I've had some potential adopters who were well-intended, but frankly just not prepared for the experience of being a caregiver for a pet. The first thing that comes to mind for me is a friend who got a kitten for a "discounted" special price of $25. The kitten is sweet and adorable, but came from a shelter and caught a cold and a nasty case of mites. That $25 kitten's already been to the vet twice and the total cost is around $300.
Now, that's just a sample, a snapshot. Sometimes that first visit to the vet isn't in the hundreds-of-dollars amount, but be prepared: owning a pet (even one as easy to take care of as a cat) will COST MONEY. Not only the day-to-day (supplies, food, toys), but also the unexpected.
I'm one woman; I just do what I can and do it the best way I can. To me, good parenting means providing for one's needs with love (with love being the key part). From the time I've started fostering, the costs of taking care of these lovely animals has been, to be forthright, a bit beyond my grasp personally. It's humbling but truthfully I've had to ask for help financially, and I make and sell jewelry to help cover the expenses. Of course the reward is far greater than a cost amount, I mean after all this is the business of saving lives, the lives of those who can't take care of themselves. I've rehabilitated feral cats into friendly pets, provided homes, veterinary care (including spay/neuter and vaccinations), lots of love and a temporary home until they've found their Forever Home. With fostering comes expenses, and I'll complain about it (when I'm especially broke), but I'd do everything the same exact way again without missing a beat.
This certainly isn't a slam on folks who are considering or have an animal and are doing the best they can, but people need to be made aware of these things. After all, rescuing an animal is a beautiful gesture in and of itself, but the loving care for that pet is an extension of that gesture, and is a necessity.
My most recent fosters, Loki and Thor, have already taken their toll on me financially, but again, I wouldn't change it for anything. Loki's had a bad breakout from fleas and Thor's dealing with some constipation, but they're both on meds and recovering fantastically. They'll be ready in a couple days, but watching just to be safe. Granted, I've done the best I can with these two, and ideally, so will their adopters. I took these little ones in with barely anything to give them (they were definitely a spur-of-the-moment, had-to-happen foster situation), but it all worked out. There's always a way. But, being prepared helps BIG time!
All this talk of itty kittens, I have to share Loki and Thor pictures! Loki's the long-haired black kitten, and Thor's the brown and black tabby.As of this posting date, they are about 8 weeks old, eating solid food, and just a joy to hang out with!
These two are awesome :) Loki's definitely a fan of interaction and playtime, and LOVES being on his back, getting his neck and belly rubbed! He's vocal and very, VERY affectionate. Thor's a lover-boy! He loves getting pet, and will come when called. He's nimble, quick, and he's a smart boy! They're both eating like horses (as young kittens tend to) and highly energetic. They're climbing and love being on top of chairs, sitting in laps, sleeping/napping with me, and hanging out on the table by the window. Did I mention they eat like they're never going to eat again? :) Young boys, how quickly and often they eat!
I still have Spike and Ronna as well, so hopefully I'll get all four fosters adopted out soon!
No comments:
Post a Comment