When most people think of Fostering they think of kids without homes. Well, Fostering is also for animals without homes. Fostering is rewarding and frustrating. It is heartwarming and heartbreaking. You will get purrs and headbutts and slobbery kisses. That dog or cat you helped save will look into your eyes and you see them say "Thank You". You will also pick up poop and give out meds. You may have to travel some, but I guarantee every mile is worth it.
There are shelters all over the South that are literally busting at the seams with homeless animals. Some of them are owner surrenders, others are strays. Some are mutts, others are purebred. All need homes, furever homes, temporary foster homes, somewhere safe for them to stay. Shelters and rescues rely on foster programs to help save animals. The process is usually similar to adopting...fill out some paperwork, verify your current pets are up-to-date on shots, and then decide who would be a good candidate for your foster home. If you open your home to a foster animal(s) then you allow a rescue group to save more lives or you give a shelter a few more days to find a place for your foster and it saves the next one who takes that spot too.
My fostering adventure began in November of 2010 with a little doxie mix named Wynona. She was terrified of men and spent most of her time shivering under my feet, but she was adopted just 2 weeks later and had I not fostered her, she would have been euthanized within 2-3 days. Next was Galaxy, then Nilla and Gunner, Stella, Snoopy, Sassy, Beau, Abby, and Honey. That's the dogs LOL! Galaxy was heartworm positive and without a foster would have been put to sleep. Beau was a sweet senior who was dumped by his owner after 10 years. My home was his final home...he just gave up, but he died knowing I loved him. Abby is still with me for another week or two. She is a deaf and partially blind aussie. She runs in circles and drives me crazy, but I lover her sweetness. Honey is an abused 5 month old pit bull. She is as sweet as her name, but hyper and we are working on manners (hahahaah).
I quickly realized that the cats were what really needed foster homes. My very first foster cat was a sweet, proud mama that was fiercely protective of her babies. I had to clean her cage wearing gloves and long sleeves to avoid wounds lol. But she and her babies found rescue and was saved because I gave up a corner of my bedroom. After that the spring hit and kitten season exploded. I fostered 4 litters at one time, and honestly, it was too much, but I survived. I have better fostering goals and expectations now. On the flip side I have helped to save almost 50 cats and kittens this past year. Wow! Here's a partial list of the cats (I know I won't get them all). Bucket Kittens - Cobalt, Bear, Nubby, Mister. Barn Kittens - Tippy, Lulu, and Hermione. Peanut Kittens - Frog and Turbo. Fern Kittens - Toes and Peaches. Molly, Olivia, Trail Mix, Estelle, Janet, Dorito, Bootsey. Romeo and Juliet. Alfie, Nicky, Noel, and Grey Boy. Kiwi and babies.
I foster for an incredible rescue now called Abby's Animal Angels. They are located in Greenville, SC and are a truly good rescue that know what they can and cannot handle. You can find them on facebook. Also, if you have some spare change, consider donating at http://buffysdemodex.chipin.com/bianca-and-babies or directly to our vet North Greenville Veterinary Hospital, 864-244-8281.
Fostering is not for everyone, I know this, but please consider opening your home to a cat or dog in need. If you want more information, just ask and I will point you in the right direction. I can tell you this, it feels good to save a life and rescue people are some of the best people in the world! Don't believe me? Give fostering a try and prove me wrong! LOL!
Adopt ~ Foster ~ Spay/Neuter ~ Volunteer ~ Sponsor ~ Transport
You can't do everything, but you can do something!
No comments:
Post a Comment