In a world divided by the age-old rivalry between dog and cat lovers, it’s time to set aside our differences and bear witness to an incredible tale of compassion and companionship. Meet Kona, a heartwarming canine who has taken two shy kittens under her wing, offering them a temporary home and a whole lot of love.
Thanks to her adoring owner’s viral Instagram posts, Kona has become an internet sensation. It all started when her owners decided to foster two adorable kittens named Chester and Blair, who had been discovered in a New York City backyard. At just 10-12 weeks old, they were in need of a nurturing environment and a caring companion.
Despite Kona’s initial unfamiliarity with the tiny newcomers, it didn’t take long for the trio to form an unbreakable bond. Even though Kona had been without feline friends for three days prior to their arrival, she was determined to provide the best care possible for Chester and Blair, and her efforts did not go unnoticed.
Asa, owner of Kona, has been fostering cats and dogs for several years and has successfully found forever homes for over 164 animals.
Asa’s impressive track record of fostering over 164 animals and finding them their forever homes had piqued our interest. We were curious about what had motivated Kona’s owner to begin fostering animals in the first place.
In response to our query, Kona’s owner explained, “For me, fostering is a means of expressing my gratitude to animals.
Growing up with three dogs (and at one point, four), I developed a deep love for canines. During a turbulent childhood, my furry companions were a constant source of comfort and support.
As an only child, I relied on them heavily for solace. They brought so much joy to my life that I knew I wanted to reciprocate in some way, and fostering is my way of doing so.”
Given the situation, it was unsurprising that she took on the case of Chester and Blair.
Kona is an exceptional and magnanimous canine whose actions piqued our curiosity. What inspired Kona to extend her maternal instincts towards other animals?
The answer lies in the organic evolution of her behavior. Initially, Kona was thrilled to meet her first foster kitten, and their relationship was more akin to friendship than a motherly bond.
However, as Kona fostered more young animals, both puppies and kittens, she gradually assumed the role of a caregiver and eventually transformed into a nurturing mother figure.
Unexpectedly, the kittens proved to be exceptionally timid and fearful of humans – far more so than anticipated. Even the seasoned animal rescuers who retrieved the pair had recounted difficulties capturing and securing their safety.
As we observe the numerous pictures of Kona, Blair, and Chester, it becomes evident that there is an undeniable and special connection between these three feline friends.
We were curious about what could have brought them together, so we approached Asa to gain some insight.
According to Asa, “I believe that Kona sensed that Blair and Chester were more reserved and under-socialized compared to other kittens we’ve cared for in the past. Kona has an enchanting aura that truly works wonders.
Although I’ve been with them for six weeks, Blair and Chester are still timid around me. Socializing has been a gradual process for them, but with Kona, they were drawn to her from the very beginning.
During the first few weeks, Blair would even try to nurse on Kona, perhaps seeking comfort in this new environment. Kona remained patient and let Blair nibble away.”
After investigating the daily care of numerous animals, we inquired with the owner of Kona about the primary challenges of fostering.
According to her, fostering can present significant difficulties both physically and emotionally, as well as financially.
The emotional aspect, in particular, is the most arduous to overcome. The act of relinquishing the fosters can evoke intense feelings, often comparable to a heart-wrenching breakup.
The strength of the bond developed with some fosters can make it exceedingly challenging to move on, leading to a period of intense grief lasting up to two weeks.
Blair, a timid yet cute torbie cat, was the first kitten to arrive at Asa’s residence.
Taking care of kittens and dogs can be a challenging but ultimately fulfilling experience. As Asa explains, the most rewarding aspect of fostering is observing these animals thrive and develop.
It’s truly remarkable to witness an undersocialized kitten or shy dog gradually learn to trust humans. Additionally, observing the growth and evolution of a puppy or kitten is a wondrous experience.
There’s also something special about being present for a dog’s “firsts,” such as their first time on a leash or their first encounter with snow.
Each animal has its own unique story, and fostering provides an opportunity to witness their transformation firsthand. The process of fostering may not be easy, but the rewards make it all worthwhile.
As mentioned earlier, the act of fostering can be a rather daunting undertaking. However, it is crucial to appreciate the journey and accept it for what it is.
Undoubtedly, the most arduous yet gratifying aspect of fostering is bidding farewell to a beloved animal that you have nurtured as your own.
The bittersweet emotions of watching them leave for their permanent homes are often overwhelming. Nonetheless, the sense of fulfillment that follows is unparalleled.
The ultimate joy for many foster parents comes in the form of receiving post-adoption updates from the adopters and witnessing the growth of their former charges on social media platforms such as Instagram.
Chester, the ginger kitten, was introduced to the temporary family one day subsequent to Blair’s arrival.
The two kittens require socialization due to their lack of human interaction during their time on the streets.
Kona had no problem handling the situation. As an experienced parent to many foster cats, she provided them with love and care until they found their forever home, so she knew exactly what to do.
The kittens were initially shy, but after Kona gave them some baths and cuddles, they became more confident. As time went on, they even started interacting with Kona’s owner Asa.
Asa recently shared on her Instagram that the kittens are making progress, eating food out of her hand, purring when petted, falling asleep near her, and playing in front of her.
All of this progress wouldn’t have been possible without Kona’s unconditional love and support.
Here are some other kittens that Kona took care of
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