Palo Alto Family Fosters a One-of-a-Kind Litter

Hayhurst family lovingly cares for small kittens with two moms

Pets In Need stands as a beacon of hope for homeless animals and pet parents facing hardship. We are proud of the positive impact we’ve had on countless lives, but none of it could be done without help from our amazing foster families.

Summer Hayhurst, her daughter Charlotte, and the rest of the family have been fostering animals with Pets In Need for many years. Their journey took an unexpected turn when they were presented with the opportunity to foster a unique litter – kittens with two moms!

“We were surprised because I’ve never heard of a litter that had two females looking after them,” said Summer. “We knew that we were going to be a part of something special. It was amazing to witness these two cats care for them.”

Cristy, the litter’s mom, and Addison would take turns cleaning, teaching, and caring for the kittens. Charlotte was filled with awe and admiration at how Cristy and Addison embodied the essence of motherhood and seamlessly partnered to share the responsibilities of raising these kittens. Despite the challenges of round-the-clock care, the family's love and dedication prevailed. Through tireless efforts and unwavering support from Pets In Need, Summer, Charlotte, and their furry companions thrived.

Fostering saves lives and brings joy. In 2023, fosters partnered with Pets In Need to house over 1,000 animals.  The Hayhurst family’s experience is a testament to the profound impact fostering can have, not only on the animals' lives but also on the fosters themselves. Whether through fostering, volunteering, or donating, every act of kindness from our community makes a meaningful impact. When asked about their fostering experience, Summer's heartfelt words echoed the sentiment of countless other fosters: "Every time we foster with you it is so easy and so rewarding. We love working with your organization and their foster team."

Pets In Need welcomes everyone interested in fostering to check our website to learn how you can get involved.

“I hope that people will support Pets In Need so families like us can care for more animals like Cristy, Addison, and their litter,” said Charlotte. “I’ve really enjoyed fostering and if anyone can foster they definitely should do it because Pets In Need gives the animals a chance to live happy lives."