Story #18: Keeper, Lover, and the Love That Endures
As told by Josie Mattern: Adopter, Foster, and Volunteer
I began fostering for Anderson Humane in the summer of 2020, during a time when the world felt unfamiliar and overwhelming. Everything had shut down, routines vanished, and I was searching for something meaningful to hold onto. Fostering became my way to give back when so much felt out of my control. It reminded me that connection still mattered.
After several foster placements, I welcomed a brother and sister pair named Roy and Nugget into my home. They were playful, curious, and sweet, but it was Nugget who changed everything. From the moment she arrived, she bonded with my resident cat, Camper. Almost instantly, they became inseparable. They played together, groomed one another, and slept curled up side by side. Watching them felt special, like they had found exactly what they needed in each other.
Returning Roy and Nugget to the adoption floor was far harder than I expected. Saying goodbye felt heavy, especially knowing how deeply Camper would miss Nugget. I told him we would love other kittens soon, even as I tried to believe it myself.
Later that same afternoon, my phone rang. Anderson Humane explained that Nugget needed additional medical testing before she could be adopted and asked if I would continue fostering her. I did not hesitate. I said yes immediately. I knew this was a sign.
I agreed on one condition that when she was cleared, I would be first in line to adopt her. On September 15, 2020, Nugget officially became part of our family. Because she was meant to stay, she was given a new name. Keeper.
Keeper lived up to her name in every way. She became a nurturing presence to every foster kitten that came through our home. She greeted strangers with affection, sought out cuddles, and offered comfort without being asked. In February 2024, Keeper was certified as a Healing Paws therapy cat. She visited senior centers, schools, libraries, and more, sharing her gentle spirit with everyone she met. Time and again, she showed how kindness can soften even the strongest walls.
Tragically, Keeper passed away on August 31, 2024, following an emergency surgery. The loss was devastating. Camper withdrew completely, hiding and grieving alongside me. My heart felt shattered.
In my darkest moments, I knew the only way to honor Keeper was to keep going.
I began fostering again. Adult cats, kittens, dogs, bunnies, and even pet rats filled our home. Love, I learned, does not disappear when it is broken open. It multiplies.
In May of 2025, I told Anderson I needed a short break as my fiancé moved in and we adjusted to a new routine. That break did not last long.
In July 2025, a foster plea stopped me in my tracks. A mama cat with a broken leg needed a safe place to land. Nearly five years after I first fostered Roy and Keeper, I brought her home.
Her name was Lola.
Despite everything she had been through, Lola arrived calm and trusting. Within days, her affectionate nature shone through. She leaned into every touch, purred constantly, and seemed grateful simply to be safe.
Most importantly, Lola brought Camper back to life. Slowly at first, then fully, he began playing again and forming a bond with her that felt achingly familiar. In those quiet moments, I felt Keeper’s presence, not as a replacement, but as a reminder that love never leaves. It simply changes shape.
After Lola’s amputation, we knew she was already home. On September 2, 2025, she officially became part of our family. A cat with that much love could only have one name.
Lover.
This story is not just about fostering or adoption. It is about how love shows up, leaves its mark, and asks us to stay open even after loss. Keeper taught me that love heals, endures, and chooses us when we need it most. Her legacy lives on in every life touched by that love, and because of her, my home became a refuge and my heart learned to stay open.
Ready to start your own rescue story?
Meet adoptable animals at Anderson Humane by visiting ahconnects.org/adopt, or help make the next 60 stories possible by donating in honor of our 60th Anniversary.
Interested in becoming a Volunteer?
Visit ahconnects.org/volunteer/ for more information on how you can get involved.
Interested in starting your own Foster Journey?
Visit us at ahconnects.org/foster-2/ for more information or email fosters@ahconnects.org