Foster Mom Tells All...including why failure isnt always such a bad thing! Youve seen us put out the call for foster homes for kittens (and pregnant cats) recently, and we are likely to do it again before summer (aka kitten season) is over. Every wondered what its really like to be a foster mom? We asked long time volunteer Pat Racklyeft to share her experience. Heres what she had to say: I foster kittens because it’s FUN! It’s so much fun to watch these tiny fur bundles go from totally helpless, motherless babies who are unsocialized and afraid of people; to confident, playful, loving little sweethearts who seek out human attention. It really doesn’t take much. Mostly love, soft words, gentle handling, and oh yeah, lots of food! Anyone with an ounce of patience and compassion can foster kittens. How did I get into fostering? I had been volunteering for quite a while at DCACC. I saw the constant influx of animals; especially kittens during “kitten season” (spring and summer mostly). I saw the immense need for foster homes. When I found out that typically the commitment is only for 4 to 6 weeks, I thought to myself, “I can do that”! In my life situation I knew this was one thing that I personally could do to help homeless animals. I had to do it. I needed to do it. I took home my first litter of three in June 2012; they were with me for 6 weeks. I did not realize what a wonderful experience it would turn out to be! I was hooked and actually became a “foster failure” by keeping one, a black cat I named Simon. My next litter of 2 was in May of 2013 (5 weeks), followed by a litter of 3 in November of 2013 (5 weeks). Then came a litter of 4 in May of this year (4 weeks) and my most recent litter was in June – 3 kittens - sadly one passed away the day after I brought them home. I had the other two for 5 weeks. I kept one from this litter also! Another black one we named Eggs (Eggy). Yes, there can be some heartbreaking moments, when one passes away, which does happen from time to time. And there is definitely work involved, the younger they are the more you have to do for them and closely monitor them. And sometimes you will need to give them medicine. But the shelter gives you handouts and support is only a phone call away. If you foster, never hesitate to call for ANY question! You do not need a dedicated room for your foster kittens. I kept my first four litters in my master bathroom when they were not out with us. At night they slept in a large crate with a corner litter box in it. I now have a separate room for them which is easier for me; I don’t have to crate them at all. You also don’t have to be home 24/7 as long as you have a safe place for them to hang out in and play, with the scads of amazing toys you have no doubt provided, while you are gone. So….. what about returning them? I’m not going to lie! It’s HARD to give them back! You have nurtured and cuddled and loved them for so many weeks that you feel so attached to them. You just have to keep the end result in mind. You foster these kittens so that they can find wonderful, forever homes when their time with you is done. And they will! Thanks to you! I hope I have encouraged you to become a foster kitten parent! Do it. You won’t regret it. ***Interested in taking the next step? Call Brandi, our foster care coordinator at 630-407-2803.
Posted on: Sun, 17 Aug 2014 21:12:36 +0000
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