Meet Hawkeye, Lucky Cats' 2025 Cat of the Year
- Abigail Jennings
- Dec 21, 2025
- 4 min read
Reflecting on 2025, one tiny kitten reminds us exactly why our work matters. It was late on a Friday when a call came in with an urgent plea for a tiny kitten who had shown up quite literally, out of nowhere, at the right person’s door. They heard a persistent but weak little cry for help and, upon investigation, found a tiny, buff-colored fluff ball quite literally clinging to the door, pleading for his very life.
The kitten was in a shocking condition. He was dirty, wet, emaciated, and had a severely infected eye.
The family, who were visiting their mother with lung cancer and their father with dementia in North Carolina, were scheduled to return home to Michigan the very next day and were desperate to find help for the kitten.
They shared, "Every animal shelter and place we took him to for help took one look at him and literally put their hands up and backed away as if we had a little monster.” Euthanasia was their recommendation, but the family wasn’t ready to give up yet. Little Hawkeye’s luck changed when they reached out to Lucky Cats. If they were willing to drive the two hours to get to us—in Friday, 5:00 traffic no less—we were willing to do what we could. Robin Byrd, our Executive Director, met the family to provide transfer and care for the tiny kitten overnight until our veterinarian partner, the Animal Hospital of Cornelius, could see him the next morning.
Dr. Temple gently cared for the tiny kitten as he purred. We all knew right then, we were not giving up on this little guy. The doctor sent photos and consulted with his peers at an eye specialist, and everyone agreed the eye required immediate removal. However, at only 8 ounces, he was just too small for surgery. Our initial goal was for him to reach 2 pounds while treating the infection, but that was not to be. Hawkeye could not wait any longer; his life was at risk. Without immediate surgery, he wasn’t going to survive. We had to move forward at a mere one and a half pounds. The whole veterinary practice was incredibly invested in our little guy, and everyone was praying for him. Dr. Temple successfully proceeded with the life-saving eye enucleation, giving Hawkeye the chance to grow, play, and live without pain.
Today, Hawkeye is thriving—chasing toys, purring loudly, and proving that resilience comes in all sizes.
But for every Hawkeye we save, many more cats and kittens are waiting for basic spay/neuter, vaccinations, emergency care, warm shelter, and a safe place to heal.
As a non-profit, we rely entirely on compassionate supporters to continue saying ‘yes’ to these urgent needs. As the year comes to a close, will you make a tax-deductible gift to help us treat more animals like Hawkeye?
Your support means:
Community cat trap-neuter-return and care
Surgeries for critically injured animals.
Pain relief and lifesaving veterinary care.
Safe housing, food, warmth, and comfort.
A real chance at a better life.
We urgently need your support to serve the most critical areas needing services to help cats like Hawkeye, who require immediate, life-saving medical interventions.
As the year rapidly comes to a close, this is a critical moment. Will you make a necessary, tax-deductible gift to help us treat more animals like Hawkeye and make our community better?
No animal should suffer alone. Your generosity ensures they don't.
Please give immediately before December 31 to make your gift count for this year—and to make a crucial, life-changing difference for the animals who desperately need us in 2026.
Thank you for your support.
With gratitude and hope,
Abigail Robin
Abigail Jennings, Founder/President Robin Byrd, Executive Director
From Hawkeye’s Rescuers
Amy Smith, her daughter Shyla, and Amy's brother Rodney Reno rescued Hawkeye when passing through NC.
"He looks SO GOOD!!! This is absolutely beautiful to witness and to be a part of. He was in such bad shape when he came to the door, screaming his weak little cry for help. Every animal shelter and place we took him to for help took one look at him and LITERALLY put their hands up and backed away as if we had a little monster. They all said "same day euthanasia." We were devastated because he fought so hard for help, and we already loved him😭🩵 It was YOU that made saved him from that, and now Hawkeye is alive, warm, safe, and being loved. Your reaction when you saw him was love and compassion. You didn't "jump back" as if you saw a monster😔 You said to him, "You can ride in front with me" ❤️ We will never forget your kindness and compassion when you didn't have to help. Every person I have told this story to ALL say, " The kitten was meant to happen, and you witnessed a miracle." We will always tell his story. You inspired Shyla and me to give back and help Feral Cats. Next week, we are going on a mission to speak with our county shelters and animal control and find out what Feral programs they have, and we want to go to highly populated Feral places and do the TNReturn! Also, speak with communities about TNR and how they can be part of helping, too. It showed us that 1 person CAN make a difference, and if we can do the same, we can help make a difference, and we will use our love for Hawkeye for motivation and helping these innocent babies! 🩵Thank you"
