In January of 2021, Barbara was volunteering with the vet team at the RSPCA Lonsdale shelter when one of our rescue officers brought in a litter of five orphaned nine-week-old kittens. Sadly, two of the babies passed away during the night, with the remaining three fighting for their lives.
The vet team delicately cared for the remaining trio, feeding them around-the-clock and keeping them warm. Tragically, despite all their efforts, only one kitten survived.
When kittens are separated from their mothers at a young age, it is very difficult for them to survive. They lack the nutrients provided by their mother, which are vital for their development. It's unknown how long these kittens had been without their mother before they came to us.
Tiny Jazz the sole survivor
Following the deaths of her siblings, the chances of Jazz surviving had grown slim. Weighing only 710grams, the tiny kitty was severely underweight for a nine-week-old. Jazz would require ongoing around-the-clock care from an experienced fosterer.
After being part of the team that cared for Jazz and her siblings in the RSPCA vet centre, Barbara was determined to give the little kitten a fighting chance.
"She was so small and vulnerable. I just knew I had to do whatever I could for her," she said.
With some TLC, Jazz slowly started to make a turn for the better
Jazz proved to be an important companion for Barbara during the pandemic lockdown, and soon the two were inseparable.
"My husband was stationed overseas and couldn't get back to Australia due to COVID," Barbara explained.
"My mother had also passed away and much of my time had been spent with her.
"The way Jazz follows me around and jumps up onto my lap when I settle in my armchair gives me such a warm feeling. We rely on each other and that is something special."
After a traumatic beginning, Jazz is now thriving in her forever home, filled with love and happiness.
"Jazz has a crazy half-hour every evening where she does parkour throughout the house and terrorises her foster sibling, Bean," said Barbara, laughing.
Foster care gave Jazz a second chance at life
Without foster carers, the RSPCA would not be able to save anywhere close to the number of animals they are currently able to.
From Barbara's own experience, she advises anyone considering becoming a foster carer to put some careful thought into it, but wholeheartedly recommends the experience.
"I would definitely recommend fostering to others who have thought over the responsibilities carefully and who have the time to spend with the animals."
Can you spare time to help us save animals? It's only with the support of kind-hearted foster carers that RSPCA South Australia can save so many abandoned, neglected, sick and surrendered animals each year. Help us to help them - apply to become a foster carer now.
