A couple who fostered more than 75 animals from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home celebrated their nine year anniversary with the rescue centre this week.
Sally Curren and her partner John Sullivan from Walton on Thames, Surrey have provided a temporary home and care to 70 homeless cats and eight dogs from Battersea’s Old Winsor centre since 2009.
The couple have voluntarily fostered animals who would otherwise have struggled in a rescue centre environment and helped to relieve Battersea of the pressure from high numbers of homeless animals being admitted to the centre.
Sally said: “Knowing that you’ve helped an animal find their second chance in life makes the whole experience worthwhile.
“It’s so rewarding to see your foster animal develop and find their new permanent home.
“If you’re able to provide temporary care to a dog or cat, I’d definitely recommend signing up to foster from Battersea.”
One example of the success of their fostering work is Baloo, a shy domestic short-haired cat who struggled in a cattery environment when he arrived at Battersea Old Windsor in 2015.
However, after being fostered by Sally and John, the five-year-old gradually came out of his shell and found a permanent home.
Battersea’s Head of Volunteering & Fostering Charlotte Fielder said: “Sally and John are a wonderful example of the compassion and enthusiasm our volunteers and foster carers show to the animals at Battersea.
“They play a huge role in helping our charity rehome thousands of animals every year.”
In 2017, more than 1,160 animals from Battersea’s three centres benefited from living at a temporary foster home.
