Susan Kaufmann

My love for animals started from the time I could walk and talk. I hugged every dog and cat I met (regardless of whether or not they actually wanted a hug), and my mom had to pry me off the little metal horses on springs on the playground. She used to dread taking me to stores with the automated horses you could “ride” for a quarter.

I grew up as an Army brat on several military bases, and I once decided every dog in the neighborhood looked hungry and fed them a big, brand new box of Milkbones dumped out on the driveway. From there on out we always had dogs waiting outside for me like groupies.

My parents mistakenly thought my obsession with animals was a phase. My husband, Scott, has resigned himself to coming home to a new cat, kitten or dog in the house on a frequent basis.

I have been active in Kansas City animal welfare and rescue for more than 15 years. In addition to my role as founder and board president of Meowy Matchmakers Cat Rescue, I also serve as board president for Friends of KCK Animal Services and on the board of directors for Fix’emKC. 

I strongly believe in the mission of Meowy Matchmakers along with the rest of our board, fosters and volunteers. I have a sign that hangs in my house that says, “Saving one cat will not change the world. But for that one cat the world will change forever.” I am so proud of our little cat rescue that believes we can save the world one cat at a time.

My husband and I are pet parents to a motley crew of dogs and cats as well as active foster parents. We adopt senior dogs and cats with special needs, each and every one who bless our lives in countless ways.