The Feeling That Never Gets Old

I first learned of Lucky Dog in July 2025. I was a cat mom with two cats, but was really considering adopting a dog. During the process, I learned of Lucky Dog Animal Rescue and an event they were having. While there, I realized my schedule wasn’t really conducive to having a dog no matter how much I love them. About a week later, I saw a post on Facebook asking for volunteer handlers for one of their events. I thought, “Well now, there’s a way to hang out with lots of dogs.” So I signed up to volunteer as a handler, and that was the beginning of my Lucky Dog journey.

I was talking with a friend in the rescue who suggested fostering. I thought I might foster a dog –  but again, I realized with my schedule that this probably wouldn’t work. But, I had been a cat mom for 24 years. So, I decided to become a cat foster instead. When I made that decision, I had already added a third cat to the pack. I knew that my experience as a cat mom to cats with various personalities would likely make me a really good foster. I began fostering in September 2025 and my very first foster was Polly – it was a successful failure. Yes, I foster failed my first foster. I fell in love with her, and so did my cats. She had found her forever family.

Next I fostered four kittens (Willy and the R Kittens). Willy was the first foster I sent off to his forever family. The family had come to see him specifically. The family and I got to take Willy into a room and hang out together. Seeing the smiles on their faces, especially the two children, made me so happy and excited. I was ecstatic when they decided to take him home. The feeling never gets old! These cats and kittens had it rough in the beginning of their lives. Seeing them come out of their shells just from having a comfy place to stay and receiving the love they deserve is amazing. But nothing beats giving them a kiss goodbye as I put them in their carrier and send them off with their forever families.