When North arrived at Toronto Humane Society, she was doing everything she could to care for her five tiny kittens.
She was nursing Quebec, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta while also trying to recover from being underweight and unwell herself. Her new, tiny family was vulnerable, and they needed care.
That’s where their story began to change.
North received the medical attention she needed, including treatment for parasites, monitoring for anemia and, once she was ready, spay surgery. But shortly after her surgery, North developed a serious complication that required urgent veterinary intervention.
Thanks to the support of our community, North had access to the veterinary expertise, medications, monitoring and compassionate care she needed during a critical moment.
And while North recovered, her kittens needed a different kind of care: time, patience and a safe place to grow.
North and her kittens were welcomed into the foster home of Yan, who knew just how vulnerable the little family was.
Her days began before 6 a.m., when she carefully weighed each kitten. At just three weeks old, every gram mattered.
There were health setbacks along the way, and at times, it was touch and go. But Yan wasn’t alone. Toronto Humane Society’s veterinary and shelter teams were there to provide food and supplies, veterinary care and support whenever it was needed.
“I can always count on Toronto Humane Society’s warm, focused support,” Yan shared.
Slowly but surely, the kittens grew stronger.
“I was thrilled when they hit 500 grams,” Yan says. “When they hit 700 grams, I thought, mission accomplished.”
For vulnerable kittens like North’s, foster care can make all the difference. A loving foster home gives them the space to grow, recover and build confidence in an environment where they can thrive.
A New Beginning for the Whole Family
Today, we’re thrilled to share that North and each of her five kittens have found loving homes of their own.
For Yan, seeing the kittens grow from fragile three-week-olds into healthy, confident pets was incredibly rewarding.
“I’m very proud that through teamwork, we can ensure every pet for adoption is playful, robust, confident, and free of illness,” she shared. “I may never meet the people who adopt them, but I’m very happy to imagine the joy these babies are bringing their families.”
When Yan talks about teamwork, she’s talking about more than the people who cared for North and her kittens directly.
She’s talking about everyone who played a part in their journey — from the foster family who opened their home, to the veterinary teams who provided essential care, to the shelter teams who supported them every step of the way.
And she’s talking about donors, too.
Because stories like North’s are only possible when a community comes together to help animals and the people who love them.
North needed medical care. Her kittens needed a safe place to grow. Together, that care gave this family the chance to heal, grow stronger and begin their next chapters.
Every year, thousands of animals come through Toronto Humane Society’s doors needing care, support and a path forward. Each animal’s journey is different, but they all deserve the opportunity for a new beginning.
Your gift helps make that possible.
When you make a donation of $50 or more, you’ll receive our beautiful 2027 New Beginnings Calendar as a thank-you for your support.
Inside, you’ll meet 12 animals whose stories represent the many ways compassionate people can change lives. You’ll even meet one of North’s kittens, Ontario, whose journey is a beautiful reminder of what can happen when animals receive the care they need.
Make a gift of $50 or more today and bring home your 2027 New Beginnings Calendar.
Together, we can help more animals like North and her kittens find the care, support and fresh starts they deserve.
We just wanted to share some pics of…
When North arrived at Toronto Humane Society, she…
You walk into the room and find a…
We’re the new parents of Orpheus, his name…
