Volunteer Spotlight: Patsy and Zach Richardson
- Sarah Haag
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
A Grandmother-Grandson Duo Making a Difference
At P.A.W.S. Hancock, we’re lucky to have a dedicated team of volunteers who give their time, energy, and love to help animals in need. This month, we're thrilled to shine a light on one very special duo: Patsy and Zach Richardson—a grandmother and grandson team whose shared love for cats has blossomed into a heartfelt commitment to rescue work.
From a Love of Cats to a Life of Volunteering
Patsy and Zach began volunteering with P.A.W.S. Hancock in October 2024, sparked by Zach’s passion for cats. “He really wanted to volunteer somewhere with cats,” Patsy shared. “We had two at home—Molly and Raven—and he and his sister even completed the volunteer application themselves.” When Patsy received an email about the volunteer orientation, it was a natural next step for the family.
A Typical Tuesday: Cleaning, Caring, and Connecting
Their weekly routine centers around the cattery, where they show up on Tuesday evenings to care for the cats. While Patsy focuses on cleaning the suites, Zach enthusiastically plays with the cats, replenishes food and water, and—perhaps most importantly—gets to know each furry resident.
“Zach becomes very knowledgeable about the cats and loves talking to potential adoptive parents,” Patsy said. “He even brings his friends to help out—and one of them has signed up as a volunteer too!”
The duo also lends a hand at adoption events hosted at PetSmart and Tractor Supply, playing a role in finding loving homes for the cats they've come to know so well.
Finding Homes—and Building One Full of Love
Patsy and Zach’s passion for animal welfare doesn’t stop at volunteering. One particularly memorable experience began just before Christmas when their family fostered a grey kitten. Sadly, the kitten became ill and passed away—a heartbreaking moment for the entire family.
Not long after, a woman came into the cattery to surrender a pregnant mama cat. “Zach and I decided we would foster her,” Patsy recalled. “Two days later, she gave birth to four kittens. Our whole family pitched in to care for them.”
In true “foster fail” fashion, the Richardsons couldn’t let go. They adopted the entire feline family, bringing their household cat count to seven. “Our home is full of excitement now,” Patsy said.
Passion, Perseverance, and a Big Heart
For Patsy, the most rewarding moments are when older cats find their forever homes.
“Some of them have lost their owners under tough circumstances,” she explained. “There was a special cat named Indy—an older tabby who sat on his top shelf and just had this majestic, sweet presence. Everyone loved him. We were so happy when he finally found his forever home.”
Of course, the work comes with challenges too—especially when animals are sick or waiting a long time to be adopted. But Patsy and Zach stay motivated by focusing on their mission: giving these animals love, safety, and a second chance.
Words of Wisdom for Future Volunteers
When asked what advice she’d give to someone considering animal rescue work, Patsy’s response is simple yet profound: “These sweet animals all need love. Anything we can give is a blessing.” She adds, “You don’t have to give a lot. Just be there to help however you can.”
As for the future, Patsy hopes to see more community involvement and more volunteers stepping up. “There are so many animals out there who need love. More people need to spay and neuter their pets—and more people need to know what we do here.”
A Family of Cat Lovers and Community Builders
Patsy and Zach’s story is a heartwarming reminder that anyone—no matter their age—can make a meaningful impact. Whether it’s scooping litter, snuggling kittens, or just showing up with love and compassion, they’re helping build a better world for cats in need.
From all of us at P.A.W.S. Hancock: Thank you, Patsy and Zach, for your big hearts, joyful spirits, and unwavering dedication. You inspire us all! 🐾
Interested in volunteering like Patsy and Zach? We’d love to have you join our community! Learn more at www.pawshancock.org.