A neighbor mentioned MLCR when she found a cat behind her shed and how kind the rescue team was. Audrey immediately called to learn more.

Having fosters fulfills Audrey’s dream to have a house full of kittens! Now in their fourth year volunteering with Must Love Cats Rescue, this family has made helping animals a way of life. Every animal—lost, injured, or that wanders into their life—they try their best to help. From chicks with a broken foot to butterflies with only one wing, her children have the biggest hearts for animals of every size and species.

Her Foster Journey

• 4 Years Strong — Volunteering with Must Love Cats Rescue since 2022

• Family Operation — Her three kids (Reese, 8th grade; Shay, 6th grade; Trace, 2nd grade) are hands-on helpers with everything from bathing kittens to administering vaccines to burrito-holding spicy fosters

• Triple Foster Failure — Her husband, initially very hesitant about fostering, has now "foster failed" three times!

• All In — Once expressed a blocked milk duct from a nursing mother cat—"that's something we don't do every day!"

• Community Builder — Believes strongly that volunteers are never alone; encourages new fosters to ask questions and reach out to anyone

Her Furever Crew

All three of their rescue cats love to play fetch—and many of their foster kittens have learned this game too!

• Cookie — 3-year-old tuxedo, called their "Squishmallow"

• Cayenne — 3-year-old Bombay, a one-person cat who basically lives in Reese's bedroom

• Leo — 2-year-old Siamese mix, the family doorman and "4th child" due to his demanding personality and constant talking

Her Foster Philosophy

• Kids belong in the work — Audrey encourages allowing young children to hold and play with foster cats; teach them how to hold safely and let them be involved

• Simple is best — Her favorite (and most underrated) toy is also the cheapest: pipe cleaners. Cats love to carry them, knock them around, slide them on the floor—it's her go-to for every new foster.

• Send comfort home — Kittens choose a favorite toy during their stay, and she sends those home with them when they're adopted.

What She'd Say to First-Time Volunteers:

"We are a community and you are not alone. Ask questions, reach out to anyone, and between the poop scooping and chaos, enjoy them! Allow your young children to hold and play with foster cats. Teach them how to hold them safely and let them be involved."

Audrey’s Biggest Win?

Watching her children grow into such caring people means everything. From bathing and assisting with vaccines to constantly scooping litter—her kids step in to help nonstop. They are gentle, and their love of nature is evident in all they do outside of the home. She could not be prouder.