We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind the success of Grateful Hearts is definitely a supportive family and the people you surround yourself with. This rescue would not exist without the fosters and volunteers that dedicate their love, time and energy to the kitties in our organization. They are the backbone of who we are. If I call and ask them to stretch to make room to save more lives they do it without hesitation. I also have a pretty amazing family. They support any crazy idea I want to do. They are always helping whether it be opening up their rooms to intake emergency kitties that need help, covering the store when I need it, thinking of creative ways to help or support me when that compassion fatigue sets in.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Grateful Hearts was born in September of 2019. I went to college before that to receive my Bachelors in Psychology. Prior to that, I dedicated my time to our son with special needs. Having an autistic child, I was determined to make sure he got everything he needed to have a chance at a successful life. Once he got older and more independent, I started to think about what I wanted to be when I grew up. Even though I will be 29 again this year, heehee, I feel like I’m just getting started. The possibilities to keep helping animals and people are endless! I want to make a difference in this world and not just with animals. The people that we connect with and help, that is our purpose. To feel love, kindness, to be connected to and a part of something is why we all are here. That’s what I want people to think when they see our logo or hear our name. We want to be known as the mom and pop shop of rescue. A storefront was opened this year filled with local artisans. It is a way to support locally owned businesses and still continue rescuing kitties. All the proceeds go back into the rescue. The goal is to expand the ability to rescue more kitties and support more artisans.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting one of the first places we would go is paddle boarding at the Salt River. There is something so beautiful and surreal about this amazing place tucked into the desert away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Seeing the Salt River horses and all the wildlife that surrounds it is so peaceful. After that, we would go for a breakfast/lunch at a local spot. Hiking the local trails is a must especially at sunrise or sunset. We have some of the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises. Taking a day trip to Sedona is also an amazing experience. If there was a show in town, we would hit our local theatre. I would take them to some of our favorite local restaurants like Boca or Tavern 22.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Prayer and guidance from The Lord has been a huge part of my journey. I never thought in a million years this is what I would be doing in life. I have been saving kitties for over 13 years. I get to do that and help people along the way. I’ve met some compassionate and wise people throughout this whole rescue journey. I have a pretty amazing and supportive family. They are always there no matter what I need. The phrase there’s a cat in your bathroom, is a phrase often spoke to my family. They just say ok and go on with what they were doing. It’s usually only for a few days but it’s still sharing their space with an animal. They are always supportive with different ideas, if I need help at the store or something that needs built. They are pretty awesome!

Website: https://Www.gratefulheartsrescue.org

Instagram: @gratefulheartsrescue

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gratefulheartsrescue?

Image Credits
Credit to all the fosters who sent images of their foster kitties.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.