Meet Heather
Growing up, Heather used to spend countless hours watching wildlife documentaries dreaming of a chance to help the creatures of the world. Fast forward to 2018, when she left her corporate management job to be a full-time stay-at-home mom of four. Heather’s new schedule provided her with the perfect opportunity to open up her home to animals in need–just like she’s always dreamed of!
Why She Fosters
“Every foster cat I take in is like starting a new adventure book,” says Heather. “I get to be the author of the first few chapters, shaping their story and helping them get off to a great start.”
She adds: “It’s like being a real-life fairy godmother, waving my magic wand (okay, it’s more like a catnip toy!)”
So far, Heather’s had dozens of fairy god-kitties to keep her occupied. Some have been high-energy, others sensitive, but all had a lasting impact on her.
Rewards + Challenges
“Fostering has been an incredible journey, but it’s also brought its fair share of challenges and even heartache,” Heather says.
Even a cat receiving the best possible care can succumb to health problems. Heather holds those cases close to her heart, knowing that she and her family did all they could for them.
But with every loss, there are gains. Recently, Heather took in a kitty that was about to give birth. [While SAFe is passionate about spaying and neutering our Medical Team determined that it was unsafe to spay Maybelline when she arrived because she was so close to going into labor.] Witnessing her kittens being born was, in Heather’s words, “An unparalleled, front-row experience for me and my family.”
“Every foster brings a unique reward,” Heather tells us, “From the immediate joys of snuggling a tiny fluff ball to the endless lessons learned about feline quirks.”
Advice for Future Fosters
If you are considering embarking on your own fostering adventure, Heather encourages you to take the plunge! There’s no limit to the number of lives you can transform with empathy, patience, and a good home support system (Heather’s husband, four children, and even neighbors have all been instrumental in her fostering success).
“[We’ve] learned invaluable lessons about selflessness, compassion, and the responsibility of caring for another living being,” says Heather.
