Volunteer goes above and beyond to help animals in need

At the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, we’re lucky to have some extraordinary foster volunteers who make a world of difference in the lives of animals. One such dedicated foster is Colleen Ferguson, whose commitment to saving lives goes far beyond the norm. 

Here for the animals 

Recently, three kittens – affectionately named Larry, Curly, and Moe – were found abandoned in a box behind a dumpster in Barrie on a scorching summer day. Alone, vulnerable, and without their mother, these kittens were in critical condition when the Barrie team took them in. Understanding the urgent need for experienced care, the team reached out to Colleen, and without hesitation, she opened her doors to the tiny trio. 

Colleen has been fostering animals since 2016, primarily with the Humane Society of Durham Region. Over the years, she has fostered an incredible 397 animals, including kittens, cats, puppies, and dogs. Her passion for fostering was reignited when she shared her earlier experiences with her daughter, who eagerly joined her on this journey. Together, they’ve been dedicated to not only helping animals but also supporting shelters in creative ways, such as creating a mobile app for foster volunteers. 

An unwavering commitment 

To ensure she could provide the best possible environment for her fosters, Colleen went as far as renovating her home, building two cat isolation rooms in her basement. This setup allows her to cater to the unique needs of each animal, especially those in fragile health, like Larry, Curly, and Moe. 

When the kittens arrived, they were in dire need of immediate care. Moe, the smallest of the litter, was particularly weak. At one point, her breathing became so sporadic that Colleen feared the worst. Acting swiftly, she administered subcutaneous fluids, warmed them, and even used a nebulizer to help Moe breathe. Her knowledge of tube-feeding proved invaluable in Moe and Larry’s survival. Colleen’s tireless dedication, feeding them every two hours and closely monitoring their health, brought the kittens back from the brink. 

The journey wasn’t easy. Moe had multiple close calls, but with every setback, Colleen and the Ontario SPCA team rallied behind her providing the treatments and support needed. Thanks to their combined efforts, Larry, Curly, and Moe made remarkable recoveries. Today, these once-abandoned kittens have all found loving homes. 

An inspirational ‘tail’ 

When asked what motivates her to go above and beyond, Colleen says, “My motivation started when I lost my first newborn kitten, Teeny. I realized if I knew how to tube feed, I might have saved her. So, I learned all I could about critical care to give every foster the best chance at survival.” 

Colleen wholeheartedly recommends becoming a foster volunteer to anyone who has been considering getting involved. “I think people hold back because of uncertainties that could be easily addressed. With the right support, fostering is incredibly rewarding,” she says. 

Larry, Curly, and Moe are living proof of the power of compassion, skill, and resilience. Their story, and the many others like it, highlight the critical role foster volunteers play in giving vulnerable animals a second chance at life. Colleen’s unwavering commitment reminds us that sometimes, all it takes is one person willing to go the extra mile to make all the difference. 

As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need. Please consider donating today to help ensure we can be there for animals like Larry Curly and Moe when they need us most.