Furry Fosterables

Now that you've learned a bit about fostering, why not check out a few of our animals that are looking for foster homes?

Kittens



Orphaned kittens and pregnant cats are already entering the shelter as Kitten Season starts. We need as many foster homes for these animals as possible. Don’t let any kittens grow up in cages this spring. Don’t turn away pregnant moms in need. Help us raise healthy, happy kittens by volunteering to foster.

Sunshine



Sunshine is 19-years old and very sad to have lost her home. She and her five friends came to the shelter after their elderly caretaker passed away. Sunshine was used to a very quiet home and she doesn’t understand all the hustle an dbustle of the shelter. She’s too scared to live with the rest of the cats here, so she spends most of her time hiding in her bed. Doesn’t she deserve better? She would rather live out her life in a foster home where she can be comfortable and happy again.

Thing One and Thing Two





Thing One and Thing Two were left outside the shelter in a box, a scary situation for any cat to find themselves in, but made worse for these two because they are both declawed. They know they can’t defend themselves, so they huddle together in their cage and try not to be noticed. To make matters worse, they both have impaired vision. Thing One is entirely blind in one eye and Thing Two is partially blind in one eye. They want a foster home where they can gain some confidence in themselves and have their eyesight monitored.

Sid



Sid wandered up to a house looking for food and affection after being abandoned outdoors. Since being at the shelter he has tested positive for FIV and hyperactive thyroid. He takes a pill twice a day for his thyroid, but doesn’t need any special care for the FIV. He’s an older cat, ten at minimum, and he needs a low-stress environment that he just can’t find at the shelter.

Serenity



Serenity was found wandering the streets in the dead of winter. This sweet girl is very grateful to be inside where her meals are guaranteed, but she also has hyperactive thyroid and is around 13 years old. As an older cat with special needs, she isn’t very attractive to adopters, no matter how pretty her green eyes are, but she still wants a home. She is looking for a foster to live her despite her special need.

Fostering: How You Can Save a Life

Fostering is one of the most rewarding ways to participate in animal rescue and we need your help! Kitten Season is starting up and soon requests to help pregnant cats and orphaned kittens will be overwhelming the shelter. In order to care for all of these mommas and babies we need volunteer foster homes.

What is fostering?

Fostering is when you provide a temporary home for an animal that needs more individual care than is possible in a shelter setting. Foster homes are essential to keep animals as healthy and happy as possible while they wait for their forever homes.

What sorts of animals need foster homes?

We look for foster homes for lots of animals. This includes orphaned kittens that need round-the-clock care, special needs pets that need medication multiple times a day, senior pets that are unlikely to be adopted, and shy animals that need to be socialized. In the spring time, also known as Kitten Season, we always need foster homes for pregnant cats and kittens with and without mothers.

What is involved with fostering?

Foster parents are expected to shelter the animals in their care, provide them with attention, food, and water. The goal of fostering is to help the animals become as socialized and healthy as possible, so anything the foster parents can do to meet that goal is fantastic.

What does the shelter provide to foster homes?

We will send you home with everything you need for your foster pet. We can provide litter boxes, leashes, food bowls, bedding, and any other supplies necessary for caring for the animal. We can also provide veterinary care.

Why is fostering necessary?

Foster homes help animals that don’t thrive in the shelter environment. The shelter is a high-stress environment that many animals don’t adapt well to. Being in a foster home allows these animals to be comfortable while they await their forever homes.

For animals that are too young to be adopted or are pregnant, foster homes provide a safer environment than the shelter. Kittens and puppies have fragile immune systems, so being in a home is much safer than being around many other animals. For pregnant mothers, a low-stress environment is also ideal for raising healthy babies.

How long a commitment is fostering?

This depends on the type of animal being fostered. Puppies and kittens are a minimum of eight weeks and pregnant animals are often longer. Senior animals are often placed in “permanent foster” homes, so the foster lasts for the remainder of the animal’s life. For undersocialized animals the time period varies, but an agreement will be reached during the application process as to how long the animal will be in the foster home (of course, this can be adjusted later).

Can I adopt my foster pet?

Of course. Foster parents are encouraged to give up their foster pets when an adoptive home is found so that they can help more homeless pets, but if a foster parent does want to adopt they can go through the adoption application process.

What do I get out of fostering?

Fostering is incredibly enriching to the families. They get the knowledge that they have helped save a life, that they opened their doors to an animal in need when no one else would.

How do I become a foster parent?

Foster applications are available in the lobby of the shelter. A staff member or volunteer will meet with you to discuss what you can offer a foster pet.

What animals are available for foster?

The best way to find out what animals are looking for foster homes is to ask a staff member or volunteer. You can also call us at (203) 238-3650 or email us at meridensociety@sbcglobal.net.

MHS Dogs Have Star Power

Have you ever wondered about the animals of the stage and silver screen? Where do they come from? Ladies' Home Journal offers answers, at least concerning some lucky Broadway stars. As you can see in the image above, from the Dec '09/Jan '10 issue of the magazine, one of our own is now making a name for himself in Legally Blonde: The Musical.

Of course, we think all of our animals have potential, but we usually stop at the potential to be a great friend and companion. We're all exceptionally proud of Frankie and his career on stage. Frankie is proving what we've always said; shelter dogs are awesome!

You can read the full article on trainer Bill Berloni and his Broadway stars here.