Planned PEThood Blog

Featured Volunteers: The Haynes Family

What is better than one volunteer?

The answer is… an entire family of volunteers! 

The Haynes family learned about Planned PEThood of Georgia a few years ago through their daughter’s high school. There was a colony of community cats living on the campus that needed to be trapped, neutered, and returned (TNR). At Planned PEThood of GA we offer humane trap rentals for a refundable deposit, so it was cheap and easy for the PTA to get their cat situation under control. 

Soon after the high school project, Crystal, her husband, and two daughters Alannah, 16, and Aisling , 13, adopted a kitten named Nala at one of our Petsmart adoption centers. Nala is doing great these days and loving life on her cat trees. That could have been the end of the story, but the Haynes decided they wanted to become a foster family for other homeless animals. About six months into the pandemic, they signed up to foster animals. They have become a valued part of our volunteer and foster team.

The pandemic has been difficult for teenagers used to after school activities and outings with friends. Fostering homeless animals has given Alannah and Aisling something fun to do after school work and chores. The animals also provide lots of companionship which has helped tremendously.

Not only have the Haynes assisted other animals find forever homes, they have adopted 3 animals of their own this year including tuxedo siblings and a new puppy, nicknamed Ghost Dog.

We asked Crystal a few questions about her experience fostering with Planned PEThood of GA. Below are her answers:

Why do you continue to foster with Planned PEThood? For that amazing feeling I get when my foster kitties find their purrfect forever home

What do you get out of volunteering with Planned PEThood?  I love that I am helping to save precious lives, but mostly I love all the purrs, snuggles, and playtime.
 
If someone was interested in volunteering or fostering what advice would you give them?  Do not hesitate to contact your foster mentor whenever you have a question. (New foster homes are paired with senior foster home mentors.)  They are an amazing resource, and my mentor, Amy, has been tremendously helpful and reassuring every time I have had a concern about my fosters.

 

Volunteers and foster parents are vital to our success. The animals depend on our efforts to place them on solid ground. If you have even a tiny bit of time to spare, a unique talent or trade to offer, or a spare bathroom/basement to occupy consider contacting Planned PEThood today.

Apply to become a volunteer.

Apply to become a foster home.

E-mail questions. 

Your life will be filled with more hair, but your heart will be happy. 

 

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