Is there anything better than coming home after a long day and snuggling with some kittens? What about running around playing with a puppy or two?
The world of fostering is an interesting one. My family and I had thought about it for years, but we didn't officially sign up until after we lost our oldest cat a few years back. By no means were we trying to replace our sweet girl, but rather honor her nurturing personality by raising some kittens until they were old enough to be spayed/neutered and then adopted. I'm proud to say that we've raised 86 cats and 3 dogs since then; better yet, we had the fortune of adopting two of them for ourselves.
Sound interesting? Let me fill you in on the details.
1. Raised for their forever homes
The hardest thing about fostering animals is falling in love with them and then taking them back to the shelter to be adopted. However, you have the knowledge that you gave them a roof over their heads and a copious amount of love to prepare them for their forever homes (as well as several photos and videos saved on your phone of them).
P.S., if your foster animals happen to be adopted by your family/friends/co-workers, you can visit them as they grow up into adults!
2. Helping the scared and/or sick
Sometimes you have animals that come in who have had a rough start to their lives. Whether they were found as strays or arrived at the shelter with an illness, you can provide them with comfort by reinstating their faith in humans and giving them the medicine they need to feel better. However, be sure to communicate with the shelter about any pets that you have so both parties won't be sick or in danger.
3. The miracle of life
When life offers you the option to foster a pregnant cat, you take it! It's all about keeping her feeling peaceful until she goes into labor and you excitedly Snapchat all your friends blurry selfies with the caption "IT'S HAPPENING." After the kittens are born, you get to watch them grow and develop their personalities! One of the best feelings of the world is holding a newborn kitten (if the mom allows it) in the palm of your hand and admiring how big they are about six weeks later.
4. It can reduce anxiety
Multiple studies (like this one) have shown that interacting with pets does wonders for people's health, emotions, and relationships. Animals can be some of the best listeners or sympathizers on the longest days.
5. It helps control the pet population
While puppies and kittens are amazing, fostering programs can encourage neutering/spaying. This, in turn, helps keep animals from being born in the streets, getting sick, and/or being brought into a pound.
6. Helping your community from the comfort of your own home
This method of volunteering is perfect for people who prefer to stay home. For example, many pets are displaced in the event of tragedies, like the recent hurricanes, and are much safer lodging in homes while the affected area is helped and repaired.
Unfortunately, not everyone is able to foster animals due to rental agreements, allergies, pets of their own, etc. If your local shelter has the option, you could always choose to volunteer directly from there, visit frequently to give love to all the animals waiting to be adopted, or donate money/supplies to the shelter. There are so many purr-fect ways to help out some animals this holiday season; it's not so ruff!