“Senior cats are overlooked, with many dying because younger cats get more attention,” foster and adopter Erica says. “I’ve fostered pets considered ‘unadoptable’ who likely would have been euthanized at the shelter. It really highlights how stressful shelter environments can be for some animals and how a calm, quiet home can mean the difference between life and death.”

Fostermom and adopter Erica has been helping cats since she was just 16, and said one of her most unique experiences was fostering Roo.

“I knew what I was signing up for when I chose to foster Roo. He was found in heartbreaking condition… emaciated, with an empty eye socket, jaw fractures, head-to-tail wounds (some abscessed), FIV+, severe dental disease with many missing teeth, and anemia from heavy lice, flea, and tick infestations. His scars have left multiple veterinarians baffled at what he must have endured. ”

Roo also came with significant behavioral challenges.

“At one point, I even asked Nancy if we could find him another foster home; he had been attacking my husband out of nowhere, and I was starting to distance myself too because, honestly, it was frightening to see my husband’s arms and legs all scratched up.

What completely changed everything was introducing Roo to our cat family upstairs. Up until then, he’d been completely separated. Watching our other cats interact with us, and seeing the trust they had in humans, was like a light switch for Roo. Suddenly, the growling and swatting stopped.”

Over the course of a year, Roo underwent an extraordinary transformation. “He is now a gentle giant, affectionate beyond words, and while he still experiences some separation anxiety when I leave, we manage it effectively. Roo is truly the best cat, and it’s clear he is grateful for his second chance at life.”

Asked if she would recommend fostering to others, Erica says, “Absolutely. All it takes is a small space and a manageable commitment of time, and the impact you can have is enormous. It’s incredibly rewarding to see an animal get a second chance at life they wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

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YOU can be the person who changes a life forever. Learn more or complete a foster application here!