FROM FOSTER KITTEN TO FOSTER DAD

"He seems happiest when he has a little kitten he can teach to play, cuddle and grow up to be a great cat just like he is."
— Samantha Ahnen

Teddy came into Samantha Ahnen's life as a foster kitten from Jacksonville Humane Society.

She welcomed Teddy and his sister into her home and quickly discovered his outgoing, sweet and playful personality. Those traits have remained with him ever since.

Today, Teddy is known for a different role.

Over the years, Samantha has fostered countless kittens through Jacksonville Humane Society, and Teddy has become an important part of the process. Whenever new kittens arrive, he takes them under his wing—or, more accurately, under his fluffy belly.

He plays with them.

He cuddles with them.

He teaches them to play, cuddle and grow up to be great cats.

According to Samantha, Teddy's patience is unending. He lets kittens play with his fluffy tail, chomp on his ears and play tag with him all day long.

It is where he seems happiest.

Teddy is also known by many nicknames, including Ted, Mr. Ted, Mr. President, Theodore Roosevelt and Da Boy. No matter what name is used, he is usually quick to respond with what Samantha describes as the loudest purr in the world.

Teddy's story began as a foster kitten.

Today, he shares his home—and his heart—with the kittens who follow behind him.