I first began fostering for RSPCA Oxfordshire during the Covid pandemic. My very first foster was Spot, a young male Staffie cross who came into RSPCA care under heartbreaking circumstances. Due to unforeseen housing issues, his family, who loved him dearly, had no choice but to surrender him. It was evident how much he meant to them, and the distress was palpable for everyone involved.
Spot struggled in the kennel environment. He missed his family terribly, and his separation anxiety was understandably heightened. When I agreed to foster him, Spot arrived with one treasured possession: a well-loved bumblebee toy. It was clear how important this little bee was to him—no matter how many other toys were offered, he only had eyes for his bumblebee.
Welcoming Spot into our home was a joy. He was beautifully natured, impeccably mannered, and so obviously a much-loved member of his previous family. At first, his separation anxiety presented challenges. When we left the house, Spot would sit in the window, anxiously waiting for our return. Concerned that this wasn’t helping his anxiety, we blocked the window—but Spot wasn’t deterred! On one occasion, we came home to find him watching for us from the upstairs window, which gave us a much-needed laugh during those early days.
As Spot grew more comfortable and his anxiety began to ease, it became time to find his forever home. Spot quickly captured the hearts of many, but when the right family came along, he made it clear they were his. A family of four welcomed Spot—and, of course, his bumblebee—into their lives. Spot is now thriving in his new home, and hearing updates from his family about how happy he is fills me with pride and joy.
Fostering Spot was a truly rewarding experience. Helping him transition from heartbreak to happiness was a privilege, and it’s a testament to the incredible work RSPCA Oxfordshire does in supporting animals and their families through difficult times.
