My first foster is leaving me tomorrow...

[ShinyBauble]

and I'm so upset! I've had her (Rose) since the spring, and she has become part of my little family. She adores DS and gives him lots of headbutts whenever he emerges from his room, and she cuddles up on my lap in the evenings. I'd kind of forgotten that she wasn't permanent.

We can't adopt her because my finances are precarious and I couldn't be sure I could afford vets bills and things. So I have to let her go.

She's being adopted by an elderly lady who lives about an hour away. It , all happened very fast. I didn't get to meet her, someone else did the home visit. It bothers me that Rose didn't get to meet her before the adoption but apparently the lady is a very experienced cat owner.

I was told vaguely on Tuesday that someone was interested - today I was told she would be leaving me tomorrow! I kept myself busy getting her things sorted, her favourite toy, blanket, list of her favourite food, etc. But now it's quiet and I keep getting upset

It's irrational I know, but I am worried she'll think I rejected her and sent her away. She is about 10 and has had more than two families in the past. She's so sensitive and loving. I just really hope this one is her forever home, she deserves it.

That's why I couldn't easily do fostering. I have the greatest respect for those on the board who do and who manage to stay strong when giving the cats back to go to their forever homes. I'd find it very hard.

I too would find this very hard. But cats are bloody disloyal! They won't care too much, because someone will love and feed them. It doesn't mean you will miss them any less, but be reassured she will be very happy and content. :)

I say this with some authority as we have a cat that was a stray, but not feral. She lives the life of Riley with us and appears as happy as can be.

I'm waiting to hear news about the pick up. I have to say, the communication from CPL has been terrible. I have no idea what's going on. I think I am going to need a bit of a break before I think about fostering again.

i know exactly how you feel but mine are kittens so only with me for a short time ,

but this week on thursday my two little feral kittens that i rescued are going to their forever home, they are going to a fabulous home with a lovely couple but omg this house is going to miss them,

to be a fosterer you have to balance loving the fosters and giving them everything they need with saying in your heart this is not my cat/kitten they are here on holiday with me till they go to their furever home, some are not too difficult to do this, some worm their way in and are a wrench to part with, but each one that i foster till they go is something good i have given back to rescue and makes a space for someone else who needs the safety, love, shelter and sometimes people alliance that fostering brings

She just left, the couple seem really nice. I blubbered all over the place, it was so embarrassing! And while they were here I got the text explaining everything, which should have come to me a few days ago but must have got delayed somehow. I must remember to ask that everything is told to me by phone next time.

I suppose with her, no-one had showed any interest for six/seven months and I was expecting her to be with us for the foreseeable future. Then the adoption happened quickly within a matter of days.

But yes, I will have to make sure I go into the next one with a slightly different mindset. And I think I will. I'll just take December off!

Oh poor you :(. Sounds like you are in need of a lovely bottle glass of wine tonight. Well done you for giving her the chance to find her forever home.

Thanks No wine, had a big wedge of cheesecake though!