Planning for the future is something many people take seriously, especially when it comes to what will happen after they pass. Among the concerns often raised is, “What will happen to my pets when I’m gone?” It’s heartbreaking to think about, but countless animals are taken to shelters once their elderly owners can no longer care for them or pass away. Angela Rafuse from Nova Scotia, Canada, found herself in the middle of such a situation in 2020.
Angela had always cherished the memories of her childhood spent with her grandparents, Esther and Byron Rafuse. Their home was a lively one, filled with a variety of animals—everything from cats and dogs to birds, chickens, and even a pig. The couple had raised three children and proudly watched their family grow to include six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
After Byron passed away in 2019, the last remaining pet in their home was Mackenzie, a 14-year-old cat known for being, well, less than friendly. Despite the deep bond between their family and animals, nobody was willing to take Mackenzie in. Angela knew her grandfather would have been devastated to know the cat might end up in a shelter, especially since Mackenzie’s age and prickly personality would make it hard to find her a new home. So, Angela made the tough but heartfelt decision to adopt Mackenzie herself.
Winning over Mackenzie’s heart was no easy feat, but Angela was determined. During their first Christmas together, she shared a video of the cat’s quirky behavior on TikTok, and to her surprise, the video went viral. As the video gained traction, Angela began receiving messages from people all around the world. Many shared similar experiences of inheriting pets from family members, and this flood of stories gave Angela an idea.
“The more I shared our story, the more I realized so many other families went through this, so I decided to start this charity to help,” Angela said.
That charity, aptly named My Grandfather’s Cat, was created to help senior citizens and people who are terminally ill find homes for their pets after they can no longer care for them. Instead of leaving things to chance, the charity lets owners take control by allowing them to choose who will adopt their beloved animals. This not only helps keep pets out of shelters but also ensures peace of mind for the owners.
“They get to interview each family that’s interested in adopting their animal, and ultimately they choose who adopts their animal,” Angela explained.
In just a couple of years, My Grandfather’s Cat has helped more than 100 pets find new homes. The charity has also grown significantly, with volunteers working across Canada to rehome animals for those approaching the end of their lives. All of this is done at no cost to the pet owners.
These poor kitties were rescued from an animal cruelty case where they were starved, locked in cages with inches of feces, and received no water or food. Now, these cats need your help!
Angela’s TikTok presence has continued to expand, and Mackenzie has become something of an internet star herself! The charity’s online store even features a best-selling sweater with Mackenzie’s famously grumpy face. Angela has turned a difficult, emotional situation into a powerful mission, helping countless families and pets through their own transitions.
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@angrafus3 She just has to let me know who is in charge #cat #catsoftiktok #catlover #catlovers #grumpycat #meancat ♬ original sound – angrafus3