From Heartbreak to Hope: How One Woman's Loss Inspired a Life-Changing Charity

Have you ever wondered what happens to pets when their elderly owners pass away or move to a retirement home? It's a question that has been on the mind of Angela Rafuse, a 28-year-old woman from Halifax, Nova Scotia, ever since her grandfather passed away, leaving his cat without a home.  Angela took the cat in herself, and soon realized that many seniors face a similar situation. Determined to help, Angela founded a nonprofit organization called ‘My Grandfather’s Cat’ to facilitate adoptions of pets belonging to seniors who are either terminally ill or wishing to enter a retirement home. Since the launch of her charity on her late grandfather’s birthday in May 2021, Angela has celebrated her 100th adoption, bringing peace of mind to many pet owners. The charity has received a lot of attention on social media, with over 656,000 people following Angela and her cat, Mackenzie, on TikTok. Her story is one of grief, compassion, and the determination to make a difference in the lives of seniors and their pets. Adopting a pet through My Grandfather's Cat involves a special procedure. Care facilities or homeless shelters recommend seniors to the organization, who subsequently fill out an application. The group conducts interviews with potential candidates before writing a profile to put on social media. They determine whether candidates are a good fit, and the senior has the chance to interview the family as well. The senior then decides on their pet's second permanent home, and the adoptees can keep in touch with the new owner and offer updates. One case that sticks out in her memory is helping a woman with terminal cancer find a new home for her cats, Koko and Lily. The woman passed away knowing her best friends had the best home. It was the last and most important thing on her to-do list. Angela's story is heartwarming and inspirational. She turned personal loss into a mission to help others and has made a real difference in the lives of both pets and seniors. Her grandfather's cat, Mackenzie, started it all, but Angela's dedication and passion have made 'My Grandfather's Cat' a lifeline for seniors and their furry companions.