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#fosterarmy #fostering #fosterssavelives #puppy #puppylove #frenchdog
#fostering
DOG DAYS ARE HERE
On Nov. 14, 2025, I had the honour and pleasure of taking in a foster dog named Charlie.
I did not make the choice to foster a dog lightly. As someone who grew up with a dog, I knew how much responsibility and time caring for a dog takes.
I can now confirm that the adage of rescue dogs saving the people that take them in is true.
Since COVID-19, this seed of loneliness was planted in me, but having Charlie around has helped me regrow my curiosity for life and the great outdoors.
Charlie is a half German Shephard, half American Dingo. He grew up in Texas and he was left to fend for himself on the streets for about six months before being taken in by a kind lady, who contacted the Dog Rescue Society (DRS).
The DRS is a foster-based, volunteer-run organization based in Kitchener, and their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home dogs in need, while creating a supportive community of adopters and fosters. Usually, their foster programs take about three to four months.
For the first few weeks, he was in what is known as the decompression phase—what he needed most was a quiet, structured and safe place to be.
I remember our first walk together was around the block outside of my apartment building. He was skittish and anxious, much like me. I felt like maybe I was in over my head, maybe it was too long since I had a dog and I was not equipped to be a good dog parent.
But when he looked up at me with his hopeful big brown eyes on the elevator ride up to our apartment, I felt like we were in this together.
For the first few days we were on a strict structured routine of waking up at the same time, eating at the same time and walking at the same time during the day. It was a way to introduce structure to Charlie’s life, especially since his life was turned so completely upside down. The more time has passed the more Charlie’s personality has manifested. He is a confident dog who takes life in stride. Though doubtless he feared me when we first met, he was nothing but cordial to me. He is curious, playful and full of energy for life. All things that a depressed human like me lack sometimes.
Since the start, we’ve settled into a similar but less rigid routine. Due to some difficulties with mental health issues, having another reason to get out of bed and get some exercise has been a lifesaver. I’m happy I got to help Charlie, and he in turn has helped me quite a lot.
Charlie is currently up for adoption. If you are interested, check out his profile and others on the DRS website at thedogrescuesociety.net.
#AdrianQuijano #charlie #community #COVID19 #Dog #Foster #fosterDog #fostering #KatWex #mentalHealth #pandemic #Pets #rescue #Routine
New campaign urging people in Staffordshire to become foster carers
BBC News: Parents threatened by authorities as 1,000 adopted children returned to care - BBC News
BBC News - Parents threatened by authorities as 1,000 adopted children returned to care - BBC News
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0kdv1x83gko
This is heartbreaking.
One of my work colleagues is a foster carer with his wife. They're lovely people, but there's been a terrible lack of support from the local authority and social workers at times. Which is so sad considering how many foster carers are needed.
#fostering
Rescue Chihuahua has cutest reaction when foster mom speaks Spanish to him for the first time
Melania Trump launches new initiative to help children raised in foster system https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/13/melania-trump-initiative-children-foster-system #Trumpadministration #MelaniaTrump #DonaldTrump #Socialcare #Fostering #Children #Society #USnews
‘Didn’t have a pillow’: the program kitting out foster students starting college https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/16/foster-students-college-dorm-rooms #Socialexclusion #Highereducation #USuniversities #Socialcare #Fostering #Education #Children #Students #Colleges #Society #USnews
Back from #WHY2025 and immediately got some distraction from being away from the outside world. Atleast the distraction is adorable 😍😍
#Fostering #Purrito #Fosterkittens #Fosterkittensofmastodon
Tattersail, the Floof of Darkness, is a basket case...
#cats #RescueCats #Fostercats #catsodon #catstadon #catsofmastodon #AnimalFostering #AnimalFosters #FosterAnimals #fostering #AnimalRescue #RescueCats
Another day, another litter to socialise. This time 4 semi-feral kittens, approximately 6 weeks old. So far, so good, although they swear like troopers.
Me: Why are there teethmarks in my ethernet cable?
Also me: Oh. Kittens. 🙄
Another wire I need to wrap in protective plastic <sigh>
The power of relationships in fostering with Marie, Mal and Madison
Marie and Mal, who are approaching their eighth year as foster carers, have created a stable, loving home for Madison and her brother since the siblings came into their care six years ago. Madison was just nine years old when she was placed with the couple, and the connection they’ve built over the years is a testament to the transformative impact of fostering.
The couple, who have two children of their own, currently care for five foster children. Marie and Mal emphasise the importance of treating every child with the same care and consistency.
“It is no different than bringing up your own children,” explains Marie.
For Madison, the connection with her foster family has meant everything.
“My relationship with Marie and Mal means everything to me. Marie, Mal and the whole family are my family. I have all the love and support in the world from them all.”
