Team Member - Cynthia McKeag

Like many Kitten Rescue foster stories, this one began with a kitty. Not just any kitty though and it began one and a half years before I even heard of Kitten Rescue. I adopted my cat, Dean, from the West LA shelter in September - plucked from a ridiculous pile of over 25 kittens all heading towards 4 months and already showing nasty signs of kitty cough. All the kittens were all ready to go that day and yet it had been over two weeks without a single adoption and the shelter was pressed for space… We all know what that means…

I never intended to adopt a kitten, in fact, I was hoping to rescue an older kitty because of their low chances in the shelter. However, a confident and chill bundle of black and silver fur told me in no uncertain terms that I had better take him home. Now, a little over two years later and I wouldn't trade him for anything in the world. Dean couldn't be a more perfect match for me, I like to think he was created just for me.

Now at the same time that I fell head over heels in love with Dean, my roommate - who wanted a kitten - also adopted a silver tabby the same age. For the next year and a half these boys would be inseparable. However, as we knew from the start, it couldn't last forever. My roommate moved out and I knew without a doubt that I needed a friend for Dean asap. My mom suggested fostering and I hopped online and discovered Kitten Rescue.

Dean couldn't be happier (ok, maybe he could be but that may be about to change!) and is a wonderful foster big brother and dad to the kittens. Because he's ok with the changing housemates, I have fallen in love with fostering and Kitten Rescue. So when the chance to do something more for Kitten Rescue came up, I fought my lazier instincts and signed up for the LA Marathon.

What a journey it has been! Marathon training Saturday mornings followed by adoption events all weekend and I'm ready to drop come Monday... Thankfully, I've gotten to know some amazing KR people who help out in unbelievable ways to allow me to show on Saturdays despite having to be late some weeks. While I've faced some medical challenges on this journey, I wouldn't change it for the world. It's pretty amazing to say "I only did 10 miles today" and actually mean that it was a pitifully short distance!

While fundraising has been equally challenging - I'm oddly enjoying every moment of it. As for Dean - well, he may be getting a permanent friend sooner than I planned. And the kitty being considered isn't even one of my fosters!! What can I say, I like to break the mold and shake the system. Will I be doing the marathon again next year? Ask me again when it's over… Will I continue fostering? You better believe it.

To donate to Cynthia's fundraiser page go to www.crowdrise.com/cynthiamckeag