Name:
Ashley Ludwig
Current foster:
Javan and Snow
What do you do professionally//are you currently a student?
I'm currently a stay-at-home mom, I am working on getting my Associate's Degree as a Veterinary Technician.
How do you manage your schedule to allow fostering?
Since I'm a stay-at-home mom I am for the most part always with my fosters! This allows me to create a bond with my foster as well and helps them with socializing with people, dogs, other cats, and a variety of other animals.
How long have you been fostering for PAWS/how many animals have you fostered for PAWS?
I have been fostering since August 2020, and I'm guessing I have fostered close to 100?
What kind of animals do you foster for PAWS?
I foster cats, especially the ones with special needs!
What's your favorite thing about fostering?
I love being able to give the cats a loving, warm, and safe environment where they can flourish as well as become healthy and eventually find their forever home
What is the most challenging part of fostering?
The most challenging part of fostering special needs cats is after you have tried everything possible to help them feel better and get healthy but eventually, you have to say goodbye once they cross the rainbow bridge.
The most common thing our fosters are told is, “I’d never be able to let them go.” So, can you tell people why you do it and how you let them go?
I love being able to give back and help those who don't have a voice to be heard. Though it can be extremely hard to let fosters go, I just think that I have touched some part of their life for the better and got them ready to go to their forever home. Letting them go is allowing me to bring in the next cat who really needs my help.
What are your favorite non-PAWS hobbies?
I do not have much time for hobbies, but I love spending time with my friends and family.
What do you like to do outside of fostering?
I really enjoy creating art! I use a wide range of mediums such as painting, drawing, digital art, and working with bones (yes I said bones)
What is one thing you wish more people know about fostering or animal rescue in general?
You get to see the big picture of the issues that go on in the community when it is related to animal wellbeing. These animals need to be heard and they need help. Fostering is giving the animal the ability to trust and be loved by humans especially if they come from an abusive situation, have to be rehomed, or are found as a stray. Every animal deserves a chance no matter what their back story is.