A touching story of an Indianola girl and her adopted cat has earned a significant donation for the Warren County rescue organization that brought them together.
Petco Love, the animal welfare nonprofit affiliated with Petco stores, announced that Amy Markey’s entry about her daughter, Eve, and their cat, Bitsy, was selected as a winner in the organization’s national Love Story contest.
To celebrate the victory, the Markey family and Whiskers TNR volunteers involved in the story were invited to the Petco in Clive, where a $10,000 donation check was unveiled. In addition to the donation, Bitsy received a bag of goodies, while Eve was gifted a pair of BOBS from Skechers shoes, one of the contest sponsors.
Markey expressed her gratitude for being chosen, emphasizing the significance of the recognition for their small-town Iowa community. She also highlighted the positive impact the prize would have on Whiskers TNR, helping them continue their mission of rescuing and caring for cats.
The Love Story contest, held annually since 2013, showcases the profound impact of adopted pets on their owners while also supporting the rescue organizations involved. From thousands of entries nationwide, the story of Eve and Bitsy was selected as one of the top 25 for 2025.
Corissa Arndt, founder of Whiskers TNR, reflected on the emotional depth of the story, noting that while the organization had faith in Bitsy finding a loving home, hearing about the profound bond between the kitten and Eve made it even more special.
Markey and her husband, Lucas, adopted Bitsy in 2023, hoping the small black kitten would become a companion for their daughters, Eve and Avery. However, what unfolded far exceeded their expectations.
Eve, who has autism, an intellectual disability, and ADHD, was still nonverbal at the time. Markey shared in her contest entry that upon bringing Bitsy home, Eve surprised everyone by clearly saying the kitten’s name for the first time.
Beyond words, the connection between Eve and Bitsy deepened in countless ways. Eve took responsibility for feeding and caring for the kitten, choosing her colorful nail caps each month. In return, Bitsy seemed instinctively drawn to Eve, offering companionship and comfort whenever the young girl felt overwhelmed.
Markey described how Bitsy’s presence provided emotional support, particularly during moments of frustration. The kitten would calmly sit beside Eve, patiently waiting for her to settle. Their bond became even more evident when Eve was hospitalized due to seizures. Despite her own health concerns, Eve’s main worry remained focused on Bitsy’s well-being.
Following Eve’s epilepsy diagnosis in June 2024, Bitsy appeared to become even more devoted to her young companion, instinctively staying close to her favorite human.
Shannon Bardole-Foley, a Whiskers TNR volunteer who fostered Bitsy before her adoption, expressed deep emotion over the story, acknowledging the privilege of playing a role in the kitten’s journey to her forever home.
The Love Story win brought both financial support and renewed motivation to Whiskers TNR. Arndt described the celebration at Petco as a joyful event, extending appreciation to the Markey family, Petco Love, and the dedicated volunteers who continue to make a difference in the lives of rescue cats.
Since its founding in 2016, Whiskers TNR has spayed and neutered more than 1,900 cats, focusing on the trap-neuter-return approach for rural and community felines. The organization also fosters around 150 adoptable cats and kittens annually, ensuring each one finds a suitable home.
Arndt emphasized the dedication of Whiskers TNR’s foster volunteers, noting that their involvement in the adoption process plays a vital role in creating lasting matches.
The story of Eve and Bitsy is a testament to the power of pet adoption, demonstrating how the right match can transform lives. Markey described Bitsy as Eve’s “soul cat,” highlighting how the kitten has taught both of her daughters valuable lessons about empathy, respect, and unconditional love.
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