Connect How did your love story begin?

Nose prints. Our lives and relationship really has been centered around our shared love of animals. While working in a service department I noticed Alex had what looked like dog nose prints on his back windows. When I pointed them out he told me all about his dog Hazel who we now lovingly refer to as the "nose print culprit". We had our first date shortly after that and the rest is history.

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

The first adoption from our cat cafe. Watching that first little kitten head out the door was rewarding beyond words. Every late night hammering what felt like a thousand nails, every brush stroke of meticulously picked out paint, every bit of financial stress and last minute touches were worth it. As soon as he left we locked the door, hugged each other as tight as we could, and cried tears of relief. We had done it. We changed his story and helped his new family find their best friend.

What would you do with $20,000?

Our mission is to really grow our cat cafe into something even more special. Currently we have adopted out almost two hundred cats in just two years in our small town but putting this money into a bigger space will allow us to grow even more and house more cats which will hopefully lead to more adoptions and connections with our community. We have many residents who are unable to have pets and this would help us sponsor events for those who can't afford to come in as often as they'd like.