You’re going to want stop and read this…
Why?
Because this story is full of incredibly, achingly adorable kittens. You don’t want to miss that, do you?
Didn’t think so…here’s the first of many kitten pics to come! Let the ‘awwws’ begin!
Now meet Alyssa Masten, operator of Windy City Fosters and amazing foster mom. She’s the volunteer responsible for raising the kitty darling above, her siblings, and a whole mess of kittens that went on to find forever homes.
Alyssa has been fostering kittens for a little more than three years. She started at 16 when most kids are concerned with first cars and social scenes. But Alyssa had a drive to give back in the world and decided a great way for her to get involved was volunteering at Anderson Animal Shelter in South Elgin, Illinois. While there, she saw a banner proclaiming the shelter’s need for volunteer foster homes.
On Instagram, Alyssa shared, “I had heard of fostering, but didn’t know much about it. I did more research, attended the foster orientation, and managed to convince my parents to let me take in a single kitten as a ‘one time thing’.” They agreed.
Twelve-week Kansas was her first foster kitten and required antibiotics for a cold. Under two weeks of medicine twice a day and constant cuddles, the kitten recovered from her illness. Watching the kitten grow healthy under her care, Alyssa learned, “THIS is what fostering is—creating a safe place for an animal who needs a little extra TLC to heal and thrive. When you foster animals, you become a lifesaver! I was hooked.”
The ‘one-time’ thing became her “life’s greatest passion.”
Over 100 Kittens Healed and Homed
Alyssa has fostered over one hundred kittens during her time as a foster. From sick kittens to feral cats, she’s welcomed them all. And for the first time in July she committed what she termed a ‘foster fail’ by adopting Marigold, the kitten pictured below.
Nah, not a fail. Marigold is a definite win.
At home with Marigold and Alyssa at this moment is a two-week-old litter she’s named under a celestial theme.
Sweet Starlight and her newly-opened eyes…
Little Moonbeam is almost too cute to be real…
Sunshine, the “tiny 5oz tiger” is melt-worthy during “Spa day”.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B58SdhIJmc8/
In love with her work and the kittens she helps to grow healthy and strong for forever homes, Alyssa plans to keep fostering in the years to come. Which means, there will be years of helping and cuteness ahead! And, speaking of…
Let’s have some gratuitous cuteness…
Stripey tummies are pretty much kryptonite for the cat lover…
This kitten knows how to work a lens…
A sleepy sweet with a fluffy, ginger tummy…
Follow Alyssa on Instagram and keep up with her adorable charges.
Feature Image: @windycityfosters/Instagram