Fall 2008 • V ol. 43 No. 3 - San Diego Humane Society and SPCA

cover story
The San Diego Humane Society Foster Care Program
gives pets a head start in life
Foster parents are those truly special
individuals who open their hearts and
homes to young kittens like Buddha.
Buddha is among the thousands of puppies
and kittens under the age of eight weeks
who have participated in the San Diego
Humane Society’s Foster Care Program.
The goal is to provide these animals with
the support and attention they need before
they are old enough to be adopted.
However, baby animals are not the
only ones to receive a fresh start through
this program. Animals recovering from
surgery or illness and with minor medical
needs may also be placed in foster homes.
The process is rehabilitating for them,
sometimes even life-saving. Additionally,
animals that have been in the shelter for
long periods of time or that are having
difficulty adjusting to a shelter environment
may benefit from the program.
The result of giving a little hope, care
and love is often amazing to see. Many
foster parents comment that their
experience is more rewarding than words
could ever describe.
The process to become foster parent is
simple, educational and truly unforgettable.
Animals may transition through three
different sets of homes and foster parents
during the first eight weeks of their life.
These weeks are divided into three
developmental stages: Neonate (weeks 1-2),
Transitional (weeks 3-5) and Socialization
(weeks 6-8). Foster volunteers learn about
each stage in detail through an orientation
and Foster Training Class and then may
decide which they are most interested in
and able to support.
Foster Coordinator Karen Kelley acts as
the liaison between the San Diego Humane
Society and foster parents. “It is very
fulfilling to help foster parents learn about
and experience the process first hand,”
Karen notes. “Some volunteers have actually
adopted the animals they fostered, while
others keep the memory fondly in their
hearts and are thrilled to see their animals
grow into a healthy adoptable companion.”
A baby kitten perfectly named
“Precious” was only six weeks old when
Brenda Guerrero volunteered to foster her.
Precious was rescued from an abandoned
garage full of oil and dirt. She was
dehydrated, starving and frighteningly
cold. Now safe, this helpless kitten was in
need of someone who could provide around
the clock guardianship.
When Brenda arrived at the San Diego
Humane Society to meet with veterinarian
Dr. Katie Kangas, Precious had just taken
the first bath of her life. Now with a clean
coat, Precious barely weighed what a
one-week-old kitten should weigh, and
Dr. Kangas wasn’t positive if she would
make it through the night.
While Brenda was instantly moved and
concerned for the kitten’s welfare, she knew
that as a foster parent, she was trusted
and supported by the San Diego Humane
Society. She also knew that the staff would
provide her with everything she required to
best care for this beautiful kitten, including
all the supplies and resources needed for
Precious to have a chance at full recovery.
“When I reached the house, I began
hydrating her ever so gently with water
from a syringe,” recalls Brenda, “feeding
her very small amounts every one to two
hours. I kept her on my lap and in my arms
all evening. I was so worried that she might
leave this world too soon, but every now
and then, Precious raised her head as if to
say ‘I’m still here’ and went back to sleep.”
After a long night of love and support,
Precious was still breathing at 6 a.m. Both
thankful and tired, Brenda took Precious
back to the San Diego Humane Society for
a scheduled morning check up. Dr. Kangus
enthusiastically informed Brenda that she
did a great job and Precious was going to
make it!
Photo: Candice Eley
Nicole Campos gently bathes Betsy, a five-weekold
Domestic Shorthair kitten, as part of her
responsibilities as a foster parent.
“I felt so proud that my little bit of love
and attention could help this kitten survive
what had been such a harsh beginning,”
Brenda said.
Precious went on to fully recover and
spend an additional two weeks with
Brenda as her foster parent. Not long after,
Precious reached an adoptable age and
premium health. A family soon fell in love
with her on the adoption floor and brought
home a healthy and affectionate kitten to
call their own.
Brenda is one of the many volunteers who
contribute nearly 7,000 hours of their time
per month. The San Diego Humane Society
is thankful to all those who have participated
in the program thus far and is excited about
its continual growth and success. While the
program has yielded amazing results, there
is always more that can be done. If you are
interested in opening your heart and home
to animals in need, please contact Foster
Coordinator Karen Kelley at (619) 243-3454
or foster@sdhumane.org.
SG
AnimalFare • Fall 2008
www.sdhumane.org
5