Having a pet can significantly enrich our lives, offering companionship and a daily motivation. This is especially true for older individuals who may spend a lot of time alone at home.
However, one concern for seniors is what happens to their pets when they can no longer care for them. Often, if family members can’t take them in, beloved animals may end up in shelters. This realization hit home for Angela Rafuse, who took in her grandfather’s cat after he passed away. His fear of his cat ending up in a shelter had even delayed his move to a retirement home.
In honor of her grandfather and his beloved cat, Angela founded My Grandfather’s Cat on May 18, 2021. This organization in Canada helps terminally ill seniors or those moving to retirement homes find new families for their pets, ensuring a seamless transition and peace of mind for the pet owners. They do this all at no cost to the pet owners.
My Grandfather’s Cat has grown beyond just re-homing pets. They now also operate a pantry to help seniors struggling to feed their pets, preventing surrenders due to financial difficulties. This compassionate effort has resulted in the successful re-homing of their 200th pet, marking a significant milestone for the organization.
In the United States, thousands of pets end up in shelters each year after losing their owners. To mitigate this, experts recommend including pets in wills and specifying a caretaker, ensuring their ongoing care and happiness.
Angela’s story is a testament to the impact of following one’s heart. By starting with her grandfather’s cat, she has already made a profound difference in the lives of hundreds of animals, with the promise of helping many more find their forever homes.
