Donna Bunnell, left, holds “Dottie” the cat as Donna’s husband, Allan Bunnell, sits in background at the Michigan Humane Society in Rochester Hills. Donna and Allan are part of the foster parent program.
The Oakland Press file photo/JOSE JUAREZ
|
|
Over the past three years, Al and Donna Bunnell have opened their home - and hearts - to more than 20 cats and kittens.
However, most of these felines aren't permanent residents at the Bunnell home. As foster volunteers for the Michigan Humane Society Rochester Hills Animal Care Center, the Bunnells help care for cats who need a little extra attention before they can be placed in a permanent home. This is due to a variety of reasons: kittens may be too young to be placed for adoption or need a little more socialization, or cats may have an illness or injury that requires treatment.
Once cats are healthy, happy and ready to be adopted, a permanent home is sought and the Bunnells bid farewell.
As one can imagine, it's not always easy saying goodbye. With most cats typically staying six to eight weeks, the Bunnells and the animals get to know each other as the couple plays, feeds and nurses them back to health.
Donna said Al grew up in a home without pets, so it's especially hard for him to let go sometimes.
“Al gets very, very attached to all the animals," says Donna.
She also creates a strong bond with the felines in their care, but says she has to be objective. It helps knowing that the pets have a good chance at finding a loving, permanent home.
“We've seen some wonderful people come forward to adopt these animals," said Donna.
The Bunnells have set aside a separate room in their home just for their foster cats to limit interaction with the family's own cats. The room is inviting for the foster cats with cat furniture, cat trees, cat toys - even a window view.
The couple enjoys spending time with their new charges. “There's lots of play involved," says Donna.
So far this year, the Bunnells have welcomed two foster cats into their home; last year they took care of around seven. Once they took in a group of four 5-week-old kittens.
They said it's rewarding to watch the cats and kittens flourish and regain their health.
The couple keeps photos of their foster pets and tries to keep in touch with them and their new families.
“You spend a lot of time with these animals and it's fun to keep track of them," said Donna.
The Michigan Humane Society (MHS) has more than 130 dedicated foster families just like the Bunnells at the Rochester Hills Center alone, ready to help by providing shelter and care for animals who need a little TLC.
The animals definitely benefit from the foster care arrangement, but so do the volunteers who often find the personal rewards to be significant.
The foster program is an excellent opportunity for those who are unable to make a longterm commitment to caring for a pet, those who travel or spend the winter months in warmer climates and others who already have a dog or cat in the family, but would like to help animals in need a few weeks each year.
In addition to their foster care work, Donna also is a volunteer adoption counselor at the Rochester Hills Animal Care Center and helps in any other area needed at the facility.
Contact Jane Peterson at (248) 745-4573 or jane.peterson@oakpress.com
Want to help?
While the Michigan Humane Society (MHS) has many devoted foster families, they are always looking for more who have space in their home and time in their schedule to assist animals in the community who are in need.
Want to help? Apply to be a foster volunteer at MHS. Download a foster application at www.michiganhumane.org and click on the volunteer link.
Those not already a MHS volunteer will also need to download the general volunteer application, also available online through the volunteer link.
Completed forms should be mailed to: Michigan Humane Society Foster Program, 26711 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 175, Southfield, MI 48033.
For more information, call (248) 799-7400, ext. 136.
