers, and much to everyone’s delight, Calla Lily was brought back safe and sound. These days, she and Agapanthus keep busy protecting plants (and people!) from the ultra-dangerous grasshoppers that lurk around the outdoor area.
Speaking of adventurous felines, meet the super-handsome boss cat with an equally fancy name: Howard Bartholomeow Hamil III. As a tiny kitten living in Helotes, Howard wanted more from life and decided to hitch a ride in the wheel well of a car — all the way to Boerne. He eventually landed at Especially Yours Florist, where he now spends his time keeping keyboards warm, greeting customers and — most importantly — delighting visiting children, who are his absolute favorite.
Greeting customers seems to be a highlight of most shop cats’ days. That, and of course: all the BOXES!
Take George Earl, for example. This delightful feline spends his days snoozing and schmoozing with customers at The Golden Antler. When he’s not soaking up sunbeams, he’s making sure the staff gets the emotional support they need. He takes his job seriously — and is loved by all.
And we can’t forget the two friendly felines who run the show at our local NAPA Auto Parts store. They’re always happy to “help” you find your auto part — in exchange for a few chin and back scratches, of course.
We also share this in loving remembrance of Auto, who has since crossed the Rainbow Bridge after a long, good work life helping everyone around him. 🌈🐾 He wasn’t just an employee — he was family, a greeter, a comforter, and a steady presence in the shop. His paw prints will forever be part of that workplace and our community.
These are just a few of the many local businesses that have happy, healthy felines on the payroll. I encourage all my fans to support these wonderful places — and stop by to say “hi!” Tell them Kimmie sent you.
From water plants to flower shops, radio stations to garden centers — these amazing “working cats” prove just how much heart a rescue cat can bring to any place they call home. They lift spirits, keep pests at bay and remind us daily that every life has value and purpose.
If you’ve got a barn, workshop or business in need of a little extra charm — and a hard-working mouser or two — our Barn/Shop Cat Program is the perfect way to make a difference.
Through our program, every cat receives:
• Spay/neuter surgery
• Vaccinations
• Microchip
• Ear mite treatment (if needed)
• Three months of parasite prevention
• Ongoing support — all at no cost to adopters
These cats need safe places, and you can be their hero!
Here’s how you can help right now:
•Share our Barn Cat posts on Facebook — every share can save a life.
•Adopt a pair of Barn Cats — learn more here:
https://www.freemanfritts.com/resources/working-cat-program/
and give them the second chance they deserve. Call Freeman-Fritts Animal Shelter at 830-257-4144.
Donate to our Happy Tails Fund — where “Happy Tales are made.”
