Adopting her grandfather's grumpy cat turned into a movement to place senior pets – GOOD
Several years ago, Angela Rafuse adopted her grandfather's grumpy, elderly cat, Mackenzie, after he passed away. Soon, the cat became her best friend and adventure partner, inspiring her to help other senior citizens rehome their beloved cat or dog once it was their time to pass on. "My Grandfather’s Cat helps seniors and terminally ill people feed and arrange second forever homes for their beloved pets before they move into retirement homes or pass away," the website states.
She founded the non-profit in Nova Scotia in 2021, while living with Mackenzie in her parents' basement. Mackenzie, known as the founding cat, passed away at the age of 17 in 2023, but started going on adventures at the age of 15 when Rafuse adopted her. And though she's gone, Mackenzie "continues to inspire us every day and her legacy will live on through our work," her website bio reads.
"I’ve always believed you can be the change you want to see in the world, and My Grandfather’s Cat is the embodiment of that. We are making a difference, one adoption at a time."
Upworthy spoke with Angela Rafuse about her organization, her most memorable placement, and what she has learned from her endeavor.
When asked about her most memorable rescue, Rafuse knew immediately which story had that title. Three pets known as the "Flowers," cats Tulip and Aster, and dog Daisy, were in need of a new "furever" home when their person was diagnosed with ALS. The three bonded pets absolutely had to go to the same home.
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