WORDS FROM FRIENDS

Sumayah's Foster Journey....
Having a pet is an amazing childhood experience. I had that experience with a lovely cat as a child and I wanted that for my children. With Covid lockdowns it was very difficult to keeps the kids occupied all the time. So when I heard of fostering I wanted see how it works out and this was the only thing I could think of to keep my family members occupied and same time doing a good deed. Our first foster was Delaney (at home we called her Ivy) She came as if she knew us all and was only curious about the surroundings. Boy was she curious! We fell in love with her right away. She didn’t mind that there were 7 of us or that we carried and petted her all the time. She was active and very social. When time came of her being ready for adoption, I had to explain to the family that we can’t become too attached as we were only fostering and we wanted to help more cats. Delaney left to a very caring home. We kept in touch. I would get photos and videos of Delaney happily playing in her forever home. We were happy for her. It was apparent that having a cat in the house helped us all and it helped All paws and it also of course helped a cat who needed a home and comforting family in time that no one else wanted it. Our next foster was Titus. We had him since March and is still with us. Titus was very different from Delaney’s personality. He was not only scared but traumatized. He would hide a lot. He was scared of every little noise. It took a lot of patience and love to get him to where he is now. He barely hides now. He is more comfortable with different noises. He sleeps in the open. Naps on our laps. Or on our beds. He is such an adorable 7 year fur ball! He likes quiet and loves to be left alone most of the time. But when he wants cuddles he would jump into your lap and do a little kneading and shows you he is loving this and then rests in. Seeing how Titus was few weeks ago of being scared and not trusting anyone it really made all of us think of how many cats out there need families to open their homes and care and love them and let them know that everything is ok. That whatever they experienced before won’t happen again. That the way they got abandoned from their previous homes won’t happen again. All paws tries very much to find the right forever home for these little angles. So they can have sense of security and peace and never feel unloved and tortured again. Experiencing both Delaney and Titus also helped my kids to be more compassionate towards others. To understand when a person needs space and when they need love. They found that their own hearts have a lot more love and that can be spread in this universe in many ways. Both humans and animals need us and our love!
Tammy's Foster Journey.....
I followed the All Paws Rescue Facebook page for a few weeks when I saw a post from Michelle for urgent emergency fosters needed immediately to help with a hoarder situation in Brampton. I volunteered to help out, drove out in the dark to meet and pick up my first foster Toothless. Five years later, over a hundred fosters have past through our lives. From feral mommas, kittens and friendly surrenders they have all touched our hearts. My family helps a ton, with late night emergency vet runs to transporting kittens to appointments, all the feeding and litter boxes and lots and lots of cuddles. My most rewarding experience is with feral moms getting them to trust people and preparing them for their forever homes. Also, of course all the kittens, so many kittens have touched our hearts the sick and the scared ones to see them finally come around and learn to love, there is nothing else like it. Being apart of an amazing team helping to save lives, one kitty at a time.
Ayesha's Foster Journey....
My sister and I have always been fond of animals (cats in particular) since we were young, but were not in a position to adopt one of our own. We wanted to look into fostering, but being full-time students, we thought we wouldn’t be able to fully dedicate our time to it. When the pandemic started, we found ourselves with too much free time on our hands and wanted to spend our time doing something meaningful, so we applied to foster through All Paws. Fostering has had its challenges - from the frustration of cleaning a multitude of accidents, to having your foster cat rushed to the emergency vet in the middle of the night - but it is one of the most rewarding experiences you can imagine. My family and I were first-time fosters, and we had never owned cats before, so we didn’t know what to expect - but one thing we didn’t expect was how much we would love all of our foster cats. It was so intriguing to see how different each of the cats were and all their charming little quirks. We were surprised yet overjoyed to experience the beautiful bond that humans could have with animals. Although we were the ones providing them with a home, they provided us with so much more. I learned so many important lessons, like how to be selfless, how to be patient, and how to let go. I’ve had people ask me “I could never foster, how do you not fall in love with all of them and want to keep them?” The truth is, we did fall in love with them. While having these kitties come into our home nervous and scared, and watching their personalities blossom while they learned to trust us, there was no way we wouldn’t get attached. It was amazing to see how love and care changed these cats’ lives. Many tears were shed - both happy and sad - when our babies found their forever homes. We were incredibly happy to see them join their new families, but they took a piece of our heart with them when they left. We will always cherish the moments we spent with them because we know that our job was to take care of them, love them, and let them go. While it was bittersweet, we were able to make space in our home to continue impacting more lives. The joy we feel when we receive updates, pictures and videos from their forever families make everything worth it. All this to say, there was an instance when we failed to do our job as a foster. In March of 2021, we brought home a tiny eight week old kitten, and immediately fell in love. We could not imagine going through the whole process again, and the thought of this little baby being in another home was so devastating, that we ended up keeping her. She is now eighteen weeks old and the sassiest, spunkiest princess ever. That is not to say we are resigning from fostering - we definitely want to give back to the community that led us to our fur baby, and taught us valuable lessons. We would love to help out more cats in need in the future when we have time and space. Thank you to Joanie, Nyla, Mincy, Vega, and Layla (our foster fail, formerly Bella) for trusting us, bringing us happiness in so many ways, and teaching us what unconditional love is.
