Every morning, Hilarie heads out with her two dogs, Emmie and Gunny, for their daily walk around the neighborhood. But no matter where they go or what time they leave, they’re never alone for long — because someone special always shows up to join them.
“He always finds us,” Hilarie said in a video for The Dodo. “He’ll just pop out of a shrub.”
That “someone” is Oliver — the neighbor’s friendly, adventurous cat who has completely fallen in love with Hilarie’s dogs.
Rain or shine, Oliver insists on tagging along for every walk, trotting proudly beside (or often ahead of) his canine friends.
“Oftentimes he goes out in front, like he’s the leader,” Hilarie said.
Though Oliver adores both Emmie and Gunny, there’s one pup who holds a special place in his heart.
“Oliver and Gunny, particularly, love each other,” Hilarie shared. “As soon as we start our walk, they look for each other. When they greet, Oliver makes sure to touch Gunny with his tail.”
Their morning walks have become something of a neighborhood tradition — and Hilarie loves capturing their sweet friendship on camera.
On her Instagram page, you can see video after video of Oliver dashing out to meet the dogs, rubbing against them affectionately, and strutting proudly alongside the pack.
For Hilarie, what began as a simple daily routine has turned into one of her favorite parts of the day — all thanks to one determined cat who decided he belonged.
“He’s just one of the family,” she said.
