Sometimes the best ideas begin as a joke.
For the team at Wirth, Inc., what started as a lighthearted conversation about bringing a stray cat into the shop soon became something much more meaningful—a forever home for a shelter cat named Edwina.
The Wirth family has long had a soft spot for animals, and shop cats have been part of the business for years. Previous feline "employees" like Dwyer, Michaels, and Lucy became familiar faces around the office.
That history gave employee Avery Kane an idea.
"I had been trying to lure one of the local stray cats into the shop because I knew they'd let it stay," Avery said. "When that wasn't working, I jokingly suggested we should just adopt one from the Humane Society."
The joke quickly turned into a real plan.
After spotting a photo of Edwina on the Henry County Humane Society's Facebook page, Avery and her mother, Britta—Wirth, Inc.'s office manager—headed to the shelter that Friday afternoon to meet her.
Although they spent time getting to know each of the available cats, one stood out.
"It was clear that Eddie was the perfect fit," Avery said.
The adoption experience at the Henry County Humane Society left a lasting impression.
Kim welcomed them to the shelter and introduced them to Edwina, explaining that she was blind in one eye—but that it never slowed her down. If anything, Avery said, it only made the cat more endearing.
After their adoption application was approved the following week, Wirth, Inc. owner Jason Wirth gave his blessing to welcome Eddie to the business. Linda even met Avery early that morning so Eddie could begin her new life before the workday started.
The shelter also sent Eddie home with food, treats, shampoo, and a collar to help make the transition easier.
"Everyone was so friendly and helpful," Avery said. "The shelter was clean, welcoming, and well cared for. We couldn't have asked for a better adoption experience."
Like many adopted pets, Eddie needed a little time to settle into her new surroundings. After about a week, however, she made herself completely at home.
Today, she has fully embraced her role as Wirth, Inc.'s unofficial shop supervisor.
She spends her days racing through the building, chasing toys, greeting employees and customers, curling up for naps, and making sure she receives plenty of attention from everyone she meets.
"She runs the place—and she knows it," Avery said with a laugh.
With her playful personality and affectionate nature, Eddie has become the perfect blend of sass and sweetness.
"She's the Queen of the Wirth, Inc. castle, and she brings us so much joy."
Her story is also a reminder of the difference adopting a shelter pet can make. A cat once waiting for a family has found not only a forever home, but a workplace full of people who adore her.
For the staff at Wirth, Inc., adopting Eddie wasn't simply adding another shop cat.
It was welcoming another member of the family.