If you can, please consider opening your home to a little one in need! Not only will you be saving a life, but you will gain a beautiful bond and learn so much from them. The cherishable moments we get in return are truly fulfilling and every step is worth it. - Ayesha
 Denny's Foster Journey....

My journey with All Paws has been an amazing journey so far. I saw a post on my local Facebook page from Tammy Silva-Kendall and I was hooked. So I researched the group and thought I had found kindred hearts. I took in a few orphaned kittens and haven't looked back. I now take in mostly feral babes. My first ones were Arias Avalon and Arabella. Very shy, hid for a long time and I thought I would never reach them. Then slowly Arias started to follow me at a distance and then coming closer and closer. Till that one glorious day I touched him. He let me pet him. I couldn't stop the tears. And slowly but surely his brother and sister did the same. The feeling is indescribable. At this time I was in a bit of a dark place myself. These 3 saved me. They gave me a reason to get out of bed. A reason to look for the sunshine. Then it was time for them to leave. I cried and cried. But I knew I was part of their amazing journey. I knew their furever after would be filled with love. And I played a part in it. Since then many babes have come through my home and my heart. Each one leaving a piece of them with me and taking a piece of my heart with them. As hard as it is believe you me it's well worth it. I have met many good friends along the way so thankful to have a community of loving souls to call on. It's not always easy and fostering can have its hard times but the good times far outweigh them. The first touch the first purr is worth every tear. Every sleepless night. Every vet visit. I believe All paws came into my life when I need them most. I can't wait to see where this journey will continue to lead me.
Thank you so much to everyone involved in this crazy cat community.
Hiranniya's Foster Journey...
It all started one fine day on Feb 8, 2020 - I was following All Paws on FB for a few days at that point but didn’t do much except like and share the posts. I saw that there was a bake sale and adopt-a-thon at my nearest Pet Valu store and so I decided to check them out and support them. Little did I know that event would get me so involved with this rescue. It’s there I met Tammy and a few other volunteers for the first time - and they were absolutely so kind to me from the first moment I met them! There I immediately fell in love with the kitty named Preeyah and wanted to adopt her ASAP! After getting the hard no from my parents, I comforted myself and went on about my life. And then came the first lockdown in March. I knew I wanted to do something more! And in March I applied to foster for All Paws and I prepared my home for the new baby to come. It’s important to note I live in a 2 bedroom apartment and both parents took each room.- So I actually converted my dining room into a room for myself. To give the foster kitties a separate space, I purchased pet gate and curtains and made a secluded space away from my own three kitties. And on March 25th I got my first foster kitty - and by an amazing miracle it was actually Preeyah, the kitty I fell in love with at the adopt-a-thon. From the first moment I met her she was such a sweet heart and I learnt so much about how loving and trusting kitties are of humans. Even my dad and mom fell in love with her and I really tried convincing them to keep her - but the answer was still a no. I knew she was going to be adopted soon - but I could not emotionally prepare myself for that day. After virtually meeting Preeyah’s parents and then in person when I handed her off, I knew she was going to be in the best forever home. But that happy day was followed by hours of crying and my entire family trying to comfort me. But in all the tears I realized something. I’m crying here that one life has been saved and is going to there happy haven. But how many kitties are out there suffering all alone? If I stop now, how can I make sure another kitty is safe and sound? The need to make sure all kitties feel the love and warmth of a happy home - I decided to embrace my feelings but keep it going. It’s officially been one year of fostering. In this past year, I’ve fostered 26 babies from kittens to seniors, cleaned a lot of stinky poops, had to deal with a few sick babies and some kitties who were very afraid of humans. Till this day I cry after every adoption. But getting their kisses and cuddles, seeing them warmup to you after being scared of all humans, having them comfort you in moments of sadness - NOTHING beats the feeling of fostering. Thank you All Paws for welcoming me with such open arms and for being one of the best rescues to ever exist. I can’t wait to continue my fostering journey for as long as I can
Grace's Foster Journey....
