Moms Come in all Furry Forms!

St. Lucie County knows all about matchmaking when it comes to finding homes and families for pets that have been given to their shelter by way of lost and found or surrender. To find every animal a loving home, pet adoptions are a big focus for this volunteer heavy organization though fostering is quickly becoming a nice option for many who fear a full-time commitment. “It is always funny to hear about “fostering failures,” it is easy to fall in love with a pet no matter how convinced one is to not want to. We have had foster families call within just hours to say they are going to keep the pet instead,” recalls Shannon Glendinning.

With that thought in mind, this non-profit organization, dedicated to providing compassionate care and safe shelter for homeless animals is turning to the public for help during their annual Kitten Shower. This fun, virtual event allows the community to give gifts that will help ensure that the kittens that come into the care of the Humane Society will have everything they need to grow. Presently, the HSSLC is accepting donations of kitten food, litter, toys, bedding, used towels and sheets and other supplies. Of course, monetary donations are also greatly appreciated and will go towards the medical expenses and other necessities of the kittens which are then given to loving foster homes to keep them together. In addition to the supplies, each kitten also receives vaccinations, a microchip, and spay or neuter surgery to help fight our pet homelessness population.

So, what is Kitten Season? Kitten season refers to the time of year when there is an inundation in the number of kittens born and surrendered to animal shelters and rescue groups. This usually occurs in the spring months and creates a struggle to keep up with demand as space and resources are often quite limited.

What is special is to see how the love of a mother shines through regardless of birthing the kittens. Many times, fresh kittens are abandoned by the mom or caregivers and when they are brought to the shelter, they are paired with nursing moms already onsite. For weeks, they provide extra milk, socialization, and love that the kitten needs before its at the right age to be adopted; talk about compassion!

To help alleviate this problem, it’s important for pet owners to spay and neuter their cats to prevent unplanned litters. No matter the amount, supporting our local animal shelter through donations of supplies and funds can help ensure that the resources are available to care for these incredibly cute kittens which hovers around 300 each kitten season.

What is even more special than seeing the love a cat mother for its young, is a pet parent gleam about their furriest family member; especially the day they take that new animal home. After all, saving one pet will not change the world, but for that one pet, the world will change forever.

If you are interested in adopting a kitten during kitten season or any other pet listed as available on their website, the shelter is open TuesdaySaturday from 11:00am-5:00pm at 8890 NW Glades Cut Off Road, Port St. Lucie. Best part, May 1st-15th, there is no adoption fee for adult cats or dogs and only $50 for a kitten. Of course, the Humane Society of St. Lucie County has other ways to give and donate including their thrift store. Located near Dalton and PSL Blvd, just west of the Turnpike, this colorful building is open Tuesday-Saturday 11-4pm and can accept a variety of donations available to the public for purchase at incredibly affordable prices ranging from: clothing & accessories (including designer brands),games, houseware, glassware, Home décor, electronics, furniture, books & media, pet supplies, jewelry, holiday and seasonal décor & more located at 2632 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd, PSL FL 34953.

Whether you are looking to add a full-time pet to your family or simply hoping to spend a few hours each week with some animals to let them know you care, the Humane Society of St. Lucie county has something to offer you. Keeping in mind during the 2023 kitty shower, there are few things in life as genuine as the love a pet to its parent.