Stories

This blog is guest written by Kim Kanellis, communications coordinator for The Foster Kitten Project. 

Often, the word “rescue” is used to express the act of accepting an animal into care for the purpose of protecting and caring for that animal until a permanent adoptive home can be found, but we don’t commonly talk about the “hearts” that are associated with these acts. So far in 2023, the “hearts” behind The Foster Kitten Project have helped almost 200 kittens, but what does this mean?

Frequently, these little ones are abandoned because something bad has happened to the mother, or sometimes, it is at the hands of humans who do not wish to care for them. Whatever the situation, whether tiny kittens with or without a mother, or pregnant mothers with no one to help and nowhere to go, the “hearts” behind The Foster Kitten Project are there to take them into their homes and provide safety, warmth, food, and medical care. Those without a mother are bottle-fed and nourished by our loving “hearts,” often getting up every 2 hours throughout the day and night to make sure they have a chance at life.

The cost of “rescue” is not only monetary but also emotional, and sometimes it makes our “hearts” hurt when we are not able to help these little ones because of lack of funding. This is where YOU and our wonderful community partners, such as SHARE Omaha, can help us secure funding. #GivingTuesday402 is one of those fundraisers that help set us up financially to be able to help many kittens throughout the year, in addition to our collaborative annual fundraiser with Stray to Spay called Wishes for Whiskers.

The 2023 Wishes for Whiskers Annual Benefit will be held this year on October 22nd from 11:30 – 4:00 at Arbor Hall in Omaha, and we are counting on YOU to help! There are many different “hearts” that make up “rescue.” Some of those “hearts” are foster homes, bottle feeders, organizers, transporters, makers of crafts for us to sell, bakers for bake sales, and those that give monetary donations. No matter what type of “heart” YOU are, we need YOU! Please purchase a ticket and come out to support all of our “hearts” at the annual fundraiser.

Your support allows us to continue our mission of providing vulnerable kittens with comprehensive medical care, including spaying and neutering, to prevent overpopulation, suffering, and the spread of disease. Last year alone over 2,000 kittens were euthanized in Douglas County. Your support and donations have power and make a profound impact on our “hearts” and our ability to continue our mission.

$75 covers the cost of spaying or neutering, ensuring no more unwanted kittens.
$50 covers age-appropriate vaccinations, protecting them from deadly diseases.
$30 covers the cost of microchipping, ensuring they can find their way home if lost.
$25 covers viral testing, including FELV and FIV screenings, safeguarding them and those around them.
$15 covers fecal testing, ensuring overall health.
$10 covers deworming medicines, allowing them to grow strong and healthy.
and much more covers the costs associated with kitten formula, food, litter, cleaning supplies, toys, beds, kennels, traps, and so much more…

Together with YOU, community partners like SHARE Omaha, and other organizations like Stray to Spay with similar missions, we can nurture a future where every kitten has the opportunity for a long life and a healthy, loving home.

Donate to The Foster Kitten Project