Even after retirement, some hearts never stop serving. One such heart belongs to Willie Ortiz, a retired soldier from Connecticut. While many choose to rest during their golden years, Willie has taken on a mission filled with compassion and dedication: feeding stray cats.
Willie’s background includes years of service as a soldier, a skilled mechanic, a school bus driver, and a welder at Hartford Hospital. Yet, the title he cherishes most is not from any of these professions—it’s being a cat caretaker. For more than two decades, this humble man has devoted his nights to feeding homeless cats scattered across the city. And incredibly, he hasn’t missed a single evening.
A Nightly Routine Fueled by Love
Every night, Willie loads his aging mini-van from floor to ceiling with bags of cat food. He then embarks on a carefully planned route through Hartford, making 16 stops where 68 stray cats eagerly await him. Come rain, snow, or freezing winds, Willie shows up.
What drives a man to keep going without fail for 22 years? It all began in 1995, when Willie spotted a frail, starving cat outside a friend’s auto body shop. While others turned a blind eye, Willie couldn’t bear to walk away. He fed her—and that one act of kindness ignited a lifelong mission.
More Than Just Meals
Feeding the cats is only part of Willie’s commitment. When any of them fall sick or get injured, he steps in like a guardian angel. He pays for vet visits, vaccinations, spay and neuter procedures, and, whenever possible, helps them find loving forever homes.
However, all of this comes at a cost. Willie spends over $600 each month just on cat food. To keep the mission going, he collects and sells scrap metal during the day. This grueling work helps him afford the care these animals desperately need. Fortunately, some community members, inspired by his efforts, donate scrap metal to lighten his load.
Donations That Make a Difference
Though Willie humbly accepts donations—both material and financial—he remains firm on one principle: every cent must go toward the cats. He never uses the money for personal needs. His unwavering dedication has earned him the respect and admiration of everyone who hears his story.
Recognizing Willie’s growing need for support, a close friend created a GoFundMe page. There, people can learn more about his mission and contribute to his cause. Each donation, no matter how small, helps Willie continue his nightly rounds and ensures that no stray cat goes hungry.
A Role Model for Kindness
Willie Ortiz proves that age is never a barrier to doing good. His story is more than a tale of feeding cats—it’s about perseverance, empathy, and purpose. While many retire to relax, Willie chose to fight a different battle: one against hunger and neglect.
He serves as a powerful example of how one person can make an extraordinary impact. If more people followed in Willie’s footsteps, the world would be a far kinder place. His devotion to Hartford’s stray cats shows us all that true service comes from the heart, and it never really ends.
So, the next time you see a stray animal, think of Willie—and maybe you’ll be inspired to offer a helping hand too.
