Our Story
KitKat, the one who started it all! AKA Management, AKA Bwana the Great Hunter, AKA KITTY! Responsible for security and perimeter checks and entertainment. The love of our lives. 6/17/2002 – 03/07/2016
My husband, Manny Rios, was never a cat person. He preferred dogs and had several when he was younger.
When we moved to Bristol late in 2005, KitKat showed up as I waited on the porch for the moving van. I told Manny NOT to let him into the house because I would become too attached and then I knew he would make me get rid of him.
Fast forward five or six months and I came home from work one day to find them both belly up in the sunroom. KitKat never left after that and they were inseparable.
First day on the job as head of security. KitKat would protect me and provide “nourishment” for me while Manny was traveling for work.
Don’t ask how many animals I had to chase around my house before getting them out!!
Secured with a PetSafe inground fence, he had the run of the property, patrolling the edge for intruders.
Many a squirrel tempted him to find a way to escape the boundary. He always blamed the squirrel.
“I’m Management and I approve this beverage.”
As most cats do, KitKat liked the sink.
Why? Anyone know why they like the sink so much???
A very short walk with Grandson Nicholas (pun intended) – January 2010
Love of our lives
06/17/2002-03/07/2016
When KitKat died early in 2016, we were both devastated.
Manny immediately signed up for PetFinder and located a female cat named Tiny who was close by. Tiny’s story was she was found exiting a wooded area with four kittens in tow. And she was only four pounds, herself!
But when we went to meet her, a different cat decided Manny was his person. The Universal Cat Distribution System claimed another pawrent. Enter Stubby.
Stubby had been in rescue for seven years at that point. His foster mom made us an offer -pay the adoption fee for Tiny, and we could take Stubby home with us, too, for free!
And so it was…
Stubby became Manny’s new shadow.
Stubby also helped Manny with any computer work.
Sometimes Stubby would even hang out with me! Thanks dude.
Stubby had a stroke called a saddle thrombus, also known as feline aortic, thromboembolism (FATE). It is a serious condition where a blood clot blocks blood flow to the hind legs. The vet said his prognosis wasn’t good and that most do not live long afterwards, but Manny refused to give up on him. He did physical therapy on Stubby several times a day, trying to get his back legs to work again. There was a calendar on the refrigerator with the numerous medications and doses for each day. Slowly, Stubby began to walk again. He lived a year and a half after his stroke. The vet called him The Miracle Cat.
After that, Manny’s mission became “saving the world one cat at a time.” Dos Rios Resque now uses that as one of our hashtags.
We took in our first foster kittens in the fall of 2018, two calico sisters. They were adopted together in the spring of 2019. And we were hooked. Dos Rios Resque obtained 501c3 status in July 2021.
Since Manny’s passing in early 2024, I strive every day in every way to honor him and continue his mission of saving the animals. One at a time. We aren’t a big organization, but we are a proud one. I couldn’t do it without my Assistant Directors, Jenny and Marti. They have kept the wheels a-turnin for me as we venture on without him. “May his memory be for a blessing.” But most of all, I cannot do this without the love, encouragement, and support from all of our followers.
I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for helping us help them!
Much love and cat hair,