The couple’s fostering journey has been strengthened by a supportive network.
“Our family enjoys being involved, helping whenever they’re needed, and being part of the children’s lives,” continued Marie.
Each child’s needs are different. We never stop learning! We have excellent support with our supervising social workers, children’s social workers, and emotional team.
We do go through bumps along the way, but with all the support from professionals it makes it easier.”
Marie is also a mentor for other foster carers, using her experience to support those new to fostering. Her role highlights the power of relationships not only with foster children, but within the fostering community too.
“Foster carers you become friends with and support each other.”
Cllr. Jane Tremlett, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and Children and Families, said:
“Marie and Mal’s story shows just how important strong, stable relationships are for children and young people in foster care.
“Their dedication has made a real difference in Madison’s life, and it’s a powerful reminder of the lasting impact foster carers can have.”
Marie and Mal’s Supervising Social Worker, Rebecca, added:
“I have only been supporting Marie and Mal for the last few months, and it has been such a great experience. Marie and Mal provide a warm, supportive, and nurturing environment for the children in their care.
“Their consistent communication, patience, and understanding have made a significant positive impact.”
To find out how you can make a difference by fostering in Carmarthenshire, visit Foster Wales Carmarthenshire.
[Foster Wales Carmarthenshire]
Bridgend couple share story of relationships made thanks to fostering
Bridgend foster carers Amy and Rhys are encouraging others to consider fostering a child and creating lasting connections.
Amy and Rhys said: “We started fostering last year so we’re relatively new to the fostering community in Bridgend, but we’ve made some amazing connections already. We have had loads of support from the pioneer foster carers (carers who undertake additional training to support other foster carers and the fostering service) since we started this journey.
“We attend coffee support groups, and we’ve found the best advice is from those who have already experienced what we’re going through. Learning from others, hearing their experiences, just listening to how they’ve navigated certain situations is so helpful to us as newer foster carers. It makes what we’re doing worthwhile, they are always there for us when needed.
“Our children are as much a part of this fostering journey as we are, and they’ve taken to it with all their hearts. The relationship they’ve built with the little one in our care is amazing and it’s helped us to know that we made the right decision to foster.
“Our process into fostering was amazing too, from the initial visit with Recruitment Officer, Dawn, where communication was spot on, to going through the assessment with our supervising social worker – they made it so easy. We always knew what was happening, and after being approved as foster carers, the relationship with these people has continued.
“Getting involved in coffee support groups, attending events and meeting other foster carers is the best thing to do to form lasting relationships and we cherish the connections we’ve been building.”
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Social Services, Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Jane Gebbie said: “Foster Care Fortnight is an extremely important annual event for our communities to join forces in supporting our local foster carers, their families, and the children and young people they care for.
“This year the focus is on the strong and trusting relationships behind every fostering journey. These bonds can be between a foster carer and a child, the support of our social workers at Bridgend County Borough Council, the friendships built within our fostering communities, or the connections with birth families. It’s vital that we recognise and nurture these unwavering relationships, as they help form solid foundations for the futures of care experienced children and young people.
“I would like to celebrate and give thanks to our admirable foster carers and Foster Wales Bridgend colleagues in recognition of creating these powerful connections that help transform the lives of children and young people in our care.”
Swansea fostering couple ‘both have a real heart for the vulnerable’
Foster Wales is calling on more people to come forward, with over 7,000 children in care across Wales and just 3,800 fostering families. The goal is to recruit 800 more carers by 2026.
Among those supporting the campaign are Swansea foster carers Holly and Mark Bowtell, who began fostering in November 2022, alongside their children Oscar and Sofie.
Holly said: “We talked about it a lot and had the support of our children which was crucial. We also had the encouragement of our family and friends who wanted to support us. When we found out that the finances would work, I was able to stop working as a nurse.”
Mark added: “We just thought we could offer our home. We both have a real heart for the vulnerable and those that don’t have a voice. There’s a saying, ‘Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realising it!’”
Currently fostering a young child long-term while also offering respite care, Holly and Mark have seen the power of relationships firsthand. The child they care for is non-verbal and was withdrawn when he arrived, but through consistent love and care, he has flourished.
Holly said: “When we pick him up from school and he sees us, he just lights up with his massive grin. It stretches from ear to ear. It is so lovely. It makes you feel warm inside.”
Mark shared: “He isn’t able to tell us ‘I love you’ in words but he shows it in his own way. When we give him a cuddle now, he loves it and gets so happy.”
Their bond has been life-changing, not just for the child but for the Bowtell family as well.
Mark said: “It makes you stop and look at things from a child’s view. It’s pretty good therapy for us too, especially if you’ve had a hard day.”
