FOSTER PARENTHOOD

So, it's been almost a year since I started working at the shelter. I love animals, the people I live with love animals, too, but I'm the only one that isn't allergic to cats on some level or another. So I saw it most fitting to begin fostering cats early in December of 2008 lol.

Fostering needy animals from your local shelter is a great way to contribute. It's free to do, it's fun and it almost always yields great outcomes (for you AND the animals!)

Animals that may need a temporary home before going up for adoption include those who are;

• SICK: Many animal shelters have poor ventilation and that coupled with confined, overcrowded areas produce poor health in the vulnerable.
• PREGNANT: Sometimes dogs, cats even hamsters are brought in that are "expecting." They need a home during this time
• WILD: Some cats are found completely (or partially) wild. It is crucial that they get the socializing needed in order for them to be comfortable around people and in a home.
• UNDER-SOCIALIZED: Some cats or dogs may not be wild but they might not have been in "proper" homes prior to being found or surrendered to the shelter. The animal could have been abused, neglected or raised to feel fearful most of the time. Dogs born in a puppy mill or cats bred in sub-humane conditions are perfect examples of this.
• TOO YOUNG: Baby kittens whose mother died may need round-the-clock attention and bottle feedings. Animals that are very young do best outside a shelter environment because they are very susceptible to Upper Respiratory Infection and other sicknesses. 

Check out your local animal shelter and inquire about their fostering program. Food and supplies are FREE so you don't have to worry about any costs. Make a world of difference in a needy animal today. For more information about the Oakville & District Humane Society Fostering Program, click here  http://www.oakvillehumane.ca/foster/foster.html