Fostering Connections at BMHS
By Animal Care and Foster Coordinator Jolee Corr
At Blue Mountain Humane Society, fostering is not just a program; it's a lifeline for countless animals, providing them with a chance for a better life. Our Foster Program is pivotal in increasing adoption rates and reducing stress for shelter animals. By moving from the confines of a shelter to the warmth of a foster home, animals gain a significant advantage. They learn to adapt to a home environment, picking up on good behaviors and boundaries that are crucial for their integration into a forever family. This includes being housebroken, understanding basic commands, and, most importantly, experiencing a peaceful environment where they can receive the love and attention they deserve. Even short-term fostering offers a window into how an animal behaves in a home setting, which is invaluable for potential adopters.
However, fostering comes with its own set of challenges. Some animals arrive with medical issues or bear the scars of neglect and abuse, requiring special care and patience. Fostering neonatal kittens or puppies is particularly demanding, given their fragile start in life without a mother. Despite the heartwarming success stories, we also face losses—those little ones who earn their angel wings too soon. These experiences take a toll on our foster caregivers, who pour their hearts into caring for these animals. It's a journey filled with both joy and sorrow, leaving indelible marks on those who choose to foster.
Recognizing the emotional and physical demands of fostering, we emphasize the importance of breaks for our foster caregivers. Their dedication is immeasurable, and yet, fostering can be an exhausting, all-consuming commitment. This is why I work closely with individuals who are actively seeking to foster, including newcomers eager to make a difference and those who reach out directly to us. While we have a large roster of foster volunteers, many are not in a position to take on challenging cases at any given moment. My role involves discerning who is ready for the responsibility of fostering, especially when it involves animals with special needs or those recovering from trauma.
Among our foster community, some individuals stand out for their exceptional commitment. The Branscums, for example, began fostering with us in early 2023 and quickly became invaluable members of our foster family. From their first foster, Banjo, who they ended up adopting, to taking on a total of nine animals in need, their story is a testament to the profound impact fostering can have. Their willingness to open their home time and again, and their decision to adopt an abandoned mother dog and her puppies, showcases the best of what fostering can achieve.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead our Foster Program and for the connections I've made along the way. From my colleagues at BMHS to the amazing individuals and families who foster, these relationships are the foundation of our success. Fostering is more than just a temporary arrangement; it's a commitment to giving animals a second chance at life. My own passion for animal welfare was inspired by my stepmother, who worked as an Animal Control Officer. Growing up with an insider's view of shelters, I learned early on about the challenges and rewards of this work. Now, as I help guide our Foster Program, I am committed to supporting our animals and the people who care for them, every step of the way.
As we look to the future, our Foster Program continues to grow, but so does the need for support. Fostering is a vital part of our mission, yet it's only possible with the help of our community. Whether you're considering becoming a foster caregiver or supporting our efforts through donations, your contribution makes a significant difference. Together, we can ensure that every animal in our care gets the chance to find their forever home.
For more information on how you can get involved with fostering or to support our mission, please reach out to BMHS. Your support can change lives, one animal at a time.