Hi, I’m Grace! About a year ago I lost a very loved fluffy family member and found myself on the market for a new buddy. During this time I started following All Paws and quickly found the now familiar plea for an urgent foster to save a chunky ginger cat that was posted for free on Kijiji. Just like that I became a foster mama for the very first time. His name was Scout. Since that day, with the help of the All Paws community I have been able to welcome 16 wonderful foster cats into my home. People often ask, “How do you do it? I would want to keep them all!”. My answer to them is this; It is not always easy but it is always worth it. It is not always easy to give medications three times every day, but to help a sick and helpless soul get healthy and find their family is always worth it. It is not always easy to care for and socialize a feral cat, but to gain their trust and teach them about love is always worth it. It is not always easy to see animals being surrendered by their people that they love so dearly, but finding them a home that will be with them until their final days is always worth it. It’s not always easy to entertain six crazy kittens, but seeing each of them reach their first birthday safe and cozy in their home instead of the street is always worth it. Saying goodbye to a friend that you have bonded with, sometimes for months, is never ever easy but sending them off to their handpicked perfect people and knowing confidently that they are loved and safe is worth it every single time. Fostering with All Paws has been an amazing opportunity and a wonderful experience alongside the most generous and selfless community. Try it! I promise, it won’t always be easy but it will always be worth it!
Janice's Foster Journey....
My journey into fostering. I am one of those people who always said I could not foster a cat, my heart would break to see if it has been hurt and I know I would not be able to let them go. So for years I didn’t allow myself to even think of fostering. Then 3 years ago I began helping look after the cats/kittens waiting for adoption in the stores. I cannot describe the joy I felt the first time I talked to a couple who ended up adopting and watching the little munchkin go off with their new mama and papa. Then I started looking after the store cats over long weekends, which led me to my first real foster. From that day I have not looked back. I have lost count of how many cats/kittens I have fostered and I have fallen in love with them all. The positives of this experience way outweighs the moments of sadness as they leave and I can honestly say when I cry now they are tears of happiness knowing that I was a part of helping the kitty start out on their forever journey being loved by their new family. I have met so many wonderful people while fostering and although the kitties have left my home, in so many cases they haven’t left my life because their new owners follow up with me telling me how they are doing and send me photos of them. They also post on the All paws. For me fostering makes me feel good about the world knowing there are so many people willing to help. So if you are even thinking maybe you would like to foster I say go for it. You just might find it one of the best things you have done. If it turns out fostering is not for you that’s ok too. 
Every day I see the amazing stories and pictures that are posted here on All Paws by our leadership and wonderful supporters.  What this group is able to accomplish is nothing short of a miracle. We can move mountains when we work together.  Never have I been more proud to be a part of something.  Thank you everyone for making me feel welcome here and for allowing me a place to contribute everything I can to a great cause. I am certainly in good company when I look around me and see the generosity of our supporters both from a time and financial perspective. It still breaks my heart when we lose a little one or can't help every animal but I try to console myself with the fact that we are able to make a difference for so many. This feels like family and I am home.  - Carol Buckton
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"I recently had my first interaction with All Paws rescue during one of our families worst weeks. We adopted a wonderful cat names Kahlua from a humane society and were instantly in love. After having him for a month we noticed he was losing weight. After countless visits to the vet and still no absolute cause of the weight loss and lack of appetite we feared the worst. We had invested all our money into saving our baby with heavy hearts we thought we would loose our Kahlua:( Desperate and out of options I began contacting every animal group and rescue group I could find. That is when I found All Paws! I could not have imagined that a phone call late on evening with a stranger could have changed our lives forever. As I erupted into tears explaining our Kahlua's story and his situation I felt a great sense of compassion and love from the other end of the phone. All Paws has reached out and have provided us with support. Our family is still in disbelief that a stranger and a rescue group is willing to help us! All Paws is not just a regular animal rescue group, they are people who genuinely care about not just the animals but the people in the animals lives. They have provided just as much support to our fur baby Kahlua as they have to each member of our family. Although Kahlua's battle is not over and there are still questions not answered in regards to his health. We are comforted in knowing that amazing people from All Paws are here to help us. Words cannot articulate how much gratitude we have towards All Paws. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for Kahlua and our new found friendship with All Paws." - Nicole Marchese
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This is something I have to share! My 4 year old daughter lives with an anxiety disorder and since I started volunteering with all paws and bringing her to the pet valu at heartlake I've noticed so many improvements with her. She seems to have a real connection with any cat that comes into the store. Today was a really rough day for her and even though we weren't scheduled to go in we took a trip to visit Raquel and pheobe and within minute of being with them em's whole attitude changed. So Michelle Victoria I know you've had a rough time lately I want you to know how much you and the rescue mean to my family. You're not only changing the lives of these sweet animals, you've helped us find a coping mechanism for my daughter therefore you've helped improved her life as well. For that from the bottom of my heart I thank you
​- Jamie Dyer
"I am so grateful for All Paws Rescue. I posted on fb that I needed to find a home for my two cats. Within a couple of days Michelle from All Paws messaged me to tell me that she may be able to help me find them a good home...Well she did and quickly too. Not to mention that she managed to find them a home together in less than a week and they even came to pick them up...Best service ever. Thank you to all of you at All Paws for the amazing services you offer and for being such loving and caring people"
​- Bredi Rogelj
" I was introduced to All Paws Rescue by a friend that was a foster mom for a pregnant kitty. She knew how stressed I was trying to find my 2 girls a home as we are planning a move out of province and suggested I contact Michelle, at All Paws. When I finally made contact with Michelle, she was fantastic! She was able to find my kitties a foster home very quickly and she and her foster mom made the transition as smooth as possible, allowing a sap like myself to stay in touch along the way. I will continue to recommend All Paws whether it's to surrender or adopt a furever friend but especially to donate to such an amazing, extremely loving team"!
