So You’ve Decided to Become a Grandparent... by Gale Landingham (eleventh article) My early twenties included a devastating experience in parenthood. I was the single mother of a beautiful feline girl. An unexpected event forced me to look for a temporary home for her, but weeks of begging everyone I knew brought no placement for my beloved kitty. I eventually took her to the local shelter, and left in tears. This still haunts me. It was many years before I allowed another furry child into my life. Fast forward: life stabilized, and a little human girl, Amanda, came along. She was 8 years old when we let her adopt Tigger. I knew, as this kitten’s grandma, I was committed to Tigger for her lifetime. I waited until I knew we could handle that commitment. We also had the opportunity to get “pre-adoption counseling,” a free service available through many organizations on AdoptAFriend.net. Just as we have a responsibility to help our human children and grandchildren during life-changing events, we have that same responsibility for our non-human family members. Young humans love their furry babies, but are not always able to live up to that lifetime commitment. In addition to the usual experiences of college, military service, work or allergic spouses and offspring, other things can happen in early adulthood – that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live in Tibet, for example. I’ve heard many reasons why folks take four-footed family members to shelters, and sadly held my tongue as the majority of them sign euthanasia permission forms. I wonder if surrendering families are aware that more of these little people are going to be killed than adopted or rescued, or if anyone has told them about other options. In this column, I will explore some circumstances that lead to giving up animal companions, and some available options. Lots of folks are at a loss when faced with unexpected expenses – vet bills, the need for a fenced yard, a surprise pet pregnancy. A number of generous humans want to help with these circumstances. Foster care is an option for temporary life events. Cats and dogs are often given up because their parents are homeless, leaving for college or military service, and so on. Long-term foster care is an excellent option and is available through several organizations listed on AdoptAFriend.net.