Alabama Trucker Rescues Abandoned Kitten And Finds The Best Copilot He Never Knew He Needed

Mike Mattingly, better known online as “Old Trucker” from Alabama, has captured millions of hearts with his wholesome travel stories.

And the real stars of the show are often his four-legged companions.

Back at their place in Bear Creek, Mike and his wife had already opened their doors, and their hearts, to countless strays. They made sure every animal had food, medical care, and plenty of love.

Mike also can’t resist helping animals he meets on his routes, as he shared on TikTok:

“Two things I can’t see to go hungry is a little kid and an animal.”

Credit: TikTok

So how did Mike become such a beloved figure online? It really took off when he started sharing his truck-life adventures with his followers.

His kindness spoke for itself, but one little kitten truly stole the show.

While at home one day, Mike noticed a tiny orange kitten struggling outside. He had been abandoned by his mama, one of the strays Mike and his wife were already caring for, and sadly, he was the only survivor of his litter.

Mike couldn’t bear to leave him behind. That fragile little kitten, later named Bobby, was nursed back to health by Mike. Before long, Bobby became his official travel buddy.

Credit: TikTok

During their trips, Bobby would perch on Mike’s shoulders, nap on the dashboard, and play with toys while the highway stretched out in front of them.

Mike even outfitted the truck with a litter box and a stash of toys so Bobby had everything he needed for life on the road.

Funny enough, Mike used to say he wasn’t a “cat person.” But Bobby completely changed that. As he later admitted, he was smitten.

TikTok loved their adventures. Clips of the two on the road racked up millions of views. Mike summed it up perfectly when he said:

“That little cat right there is a blessing to me. He brought a lot of joy and pleasure to the inside of this truck.”

Credit: TikTok

Bobby wasn’t just a great travel companion. He helped Mike through some tough times.

Not long before Bobby came into his life, Mike had been dealing with heart issues. But with Bobby by his side, things started to feel a whole lot better. Mike shared:

“What Bobby has done for my heart and my frame of mind is far more than any prescription that any doctor could have given me. He’s brought a lot of joy to my heart, and I hope I’ve brought a lot of joy and companionship to him.”

It felt like Bobby had shown up right when Mike needed him most.

Credit: TikTok

Sadly, their time together didn’t last as long as anyone had hoped. Just a few months later, Bobby developed a severe respiratory illness that he couldn’t overcome.

Losing him left Mike heartbroken. But Mike found comfort in honoring Bobby’s memory by donating in his name to the Colbert County Animal Shelter.

The shelter was touched, grateful for the donations and the love Bobby had inspired in so many people, both locally and online.

Another tribute came in the form of a children’s book. John O’Grady and Nicole Marie wrote Old Trucker and Bobby, a sweet story of their adventures on the road.

Every dollar from the book went straight to the shelter to help more animals in need, keeping Bobby’s spirit alive.

Credit: TikTok

Around the same time, one of the strays Mike cared for gave birth to three ginger kittens. Mike and his wife named them Butterball, Popeye, and Lulu; the three amigos.

It almost felt like fate. Just as Mike was grieving Bobby, these kittens came along and brought laughter back into his life.

Fans who had adored Bobby now tuned in to watch the three amigos, and their videos quickly became just as beloved.

When the kittens were old enough, Lulu and Butterball found wonderful forever homes, while Popeye stayed behind to become part of Mike’s family.

Credit: TikTok

Popeye traveled with Mike for a while, keeping the tradition alive, until Mike decided it was time to retire.

Now Popeye enjoys the good life at home with Mike, his wife, two dogs, and plenty of cozy days together. As one fan put it in the comments:

“I guess Popeye is retired from truck driving too.”

And if you’re curious to see more of Popeye, Mike, and the rest of the crew, their TikTok is still full of heartwarming updates.