Why we foster

Описание: Why we foster

I'd like to take a few minutes to talk about fostering and adoption. I've received a number of comments asking/begging/demanding me to keep Biscuit and Grayvy. When it's time for my fosters to be adopted, I find it important that I repeat this message--"Why we foster". There are people who are still new to my page, and they might not have had a chance to watch my video "Why we foster".

I started fostering mainly to help Phoebe overcome her fear of cats. She was terrified of cats, and finding a cat to work with on a regular basis was challenging in my neighborhood. So, I said, let's foster a kitten! She should be less fearful of a little one, I thought. I like doing things that are multi-purpose. While I help Phoebe, I can also help homeless kittens. My original plan was to foster once or maybe twice, just until Phoebe becomes ok with kittens. I always loved cats, but my husband was more of a dog person. He agreed to fostering kittens for a short term just for Phoebe's sake. When Phoebe met our first set of kittens, she was still scared of them. She was growling and didn’t know what to do with those tiny “creatures”. Fast forward, as you've seen...She turned into the gentlest, most patient kitten nanny to all my kittens. She absolutely loves taking care of the babies, then when they are bigger, she is their playmate.

If you have seen my older videos of Phoebe and the kittens, it is clear how much she loves each one of them. She hasn't really attached herself to any particular kitten, but I think she loves them all equally, yet differently. If a kitten is shy, Phoebe would act extra gentle. If a kitten is a playful ginger, then she acts friskier. When kittens leave, she has not shown any sign of depression or sadness as some people might wonder. She loves her job as a kitten nanny and I believe it is her "calling".

We fell in love with fostering kittens, even my husband. He and I decided we should continue fostering because of all the positive things that come out of it. By fostering kittens, we are saving not only their lives, but the lives of other cats indirectly by making more room in the shelter. The famous saying "Fostering saves lives" is absolutely true. By providing them with a safe, loving and enriching home for a short few months, we are preparing them to find the forever family they deserve. Phoebe and BB are teaching the kittens that some dogs will be extremely trusting, but not all dogs will accept them right away.

When my kittens get to a certain weight, my heart sinks, because I know the time is near for me to let them go. I don't know how many times I asked my husband if we should keep the kittens. He reminds me why we are fostering. "I know, I know...but..." It is impossible not to get attached after bottle feeding them 5-6 times a day, cleaning their bums, and overcoming health issues. They are literally my babies... As I type this, Biscuit is purring loudly and pressing his little orange head into my chest asking for a head rub. He makes me so very happy, but I also feel a little guilty that their future family is missing out on the precious kitten stage. My heart knows it's not time for me to stop fostering. If we keep our fosters now, we won't be able to continue this positive cycle. If we foster two kittens every 10 weeks, we'd be helping roughly 10 homeless kittens annually.

I have fostered Border Collies and other herding dogs since 2010. I've "rehabbed" them, trained them, and found them wonderful families. I still talk to some of the families and they tell me how much their pups mean to them. Fostering Border Collies officially ended when I finally "failed" and adopted BB and Phoebe. One day, we will adopt our own kits, too. I don't know how soon or how far, but I know we will. Until then, this is what we do.

I understand that many people fell in love with Biscuit and Grayvy, and other kittens I fostered. And you want to continue watching them grow. Me too! That is why I personally ask my adopters to create a facebook page, just like the mom of Gremlins has done. (Sir Bosco and The Gremlins of Kenosha) I am trying to do what's best for everyone. What's "best" might change in the future, but until then, I hope you enjoy following the story of BB and Phoebe, and the foster kittens.

Thank you for reading till the end. Your love and support mean so much to me.