if you have ever considered becoming a fosterparent, this is a great time to do it!

fostering is a vital, on-going need for most rescues as we struggle to pull cats from lethal situations of any sort, and into good forever homes. sometimes just having a place for a cat to stay overnight during a transport will make the difference between life and death.

fostering is a great way to help out without the long-term commitment of adoption. it's a wonderful way to learn about the different breeds/mixes to see if you might want to take one that breeds' rescue kitties in. it's an incredible way to give back to homeless cats some of the love your own have given you through the years.

a lot of folks say, "oh, i could NEVER foster, i'd want to keep them all!" well, that is only a problem if you let it be: when you take in a cat knowing that your only job is to help it feel safe, and learn to trust humans again, and then send it on to its forever home--well, you STILL cry when you say goodbye, but you know you've done great work. and by handing them over to their own families, you have the room in your heart and home to help out the NEXT one who is all alone.

rescue groups HIGHLY value their foster families, because we cannot do it without them. help is always available so you're not just out there on your own.

this summer has seen a great increase in the number of breeder-gone-wrong situations, hoarder/collector seizures, shelters having to close down, a kitten-season seemingly increased by the heat, and a higher than normal rate of burnout amongst the fosters and rescue folk who really need more help. there just isn't always the time to ASK for that help....

if you think you could be a foster parent, please contact your local rescue groups--if you don't know of any in your area, go to www.petfinder.com and plug in your state/zipcode, you may be AMAZED at how many groups are working behind the scenes right in your town. there is also a place on the petfinder site to volunteer as a foster (or other sort of helper) so groups in your region can find YOU. go to places like www.volunteermatch.com and see if there are groups looking for help....

if you don't think you can foster, there's all sorts of other ways you can help: making phone calls, answering emails, taking photos of the cats to be posted on petfinder and other webpages, working on the website, driving a transport leg.

call and offer your help; people and the cats DO need you.

the furry ones thank you!

(what could be BETTER than a litter of kittens you KNOW will be leaving about the time they become a pain?????? hee hee.....)




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PHCatByte

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