Hootie needs your help in his golden years.

Hootie came home. He does not have FIV or Leukemia — a huge blessing. But he’s still carrying the scars of survival. He has a fractured tooth, likely from being hit by a car. He’s anemic. He was covered in ticks and will likely be diagnosed with Lyme disease. He has a heart murmur and came home on a long list of medications.

At 10 years old, Hootie should have been someone’s companion, someone’s snuggle buddy — not outside fighting to survive. Instead, he was left to fend for himself for who knows how long. Now, even though his space is small, it is safe. There is food. Water. A soft bed. Gentle hands. A place to rest his tired body and learn what love feels like again.

While healing in quarantine, Hootie has worked up quite the appetite — and Castaway Critters is dangerously low on food for him and the 100+ animals in their care. After surviving starvation, parasites, and flea anemia, these animals deserve full bowls and nourishing meals. Food isn’t just comfort — it’s critical to their recovery.

If you can help us restock their favorites and help cover the ongoing costs of Hootie's medical care, please consider donating. Every donation, no matter the amount, makes a difference for Hootie and so many others who are finally safe — and finally healing.