Delphi the Foster Fail
My sister-in-law works at the local animal shelter and often has to bring home foster animals, especially newborn puppies & kittens, or severe malnourishment cases.
Delphi was one such kitten. We don’t have an exact age, of course, but my SIL brought her home in October of 2019.
My husband and I were spending bunch of time at their house building a chimney and installing a wood stove. Well this little hellion had no respect for personal space or a healthy dose of self preservation spent a good chunk of the time riding on my husband’s shoulder. Her eye had just been removed and she wore a cone of shame made from a cut up bit of X-ray film and tape. Apparently what that particular vet used if they needed to put one on a bird… well, I fell absolutely in love and as she recovered and gained weight, I knew she would be heading back to the shelter and put up for adoption. We already had 4 cats… my hubby is NOT a cat person, so adoption seemed out of the question. Well, turns out, it wasn’t. My brother and his wife gave me the adoption papers for Christmas and I got to bring her home.
It wasn’t smooth sailing at first. Her surgery wound, while seemingly healed, ended up with an infection. Her little forehead ballooned and she developed a high fever. My awesome vet got her in the same day, and put her on antibiotics. She improved… until the antibiotics had run their course and her symptoms came back. So back to the vet and another round of antibiotics. Since then, she’s been super healthy! She’s super feisty, but also a super snuggler.
#cat #catsoflemon8 #petadoption #fosterfail #animalshelter #delphi #exploringwhatif
Fostering animals can be an incredibly rewarding experience, not just for the pets but for the foster families as well. Many shelters and rescue organizations rely heavily on foster homes to care for animals in need, especially newborns and those requiring medical attention. Foster parents play a crucial role in socializing and rehabilitating pets, making them more adoptable. In Delphi's case, her journey started with significant health challenges, but with care and love, she thrived and became a beloved family member. When considering fostering, it's essential to be prepared for the emotional and practical responsibilities involved. Getting to know the pet's unique personality is vital for their adjustment, and it can be incredibly fulfilling to contribute to their recovery and future happiness. Moreover, sharing stories of your fostering experiences can inspire others to consider adopting or fostering themselves. As seen with Delphi, every fostered pet has the potential to touch hearts, educate families about responsible pet ownership, and ultimately help alleviate the overcrowding in animal shelters. Embracing this journey can lead to a “foster fail,” where the foster family falls in love with their temporary charge so deeply that they choose to adopt. Such experiences reinforce the importance of compassion and commitment to animals in need.
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