When you go to the hardware store, you might not expect to see a cat. But in Owasso, Oklahoma, loyal hardware store customers always look forward to seeing Simon, the feline welcome committee. So when Simon was suddenly missing, it became big news locally.
Simon Is a Town Favorite at the Hardware Store
Since 2017, Simon has been a fixture at the Cornerstone Ace Hardware Store.
“Simon was adopted today by Owasso Cornerstone Ace Hardware! He has quite the story. He was abandoned by his owner at Sapulpa Animal Control. He was almost euthanized but saved and brought into our rescue. The folks at Cornerstone saw his picture and wanted to adopt him. He hit the jackpot! He has a 10,000 square foot home and lots of folks to love on him,” shared Skiatook Paws & Claws Animal Rescue.
Image via Skiatook Paws & Claws Animal Rescue
After avoiding euthanasia, Simon quickly rose through the ranks to become “the helpful hardware cat!”
“We love Simon 🐈 ❤️” shared Cornerstone Hardware Store in 2023.
Image via Facebook/ Cornerstone Ace Hardware Store with Shop Owasso
One of his favorite places is among the huge greenhouse full of greenery.
“Smart kitty hanging out in the green house on top of the bird seed!” shared the store in 2020.
But his favorite surely is the catnip plants!
“Simon is being cat-shamed for destroying that front pot of catnip this morning! 😺” shared Cornerstone Ace Hardware.
Over the years, people of all ages cuddled Simon as they shopped.
“We always have to give Simon some love when shopping,” shared Shop Owasso in 2023.
On most visits, Simon’s adorable face and olive eyes greet customers from unexpected places. You never know where he’ll be, such as napping on a pile of boxes, lounging in the aisles, or watching from a countertop.
At Christmas time, Simon is in cat heaven, surrounded by all the trees and sparkling lights!
Simon’s Absence Immediately Made Local News!
One day, Simon was walking down an aisle when a heavy pry bar fell, injuring his front leg. Suddenly, he was MIA at the hardware store, and many in the community noticed immediately!
Appearing on O News 9, manager Katie Davidson explained that the store’s many loyal customers began asking questions about their favorite employee.
“I thought he went home in the middle of the night, but he doesn’t. He stays here all the time,” said Davidson. “He’s literally the most favorite employee that we have. It’s to the point where when people come in and we ask them how can we help you today, they all go, Simon. How is Simon doing?”
As it turned out, Simon was cared for at the vet and is now recuperating with a cast on his leg.
“Instead of giving, he’s receiving lots of visitors,” said News On 6’s Ryan Gillan.
Locals made the cutest posters and cards and brought treats for Simon as he stayed in a confined kennel.. And Katie said she and the employees would do all they could to help Simon return to his daily routine as soon as possible.
“It’s just a part of who we are at Ace. He’s our cat,” she said.
Simon gets some love
The Hardware Store shared that Simon is doing well after surgery. And the now-famous kitty has earned the official title of helpful “Hardware Kitty.” The store even has stuffed animals of Simon which some folks dressed up with his purple cast and blue soft cone collar.
As he recovers over two months, he can receive his adoring visitors.
“Simon is doing well after his surgery and officially earned the title of “Hardware Kitty” now! We have to keep him contained in this pen for the next 8 weeks to ensure his elbow heals properly. Thankfully we have some room on the sales floor for his pen so all his friends can stop by and say hi.”
Over time, Simon became strong enough to take supervised short walks. We send Simon and friends our love and purrs for a speedy recovery! Take it easy, buddy.
How wonderful that so many folks love this kitty so much! Rescuing a shelter cat and giving them a home in a workplace or office often brings many blessings. And cats make each workday better in so many ways, as we see every day!
Video via Instagram by newson6kotv
