The beautiful friendship between a 93-year-old widower and his senior cat has captivated internet users, turning their daily ritual into a viral sensation that highlights the therapeutic power of companionship.

Sarah Annett (34 years old), of Tasman, New Zealand, took TikTok by storm after capturing the adorable bond between her grandad, Walter Annett (whom she calls “Poppy”), and his cat named Angus. The inseparable duo does everything together, including their daily walks around the retirement village where Walter lives.

The Walks Provide Purpose

Each morning, Walter retrieves his cart or walker, and Angus, who is about 15 years old, immediately hops straight in, ready for the day’s adventure. Sarah told Newsweek that the companionship Angus provides is always such a “heartwarming sight.”

“Poppy loves the company, the fresh air, and the simple joy of having Angus by his side,” Sarah said. The ritual is precisely timed: “Angus knows when that time is, so he meows when it gets to 11 a.m.”

The pair walks the paths and greets everyone they meet. Even when the weather is poor, they take their strolls indoors because the exercise and socialization are so enriching. Sarah notes the daily ritual provides Walter with “purpose, movement, and connection.”

Angus’s Touching Origin Story

Angus came into Walter’s life about 10 years ago. The cat’s previous household was loving, but chaotic, full of young children and other pets. Angus, seeking peace and quiet, gradually started appearing at the house Walter shared with his late wife, eventually “nearly living there.” Angus’s owners eventually decided it was best for Walter to keep Angus, giving both companions the calm life they deserved. When Walter moved to the retirement village, Angus, of course, went with him.

The Power of Connection After Loss

Sarah emphasized the importance of their bond, especially now: “I think it shows how special the bond can be between elderly people and their pets… The walks keep Poppy active and give him a sense of purpose, while Angus gets stimulation and companionship.”

The online response to the videos on TikTok (@olive_and_odin)—with one viral clip hitting over 545,000 views and 69,000 likes—has been a therapeutic boost for the family. Sarah loves showing her grandad all the sweet comments. She said, “We recently lost our nana (his wife), and the comments uplift him for sure. The videos make others smile and remind them of the little joys in life.”