Where It All Began

You may be wondering what exactly the Rainbow Bridge Animal Angel Foundation is all about. It all started with a very special rescue cat named Drifter.

Drifter was a stray found wandering the dump at the Alexis reserve. He was in rough shape, thin and ill looking. Drifter was scavenging for garbage scraps, defending himself against elements such as other wildlife and the weather at the young age of 6 months. A local shelter was able to take him in and offer him medical help and find a loving, patient foster home (myself and my family). 

Drifter was a fighter! After a veterinary visit, it was discovered that Drifter was quite ill. He had HAWS syndrome, worms, was underweight and also had chronic pancreatitis. Drifter was treated for his HAWS syndrome and worms. To help Drifter live his best life, He was put on daily medication for life, to help his pancreas function properly as well as monthly B12 shots. 

Drifter fought daily to regain his strength and character! With the love and support of his foster family, and financial help from a local shelter, Drifter soon became a very healthy, happy, charismatic cat and was put up for adoption. 

Despite climbing the social media ladder with his famous bow tie pictures and videos, and attending every adoption event, Drifter never received an adoption request. People loved to follow him on social media and meet him at events, but the financial cost that came with him appeared to be too overwhelming for most. 

It wasn’t until day 387 in foster care that Drifter received his first and last adoption request! It was a perfect match! Drifter himself chose his adoptive mom!  I knew right away that he found his forever home with her!

Drifter went on to live his best life with his new mama for the next year and a half. His mama  was kind enough to still allow us, his foster family, to still be a part of his life and visit.

On May 28, 2024, I received a call from Drifters new mama saying Drifter wasn't doing well. I rushed to the vet to be with them both. Drifter was indeed not himself. He was lifeless. When the vet left the room, Drifter somehow mustered all the strength he had and climbed into my lap, looked at me for a few minutes and rested. As if to say, I love you and  thank you. 

The vet confirmed that Drifter had internal bleeding, seizures and his body was failing him. Despite all medical efforts taken, there was just no saving Drifter. Together, Drifters mama and I made the loving decision to have Drifter cross the rainbow bridge peacefully.  

It didn't take long  to decide that we wanted to honor Drifter in some way. Thus the Rainbow Bridge run was born! Our goal is to help chronically ill animals live their BEST life! Drifter was our inspiration that chronically ill animals really can have a good quality of life, they just need a little extra love and support. They are not just a “pet”, they are family! 

Rest in peace our sweet Drifter! Thank you for your love and life lessons. We will always remember you! 

“You were my favorite HELLO… and my hardest GOODBYE”- unknown