For many of us, it feels like we don’t spend enough hours in the day with our pets, as much as we’d like to.
That might be why the story of Oliver Widger, who quit his job to sail across the Pacific Ocean with his cat, Phoenix, has resonated with so many people. The idea of packing up and leaving with just a few belongings – and your feline themselves, of course – can seem like quite a good one sometimes.
And now, almost a month after Widger, 29, set sail from Oregon, he has arrived in Hawaii.
On Saturday (May 24) Widger docked on the island of Oahu, where he was met by supporters as well as Josh Green, the state’s governor, who gave him an official proclamation at the Waikiki Yacht Club. In an Instagram post, Widger simply wrote, “Dear Corporate America, I won.”
Also on Instagram, Oliver’s brother Marcus paid tribute. “What a journey... physically, emotionally, and spiritually,” he said. “Following your adventure with Phoenix has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. From battling rudder failure in heavy seas to managing unexpected fame a thousand miles from civilization, your grit and determination never wavered.
“You've done more than cross an ocean. You’ve inspired millions to rethink what freedom truly means. A quiet rebellion. I have a feeling this is just the beginning. Sail on brother.”
Filmmaker Marcus also shared that he hopes to make a documentary about his brother, Phoenix, and their journey, and to help make that a reality, he is selling merchandise inspired by a Britney Spears T-shirt Widger has often been wearing in his videos.
Widger came up with the idea to make a change in his life four years ago, after he was diagnosed with Klippel-Feil syndrome, a rare spinal condition that carries a risk of paralysis. He quit his job while $10,000 in debt, cashed in his 401(k), and bought a boat. He found Phoenix in a dumpster a few years ago, and brought the cat with him on his journey.
Widger’s GoFundMe, which he created at the end of last year to help him on his journey, has smashed past its $10,000 target, and currently stands at over $114,000.
Are you planning on taking a trip with your kitty? Whether it’s as dramatic as this one or not, here’s what to know about traveling with a cat.
