Today we meet a fellow blogger and foster parent. Cori, who blogs at Three Irish Cats, has been fostering for Rescue Angels of Southern Maryland since December 2015. Cori also handles the PR, social media, and marketing for the rescue group.
A Conversation with Cori
How did you get into fostering?
We got into fostering in late 2015 after we trapped five cats that were living in our backyard. We were able to find homes for two of the kittens, but we learned the hard way that ferals don’t stand a chance at the shelter. Two of the cats were killed because they were thought to be feral; the third was euthanized because he had severe injuries. We were heartbroken, so we turned to Rescue Angels to learn more about TNR (trap-neuter-return). From there, we started fostering.
Have you had any foster fails?
We haven’t. My husband, my son, and I had a conversation before we started fostering about the number of cats we could afford to keep permanently. That number is three. We decided that if we adopted foster cats, we would not be able to foster and save any more lives. Our house just isn’t that big. So, we agreed not to adopt any more cats but to foster one or two at a time. That said, if we were going to have a foster fail, I’d love to keep Dickens and Poe, the two brothers we have now. They’re total sweethearts, and they fit in with our crew really well.
Who are the Three Irish Cats of your household?
We have three rescues that we adopted in September 2015: Aine (pronounced ahn-ya) (1), Emmett (2), and Seamus (pronounced shay-muss) (3).
What surprised you the most about fostering?
How well our own cats have adapted to the revolving door. They react differently to each foster cat, but they don’t get angry. The first foster, Roo, didn’t really fit in with the group. She was always an outsider. The two fosters we have now get along with our cats very well. It’s seamless.
What is the hardest part about fostering?
Saying goodbye is bittersweet. I know it’s going to be hard for me to send the two boys we have now to their forever homes.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about fostering?
Just do it! It is a fun way to save lives, and it teaches children about the value of all animal lives. I think it’s important to set guidelines beforehand so that everyone knows what to expect.
Do you have a favorite rescue organization you would like to mention?
I love Rescue Angels. We’re small, but we’re able to do a lot of good work in our area of Maryland. I also appreciate the work Alley Cat Allies has done to educate the public about feral cats and to encourage municipalities and shelters to treat them differently.
Why did you start blogging?
My work is freelance writing, editing, and marketing, so I have Internet marketing on the brain nearly all of the time. I am always trying to find ways to publicize my foster cats so that more people see them. Plus, I love my three permanent resident cats, and I think they have funny stories to share. I’ve learned a lot since last December, and I want to share what I have learned with others who may be thinking about getting involved in cat or other animal rescue.
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
I’m 41, and I just got my first tattoo. It’s a cat, solidifying my awesome cat lady status.
Thank you to Cori for opening your home to foster cats and helping save lives! You can connect with Cori on her blog, Instagram and Twitter.
Do you know someone who fosters? Contact us to let us know.
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Great interview! Thank you, Cori, for jumping into the foster world and working so hard at it!
That was a wonderful interview. Fostering is so hard (we would keep them all) and we are sure glad Cori is stepping up!
Pawsum posty. Mommy misses fosterin’ too, but we no longer live in ‘pawrtments dat will allow it. And there’s no cat rescues any where ’round here. Cute kitty fotos. Fanks fur sharin’.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Raena
Thanks for introducing us to Cori. We’re now following her blog.
Great post. I admire those who foster, they have to give a piece of their heart away with each one they have to let go.
That is the most beautiful way I have ever heard fostering described. <3
OMC! It that the Cori I know from Twitter? I didn’t know she had a blog or fostered. Thank you Cori!
I’ve always wanted to foster … maybe it’s time? Thank you for sharing your experiences!
What a great interview…….Thanks for all you do Cori in the world of fostering. I know it must be tough to say goodbye when one of your fosters gets their “forever” but it also has to be satisfying to know that you had a big part to play in them finding a permanent place in someone’s life!
Hugs, Pam and Sammy
What a great interview. It takes someone truly special to be such a dedicated and knowledgeable foster parent. Thank you, Cori and family, for what you do! And thank you for sharing this with us!
Great interview and thanks for fostering the kitties!
What a beautiful story!