a foster's story by Lauren Bond-Schaible (Lauren_fosters_littles )

Eight years ago, what began as adopting a bonded pair of kittens for my youngest daughter turned into something that completely changed my life.

We adopted from a local shelter, and as we were leaving with our new kittens, I asked the adoption counselor how to care for them — we were so unsure! She smiled and suggested I look up The Kitten Lady, Hannah Shaw. That night, we did just that, and to my surprise, I learned that fostering kittens was something anyone could do.

The next day, we signed up with ACCT Philly — and the rest is history.

Fostering quickly became a source of healing for me. It helped me work through my divorce and old wounds from my childhood. With every tiny life saved, I realized how much love I had to give. Honestly, sometimes I still wonder who rescued who.

Over time, I found my passion: caring for bottle babies — the most fragile and in-need kittens of all. Later, I joined Stray Cat Blues in December 2022, continuing to focus on bottle feeders and medical cases. Somehow, I’ve become the go-to for kittens with eye issues — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Eight years later, I still feel the same joy every time I hold a new little one in my hands. I’ve lost count of how many kittens have passed through my home into loving families — but it’s never been about the numbers. For me, it’s about giving each one the love, warmth, and safety they deserve.

And while it all started with kittens, in recent years I’ve also opened my heart to senior cats. They have so much love left to give — and they remind me that rescue is for every age, every story, and every soul who needs a second chance.

Take a look at what Lauren's day looks like, over and over again!