Crash, a one-eyed cat from Simply Cats Adoption Center is the first feline winner of Cadbury’s annual ‘Bunny Commercial.’
Five years ago, he had been hit by a car minutes from Simply Cats Adoption Center. As luck would have it, their Executive Director, Patty Cutler, saw him and drove him back to the shelter for care. His injuries were extensive: a damaged eye, fractured jaw and front leg. His eye had
to be removed. After six surgeries and several months of rehabilitation, he was adopted by the shelter as their official resident shelter cat.
“Crash’s outgoing personality had everyone falling head over heels for him,” says Maddie Corey, the Outreach and Fundraising Coordinator, “He embodies rescue cats and the work we do, so he is the purr-fect cat to represent our shelter.”
Simply Cats had no idea that one day Crash would feature their shelter nationwide
as the official Cadbury Bunny.
Maddie entered him in the Cadbury Bunny Tryouts. “I knew Crash’s story and propensity to steal the spotlight made him the perfect contender, plus the $5,000 donation would help provide medical care to our other cats.”
There were hundreds of entries for the Tryouts! The shelter submitted a video showcasing Crash's star potential high-fiving, walking through hoops, and running on his wheel, all while sporting bunny
ears.
Once they received the news that their rescued cat was a top 10 finalist, Simply Cats encouraged their community and his many fans to vote via social media. Then everyone anxiously waited for the results.
When voting ended Maddie received an email that Crash won, she jumped up and down with excitement. Staff members were informed of his win, but it had to remain a secret from everyone else for six more days. Cadbury’s production crew then flew to Boise
and filmed the Celebra-cat for their 2023 Clucking Bunny commercial.
“The TV commercial is a dream come true for Simply Cats and viewers’ response has been overwhelming,” said Maddie. “The winner’s $5,000 donation will provide much needed veterinary care for our cats. Plus, we have the honor of representing cat shelters nationwide. We feel that Crash surviving a traumatic car crash thanks to Simply Cats illustrates all the wonderful people that support shelters around the
world.”
Fan Mail for Pet Tips ‘n’ Tales
“Always great stories, and, as an outstanding writer, Mary Ellen, you have made me feel closer to animals. Your stories don’t just entertain, they teach too,” Dick in California.
“All my pets are adult rescues,” wrote Jo in Alabama. “We can only hope to live up to the devotion we see in their eyes. This is why dog spelled backwards is God because who else could give unconditional
love.”
Facts: There are 250 Chicken Soup for the Soul book titles published in 100 countries. They have sold 500 million copies in 43 languages and their latest book includes Mary Ellen Angel Scribe’s tenth story, chosen from thousands of submissions for their newest book, “Well That Was Funny”.
Video of Crash