Cllr Louise Gibbard, Cabinet Member for Care Services, said: “Fostering is more than just providing a roof over a child’s head – it’s about creating a sense of connection, trust, and belonging.
“Many children in care have faced instability, loss, or trauma, and what they need most is someone who will stand by them, listen, and help them feel safe.
“Strong, nurturing relationships can be life-changing – offering children the stability to heal and the support to build a brighter future. If you’ve not thought about fostering before, now’s your chance.”
She said: “Everybody can bring something to the table when it comes to fostering. Fostering is flexible; there are so many ways to foster, and all make a positive difference to children’s lives. Whatever your current circumstances, fostering can fit into your life.”
If you would like to find out more about fostering and how it can fit into your family dynamic or lifestyle, Foster Wales Swansea are holding an information event on Wednesday 21st May, 6-8pm in the Community Room based at Tesco Llansamlet. Come along to talk to foster carers.
If you would like to speak to a member of the service’s experienced team for an informal chat, call 0300 555 0111. Alternatively, if you live in Swansea, you can find out more about fostering – and the process of becoming a foster carer – on Foster Wales Swansea’s website.
#CllrLouiseGibbard #FosterWalesSwansea #fostering #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil
!!! GOOD NEWS !!!
Last wednesday the remaining 4 un-neutered cats of our stray-pack have been spayed.
A big thank you to the Mayo SPCA for supporting us financially in that.
We love all of our little rascals, but we are still looking for loving homes for them, where they can get much more individual love and care.
If you can't adopt a cat, consider to support us: paypal.me/FurryAges
#Cats #CatsOfMastodon #SPCA #StrayCats #FeralCats #FurryAges #Adoption #Fostering
What’s a lifetime foster? A lifetime foster is one where you foster until they are adopted in this case. We’ll provide the financial support and supplies, but you provide the care for as long as the bunny needs it.
Are you located in Southern California and able to help? Please get in touch!
Chance to nominate foster carers for awards
https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2025/03/19/chance-to-nominate-foster-carers-for-awards/
August 2022: Fostering a cat and a career transition
When a friend approached me to shelter a scrawny, tuxedo cat, I couldn’t say no. I didn’t want him to end back on the street. I named him “Uncle” after a conversation with another friend who kept calling him an “uncle”.
I quickly realised I bit off more than I could chew. Uncle was a senior cat with many health problems. He was very malnourished, too thin, and had a very sensitive tummy. He had diarrhea almost every day.
But he had a sweet, sweet personality. When he first arrived, he would not sleep inside. He’d sleep outside on the balcony, enjoying the sun, making cookies on the wooden floor. Although he had little energy at first, he quickly became fascinated with the Cat TV I put on for him, watching with rapt attention the giant sparrows and robins bouncing on the TV screen, once even hopping onto the TV cabinet to catch a few of them. He quickly became disappointed, however, after checking behind the TV to see if the birds were there. What a smart boy — he quickly figured out that they weren’t real and lost interest. Aww.
He loved sleeping in that small tiny basket I made for him. Never mind that I bought an expensive box filled with scratch pad walls and a snug interior. He liked that cheap RM2 Daiso basket above all else. And sleeping on top of his cat carrier bag!
Although he wasn’t a snuggle bear (he hated being carried with a passion), he liked scritches and demanded for them. Meowing demandingly while I watch TV that I scratch his ears.
It’s memories like these that make me really sad to say that Uncle didn’t make it. This was especially sad because he was only a week away from moving to his forever home. His new mum was so eager to have him over and already prepared his bed and toys. But Uncle’s health problems caught up with him and he left us in the end.
I made a video of him to remember his sweet personality, and I’m really sure that he is over the rainbow bridge waiting for us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMyOScCHf64
Career transition part … four?
Actually, don’t take my word for it, but I’ve lost count how many career changes I’ve made.
Let me see, I first started in advertising as a copywriter, then I became a journalist for nearly 15 years — the longest career I’ve had.
Then came my journey out of journalism, which was a tad “transformative”. I explored almost every content career from 2018 to 2022, not terribly hard when I had “swiss army knife” roles where I dabbled in everything, from public relations, digital marketing, content marketing to content management.
It was a valuable opportunity to really understand what I liked. And what I liked, besides writing, was creating systems and being almost obsessive about documentation.
I didn’t know that there was a career where people actually did what I did on the side — creating knowledge bases, documenting SOPs and creating user guides. It’s called Technical Writing, and that’s where I’m going next.
This is a far more technical role than my previous roles, and I’m pretty excited to finally use my years of dabbling in code and software and translating it into a new career. Wish me luck!
My reading list
Here’s to hoping I read them! I have waaaaay too many unread books and my previous attempts at trimming down my TBR stockpile has been futile. But, I still have hope lol.
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