Foster Families: Not Just for People

Are you an animal-lover who has a lot of heart and some extra room? Have you ever considered fostering an animal in need? As a former foster parent, I can personally vouch that taking in one or more loveable critters until they can be adopted is one of the most rewarding experiences an animal-lover can have. But don't take my word for it. Check out "Borrowed Kittens," a great blog for anyone considering fostering, then contact JP's own MSPCA Boston Adoption Center to sign up.

Adoption Tails: Queen Molly

No one can forget the day Molly looked up from her kennel to see Gene and Leslie for the first time. Smitten with her "beautiful and trusting eyes," the couple had already fallen in love with this special girl. And, after discussing their needs in a pet, daily routines and home environment with members of the Boston Adoption Center staff, Gene and Leslie realized that Molly was the perfect pooch for them. Molly's new companions adopted her knowing that she had all the great Pit Bull qualities that typify these special dogs: friendliness, a strong determination and a BIG heart.

Today, Gene and Leslie's running joke is that Molly runs the house, but they know all she really wants is non-stop belly rubs. Molly is a neighborhood favorite who loves to go on her after-dinner walk so she can meet new friends! She's even shaping Gene and Leslie's lives in new and unexpected ways like being the house's new doggy alarm-clock. Molly likes to choose when it's time to wake up by pulling the covers off the bed, wagging her tail the whole time. Still, as much as this active gal can't wait to go out on her walks, she's equally happy to curl up in the easy chair with Gene and take a nap.

Flashing her heart-melting smile and those big eyes that radiate unconditional love, Molly has her parents wrapped around her little paw... and the whole neighborhood knows it. A sign outside announces, "Welcome to Molly, Gene and Leslie's Home." Once one of the many Pit Bull mixes who desperately needed a loving forever-home, Molly is now the queen of Leslie and Gene's hearts.

An Introduction

Meet the Tobes Man, a.k.a Toby, the Tobster, America's Fat Cat and Mr. Man to a select few. I'm starting this whole thing with Toby because, really, he's the reason I'm here... and maybe why you're here too. You see, while I've had the honor to have many many wonderful animals in my life (my parents got very used to the sight of me at the front door with "can I keep him...please?" written all over my face), it's the one who made things the hardest that reinforced a life-long passion and turned it into a profession.

Let me explain. Tobes, my ten year old, 15lb, neutered Maine Coon mix, has another name... my problem child. A loving yet demanding boy, my Maine man has been the source of many calls to the behaviorist, vet and friends due to his amazing personality and all the stubborn traits that go with it. (Think pooping in the tub and breaking things for attention to name a few.) Well, after nine years with me, both Tobes and I have learned a lot and I've become thoroughly, enjoyably entrenched in the animal welfare field. Who knew?

So thank you to Tobes and all the other lovable, crazy-making critters out there who inspire and educate us. You make all the difference.