How long have you been fostering animals?
About 2 years
How many foster animals do you currently have?
3 Ren, Stimpy, and Sarafina
You foster Ren and Stimpy, bonded cats with special medical needs. Is it difficult to care for animals who are special needs?
I don’t find it difficult at all. Since they take their meds daily they’re used to it, of course they don’t like it but they don’t fight it and are usually thankful afterwards. They always come back to me after I give them their meds and rub their head on me.
Why do you think its so important to foster animals?
If Stimpy were alone in a shelter during his heart attack he would’ve died. If Sarafina didn’t have a place to go she would’ve been euthanized. It literally saves their lives and they’ve all bonded.
What is the best part about fostering?
I love watching them go from being nervous and skittish to finally learning that they’re safe, loved, and always cared for. I love seeing two cats who initially didn’t like one another sleeping on top of each other. Once they feel safe you get to see their personalities and their little weird quirks.
You both (both being Cynthia and her roommate Michael Carmona) seem to be true blue animal lovers. Were you always this way? Was there an event or person in your life that inspired you to get involved in rescue and fostering?
I’ve always loved animals, they don’t ask for much. Food, water, and love is all they need. Having 9 animals may sound hectic but they bring a calmness to the house. Ren and Stimpy were the reason I started fostering, when I saw these two old brothers I knew it’d be hard for them to get adopted because of their age, and I worried that even if they did they might be separated. I just really wanted to help them after their owner passed away.
Any advice or words of wisdom for first time fosters?
It takes time; not weeks, but months for some animals to finally adjust. Be patient, and kind, and remember that they had a hard time in their past. I constantly tell them they’re safe and I love them.
Anything else you want to tell us about your foster experience?
It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. Whenever I don’t feel like getting out of bed I know I have to for them. People come to visit ‘the petting zoo’ and it changes their outlook on cats for one. A lot of people I know are afraid that they’ll scratch or bite. Almost every person who visits leaves with the same thought, “now I want a cat.” They fill the house with so much life and comfort.