Those interested in fostering a cat or kitten for the Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Berks County in Birdsboro are invited to attend a Kitten Sprinkle being presented by the Friends of ARL on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Inn at Centre Park, 730 Centre Ave., Reading.

The ARL has held a kitten shower in the past, but this is the first time for a sprinkle event, which is typically held for parents who have other children. "(A sprinkle) is a secondary (shower) to get us to meet some new fosters potentially and promote the program," said Alyssa Budock, ARL media and communications manager. "There won't be adoptable kittens there. It will be fosters and the kittens they are currently fostering in their homes."

According to http://www.berksarl.org/foster, fosters must be at least 18 years old and have an ability to travel to and from the ARL, located at 58 Kennel Road, Birdsboro. While a specific foster room is not required, there should be space in a foster home that is separate from the other animals that live in the house.

Supplies are provided. "We provide food, the litter and the medication," said Heather Potteiger, ARL office and purchasing manager, who also fosters kittens for the ARL. "We need someone to (offer) space outside the kennel."

Potteiger noted that some people may be reluctant to foster because it may be difficult to give the animals to their new owners. However, realizing the animal will find a permanent loving home makes it worthwhile. "It gets easier as you do it, and it's (rewarding) to be part of that process," she stated.

Among the cats currently in a foster home is Little Boy, a 3-year-old male tuxedo cat. "One of our longest-term residents right now is a cat named Little Boy who came into the shelter back at the end of March," explained Budock. "He was a little bit more scared and shut down in the shelter, so we were fortunate to place him in the foster home to help him gain some confidence, and the foster has said he is doing great. He is a low-maintenance guy just looking for his very own home."

Those interested in Little Boy may email adoption@berksarl.org to set up a time to meet him.

Normally, the Berks ARL mobile adoption unit is set up at special events, but Budock reported that it will not be on hand during the Kitten Sprinkle due to limited space.

The vehicle, housing a number of adoptable cats and kittens, made a stop recently at French Creek State Park in Elverson during a "Pancakes and Pets" breakfast offered by the site's park rangers. "It's our way to get out to community (members) who might not necessarily be able to make it to our facility," noted Potteiger.

The Animal Rescue League of Berks County is a nonprofit organization that cares for more than 5,000 animals each year, helping them to find permanent, loving homes or reuniting them with their owners. The ARL also offers human/animal support resources, low-cost veterinary services, animal control programs and animal cruelty and humane law investigation throughout Berks County.

To learn more, call 610-373-8830 or visit www.berksarl.org or www.facebook.com/berksARL.