foster

Sometimes, we really can't help ourselves. We come across an animal in need, and we absolutely have to rescue it. Doesn't matter if it's an itty bitty trashcan kitten or if it's an adorable fox whose brother got run over by a car. We're animal lovers, and we can't see animals in pain, so we do whatever we can to help. And more often than we think... that includes a little more than we planned on. 

There are those times that a pet who was only 'supposed to stay for a few days' finds a little spot in our heart, and then, it find a big spot in our family. Adoption stories are always heartwarming, but when they're unexpected adoptions of pets who just pawed their way into their forever home, it's even more wholesome. 

Hope you all are ready for some wholesome smiles today! 

We all have been through the madness that was 2020 and know how difficult and challenging that particular year has been. We also know that even though it was an awful year where we couldn't physically be with one another, there were some pros to the pandemic. Mainly, the fact shelters around the world were emptying out due to everyone's need for companionship. So many beautiful animals found their forever home in 2020 and we are forever grateful for it. 

Not only did animals find their forever homes, but certain wonderful people took it upon themselves to help animals in need. This is exactly what Imgur user thesorrycynic did. In a story shared on Imgur, thesorrycynic reveals photos of all the animals she helped foster during 2020 and shared photos of their progress. And yes, it is utterly wholesome. 

Just further proof that love can transform all! 

The commentary below is provided by thesorrycynic. 

Once a week, we will be featuring an extraordinary animal account on Instagram! Their story, the adorable pictures, and pawesome videos! This week's spotlight goes to Pinocchio, the foster kitten rescue with the sweetest face!

Meet Mel Lamprey! Mel has been working to help rescue cats and dogs over the past several years, especially those who have suffered abuse, an injury, or were born with issues. One of those cats is Pinocchio. Written in the first Instagram post about Pinocchio, Mel explains his condition, "Pinocchio has some very obvious skull and jaw malformations, along with an incredibly large hernia. None of this seems to stop him though! Even with a respiratory and eye infection he's been a crazy little maniac exploring his new room.

Pino's specialist today said that neurologically he's doing great, he's a pretty typical kitten!

He'll be watched carefully until 6 months old for any signs of mental regression or other issues. At this time he'll also be able to have his hernia operated on. (Currently, the organs that are hanging out have outgrown his body, and just won't fit back inside!) He'll also have a tooth removed that pokes into his upper palette.

Until then we'll give him lots of love and support and see that this special guy never suffers again."

You can help Mel help cats and dogs in need by donating to the Pumpkin Patch Pet Rescue. 

We full-heartedly thank Mel for all the amazing work she's been doing to care for all the beautiful furbabies in need of some extra tender love and care. We wish for Pinocchio to live a life full of love. 

Be sure to follow @mellamprey on Instagram to follow Pinocchio's journey! 

Read up on last week's star on Instagram, Smoothie, the Queen of Fluff.

Now that the cold has come, we're hearing more and more stories of poor animals freezing outside and looking for shelter. This one, unfortunately, started off even more upsetting than more with the cat - later named Kevin - being abandoned in the cold in a dog crate with some dog kibble. But! This story has a happy ending, with the cat being found, taken into a shelter, and finding his way into its new forever home almost right away!

Read more about Kevin's story and check out his gorgeous pictures below!

During the past few months, we've seen a variety of animals wandering about an aquarium and learning about the creatures of the sea! Now, it's time for the land version -- a Zoo!

And two little kittens were able to come face to face with their much larger cat family. It wasn't just tiny kittens that went on this incredible field trip! Two foster pups were invited, too! 

What is the purpose of bringing foster pets to the zoo, you might ask? It's all to raise awareness for animal adoption! The animal shelter that brought in the animals to the San Antonio Zoo is Animal Defense League of Texas. 

Story via Insider

As more and more people are forced to stay home these days, many are using it as an opportunity to foster a pet to help keep them company during isolation. The people at Busch beer decided to incentivize people even more by offering 3 months of free beer to anyone who fosters a dog during the self-isolation days. 

Their new heartwarming slogan for the campaign is "Social distancing is better with a furry friend by your side and a cold beer in your hand" and to be honest, we can not imagine better isolation conditions. 

From now until April 22, the beer brand will give a free three-month supply of drinks to those who adopt or foster a dog through Midwest Animal Rescue & Services (MARS).  The beer maker will give recipients a $100 gift card, the cash equivalent of two 24-pack cases of Busch, for three months. Busch is also donating $25,000 to MARS to help find animals loving homes across the country.

"During these uncertain and lonelier times, people need an escape: cue the cute puppy memes and photos," said a spokesperson for Busch in a statement. "But as much as we need those cute puppy pics to help get us through social distancing, it's actually them who need us."

A kind-hearted Imgur user, that goes by the username tayrclark, has taken on quite a big responsibility. 

Eight puppies to be exact. When tayrclark went to give dog supplies to homeless pet owners living within tents, one tent she came across had a suitcase filled with puppies. She later returned that night to check up on the puppies, bringing with her some milk, bottles and some food for the momma. 

And even though their owner was doing a great job of caring for them, tayrclark offer to help the owner find these pups stable loving homes. The next day, the owner asked if she could foster them. And without hesitation, tayrclark accepted. 

However, care for eight puppies is no easy task... 

All the feels! Kate Howard is sharing this heartwarming and completely unexpected reunion story of her and the pup she once fostered, and we can't stop smiling!

Kate Howard, the managing editor at the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting, shared the story on Twitter and it has since gone viral. 

We just love a happy ending! Just another friendly reminder to adopt, don't shop. 

Finally, those animal rescuers nationwide that are fostering dogs and/or cats for approved charities have an opportunity to be rewarded for their generosity and kindness. Via: The Catington Post

What a kind hearted story! Via: Animal Channel

Jessica is an amazingly crafty veterinarian and a foster mom from Portland, Oregon.  She loves kittens but also Taylor Swift.  She was watching Taylor Swift's new video for "Look What You Made Me Do" when she had the purrfect idea! She decided to created seven different outfits, each of them sewn by hand, for her seven foster kittens, in order to help them get adopted. The results are adorable!

Via: iizcats

Dogs and cats have always faced the stereotypical challenge of them never being able to get along. But for Flora, a 100-lb. malamute, and her best friend Dexter, a 20 year old cat, it could have been further away. The two shared an incredible bond. One that is everlasting.  So when Dexter sadly pasted, Flora was devastated. And nothing is worse than seeing your beloved pet, sad. So her owners did what thought necessary to turn her frown, upside down. The best medicine was a handful of kittens.

The kind hearted cat welcomed them with open paws