Pet Fostering Service Scotland looking for new volunteers

A STAY in hospital, an unexpected move to a care home, or the death of an owner can spell an uncertain future for pets left behind.

Volunteers at the Pet Fostering Service Scotland (PFSS) and the Blue Cross foster scheme devote their lives to this sensitive issue, making sure every animal is looked after, for however long is needed.

Although the organisations offer a lifeline of support to pets and their owners, they are reaching saturation point and are desperately seeking new, permanent homes for many pets under their care. These are pets who cannot be returned to their owners, for whatever reason.

The groups are also in search of more volunteers who will welcome animals into their homes on a temporary bases while more long-term arrangements are made.

Fosterer Katy Lonsdale, 30, from Loanhead, has been with the organisations for two years and is currently fostering a six-year-old cat called Lucky.

She said: "It is undoubtedly hard work owing to the responsibility,

but the rewards are amazing, especially when you see the development in an animal. It is so fulfilling when they are rehomed and you know they are going somewhere perfect."

There are more than 200 fosterers across the country working for the PFSS, an organisation which looks after animals until their owners are able to take them back.

Some 30 of these are based locally, yet only two volunteers are on the books of Edinburgh's Blue Cross foster scheme, a group which focuses solely on rehoming when returning to their previous owner is not an option for a pet.

One of the animals in search of a new owner is Lucky, a handsome, black and white domestic shorthair who is described by Katy as having many "humorous antics", as well as an affectionate and curious personality.

Anyone willing to take on Lucky should know he has never lived with any other cats or dogs, and needs a home where he could ideally remain an only pet.

Natalie Hogg, from the Blue Cross, said: "He's a lap cat, but is not comfortable with excessive fuss. If subtle warnings go unnoticed he may deliver a warning bite to let you know he's had enough."

There are many, many more cats like Lucky waiting to be given a new home across the Lothians, along with other house pets, however big or small. The search will continue for new fosterers, caring people who can come from any walk of life, as long as they're able to devote full attention to the animals in their care.

Katy says: "The ideal person is someone who is retired and can be there with the animal 24/7, but do not be put off if you work, as arrangements can be made. The fostering scheme is suitable for anyone who enjoys having animals – simple as that."

For more information on the schemes and their animals, visit www.pfss.org.uk or www.bluecross.org.uk.