Humane Society of Logan County

Tony and Tami Schilling just have this thing about cats — especially black cats. They got Tango from Logan County Animal Control. When Stubby, a stray, wandered into their lives looking for a home, they took him in too. Now the Schillings are “foster parenting” Fluffy, an abandoned cat taken in by the Human Society of Logan County.

Tami says it was only coincidence that Fluffy — named by her 4-year-old daughter, Tori — also happened to be black.

The Schillings are currently the only volunteers who have signed on to provide foster care for animals while the HSLC tries to find them homes. They’ve been fostering Fluffy for about a month.

“We’ve had pets all along,” Tami Schilling said. “We’ve had friends who did this.

“We decided if we wanted to do something for the community, this is a pretty big thing that we could do.

“It’s something for the kids (including 2-year-old Trey) to help with. Not just me going out and volunteering.”

To become foster “parents,” the Schillings began by filling out paperwork.

Next, a Humane Society volunteer visited their home to explain the process and what the society expected in the way of care for visiting animals. They also told the Schillings they will advertise foster-care animals to try to find them a home as quickly as possible.

Schilling said a neighbor is considering adopting Fluffy, but since that family just moved into a new home, they need to get settled first.

“They give you an option,” Schilling said. “They won’t call and say ‘We’re bringing this animal immediately.’ There’s somewhat of a selection process — what’s going to work out the best for family pets.”

Tony Schilling said he and Tami haven’t discussed how long they will continue to provide foster care for animals.

“We’ll see how it works,” he said, “and how long it takes.”

“Cats work out better for us, because we’re gone all day,” Tami Schilling said. “Cats are more self-sufficient. If there are folks who are able to give a little more time, a dog would work well for them.”

She said it didn’t take Fluffy long to get comfortable in their home.

“He’s very precious,” she said. “Some people may think that animals who have been abandoned are not worth taking in because of their disposition, but really, it’s just the opposite.”

Tony Schilling noted that the Humane Society pays to have the animal checked out by a veterinarian and that it all of its shots are brought up to date before it is placed in a foster home.

“They wouldn’t bring things in to other animals in the home,” Tami Schilling said. “They will also provide food and a litter box and litter. All of that, I purchase for my own cats, so it’s no big deal (to pay for it herself).”

She said finding a foster home for an animal may also open up more opportunities for it to be placed in a permanent home, because of the contacts the foster caregiver may have in the community and through work.

“The more foster homes available,” said a society spokesperson, “the more pets can be saved.”

According to information provided by the society, some animals who need foster care have been relinquished by their owners for various reasons and some are about to be euthanized, but all are in need of love, a family and a second chance.

A foster placement might range from a few days to a few months, depending on the time it takes to find the right fit between family and pet.

The foster family’s role is to provide love, care and training, all in a normal household environment. The pets are given the chance to learn such basics as how to walk on a leash or how to use a litter box — all skills that will make them more adoptable.

The HSLC will provide the foster family with food, veterinary care, necessary supplies and ongoing contact and aid.

People interested in providing foster care for an animal can contact the Humane Society of Logan County at 732-4042.

More information about the Humane Society is also available at http://hslclincoln.org.