After a short encounter with a black stray cat in a park in May this year, Ulink College of Shanghai economics teacher Mr. Craig Warrington decided to bring it home. Owning several cats himself, he could not provide a long-term shelter for the cat, and thus tried to find it a new owner. Eve Ren, a G2 student at Ulink accepted the cat as soon as she heard the news.

“It was odd that he was left outside in a park,” said Craig, “He’s a British short-hair,  fancier than the common cats.” Winning Craig over with its friendly look and funny sounds, the cat was brought home and given the name ‘Mr. Espresso’.

Bringing Mr. Espresso home was an easy task, but finding a suitable new owner for him turned out to be a big challenge. Craig searched nearby and utilized WeChat groups to try to find a suitable home for Mr. Espresso. The situation lasted for two weeks, which finally drove him to show the picture of Mr. Espresso to his Economics class students.

Mr.Espresso at school visiting some IB students

“I honestly did not expect this to work,” he recalled. Knowing deep down how much effort is required and responsibility needed to adopt a pet, he couldn’t imagine a student willing to take the cat.

The miracle did happen.

Last semester immediately after the class, Eve made the offer to take Mr. Espresso home. Hesitation lingered as Craig didn’t want the cat to have a temporary home but a permanent one, so he had to find out if Eve really was a reliable pet owner. After a long discussion and repeated confirmation with both Eve and Eve’s mother, Craig grew optimistic about this adoption. “I thought Mr. Espresso would be okay,” said Craig.

Mr. Espresso has now lived in Eve’s house in Hangzhou for several months now, enjoying the companionship from her family and her many other pets—two cats, one dog and one rabbit. “He appeared to be getting along well with my white cat and my dog most.” Eve smiled.

When asked about the feelings of having a new cat home, Eve complained that he was always trying to take over her seat, which could be inconvenient. “But I forgive him every time. He’s just too cute.” Eve stated.

Mr.Espresso waiting for lunch with his friend at Eve’s house

Craig has not forgotten about the little life he saved. Every week he was sent pictures and videos from Eve’s family to make sure he did not miss the highlights of Mr. Espresso growth.

After successfully creating a cozy home for Mr. Espresso along with Eve, Craig went back to the topic of stray cats, appealing to people to contribute their own power to help them. “They didn’t choose to be born, they didn’t choose their circumstances but they deserve a chance to flourish, just like anyone else.” Craig claimed.

A potential fight between Mr.Espresso and his friends