'Purr-fect' day for special birthday celebration raising funds for local animal rescue

DOWAGIAC, Mich. - At the beloved Ramona Roller Rink, that's been open since 1928, they had a very special birthday celebration which you might think was for a human, but no, it was all about honoring a furry feline friend, Nugget, who turned seven.

Lots of roller skaters gathered for the special birthday.

All the proceeds from Nugget's party are going to local animal rescue, Paws of Hope. 

The public came to skate and hang out with Nugget the cat, a staple presence here.

The owner of Nugget, Harold Schaus, who also owns Ramona Roller Rink found the cat climbing into car motors as a kitten years back.

Schaus then adopted him, and he's been at the rink ever since.

They did take the cat home during the pandemic, but brought him back, and this is the first birthday that Nugget is celebrating since the pandemic.

“All the kids want to see and come pet the cat. They can't wait to see the cat, all the kids want to pet the cat as long as it's willing to let them," said Schaus. 

Paws of Hope are also looking for things like paper towels, laundry detergent, towels and more.