In the world of animal rescue, there are stories that capture our hearts and remind us of the extraordinary impact that kindness and perseverance can have. Many of these comeback kid stories are those of helpless foster animals and the loving foster caregivers who help them reach their full potential. To finish off Foster Appreciation Week, we'd like to shine a light on just a few of our many foster parents who go above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference in the lives of these animals. 

Meet Val and Julie, a compassionate couple with a passion for feline welfare. Their journey began when they decided to foster cats, driven by a love for animals and a desire to make a difference. Their lives took a turn when they encountered a sister duo, Buttercup, and Blossom, diagnosed with FIP, a viral disease that, until recently, was often considered a death sentence for cats. It can cause severe inflammation in various organs and is notoriously difficult to treat. The condition causes many other rescuers to shy away from due to the high stakes involved.

When Val and Julie first took in the FIP-positive sisters, they were aware of the immense challenges ahead. They were determined to give the kittens a chance at recovery, administering meticulous care and medication. Their efforts paid off as the kittens showed signs of improved health and vitality. Val and Julie grew deeply attached to the kittens during this time. When the time came to find permanent homes for the now-healthy cats, the couple decided to adopt the kittens themselves, feeling a profound sense of responsibility and commitment to their well-being. Their home was now filled with the joyous purrs and playful antics of the once-sickly cats. After successfully treating Buttercup and Blossom, they also fostered and later adopted another FIP-positive kitten named Stormy.

The tale of Val and Julie is a reminder that every effort, every bit of care, and every ounce of love counts. Their journey with the FIP-positive cats exemplifies the power of perseverance and the profound impact of fostering. By choosing to adopt the cats they had saved, they not only gave them a second chance at life but also enriched their own lives in ways they could never have imagined. In a world where stories of heartache and struggle often dominate, this story stands out as a shining example of the good that can come from compassion and commitment. It reminds us that behind every successful rescue is a story of dedication, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in the power of love.

Honey was brought into Santa Barbara Animal Services after being found as a stray in Santa Maria. She gave birth to her eight adorable pups shortly after arriving, and all were named after sweeteners to go along with her name. Ann, a local animal lover, heard about Honey and her pups through the Nextdoor app and opened up her home to foster the bunch until they were ready to find their forever homes. The adorable brood grew before our eyes to become the most lovable and friendly fur babies who have all found their forever homes. Day by day, Ann saw just how special Honey was and it became clear that their bond was unbreakable. Now Honey has a permanent place to call home filled with love, laughter, and endless love. Here's to Ann and Honey proving that sometimes the perfect match is right in front of you. 

Andrea is a true angel in our shelter community! Not only does she pour her heart into volunteering at the shelter, but she also has a special way with every cat that comes through our doors. Her dedication and kindness are unmatched. She is currently fostering Pino, a 3-year-old kitty who was struggling in the shelter environment. Thanks to Andrea’s unwavering love and incredible patience, Pino is thriving and ready for a forever home. If you’re looking for a special cat to add to your family, Pino would love to be yours! Andrea's story is a reminder of the incredible impact one person can make. Thank you, Andrea, for opening up your home for not just long-term fostering but for volunteering your time at the shelter with the cats and kittens.

"Becky and Emma Beckett graciously welcome notoriously difficult/challenging foster kittens into their home. Just this ‘kitten season,’ they slowly and steadily nursed a trio of starving orphans to great health and returned impawssibly purrfect, nearly unrecognizable kittens who were swiftly adopted into their furever homes. Days later, they accepted our emergency foster plea for eight kittens rescued from a burning home. Our phenomenal foster duo has been steely and unwavering providing constant care to their multi-age group of ‘fire kittens’ who range in age between a couple of days to weeks young and have a broad array of needs. We are immensely grateful to the rescuers who risked their health to save the kittens initially, and especially to the Becketts who continue amazing and humbling us with their steadfast dedication to our magnificent, fragile baby cats." said Foster Coordinator Cheney. Their cat, "Funcle" Donovan (pictured above), who loves and helps these foster kittens come out of their shells and teaches them the way of the cat.

While we wish we could share every one of our foster stories, we do want to extend our deepest gratitude to all our foster parents. Your dedication, compassion, and hard work make a world of difference for the animals in your care and the families who adopt them. Your commitment is truly inspiring, and we are deeply thankful for everything you do.

For those considering fostering, be prepared for emotional ups and downs. Patience is key, seek support, and don't forget to focus on the bigger picture. Understand that fostering can be an emotional rollercoaster, and celebrate the successes and learn from the challenges. Animals coming into foster care may have had difficult experiences where patience and understanding are crucial for helping them adjust. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help, whether it’s from the foster coordinator or the fellow foster community. Sharing experiences and advice can be incredibly beneficial, and remember why you started fostering. The goal is to give these animals a chance at a better life, and every bit of effort contributes to that mission. If you are interested in joining our foster team, please visit our website to learn more or email our Foster Coordinator, Cheney, at [email protected].

Those who are not ready to foster yet but would still like to support the program can check out our Foster Kitten Amazon Wishlist to help our kittens in need. You can also volunteer by offering your time to assist with events, transport, or administrative tasks. We encourage you to share information about fostering and adoption on social media to help more animals find homes on Facebook and/or Instagram to help us spread the word.

Thank you to all the foster parents out there for your selfless service and commitment. Your efforts are truly changing lives, one paw at a time.