The Unexpected Joys of Fostering

A Journey of Trust and Playfulness

“Fostering brings so much joy and fun and I laugh every day and feel so happy while fostering.”

Not all foster stories end in adoption, but when Bowie strutted into his foster mom’s life, it was game over. Goofy, confident, and full of sass, Bowie knew he was home — even if she didn’t realize it right away.

Fresh from a life-changing divorce and preparing for surgery, Jane, a Joybound volunteer, became a foster mom for some kittens. “I knew I was going to be sad and lonely during my recovery,” she recalls. “So, I decided to focus on loving and nurturing kittens instead of feeling sorry for myself.”

Enter Bowie. He arrived at just five weeks old, fragile, and in need of care. As Jane nursed him back to health, an unshakable bond formed. Bowie trusted Jane completely, even relaxing in her arms for nail trims and medication. That trust turned into a lifelong friendship filled with adventures and endless love.

Bowie was a social butterfly, a bit of a bully to his kitten siblings, and always up for a new trick. By three months old, he was performing commands like “sit” and “shake hands.” He loved bath time, fearlessly splashing around with his toy fish, and even dunking his head under the faucet. His joyful antics never failed to bring smiles.

Bowie also had a soft side. As he got older, he became a devoted snuggler, always by his mom’s side or nestled in a cozy fort she rigged up on the couch just for him. When Jane left for a year-long stay in Bali, she wasn’t sure if he’d remember her. But the moment she walked through the door, Bowie raced around in joy, proving their bond was truly unbreakable.

Bowie may have started as a foster, but he became so much more — a best friend, a playful spirit, and a furry reminder that sometimes the best things in life aren’t always planned. If you’re considering becoming a foster volunteer, take Jane’s advice and do it! “Fostering brings so much joy and fun and I laugh every day and feel so happy while fostering. Watching kittens thrive and knowing they’ll go to loving homes is incredibly rewarding. And it’s perfect for those who aren’t ready for a lifelong pet.”

Become a Joybound foster parent at joybound.org/foster.

Note: This article was featured in the Spring 2025 issue of Joy Magazine. With a gift of just $25 to Joybound, you can be added to our mailing list and receive Joy in your mailbox for one year!