Gail, an ARL foster specializing in the care of kittens with medical needs, has been fostering with our organization since 2017. Over the course of six years, Gail has fostered over 200 kittens in her home, providing shelter, food, medication, playtime, and love to each kitten that crosses her path. Knowing the powerful impact fostering has on both the animals and the shelter in which she serves, she hopes to inspire other families to get involved with fostering and supporting the animals in the care of ARL.

We asked Gail a few questions to share with the community.

How long have you been a foster with the ARL?

I started volunteering and fostering at ARL in August 2017, with my first litter of five flea invested kittens. All of the kittens were adopted, and it made me so excited to continue my fostering journey!

Do you have a preferred type of animal you like to foster?    

I love fostering bottle baby kittens and kittens with medical needs, but honestly, the kittens with ruptured eyes that require enucleation surgery have won me over. Their resilience is amazing because it is almost as if they have no clue they are blind. They thrive with lots of TLC, patience and, of course, the excellent medical care that ARL’s medical team provides. One of my consistent goals when working with blind kittens is to teach them how to navigate up and down stairs – once they learn that, there is no stopping them from reaching their fullest potential!

What does a typical day of fostering look like for you?

Currently, as of May 2023, I am fostering three litters of kittens under the age of 5 weeks. With that said, my day starts as early as 2:00 AM as I bottle-feed the two younger groups.  The older group of kittens are currently in the weaning process and are being fed wet kitten food as well as slurry in dishes (and that occasional bottle they demand). There is always lots of litter box scooping and cleaning of playpen areas, weighing to make sure they’re all gaining appropriate weight, giving medication if prescribed, and medical visits as needed. But the best part of the day is cuddling and playing with these little fur balls! In the blink of an eye, they are all grown up and ready to find their forever homes, so I’ve learned to cherish every moment with the kittens I foster.  

What do you consider is the most rewarding part about fostering? What keeps you motivated to keep going?

While there are so many rewarding parts about fostering kittens, watching them find new homes must be number one on my list. Fostering isn’t all cuddles and laughter, and it can also mean losing frail and sick kittens. It can be a difficult time, but for me, knowing they were safe, warm, fed, and loved makes the loss a little easier. I am motivated by the ARL team and their dedication to all the animals that arrive and need care. Personally, it’s so rewarding to be part of a group of ARL staff, volunteers and fellow foster families who have one goal in mind: to help animals in need.

What is your advice for anyone who is considering fostering?

Fostering kittens with ARL has taught me so much over the years.  Everything from nutritional requirements to behavioral and medical concerns of the kittens I foster. Fostering fills my home with joy and laughter. I’ve celebrated the joy of many adoptions, and most importantly, become part of an amazing organization.

Whether you consider yourself an “empty-nester” like me or you have a family at home, fostering can be a great fit for many families. I also want to add that fostering can be such an educational experience for children, as it is an activity that teaches responsibility and animal care.

My biggest piece of advice to anyone considering fostering for ARL would be to just sign up. Don’t wait. The best place for young kittens and most shelter pets to be is in a home setting, and you will never regret saving a life by opening up your home to an orphaned pet in need.