Homeward bound: Non-profit provides a safe space for seniors to find a second home for beloved pets
Angela Rafuse believes every cat deserves a chance at finding their second forever home.
That’s why the 26-year-old founded the not-for-profit organization, My Grandfather’s Cat last month.
The passion project aims to help seniors rehome their beloved pets.
“I am a big believer that if you have the ability to do something and it can make someone’s life better, then you should do it,” Rafuse explains.
Rafuse was inspired to create the organization after adopting her grandparents’ 15-year-old cat, Mackenzie, last year.
Her grandmother passed away in September 2019, and her grandfather passed away in December of the same year.
She says family members were hesitant to take the feline because she was known to be a little grumpy and mean.
But that didn’t bother Rafuse.
She quickly stepped in and embraced the cat’s personality by taking her to places like Peggy's Cove, or on a canoe adventure.
“People just always joked that she should go viral,” Rafuse says. “These funny, growling videos. So, I started sharing them on TikTok, and eventually, people started following and liking and sharing stories of how they adopted their grandparent's cat, or that they wish they would have.”
The organization launched just three weeks ago, and so far, Rafuse has heard from people around the world.
“People with terminal illnesses have pets that they want with them until their last day,” Rafuse explains.
“Then, they want to make sure that they have the right home, so we actually have two people we’re working with now that we’re arranging homes.”
Rafuse’s mother, Vivian, says she is so proud of her daughter’s hard work and dedication.
“So to know that someone’s going to love those pets after they’re gone, or they move into a home, where they’re not able to take the pet with them, it’s comforting for them and the families as well, because not everyone can take their animals,” she says.
Rafuse says the need is great, and she’s just doing what she can to help out.
“Honestly, heartbreaking stories, that they say, can you please come to the U.S., we need you in Arizona, we need you in Texas, in Tennessee, and just knowing the need is there, and people are responding to it, it blows my mind,” Rafuse says.
It's a passion project dedicated to her grandparents, that’s helping other seniors and their four-legged friends.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
He didn't trust police but sought their help anyway. Two days later, he was dead
Jameek Lowery was among more than 330 Black people who died after police stopped them with tactics that aren’t supposed to be deadly, like physical restraint and use of stun guns, The Associated Press found.
Fluid in eye cells can 'boil' if you watch the eclipse without protection: expert
Millions of people in parts of Eastern and Atlantic Canada will be able to see the rare solar eclipse happening on April 8. But they should only look up if they have proper eye protection, experts say.
Ontario urges mpox testing amid spike in cases
Ontario health officials are urging public health units to test for mpox, the viral disease formerly known as monkeypox, amid a spike of confirmed cases in the province.
More unauthorized products for skin, sexual enhancement, recalled: Here are the recalls of this week
Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled various items this week, including torches, beef biltong and unauthorized products related to skin care and sexual enhancement.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
Do these exercises for core strength if you can't stomach doing planks
Planks are one of the most effective exercises for strengthening your midsection, as they target all of your major core muscles: the transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, external obliques and internal obliques. Yet despite the popularity of various 10-minute plank challenges, planking is actually one of the most dreaded core exercises, according to many fitness experts.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
'Don't expect any deals:' Expert says stores may not offer steep discounts on post-Easter chocolate
Those looking to snap up cheap treats at their local grocery store next week following the Easter long weekend could be in for a bit of a surprise as the rising cost of cocoa continues to drive up the price of chocolate, one expert says.