As we move into a month of gratitude and thanks, we can’t let the wellness of companionship pass us by here at Forsyth Humane Society. Day after day we strive to create conditions where everyone in our community can benefit from the wellness of companionship – What does that mean? What does that look like? Well, it varies. Let’s explore some of the examples of this celebration. The wellness of companionship is the joy of a pet that has come into the care of Forsyth Humane Society, either off the street or turned in by a good Samaritan, and that pet being reunited with their family members after a short period of time. The wellness of companionship is the furry sidekick that is adopted by a senior who comes into Forsyth Humane Society, looking for a pet to provide a little love and care during the varying stages of life as an older adult and becoming a lifelong companion. The wellness of companionship is the dog that is your loyal running partner. Who’s up with you at 5am when your friends said no, to keep you on the move as a way to support your own mental health. The wellness of companionship is the cat that snuggles in your lap and knocks your glasses off the side table after a long day of work but gives that TLC paired with the laugh that you just needed. The wellness of companionship can be found in the families that foster dogs and cats to keep them out of the shelter until they can get adopted. These foster families can share behavior tendencies and give great insight to prospective adopters to make sure it’s a good fit and help reduce the risk of the animal being returned. The wellness of companionship can be found in our community pet food pantry that provides pet food to underserved communities so that they don’t have to give up their pet just to make ends meet. They can still receive that love from a furry friend regardless of their financial situation. The wellness of companionship can be found in the increased awareness of the decrease in the number of people experiencing mental illness in our country thanks in part to having a pet by their side that can ease the stress and anxiety of everyday life for both person and pet. At Forsyth Humane Society, we work diligently across Forsyth County to build awareness and programs that reduce shelter intake and provide for the compassionate care of pets and the people who love them in our community. This is the wellness of companionship and we are here for it! Thank you for your continued support on this journey whether volunteering, fostering, donating or adopting from us. Because of you we are able to continue sharing the wellness of companionship and you are able to receive it! Written by Kristen Williams
It’s amazing what 9 days of love and care can do!
Erin is our amazing animal placement manager at Forsyth Humane Society. Not only does she find great homes and rescues for our animals, she is also a kitten foster. Erin recently fostered eight week old Artemis and her littermate, Apollo, who came to FHS with upper respiratory infections (kitty cold). The kittens were congested, lethargic, and their eyes looked puffy. Erin says “I love fostering kittens 8 weeks or older because it works with my full-time job. They keep each other company while I’m at work, playing and napping together.” She fed and medicated each kitten before and after work. They received an oral liquid once daily and an eye ointment twice daily. Erin began to see improvement with Artemis’ eyes within two days, and her energy levels perked up. Artemis became more playful, interactive and started to chow down on her food. She also discovered her tail during this time – which she frequently chases! Erin says “I feel lucky to have played a part in their journeys to their furever homes. When Artemis and Apollo get adopted, I’ll be ready for more fosters!” At Forsyth Humane Society, a foster is someone who temporarily cares for an animal in need. They provide love, attention, and care until the animal is ready to come back to the Adoption Center. Foster care is typically a commitment of 1 – 2 weeks, unless the animal has a special need. All supplies and medical care are provided. During Kitten Season, fosters are crucial to Forsyth Humane Society’s goal of achieving a 90% Save Rate by 2023. If you are interested in becoming a foster, you can sign up here!
Life Saving Foster Families
Life Saving Foster Families Diane has been fostering homeless pets for the past three years and has fostered over 80 animals. During her time fostering for Forsyth Humane Society, she has saved 43 lives, including animals with special needs. “Fostering is showing a dog or cat who was once abused or neglected, a loving hand to help them open up and see how wonderful it is to be loved. It is a way to help by preparing them for their new forever family,” said Diane. Diane finds the experience rewarding. She sees the transition from scared or neglected to snuggling on the recliner and learning how to interact with her other animals. Diane says, “There is no better feeling than looking into your foster’s eyes and seeing how much they love you.” Saying goodbye can be the most difficult part of fostering. Diane says after your first couple of experiences, it does get easier to watch them start their next journey. She says even though parting ways can be difficult, “with the sadness comes reward and happiness.” Diane is a proud foster mom of many shelter furbabies. She says “Experiencing a pet who is learning to love and trust again, who was once in a neglected situation, is something magical to watch.” Click here and join Diane today by signing up to be a foster family for Forsyth Humane Society. A message to Diane’s fosters: “You have made me a better person and I appreciate the opportunity to have been a part of your lives”! Fostering is free and FHS provides all supplies and medical care. Invite one of our shelter pets to crash with you for just two weeks today at www.forsythhumane.org/foster.
