ACO Late Night Call 

On April 18, around 11:20 p.m. Norwood Animal Control Officer (ACO) Hernandez responded to a breaking and entering on Endicott St.

The suspect? A flighted fugitive who took over the bedroom! 

The individual was later released on bail (back outside where it belongs) with a warning for trespassing.

Reminder:

As the weather gets warmer, doors and windows left open can invite unexpected guests—some with wings and zero respect for personal space.

Opening Your Home, Saving a Life: The Power of Fostering

Behind every adoption story is often a quieter, equally important chapter - foster care. For many animals, foster homes are not just a temporary stop along the way; they can be for a lifeline, and/or a place to heal, grow, and, feel safe.

At the Bay State Animal Cooperative, fostering plays a critical role in the rescue and care of their cats. While some pets enter foster homes for a short stay as they wait for their forever families, others require long-term, and sometimes even lifelong foster care due to ongoing medical or special needs. These animals may need extra attention, medication, or simply a calm and stable environment where they can thrive.

Foster homes provide something shelters often cannot: individualized care and a true home setting. In foster, animals learn routines, build trust with people, and begin to show their personalities. This not only improves their quality of life, but also helps match them with the right adoptive families when they are ready.

For animals with medical conditions, foster families become essential partners in their care. Whether it’s administering medication, attending veterinary appointments, or monitoring recovery, these fosters give animals a second chance that might not otherwise be possible. In some cases, foster families choose to continue caring for these pets long-term, offering them comfort, stability, and love for the rest of their lives.

The need for foster homes is constant. Some animals may only need a place to stay for a few days or weeks, while others benefit from longer placements. Sometimes it means a safe place for a mother cat to deliver her kittens, or, care for her family until they are old enough to adopt. The flexibility of fostering means there is an opportunity for many people to get involved, regardless of their schedule or experience level.

Fostering is not just about helping animals, it’s about becoming part of their journey. It can be incredibly rewarding to watch a shy or sick animal transform with care and compassion. And while saying goodbye can be bittersweet, knowing you helped change a life makes it worthwhile.

Bay State Animal Cooperative is always looking for compassionate individuals and families willing to open their homes, whether for a short-term stay or a longer commitment. Every foster home makes room for another animal in need, and, brings us one step closer to a community where every pet has a safe place to land.

For more information on fostering with the Bay State Animal Cooperative, visit their website at baystateanimals.org, click on ‘Contact Us,’ and send a message. The organization is completely volunteer based, so if you don’t receive a quick reply, please try again.

Every Donation Makes a Difference

The Bay State Animal Cooperative is always in need of food and essential supplies to support the cats in their care. Donations of items such as quality cat food, litter, and bedding help ensure each animal lives in a safe and comfortable environment. Monetary contributions are equally important, as they directly fund necessary medical treatments, from routine care to more complex procedures for cats with ongoing health needs. Guided by a compassionate mission, Bay State is committed to providing every feline with a secure, nurturing home for as long as possible—no matter their age or medical condition.

To learn more about the Bay State Animal Cooperative, volunteer, or donate, visit baystateanimals.org or Facebook at Facebook.com/baystateanimals.