Our volunteer foster carers make a real difference to the lives of some of our cats and dogs that don’t cope well in a shelter environment. Fostering also frees up space at The Mayhew for other animals in need of our care. We’ve caught up Andie Stephany to find out why she loves being foster carer for The Mayhew.

How did you first hear about The Mayhew?
I’ve always done voluntary work for animal charities but wanted one closer to home. I came across The Mayhew through looking charities up on Facebook. I’m so pleased I did as I love volunteering there!

When did you first start volunteering with The Mayhew?
I started early in 2015.

What made you want to get involved?
I’ve grown up with animals and I always felt a very close affinity with them. Over the years they’ve given me so much joy and happiness and I felt I needed to give some back. Fostering is the perfect way to do this.

When volunteering for us, tell us about what kind of things you get up to?
I am currently fostering the gorgeous cuddly Magnum and I’m totally in love with him! He’s my third Mayhew foster cat. Some cats don’t cope well in the Cattery, and it’s much nicer and calmer for them to live in a home environment while they wait to be adopted as there’s less of an adjustment period for them. Magnum is FIV+ so he needs to be an indoor cat (or live in a 100% escape proof garden) and the only cat in the home. I would love to keep him forever, but then there’d be one less foster space for another cat.

If you could give Magnum his forever home please click here.

What do you like most about volunteering at The Mayhew?
I get a huge amount of pleasure and satisfaction by making a difference to the lives of the Mayhew kitties. I also like to come into the Cattery whenever I can and I sit with the cats, play with them and generally socialise with them.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
I would recommend fostering to anyone. It’s hard to say goodbye to them, but they only go to good homes and I’ve stayed in touch with both my previous foster cats’ new families.

We are in desperate need of more foster carers for our dogs and cats, so if you’re interested in joining our pawsome team please head over to our webpage here to find out how to apply.