Every rescued animal has a story. The happiest chapters are written in the homes of our dedicated foster families. These selfless individuals help animals in need. They give them warmth, care, and love until they're ready for adoption.
A Chance Encounter Turns Into a Lifelong Passion
Caoimhe Sontag's journey into fostering began in an unexpected way. It was while waiting for her daughter's doctor's appointment. A glance at our website and a banner reading “We Need Fosters” was all it took. In two weeks, she had her first litter. She called them the "Dinner Time Crew." Pork Chop, Applesauce, and Biscuit brought her endless joy. Only Biscuit stayed. Their first “foster fail” became a forever family member.
Now, Caoimhe specializes in fostering young or sick kittens who need round-the-clock care. Her home is a hub of love, healing, and playful mischief. Despite tough challenges, like sick kittens, her family is committed to helping them heal. She treasures when a kitten finds its perfect family. It means her love and care helped prepare them for a bright future.
From Shelter Volunteer to Lifesaving Foster
After two years of volunteering at our shelter, Kim Blum decided to foster kittens. She had been socializing them. Her first foster kitten, Junebug, was a delight. Watching her grow was unforgettable.
Kim’s daily routine with fosters is filled with cuddles, playtime, and socialization. She sees fostering as a chance to prepare kittens for their forever homes. It helps them gain confidence and fix any behavior issues. A tiny, battered, and terrified kitten was rescued from a highway. It was one of her most memorable fosters. After a bath, warmth, and love, he became a grateful, affectionate kitten. He was ready for a second chance at life.
Saying goodbye is never easy. But, Kim embraces each foster as a temporary guest. Her role is to prepare them for a lifetime of love elsewhere. “I treat fostering like a job—to make them adoptable,” she shares. Her practical mindset helps her continue opening her home to the next kitten in need.
A Path to Adoption Through Fostering
After a tough time adopting feral kittens, Kristen James and her family decided to foster. They hoped fostering would allow them to find the right fit for their family—and it did. After several litters, they met an orange tabby named Simba, and fate made it clear that he was meant to stay.
Kristen’s fosters get plenty of love and attention, with her daughter as her biggest helper. They love watching the different personalities of each kitten. Some are playful mischief-makers, while others are affectionate lap warmers. Kristen has a smaller home. But, she makes it work. She uses a mesh playpen to keep her fosters safe. The hardest part? Dealing with messy, smelly kittens with parasites. But even with those challenges, she knows the reward is worth it.
Her proudest moments come when she sees her fosters quickly find loving homes. Kittens raised in foster care are more social and friendly. They are also more adoptable. She takes joy in knowing she gave them the best start. “It’s hard to say goodbye, but I remind myself that fostering means saving more lives,” she says.
Why Fostering Matters
Our foster families do more than provide temporary care. They help animals heal, grow, and thrive. Many of our fosters focus on the most vulnerable animals. This includes small kittens, sick or hurt pets, and unsocialized animals. When a foster family takes in a new litter or a needy animal, they save a life. They also make room at the shelter for another animal to be rescued.
Advice for Future Fosters
For those considering fostering, our experienced fosters have one message: do it!
- “It’s such a short commitment but makes a huge difference.” – Caoimhe Sontag
- “Jump in and try! The shelter provides all the support you need.” – Kim Blum
- “You don’t have to foster continuously. Even one litter helps!” – Kristen James
Fostering is flexible, rewarding, and truly life-saving. Whether you can commit to a single litter or plan to foster regularly, every bit of help matters. Some animals need round-the-clock care, while others simply need a quiet, safe space. There’s a foster opportunity for everyone.
The Bittersweet Goodbye
The most common concern about fostering is the heartbreak of saying goodbye. And yes, it can be tough. But our fosters know that each farewell means another animal has found a loving home. They find comfort in adoption updates, even staying in touch with the new families. And when one foster leaves, it means there’s room to save another.
Our shelter is very grateful for our fosters. They give vulnerable animals a second chance at life. To each of you who has opened your home to an animal in need—thank you. Your kindness, patience, and love are the heart of everything we do.
If you’ve ever considered fostering, take that step. You never know—you might just meet your very own “Biscuit” or “Simba.” And even if you don’t, you’ll have made a difference in a little life that needed you.
Ready to become a foster? Send an email to fostercare@awanj.org. The next chapter of a rescue story could start with you!
