Make it Count
Fostering plays a crucial role in the lives of pets. Whether they are too young, injured, sick, or coming to the end of their time with us, your role in it truly makes a difference. Our Foster Program encompasses all aspects of pets lives. One of our dedicated foster volunteers took a tragedy that happened to her and turned it into a way to help save lives.
Pivotal Moment
Many of us saw the sad tragedy that took place on October 1, 2017, but Kaelin Leavitt lived through it.
After experiencing all that happened at the Route 91 Shooting, she felt remorse. Kaelin decided to channel this energy into something that could help make a difference.
On this day, 58 people lost their lives and so she set out to change 58 pet’s lives.
“I originally started volunteering and then moving into foster care to deal with the survivor’s guilt and PTSD that I was experiencing. I then set out on a goal to foster 58 animals in memory of those that lost their lives in the shooting.” – Kaelin, Foster Volunteer.
This started her on a journey that she is still continuing to this day! She has already been able to touch so many lives with the work that she does.
“It’s so cliché to say, but all of the animals along this journey truly have saved me. I found a passion I would have never found and now I can advocate for not only animal rescue but finding something beautiful after experiencing a tragedy. I don’t see myself stopping at 58 foster animals and I have officially fostered 28 animals of that goal.” — Kaelin
A Rewarding Adventure
Pets may not be able to explicitly say “thank you” for all the hard work that you are putting in to help them, but they can say it in other ways. Kaelin feels the most rewarding part about the whole thing is when the pet really starts to feel comfortable with you.
“There’s always a moment with each and every foster animal where you can tell they feel safe and comfortable in your home. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience to know that you were able to give that to them. Whether it’s a kitten purring after a week of hisses or momma cat letting you hold her kittens for the first time, you know they trust you and it’s an amazing feeling.”
Favorite Part of Fostering
Taking in foster pets has plenty of ups and downs, but the reward is always amazing to see.
“I love seeing the growth that the animals have from the beginning to end of their time in my care. I’ve taken in some really critical care cases that come so far in a matter of a few weeks. It’s amazing to see that transition and know that I was a part of it. It’s really rewarding to physically see the difference I have made and help these animals find their forever homes.” – Kaelin
Frank the Cat
Kaelin has a few different fosters that specially stand out in her mind, but Frank has a very special place in her heart. He came to her in desperate need of care with his two other siblings.
After giving around the clock care to all of these kittens, two of them sadly passed away. She was not sure if Frank would make it.
“This all happened the same week of the 4 year anniversary of the Route 91 shooting, so my emotions were already high. After losing the two siblings, the vet told me that there was a very slim chance Frank would make it. With a lot of love and critical care, Frank became my first “foster fail” and it is now a big, fluffy 14 pound cat who loves his foster babies! He reminds me every day that the foster care I provide is truly life saving.” – Kaelin.
Frank as a baby
Frank as a adolescent healthy cat!
Get Involved
“There are so many animals out there needing help, any person willing to foster truly makes a lifetime of a difference for these animals. Whether you have a summer break, a free weekend every month or you’re readily available at all times, there are always animals in need of a safe place to stay on their journey towards health and adoption. Fostering animals is one of the most rewarding things you can do, in my opinion.” – Kaelin
Kaelin started her own blog in which she shares tips and tricks with others on how they too can be a successful foster. this was inspired by a class assignment to share what she believed she could bring value to, but she continues to upload to it.
If you are interested in checking out her blog, click here. If you would like to learn more about our Foster Program, visit the page!