My Boxer Babysitter!

Kelly Hartman had always been a dog person… until her boxer dog, Suzie showed how much they could both help kittens in need.

I had always longed for a canine companion and knew when the day came, it would be a boxer who I’d call Suzie. When a neighbour announced their boxer had had puppies, I couldn’t help myself. Eight years ago, I collected Suzie and our adventures began.

Three years ago, I decided we could foster some dogs in need. I approached Liberty Humane Society, a local animal shelter. But they told me they didn’t have any dogs for fostering.

“How do you feel about cats?” they asked. I paused. I wasn’t much of a cat person.

“We have five four-week-old kittens who need somewhere warm and cosy to grow,” they explained. When I saw the kittens my heart melted. They were so tiny and defenceless.

I learned that kittens were often found in sorry states on the streets of New York. Dustbin men would hand in kittens they’d found in dumpsters, just hours old.

I was to foster them until they were old enough to be neutered and adopted into a forever home. I figured I’d keep Suzie in another room. After all, cats and dogs don’t get on – everyone knows that.