When 14-month-old Axel from Iowa was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of leukemia, his world became much harder than anyone could imagine.
But amid the uncertainty and hospital visits, Axel found comfort in a sweet rescue kitten named Bingo. The two formed an unbreakable bond from the moment they met, something Axel’s mom had hoped for and was so grateful to witness.
Axel had always loved cats. His parents, Haley and Chad, noticed it when he befriended their grumpy old cat.
So, when Axel’s cancer diagnosis hit, his parents decided that their son deserved the companionship of his very own cat to comfort him during such a difficult time.
That’s how Bingo came into Axel’s life. Haley and Chad went to Whiskers of Warren County shelter and found this tiny kitten who stole their hearts.
Axel’s love for the show Bluey inspired her name, as his mom explained in an interview:
“We named her Bingo because Axel loves the kid’s show Bluey, and Bingo is Bluey’s sister on the show.”
It didn’t take long for Axel and Bingo to connect, and from that moment on, they became inseparable.
Haley was amazed to see their little friendship blossoming, sharing:
“They’ve been besties since the day we got her. I just can’t believe that this cat has such a bond with my son. It’s wild!”
With her calm and gentle nature, Bingo became Axel’s constant companion through his treatment. Despite being just a baby herself, she understood Axel’s needs perfectly.
When Axel had some tough days, Bingo always knew. She’d lay next to him, just keeping him company.
This loyal kitty didn’t mind being there all day if that’s what Axel needed, as Haley shared:
“I definitely think she understood that feeling and to be gentle and calm because she would lay with him on the couch for 12 hours. She did not leave his side; she just stayed wherever he positioned himself around her.”
Now, at 2 years old, Axel is cancer-free and currently in the maintenance phase of his chemotherapy. The days are getting brighter as this phase is ‘less strenuous and aggressive,’ according to his mom.
Bingo has never left his side and their sweet bond continues to grow. They spend their time playing together, causing little bits of mischief, and simply enjoying each other’s company, as Haley shared:
“It’s been really special to watch. They have quite a strong connection.”
The difference Bingo made in Axel’s life was so profound that Haley wanted to give back to the Whiskers of Warren County.
So, when the shelter asked to share their story with the Petco Love Stories campaign, Haley didn’t hesitate.
The campaign celebrated the impact of rescue by sharing inspiring stories from adopters, and Haley was more than happy to help the shelter that had brought them their miracle kitten.
That year, Axel’s story, along with seventeen others, won a Petco Love grant!
It’s truly heartwarming to think about how these grants helped make a difference. Each of those stories represents a unique bond between a pet and its family, and it’s amazing to know that these relationships are supported in such a meaningful way.
It also brings hope for all the other animals still waiting for their forever homes, knowing that there are so many people out there ready to open their hearts.
Just like Axel and Bingo, who found each other when they needed it most, there are countless other furry friends who could change someone’s life in ways they can’t even imagine.
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