Catfest is the one event we pour our hearts into every year. We spend months preparing to make it special, and every year our goal is the same—to help as many cats as possible find their forever homes. This year, Catfest meant so much more.
On July 23, 2026, just two days before the event, we unexpectedly lost our fearless director and founder, Jennifer Nosler. Since founding LWTCBI in 2008, Jennifer dedicated her life to teaching us how to love, advocate for, and care for every cat that came through our doors. We were devastated.
As we grieved, we questioned whether Catfest should even happen. But we knew Jennifer would never have wanted us to stop. Her mission was bigger than any one of us, so we chose to honor her by carrying it forward.
With heavy hearts, we opened Catfest. The first adoption of the day was Kiowa, our sweet mama of six. Then our FOX21 kittens, Justin and Krista, found a wonderful home together. Nic and Julie also stole the hearts of a loving family. While Jimmy didn’t find his forever home that day, he’s happily roaming our Cat Café, waiting for the perfect family to find him.
Throughout the event, we were overjoyed by the kindness of our community. Donations were made in Jennifer’s honor, and so many people stopped by to share memories and offer their condolences.
Jennifer may not have been with us physically, but we felt her spirit in every adoption, every smile, and every life changed.
Catfest 2026 will forever be remembered—not only for the homes we found, but for the legacy we promised to continue.