Mattie Jensen

We are fortunate to cross paths with wonderful people who share their talent and love with Chicagoland Animal Rescue’s (CAR’s) cats. Mattie is certainly one of them. After moving from Nashville to Chicagoland in 2018, she noticed a particular cat in the shelter while shopping at PetSmart. He drew her right in, she said, and she noticed he had been there a while.

Conversation led to other ways she could help CAR, and she’s been volunteering for about four years. Mattie embraced the opportunity as a way to help cats, give back, and meet people in her new community.

Mattie and Dexter (16)

Mattie, a microbiologist and mycology specialist, directs a cannabis analytical testing lab. Outside of work and volunteering, she enjoys video and board games with her husband, as well as music and concerts, and does concert photography on the side. She has a special interest in senior cats and has two who are adopted: Marki, a 19-year-old girl with spunk, and Dexter, a handsome 16-year-old guy. “I’m a sucker for older cats!” she says.

Mattie & Marki (19)

Her contributions to CAR are as varied as her interests. Twice per week, Mattie visits Missy Bella, a cat in foster who is learning to trust people. Missy Bella, she says with determination and care, has been one of her biggest challenges. Mattie also visits the shelter monthly to clean cages, feed kitties, and spend time with them. Behind the scenes, she helps with digital marketing to keep the cats and CAR’s mission front and center. Add “aspiring crafter” to the list! She and her mom, an avid crafter, make items together for one of CAR’s annual fundraisers.

Missy Bella had a tough past and receives extra TLC and support from our volunteers.

Mattie, you make the world a better place for cats in CAR’s care and for us! We are grateful that fateful day introduced us and owe you both a round of appaws!

Written by Stacey Field Cherwin