Staff at an animal shelter in Virginia were left in disbelief when Dr. Jill Biden made an unannounced visit—not for a formal event, but to help her aunt adopt a cat for her birthday
The surprise unfolded at the Richmond Animal League (RAL), where employees initially thought the news was a joke. A member of Biden’s security detail arrived earlier that day, informing the team she was on her way. Maura Varley, senior manager of client experience, told Newsweek via email that he kindly pulled out his ID and badge to assure the team that the visit was “very real.”
Word quickly spread, filling the animal shelter with a buzzing energy of excitement and nervousness. Senior Adoption Coordinator Megan Thrower said everyone was proud to invite her and her family into the shelter.
The visit, which lasted just under an hour, took place during one of the shelter’s busiest parts of the day, as it was open to the public and the team was hosting a kitten event. Despite the lively setting, staff thought the experience felt surprisingly calm and personal. Thrower said the team remained focused on finding the perfect cat for Biden’s aunt, Barbara, during the family outing.
Along with Biden and Barbara were the former first lady’s sisters, her aunt’s son and her daughter-in-law, as well as her security team. Staff described the group as warm, close-knit and deeply engaged in the adoption process. And Aunt Barbara, 89 years young, was especially “hilarious and so full of personality.”
“Before their aunt arrived, the nieces picked out cats and ‘pitched’ them,” Beth Shook, RAL administrative coordinator, said. “It was really cute to watch.”
Biden’s aunt came in with a particular cat in mind—one who was currently in foster care—but remained open to meeting others at the shelter. Plus, Varley said it did not seem like that cat would be a match for what Aunt Barbara was hoping for, which led her to meet other social and affectionate felines, including Milk.
This past winter, Milk was found alone outside. Those who discovered him kept him until he was diagnosed with feline leukemia virus (FeLV), a contagious viral infection that can weaken a cat’s immune system, leaving them more vulnerable to illness, infections and certain cancers, an article from Cornell University College of Veterinary Science states.
“Cats with FeLV often have a harder time finding homes,” Thrower said. “But anyone who has met one knows that they make wonderful pets.”
Milk stayed at the shelter for five days before Barbara arrived and fell in love with him.
“We’re so happy for Milk, and we hope his adoption inspires others to consider cats with the same diagnosis,” Thrower said.
For the RAL team, the visit held extra meaning as it came at the end of National Volunteer Appreciation Week. Plus, RAL Executive Director Larry Eason said the family picked this specific shelter as a member of the Biden family volunteered there.
“It was really special to have them here,” Varley said. “Moments like this shine a light on the importance of adoption and the work being done in shelters every day.”
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