About TiggerTown

What started with two tiny orange kittens became a mission to save lives.

TiggerTown's story began long before we became an official rescue organization.

Our Beginning

Years ago, when Candice and her son Eli lived in Arlington, Texas, they began rescuing cats together. Living less than five miles from a very high-kill animal shelter, they quickly saw the desperate need for people willing to step in and help. After taking in their first litter—six tiny Siamese kittens who were only four weeks old—they were hooked. What started as helping a few kittens soon became a passion and a calling.

The Story Behind TiggerTown

One of the most important chapters in the TiggerTown story began when two tiny orange foster kittens came into their lives at just 10 days old. They named them Brother and Sister. Brother was a healthy, short-haired ginger kitten. Sister, his long-haired littermate, faced challenges from the beginning.

When the kittens were about 12 weeks old, it became clear that Sister suffered from a severe digestive disorder. Three veterinarians recommended euthanasia, but Candice and Eli simply couldn't accept that there wasn't another answer. Brother was deeply bonded to Sister and never left her side. He slept beside her kennel, played with her through the bars, and faithfully sat by the sink while she endured multiple baths every day. Looking back through photos, they were almost always curled together in the shape of a heart.

After trying every treatment and specialty food available, they finally discovered a diet that worked. Almost overnight, Sister improved. By then, the bond between the family and the kittens was unbreakable, and there was no way they could be adopted out.

During this journey, Brother became Tigger because he looked just like the beloved Winnie the Pooh character, while Sister was given the name Nala because she looked like Nala from Lion King. Somehow, Nala remained "Sister," while Tigger's name stuck forever.

Tigger's unwavering loyalty, determination, and devotion to caring for Sister became the inspiration behind the name TiggerTown. His dedication embodied everything we wanted our rescue to represent: never giving up, always fighting for the animals that need us most, and believing every life is worth saving.

Bringing TiggerTown Home

Before leaving Texas, Candice and Eli helped save 134 animals. When the family moved back home to Chattanooga, Tennessee, TiggerTown was officially founded and the mission continued.

Paw-Mart Distribution Program

In 2019, TiggerTown expanded its reach by launching the Paw-Mart Distribution Program. What began as a way to help a handful of local rescues has grown into a resource that now serves more than 100 rescue groups, shelters, community cat organizations, and animal welfare programs throughout the Southeast. Through Paw-Mart, TiggerTown distributes donated pet food, treats, toys, cleaning supplies, bedding, and other essential items that help rescue organizations stretch limited budgets and save more lives. By supporting other rescues, shelters, and community programs, TiggerTown is able to impact thousands of animals each year beyond those that enter our own care.

Over the years, TiggerTown also expanded from rescuing only cats to saving dogs as well. From neonatal kittens and senior cats to abandoned puppies and special-needs dogs, our mission has always been the same: provide every animal with the care, medical attention, and second chance they deserve.

Today, TiggerTown is led by

Today, TiggerTown is led by husband-and-wife team Candice and Jim McCoy. While Eli remains actively involved as a board member and supporter of the organization, he has graduated college and is building his own path in life. The day-to-day operations are now managed by Candice and Jim, who share a passion for animal welfare and a commitment to helping animals in need.

Tigger's Legacy

A few years ago, we experienced one of the hardest losses imaginable when Tigger crossed the Rainbow Bridge. While he is no longer physically with us, his legacy lives on every day through Sister and through every animal whose life is touched by TiggerTown. Sister still reminds us where this journey began, and Tigger's spirit continues to inspire everything we do.

Today, TiggerTown's programs include:

• Rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption of cats and dogs
• Medical care for sick, injured, and special-needs animals
• The Paw-Mart Distribution Program serving rescue partners throughout the Southeast
• Community support for shelters, rescue groups, and animal welfare organizations
• Education and advocacy for responsible pet ownership

What started with one determined little orange kitten has grown into a rescue dedicated to giving every animal a chance. Whether we're bottle-feeding orphaned kittens, helping a neglected dog heal, supporting another rescue through Paw-Mart, or matching a pet with its forever family, our mission remains unchanged:

To love them, fight for them, and never give up on them—just like Tigger never gave up on Sister.

While Tigger is no longer physically with us, his spirit lives on through Sister and through every life touched by TiggerTown.  His loyalty, determination, and unwavering devotion continue to inspire everything we do.