Our Humane Society (Tacoma/Pierce County) is jam packed with kittens. They've got TWELVE sets that need to go into foster homes immediately. Some are moms with kittens, some are orphaned kittens.
They range in age and quantity.
Thinking about fostering, now is a REALLY good time to give it a whirl.
The number for the foster program is 253-284-5858.
Since we don't have the room to foster at our house (for now), I have been investigating volunteer opportunities at the MSPCA. The only thing that's stopped me so far is the very real possibility that I will come home with a tortie girl every time I go. Any volunteers have advice on this front?
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ReplyDeleteThere are so many kitties out there that need homes. I was like that myself for a little while. I hope those cats find furever homes soon!
ReplyDeleteAlicia, if you're not in a position to foster for yourself, please still spread the word to friends, family, neighbors, co-workers ~ everyone you come in contact with. Grab some flyers or business cards from your local shelter, give them to other responsible families who might be able to help. Even if the shelter gets one foster family out of it, it can save lives!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks, Laurie, for this foster 911 request!
I'll pass the word around at work (Kent, WA)!
ReplyDeleteI'll have my dad pass the word around--he works in the Tacoma/Federal Way area.
ReplyDeleteShelters and rescues in the Wash., DC area where I live are also overwhelmed with kittens and with adults given up by their families. I bet this is true everywhere. So folks should look into fostering or volunteering no matter where they live.
ReplyDeleteAlicia - I remind myself that (1) my current cats won't appreciate more (I know this from experience), (2) I can't do everything or save everyone, and (3) but I'm going to do a good job at what I am doing, and that means not getting overwhelmed. If all else fails, look for a volunteer task that doesn't involve interacting with cats, like answering phones or working on a website.
ReplyDeleteThanks for spreading the word, everyone.
ReplyDeleteLeslieS, Yes, I'm sure it's happening everywhere. Kitten season is in full swing now.
Great tips for Alicia! Thanks LeslieS!
ReplyDeleteYes, thank you Leslie! Those are excellent mantras to repeat and to volunteer by. I will have to get them tattooed on my hand.
ReplyDeleteI so wish I could, but unfortunately, I've got severe allergies, despite shots and antihistamines. (On the other hand, it does keep me from being the Crazy Cat Lady.)
ReplyDeleteSome shelters do offer short-term placements, just for a week or two, for the folks who are scared of getting too attached or have other commitments like frequent travel. If you aren't up to fostering kittens, there are usually adults who need fostering, too.
Medical costs are covered by most shelters, but if the cost of cat food is a concern, sometimes shelters have food banks, or maybe a neighborhood grocery would give you a break on the cost if you bring in a letter saying that you're fostering. Or you might have a neighbor who would pitch in with food costs.
Shelters can also use pretty much any kind of physically clean towel or bedding. As long as it's clean, the animals won't mind if it's stained.
Wow - The giving spirit of this community is heartwarming!
ReplyDeleteLaurie, Miss Butterbean and all the IBKC crew...THANK YOU
Alicia - if you cannot help the kitties directly and you clip grocery coupons - use those pet food coupons to get great deals on goodies for the shelter animals, the pet food bank, etc. Its all good for the animals!
If you're up in Seattle, Animal Talk Rescue (www.animaltalkrescue.org) needs fosterers badly too--and they provide *all* food, litter, crates, vet care etc. so there's no cost to the fosterer.
ReplyDeleteToo bad some can't go to a rescue!
ReplyDeletegood points, anne f, katbox, kaligirrl.
ReplyDeleteanon,, rescues are bursting too... it's that time of year.
There are some that are open to take kittens, though! Not all are full!
ReplyDeleteDo you have to be a volunteer at the Humane Society to foster for them?
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