Saving Lives, One Foster Home At A Time

Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue volunteer Michael and her partner have helped foster and rehome nine cats and kittens, giving each one a second chance at finding a loving forever home. Photo supplied

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By Chelsea Ravizza

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Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue (BCPR) social media and foster carer volunteer, Michael never expected animal rescue to become such a significant part of her life.  

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Today, she combines her passion for animals with a growing talent for social media, in a volunteer role she describes as the "perfect fit" for her lifestyle.

“What keeps me coming back [to BCPR] is knowing that even small contributions can help animals find loving homes, and give them a second chance,” she said.

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Over the course of a year, Michael and her partner fostered cats and kittens, successfully helping nine animals find forever homes. Although she admits they nearly “foster failed” more than once after becoming attached to their furry guests, Michael said seeing each animal grow in confidence and eventually find a loving family made the experience incredibly rewarding.

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“Moments like that remind you why rescue work is so important - it's one of the most rewarding feelings you can experience,” she said.

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“Seeing an animal arrive scared, unsure, or neglected and then watching them slowly learn to trust people again is incredibly special. When they finally find a loving home, you feel happy, proud, and satisfied knowing you've played a small part in changing that animal's life forever. It makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

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While volunteering often requires personal sacrifice, Michael said she’s constantly inspired by the commitment of her fellow volunteers, seeing firsthand how many juggle full-time jobs, family responsibilities and busy personal lives, yet still dedicate countless hours to caring for vulnerable animals and helping them find loving homes.

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“It can be emotionally challenging as well, especially when resources are stretched and difficult decisions have to be made. Volunteers do it because they genuinely care, but it takes a lot of commitment and passion.”

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Michael hopes more members of the community will step forward to volunteer or become foster carers, highlighting the critical role rescue groups play in regional areas like Bowen, where they often serve as a safety net for vulnerable animals by providing care, rehabilitation and a pathway to a loving forever home.

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“One thing many people don’t understand is that we don’t have a shelter. Our rescue relies on foster carers opening their homes to animals in need. Without volunteers and community support, many animals would have very limited options,” she explained.

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Groups like Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue provide abandoned, surrendered and at-risk animals with a second chance while promoting responsible pet ownership, relying heavily on community support, with every foster carer, volunteer, donor and adopter playing a vital role in helping save lives.

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“Our main focus is helping animals that have been abandoned, surrendered, or are at risk of euthanasia and finding them safe, loving homes, and none of that is possible without volunteers, foster carers, donations, and community support.”

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To learn more about becoming a BCPR volunteer, reach out to the organisation via email bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com, or visit the group’s social media pages to directly access Foster Carer Application Forms.

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“I'd love to see more people get involved, even if it's just fostering, volunteering a few hours, donating, or sharing adoption posts online. Every bit of support helps save lives.”

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