Friends of Wayne Animals (FOWA), an all-volunteer non-profit rescue organization working throughout Northern New Jersey, invites the public to an annual baby shower for the kittens currently in foster care. Gifts at the top of their registry are loving homes. Donations to FOWA are also appreciated to help with the cost of fostering the kittens.

   Mothers of many kittens have done a wonderful job caring for their little ones. Now it’s time to find homes for them all.

   Kittens are cared for in foster care until they are at least 8 weeks old and receive all necessary medical care and vaccinations. Mothers are vaccinated, tested for disease and spayed. They are also available for adoption. FOWA has now entered into kitten season and is in critical need of the public’s help.

   FOWA offers a low cost spay and neuter program in order to help cut down on overpopulation of unwanted animals. Unfortunately, there are many irresponsible people who do not alter their pets and let them loose to multiply in the area. FOWA’s corp of 60 active volunteers works to care for these animals in their own homes.

   “We are all doing the best job possible in our foster care program under these extreme measures to care for all these animals,” said Donna Vanderhook, FOWA president. “We are asking the public for help to be responsible pet owners and have all your animals spayed and neutered if you have not done so already. We are counting on everyone to help us now and in the future so we and are not faced with these difficult situations of overpopulation.”

   The costs of caring for these kittens is considerable and FOWA is asking for monetary donations for this kitten shower. Checks can be made out to FOWA, marked "kitten shower" and mailed to FOWA, PO Box 3701, Wayne, NJ 07470. With many more kittens expected this spring, donations will help FOWA keep kittens safe and healthy until homes can be found.

   FOWA is a non-profit, all volunteer area rescue organization whose mission is to care for homeless animals until a loving home can be found. FOWA works out of their homes in the North Jersey area. The group is no longer associated with the Wayne Animal Shelter or municipality. Anyone over 18 who would like to volunteer their time, become a foster parent, or to adopt a pet, visit www.fowa.petfinder.com, e-mail fowarescue@yahoo.com or call 973-902-7515. Visit FOWA at Rock Ledge Garden/Jake’s Place, 1621 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne, every Saturday from 12 to 3 p.m. or PetCo, 1099 Route 46 east, Parsippany, every first, second and fourth Saturday and every Sunday from 12 to 3 p.m.