Brewery’s ‘assistant manager’ cat beats cancer and returns to work

The “assistant manager” cat of Seventh Son Brewing Co has returned to his duties after recovering from cancer.

The feline team member, named Horatio to his friends, was diagnosed with fibrosarcoma in March after employees noticed a lump on his back leg.

Following a heartfelt fundraiser hosted by the brewery, support from far and wide brought in enough to cover Horatio’s treatment costs and nearly US$10,000 more which was donated to pet-related charities.

According to local reports via NBC4 TV, in May, Horatio finished 19 radiation treatments, with a full recovery expected.

Seventh Son co-founder Collin Castore said after the surgery: “Thank you to everyone who’s supported us so far, and he’s doing great. He’s a happy guy.”

Castore explained: “He’s been our all-natural pest control, friend and mascot almost from the time that we opened up. He’s a really great guy. All our guests love him [and] our staff love him.”

This week, in a show of gratitude, Horatio “announced” his return via Instagram with a post that read: “Guess what? I’m back. I’m (re)exploring my old stomping grounds and making sure everything is where I last remembered. So far, so good. It’s great to see my coworkers again, too. They’re looking after me and making sure I’m doing well.”

Horatio, has already inspired the brewery’s ‘Assistant Manager’ beer, but according to the team at Seventh Son, he is more than just the face of the brand.

The brewery’s social media post requested that for the time being visitors don’t pick Horatio up while he continues to recover from his surgery and reiterated that he is not currently allowed outside as he takes his time to readjust to his workplace.

Signing off from the post, Horatio added: “Thank you from the bottom of my tiny little heart. I can’t wait to get back to full assistant managing duties. Be well friends.”