By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
EVERY day, Tracey Breckon’s passion changes lives.
The Pakenham resident has volunteered as an animal foster carer for the last five years, taking in unwanted cats and dogs until they find homes.
She fell into foster caring after taking in a litter of kittens and has never looked back.
“It kind of happened accidently. I saw on Facebook that some three-week-old kittens needed homes and I volunteered to care for them until they could be adopted,” she said.
“Kittens that young require a high level of care. I was bottle feeding them and they couldn’t be desexed until they weighed a kilo.”
She’s now a foster carer with South Gippsland Animal Aid, a foster care network with about 10 carers.
It’s a rewarding but busy role – at one point during last year’s “kitten season”, Tracey was looking after 24 kittens.
“I have a big cat enclosure in my house and we try and get a fair bit donated. Petstock has donated some cattery cages,” she said.
“It’s a big job but I have a good setup and a very supportive husband, which makes it easier.”
She’s expecting this year’s kitten season to be just as busy, with the group often taking in litters of kittens that have been dumped on roadsides or at the council.
However, it’s two very lovable dogs that are currently keeping Tracey busy. Dogs Nigel and Ruby came into her care about three weeks ago and will soon be rehomed.
“Ruby has a few requirements. She’ll need a home where someone will be with her a lot of the time, she can’t just be left in the backyard,” she said.
“When Nigel came to us her was severely matted, so he’s been shaved and he’s doing really well.”
Though she’s only been fostering for five years, Tracey’s passion for animals runs much deeper.
After completing certificates in Animal Studies and Companion Animal Services, Tracey is now completing a veterinary nursing course and is working at Greencross Vets in Pakenham.
“I’ve always been an animal lover, ever since I was young,” she said.
“I can’t imagine not being involved with them.”
