Happy hour is often a time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the company of others, but for one group of Sun City neighbors, these ‘happy hours’ have taken on a whole new meaning. What began as a way for neighbors to socialize during Covid is changing lives far beyond just one driveway. That’s because this happy hour is distinctly different from any other in town!
“Whenever I have foster kittens, they become a focal point of the gathering,” says Palmetto Animal League foster Sharie Benoit. “The neighbors and the kittens benefit from cuddle time.”
Sometimes they even have dog friends join the gatherings.
“One neighbor dog often checks to see if I have kittens when she is out walking,” says Benoit smiling. “She is always disappointed when there are no kittens.”
Fostering has been a way of life for Benoit since 2014 when she agreed to bottle feed her first litter of orphaned kittens. She understands that socialization is a key component to raising highly adoptable kittens.
“It is good to get the kittens out in fresh air with new sounds, smells, and experiences,” says Benoit. “It also helps to have different people play with them.”
Benoit and her neighbors bring beverages and snacks to share, but the best thing they share is their support for each other and the kittens.
“These sweet, little kittens have had a rough start,” says Benoit. “PAL’s foster program allows them to move toward a happy, healthy life.”
Benoit fosters year-round for PAL, whenever her schedule permits. She provides the love and PAL provides everything else.
“I have had cats all my life and they have given me so much comfort,” reflects Benoit. “Each homeless kitten has the potential to bring unlimited joy and love to their forever home. They just need to be given a chance.”
Kitten season is already underway at PAL. Please help us shower spring kittens with all the essentials and a great start in life. Visit PalmettoAnimalLeague.org and click on Kitten Shower to send supplies directly to PAL via Amazon or bring a gift to our Kitten Shower Saturday, March 11 from 12pm-2pm at the PAL Adoption Center, located at 56 Riverwalk Blvd in Okatie. Guests will enjoy refreshments, kitten themed activities for kids, and a chance to explore volunteer opportunities with kittens!
Your special Kitten Shower gift, donated online or in person, will help homeless kittens grow healthy and strong as they prepare for adoption.
Lindsay Perry, PAL Marketing Coordinator
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Thank you to our Partners in Rescue, The Bluffton Sun and The Hilton Head Sun for being beacons of compassion and hope for homeless pets in our community. Please show your support for these local animal loving businesses!
