Who We Are

The Principles Behind the Purring

At Rugby’s Refuge, we believe every cat deserves a chance at a healthy, comfortable life—even the spicy ferals, neighborhood goblins, and “definitely not my cat” porch visitors.  Through spay/neuter, TNR, and compassionate veterinary care, we’re working to reduce overpopulation and improve life for cats and the humans who love (and are occasionally terrorized by) them.

Whether a cat comes from a cozy couch, a back alley, or someone’s shed “just for the winter,” every feline patient at Rugby’s Refuge receives the same kindness, respect, and quality care. Because in our book, every cat matters—even the grumpy ones who try to bite us for helping.

Our Founders – Where the Mission Began (and the Cat Hair Never Ends)

Meghan “Dr. Meg” Welch, DVM

Co-Founder/Board President/Medical Director

Dr. Meg has spent her entire life obsessing over cats—and fortunately turned that obsession into a career. With more than 50,000 feline spay/neuter surgeries under her belt, years of running a feline-exclusive veterinary hospital, and extensive TNR experience, she combines serious surgical skill with a soft spot for every scruffy, spicy, and lovable cat she meets. She currently shares her home with four cats, who remain unimpressed by her résumé.

Amber Mace

Co-Founder/Board Vice President/Technical Director

Amber brings 15+ years of feline-focused veterinary, behavioral, and rescue experience to Rugby’s Refuge, along with a talent for keeping both surgery days and chaotic cat situations running smoothly. A passionate TNR advocate and feline fixer-of-all-things, she believes patience, knowledge, and snacks can solve almost anything. When she’s not helping cats, she’s probably talking about cats, thinking about cats, or covered in cat hair.

Rugby

He Found ME – Inspiration and Professional Curmudgeon

Rugby was the kind of cat who could steal your heart while simultaneously judging your life choices. Equal parts adorable, grumpy, and deeply opinionated, he inspired the mission behind Rugby’s Refuge through his resilience, personality, and uncanny ability to demand love entirely on his own terms. Though he preferred life with a healthy dose of attitude, Rugby reminded everyone around him that every cat—especially the overlooked, complicated, and “furry little chaos goblins”—deserves compassion, safety, and care. He remains the heart of Rugby’s Refuge and the unofficial supervisor of all operations, preferably from a warm blanket on a soft couch across the Rainbow Bridge.