Employee Spotlight: Michael, Technician Assistant
We want you to meet our team member and Technician Assistant, Michael, a true hero in the world of fostering! Michael started fostering in September 2022, and what began as a small venture has turned into a passionate commitment. It all started with Dolly, his first foster kitten (and foster fail!), who sparked his love for rearing young animals of need.
Not only does Michael foster kittens and puppies, but he also cares for reptiles, parrots, and small mammals. While kittens are the most numerous, his dedication extends across many species. Michael primarily fosters privately, using his own time and resources, but frequently collaborates with multiple rescues across the state and New England. It’s not uncommon for him to drive over an hour to rescue a kitten from a dumpster or respond to calls from people who need help with a newly found stray.
His belief that everyone deserves a fighting chance drives his passion. Michael raises these animals, finds them homes, or hands them off to rescues for rehoming. Thanks to a great community network, all his fosters have found wonderful homes with friends, coworkers, and others connected through his network. Michael recently fostered his 40th kitten!!
Fostering, he says, is rewarding despite being time-consuming and sometimes expensive, but watching an animal grow, learn, thrive, and find a loving home makes it all worth it. Michael encourages others to try fostering, and if young neonates aren’t their style—older animals need love and help too!
“It really takes a community to do this work and I’m thankful a million times over to each and every person who has helped and taught me along the way!” – Michael
Among his memorable fosters are special needs animals, like a cat with two working legs and a blind French bulldog he foster failed and made part of his family permanently. Though some fosters may become hospice cases, Michael provides comfort and care, making their last days peaceful and full of love. Michael’s dedication for fostering often see him arriving at work with bags of formula, crying kittens, and his blind Frenchie in tow.
Thank you, Michael, for being an incredible part of our team and for all the love and care you give to these animals both at work, and on your own. You are a real hero and we are proud you are part of our Central team!