meet our team

our founders

Angela Rafuse
Founder and CEO

My Grandfather’s Cat was founded in Nova Scotia, Canada, by Angela Rafuse on May 18, 2021, her grandfather’s birthday.

She was inspired by her experience adopting her grandfather’s cat, Mackenzie, when he passed away. She started My Grandfather’s Cat at the age of 26 while living in her parents basement.

Angela has been named one of Atlantic Canada Business Magazine’s Top 30 under 30 Innovators, been nominated for Forbes Top 30 Under 30 and been named Animal Nonprofit CEO of the Year by the Canadian CEO Awards.

Mackenzie
Founding Cat

Mackenzie spent her life living in Nova Scotia, Canada. She enjoyed snuggling, kayaking, sunset walks on the beach, boat rides and bacon.

She gained more than 750,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok, and inspired people around the world to adopt senior cats from shelters.

She started going on adventures at the age of 15 when Angela adopted her. She passed away at the age of 17. She continues to inspire us every day and her legacy will live on through our work.

meet our board of directors

  • Andrea Daly
    Lawyer

  • Dr. Kayla Hyland
    Veterinarian

  • Philip Choi
    Nonprofit Executive Director

  • Sarah Greening
    Writer, Communications & Public Affairs

  • Dr. Sarah Squinas
    Veterinarian

Dr. Kayla Hyland
Volunteer Veterinarian

Based out of Guelph, Ontario, Kayla is a licensed veterinarian who received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Atlantic Veterinary College.

Kayla is a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Veterinarian with specialized training in pet bereavement and pet loss.

The work of My Grandfather’s Cat is close to Kayla’s heart, so she volunteers her knowledge to assist with our adoptions and our resource guide.

meet our volunteer adoption coordinators

  • Allie

  • Sarah

  • Vivian

  • Ashley

  • Lianne

  • Katie

  • Sarah

  • Casey

  • Kayla

  • Kinsey

  • Kate

  • Julie

  • Claire

  • Lish

  • Jordan

  • Emily

  • Patience

  • Patricia

  • Alex

  • Diane

  • Mackenzie

  • Melanie

  • Katie

  • Emma

  • Jenna

  • Chelsea

  • Colleen

  • Courtney

  • Zoe

  • Nicole

  • Sara

  • Karima

  • Scarlett