Connect How did your love story begin?

Neil took a wrong turn on the way to his routine coffee shop and stumbled upon the coffee shop I worked at as a barista. We quickly became best friends and one evening after 7 years of friendship, I looked at him and thought, "I want to hug and kiss him!" I couldn't believe it! Hug and kiss my friend!? I mustered up the courage to do it and it's been 14 years of being absolutely smitten with my best friend and animals!

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

We went to Japan, Neil's lifelong dream that we saved for years for and we did a go-kart tour around Tokyo which began at sunset. We watched one another laugh hysterically because we felt like we were in a video game zooming around the city! At one point my kart stalled and I got separated from the group. They had told us not to panic but I screamed in the Tokyo traffic anyway. When I finally joined the crew again Neil was laughing and that in turn made me giggle.

What would you do with $20,000?

Our hearts belong to the animals. All of them. Without a doubt, half of the money would go into a savings account for any future emergency medical cat or dog expenses. The other half would go towards Christine's schooling to be a clinical therapist specializing in couples therapy. That future would ensure the ability to care for more rescues while also fulfilling Christine's other dream of helping couples.