ambassador
Nulo partner, Brenna Huckaby, is a three-time Paralympic gold medalist and five-time World Champion in para snowboarding. She’s known for her incredible resilience and advocacy for disability inclusion. She lost her right leg to osteosarcoma at age 14 but went on to become one of the most decorated athletes in her sport. Huckaby has competed in two Paralympics, winning a total of four medals.
Beyond the slopes, Brenna is a devoted mother to her two daughters and wife to her husband, Tristan. As a passionate advocate for disability inclusion and mental wellness, she uses her platform to inspire others to embrace their worth and find their purpose. Her family wouldn't be complete without Mouse, her Cornish Rex cat, who she calls her "goddess" and "diva." Mouse provides Brenna with the unconditional love and emotional support that fuels her through the pressures of competition.
Brenna sat down with our team to share how Mouse has become an essential part of her family's daily life and mental wellness routine.
Tell us about Mouse and how she became part of your family.
Mouse is a Cornish Rex. She's a year and a half old, born on February 28th, and it's a celebrated day in our home! She's a diva and our goddess, and she's amazing and we love her. She's really small with these giant ears. She's really playful, likes to climb on things, and gets the zoomies. We brought Mouse into our home because we were ready for a pet, but also my husband Tristan wanted a secondary companion for when I was traveling on the road. Tristan thinks Mouse is his cat, but Mouse is my cat. She definitely loves him a little bit more than me, I think, but I win her over.
What are some of Mouse's favorite activities, and what do you love doing together?
Mouse likes to play. She loves hair ties, so we have one attached to a string and we just wiggle it and she pounces and chases and attacks it. We also like to play a game called Evil Kitty. Basically, she has this hammock and she'll get into it, then I'll say "evil kitty time" and wiggle my fingers and she eats my hand. We also do it at the top of the stairs through the banister, and she waits for me at bedtime after I tell the girls goodnight. She's leash trained and enjoys walking in nature and being outside and climbing. We have rocks in our backyard and she loves to climb on them. She's an adventure cat!
How do you approach nutrition as an athlete, and why do you want the same quality for Mouse?
My nutrition journey has been a struggle for the majority of my career. I have ADHD, which makes it easy for me to forget to eat when I get into the groove of things. This year, I decided to listen to my nutritionist, hit my protein goals, and eat every time they tell me to. I've doubled my PR in multiple weightlifting exercises. My body can't do what I want it to if I don't fuel it for that purpose. I care about what Mouse eats because I love playing with her and I want her to be able to jump high, run fast, and go on walks. The best way to do that is to give her food that's going to fuel those activities. That's why we choose Nulo for Mouse.
What role has Mouse played in supporting you through your journey as an athlete?
It's silly to think about my cat supporting me through my journey because she's a cat, but she is 100% emotional support. I know at the end of the day, it doesn't matter what I do, what I say, how I placed—she's going to give me purrs if I work for them. And I love that she loves me. Maybe secondary to my husband, but still, she loves me. Mouse is my first cat and she's just so important to me. I want to give her the best of everything, including the best nutrition.
Which Nulo products does Mouse enjoy the most?
Mouse loves mealtime with her FreeStyle chicken and cod kibble mixed with any of the Signature Stews from the variety pack to keep each meal different and interesting. I love that Mouse is getting the nutrition she needs to thrive!
Try Brenna and Mouse's Picks
Each day, Brenna feeds Mouse a mix of these great Nulo foods to fuel her incredible journey with her. Mixing and matching the products keeps things fun and exciting for Mouse, and can for your pet as well.
SEE MORE ABOUT BRENNA AND MOUSE ON INSTAGRAM @BREN_HUCKS
