Take a Chance This Fall and Fall into Fostering!
How did I get into fostering?
I work in the public school system and for many years I was getting cats and kittens to rehome that were dropped off at the school or feral cats that were pregnant and then needed help to have a safe place to survive the blistering climate of our very own dazzling, dynamic and sometimes deadly desert. The staff always wanted to adopt them, shout out to all people in education…you really do care about all life.
I followed Anthem Pets for many years on various New River, Desert-Hills and Anthem sites. One day a gorgeous 3-month kitten had been abandoned and needed a foster. My heartstrings were pulled and I knew I could care for this little one and get her adopted. I called the number saying, “Hey I think I would be a good fit to foster that little girl.” Then, I smiled at my fiancé sitting next to me, bless his kind soul, and said, “I think we need to foster this kitten.” *Insert cheesy smile and puppy-dog pleading eyes* I showed him the picture of the sweet baby and we were off to get our first Foster. The people from Anthem Pets vetted me, checked my living situation and gave me the education I needed to follow the Anthem Pets guidelines. It was really fun and easy.
Why do I keep fostering with Anthem Pets?
Pfft…easiest question ever! Cause it is truly rewarding to work with a fantastic group of people to find homes for dogs and cats. Just the other day I got a random number texting me a pic of a kitten that had been adopted from me 6 months ago. The adopter loved their newest family member. In the pic, this one-eyed precious fur ball was nestled between pink pillows and looked so spoiled. Good. That is awesome!
What is it like fostering?
Sometimes, my fosters are very high maintenance, like having to wake up nightly to bottle feed for 5 weeks or I intake injured and sick kittens that need support and patience. They are just like humans. Animals need consistent love, support and guidance. One of my favorite fosters named TUM-TUM, because she was severely underweight and her skin was falling off due to being abandoned with no mother to groom her, became the most loving, sweetest baby. While she was growing it was like only her tummy grew and she walked like an Oompa-Loompa. Once healthy, I couldn’t sit on the couch without having to check for TUM-TUM. She knew a human had saved her and loved unconditionally. Her adopter took both her and a sibling which made me happy.
What if I am too afraid to take in a high-need kitten?
Then don’t. There are so many situations that just require love and a litterbox. Sometimes the cats we get are from an unexpected family death and you can help by being there for them until they find their next forever home. The world we live in is one twisty, windy, wonderful place. When things do go astray, fostering is just one way you can help. Through the last 3 years with Anthem Pets, we have fostered around 30 cats and kittens. Every one of them was worth it.
I think my cue to stop writing has commenced since my first foster fail is attacking my foot and wanting to play so I will leave you with this; people always recall kindness, like when the person in the parking lot helps you with the bags you are about to drop and they save the day by sparing your precious pop from a perilous death on the blacktop. A little act of human kindness always makes my day. Think about it, a little compassion in life goes a long way. Show that kind heartedness to an animal in need and often you will get a new friend that makes your life so much more enjoyable. That sounds like a great deal to me.
Toodle-Loo,
Angela and Chris
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Please consider becoming a foster. The need is great, and you can make a real difference in the life of a pet. Click here to read about fostering with Anthem Pets.