Help Cowboy Cat Wrangler Bob Lynch Get Back on the Road to Care for Philly’s Cats
Hey everyone, it’s Bob—your Cowboy Cat Wrangler. I can’t thank The Bridge Clinic and Rescue Purrfect enough for setting up this GoFundMe to help me get back on the road. I’m truly overwhelmed by the support and generosity I’ve already seen from so many of you. Every donation is going toward replacing my vehicle so I can keep doing what I love: caring for Philly’s homeless cats (and, let’s be honest, a few raccoons, skunks, and opossums too).
There’s even better news—a donor has stepped up and is matching donations up to $10,000! That’s HUGE. Plus, anything you give through GoFundMe is tax-deductible.
For those of you who don’t know, back in April 2024, my Jeep was hit head-on while I was stopped on Bustleton Ave in Northeast Philly. That Jeep was my lifeline—it got me everywhere I needed to go to care for my colony cats and handle rescue and TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) requests. Transport food, animals & equipment. Since then, I’ve been relying on the kindness of others for rides, and while I’m beyond grateful for their help, it’s been tough.
Every day, rain or shine, snow or wind, I’m out there feeding, sheltering, and looking after more than 100 cats across NE Philly. These cats wait for me every night, often hungry and relying on me to bring them food, water, and sometimes just a little kindness. I’ve worked with some incredible vets and clinics over the years—including my amazing partners at The Bridge Clinic—to spay and neuter thousands of cats through TNR. It’s not just a job to me—it’s my heart.
To get back to fully supporting these cats, I’m hoping to get a van or SUV. A vehicle like this will not only get me back on my daily routes but also allow me to transport animals safely, haul trapping equipment, and carry food for all the colony cats I feed. The added space and functionality will be a game-changer for the work I do.
Financially, I’m stuck living off of permanent SSDI income after a life-altering stroke I suffered years ago while working as a mortgage broker. As a man, it’s devastating. Being told I’d never be the same—because my thinking, memory, constant fatigue, anxiety, depression and fine motor coordination were all affected—was tough to hear. I’ll always have cognitive and emotional challenges, and I have a 65% chance of having a recurring event. I’ll remain on medication for the rest of my life. And let’s just say, the back injuries and surgeries? That’s a story for another time!
At first, any kind of work felt impossible. But I pulled myself up by my bootstraps and opened a small electronic repair business selling video games. While running that, I started taking care of the stray cats in my neighborhood. Unfortunately, after a flood at my business and then the pandemic, I had to close the doors after 13 years. But instead of giving up, I threw myself 100% into volunteering to care for the community cats in my area. My goal is to start my own nonprofit in the very near future.
I’ve been part of this community for years, and I’ve partnered with The Bridge Clinic and Rescue Purrfect to make a real difference. These folks are doing amazing things. Through their Shelter Fund, Life-Saving Fund, and Legacy Fund, they’re helping pets get the care they need, supporting families, and building a better future for animals and our community. I can’t recommend enough that you check them out at www.thebridgeclinic.org. Follow them, like their page, share their mission—and if you can, donate. Every bit helps keep their incredible work going.
Not having a car has been more than just an inconvenience—it’s been heartbreaking. I couldn’t get to my dad when he was sick in the hospital. I missed the birth of my second grandchild. And without transportation, even simple things like grabbing groceries or going to the doctor feel impossible.
This vehicle isn’t just about me—it’s about the cats that depend on me every day. They need me to show up, and I need to be there for them.
If you’re able to donate, I’d be so grateful. If you can’t, that’s okay too—sharing this fundraiser helps a ton. And if you haven’t already, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube to keep up with my Cowboy Cat Wrangler adventures.
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for caring about Philly’s homeless cats and about me. Let’s keep making a difference together!
Thank you & God Bless
Bob Lynch “Cowboy Cat Wrangler”
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