​ - Lori Lynn
"I reached out to All Paws Rescue to see if they could take in two kittens (brother and sister) that were coming to my house. Michelle Victoria was so sweet and helpful, and was able to take in the kittens (they have now been adopted by a friend of mine). I reached out again when the feral daddy and two mommas had kittens, and Tara Clarke spent many nights at my place in December ensuring all 7 were trapped and put into foster homes. This rescue is amazing! So many fabulous fosters and supporters, we are truly blessed to have All Paws Rescue in our community"
​- Deb Amaral
"I became a volunteer with All Paws Rescue in January 2016. I was searching for my purpose in life and was "lost", battling depression. I discovered this Rescue on Facebook and as they say, the rest is history. I have only been volunteering a few months but this rescue has changed my life. I have a renewed sense of purpose and no longer struggle to get out of bed and face the world. I have seen first hand the dedication and love Michelle puts into this rescue and I am so proud to be part of such an amazing group. The way people come together in this rescue group when an animal is in need is astonishing and admirable. I have made new friends who share my passion and love for animals. I have found purpose and light at a time in my life that was very dark. I am so thrilled to donate my time, money, love, heart and soul to this rescue. I started with running errands, then cleaning and caring for the cats placed up for adoption at the Pet Valus. I am also now a foster mom to a rescue cat (in addition to my own animals). The joy I have in my life now thanks for Michelle, her rescue and my fellow group members is something I will always be grateful for...for saving me at a time in my life when i didnt think I deserved saving and showing me life matters. Every life. This rescue is one of the best things in my life and one of the best things in our community. It has renewed my faith in humanity and is helping renew my faith in myself "
​- Tara Browne
"I found my passion through the  All Paws Rescue team. I have finally found my place in this world. You women & men are some of the greatest people I have ever known. Selflessly, you give up your time to save animals & by me meeting you, you have "saved" me as well." - Laurie C
"Just wanted to let everyone know of this amazing organization... they definitely go over and above with what they do...you can see the amazing work that they do by looking at their page. They helped me find a loving foster home for 4 cats that I feed in front of my home that were homeless and cold and now they all are being loved, warm and received the health care by vet that they needed because of All Paws Rescue Group"!!! - Blanca Cameron
"I wanted to share this message and let everyone know how happy I am.  My dog Athena got hit by a car on Saturday and I felt hopeless after the emergency vet visit.  I was contemplating putting her down because I had no other option or the funds to pay for such an expensive surgery.  My life was shattered in a split second and yesterday everything turned completely around.  ALL PAWS rescue contacted me since a friend of mine was a supporter of their group and they found a way to help!  They have been such a BIG help and my experience with them has been amazing!  Athena will be having her surgery on Thursday!!  My life also changed in another way too - my outlook on people and life in general has changed and the fact that people everywhere are wanting to help me and Athena really touches me in and way I cannot explain.  Thank you to everyone that has donated already, and I cannot express how happy I am to know that Athena will be okay and get the medical attention she needed to survive.  We are still needing to raise more money for her, so if you can donate I would really appreciate it.  I wanted to send this message not only to thank ALL PAWS, but to express the importance of helping others in need...my life has changed because I received help from others and to be honest I didn't even think a dollar would be raised.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
​- Jessica G
"Hi Michelle I just wanted to Thank You for the beautiful card you sent me. It's truly rewarding to be involved with you, your rescue and your team of volunteers as well. I've always been an Animal Lover and wanted to be part of something and now I am, thanks to you :) You have put your heart + soul into saving animals lives every day and see the lives change for both these animals in need + the families that now have someone to LOVE! Please if there's anything you need - I will do my best to continue to help. You are living the DREAM we all wish we could but its a blessing for all involved to help you continue to move forward. You and your rescue has been a god-send + helping me through my Dad's illness. Hope to meet you real soon Michelle ... All the best always,
​ - Lori B