How the Rubinos Take Cat Enrichment to the Next Level
“We get out more, we’re off our phones, we’re off TV… It’s a win-win.”
— Brenda Rubino, Joybound Foster Volunteer
After spending six months without pets in their house, Brenda and Rick Rubino knew it was time to welcome animals back into their lives. Their children had left for college, and their house needed a little more energy. Wanting to test the waters before making a long-term commitment, they decided to try fostering cats with Joybound. With all the necessary supplies provided and continuous guidance from the foster team, Brenda and Rick felt fully empowered to give their foster cats the best possible care while experiencing a unique family bonding opportunity.
Inspiration struck when the couple noticed how much their cats (permanent residents and foster guests alike) loved sitting in the window to watch birds. After researching ideas online, Brenda and Rick decided to take their commitment to feline enrichment to the next level by building a custom catio in their yard. The new outdoor space quickly became a favorite spot for the whole household. Not only did the cats get a safe front-row seat to nature, but Brenda and Rick found themselves spending more time outdoors, stepping away from screens, and reconnecting with each other as they watched the cats play. In a video interview, the couple gleefully gushed to Joybound’s team, “We get out more, we’re off our phones, we’re off TV. We sit out there and watch the cats watch the birds. It’s a win-win.”
By building a sanctuary for their cats, Brenda and Rick are bringing joy (and fresh air) to both the people and the pets under their roof. And like many Joybound foster volunteers, fostering has been a delightful way to the whole family involved with volunteering, with Brenda telling us, “It’s been a great family bonding experience.”
For the Rubinos, fostering has shown that Joybound’s impact extends far beyond animal rescue. The supportive environment and community-focused mission make volunteers and adopters feel like they are part of something truly meaningful. As Brenda said, “It’s not just about the animals. It’s about bringing people together.“
Watch Joybound’s video featurette on Brenda & Rick below:
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