Today we’d like to introduce you to Keely Thomas.
Keely, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As a kid, I have always been fond of animals. I grew up around dogs, cats and other animals and I had always loved spending time with them. I eventually found a passion for cats and kittens, and I began to watch educational videos about them. I found multiple Facebook and Instagram pages focusing on fostering cats and kittens and I became curious about it. I had asked my mom to let me foster when I was eleven. Both of my parents had agreed that fostering was not a good fit for our family, so they rejected my idea. I was determined to help kittens in danger, so I came up with a plan to convince my parents that I was ready to foster. I began to “foster” stuffed kittens in order to prove my family wrong. I showed them how to bottle-feed kittens, stimulate them to go to the bathroom, and more.
Meanwhile, I had never actually had kittens on my hands. I began to make educational videos on my Instagram and Youtube pages. Even though I couldn’t help directly, I was still determined to spread the word about cat and kitten welfare. Once my parents saw how dedicated I was, they decided to give me a chance and let me foster kittens. We didn’t start with neonatal kittens, but a weaned, healthy group just to start off our journey. Once we started fostering, we never looked back.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There are, of course, some ups and downs when it comes to animal rescue. In the past, I have received young kittens who obtain illness very easily. I always pour my entire heart and soul into each and every one of my kittens, but sometimes, no matter how hard I try, a kitten passes away from being so young and fragile. Experiencing death is a painful and devastating thing, but I know that the kitten was loved up until the last moment they lived. It’s a horrible experience to grieve over a kitten, but I know that no matter what, I can’t give up, as other kittens need my help too.
Watching kittens grow up in my care and find their forever families has been an amazing experience. I frequently am asked if it is hard to say goodbye to my foster kittens. Personally, I believe that seeing a kitten go to their new home shouldn’t be a sad thing. It is always a moment of opportunity and gratitude for both me and my kitten. It is seen as a huge accomplishment for me every time a kitten finds their forever home. For the most part, fostering is a great opportunity that anyone would be lucky to experience.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I participate in all sorts of animal welfare events. I am passionate about the safety of all animals and I have always put rescues before myself. By February of 2020, we have fostered over 100 kittens since November of 2018. To me, it’s not the numbers that matter, but the experience I had with each and every kitten. I have taken part in several Trap-Neuter-Return events, and I have volunteered at many adoption events.
Hands-on activity with cats and kittens is one of my favorite experiences, as it is a great way to learn how to treat certain cats depending on their personalities. I have helped Love Your Feral Felines Rescue host a Spay and Neuter Clinic in March of 2019, and it was one of the most inspiring things to see all of our volunteers come together for hours and put their everything into the animals. Being a part of Love Your Feral Felines has taught me so much and I am so proud of our rescue for coming so far.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
I’m very proud to say that it seems as though female leadership is the rule rather than the exception of this industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: keelyfostersx.weebly.com
- Email: keelyfostersx@gmail.com
- Instagram: keelyfostersx
- Facebook: Keely Thomas
Image Credit:
Heather Thomas
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