There are many joys to pet foster care, and shared quality time is perhaps the most rewarding aspect. Fun for people and essential for the animals, socialization has many benefits. Puppies and kittens increase their comfort level with a wide variety of people, sights and sounds. Positive experiences improve their emotional stability. And it teaches appropriate interaction and boundaries.

At 8 weeks old — about the time when they can be spayed or neutered — most animals in foster care are too young for adoption. Whenever possible, the humane society places pups with litter mates, and kittens with other kittens, because learning from their own kind helps them become better pets for people.

"Playing with each other increases their physical coordination, develops their social skills and teaches limits such as when to stop biting," says Dr. Carlene Takushi, humane society veterinarian for more than 13 years. "This is the time when young ones learn to bite with a soft mouth."

While foster care typically spans just a few weeks, this period is a critical phase in the animal's life.

"Puppies ... are particularly responsive to retaining what they learned during their first few months of life," says Takushi. "Puppies need experiences with other puppies, as well as with children and adults. Foster families are often happy to indulge their social needs and in doing so make a tremendous impact on the animal's future behavior, temperament and approach to the world."

According to Takushi, kittens orphaned or separated from their mother and/or litter mates too early often fail to develop appropriate social skills such as learning how to send and receive signals, and how far to go in play-wrestling. Play is important for kittens because it increases their physical coordination, social skills and learning limits. She says, "Studies have shown that kittens handled about half an hour a day during the first seven weeks are more likely to develop larger brains."

Foster provider volunteers since 1996, Rick and Karen Huston of Mililani have cared for dozens of kittens and puppies.

"Animals love the attention and it's a great way for my husband and me to relax together," Karen Huston says. "We have a cat and a dog, and we work as a team. We play together and give them lots of attention. Since they often have no mother cat or dog, we have to be the ones to provide the consistent training to ensure they get the guidance to become the best possible pets for their future families."

From July 2005 to June 2006, more than 1,200 animals benefited from the Hawaiian Humane Society's foster-care program. More care providers are needed and interested volunteers can call 356-2216 for the date of the next training session.

To volunteer, apply through www.hawaiianhumane.org.

ADOPTABLES

Barry

Tag No. 102659 A 3-year-old tiger and white shorthair cat, Barry is feeling a little insecure, so he is enrolled in the society's behavior program. Attention and affection from loving volunteers is helping him feel more comfortable. Barry has been neutered and is ready to go home.

Honey

Tag No. 101791 Honey is a tan and brown shar-pei and hound mix. She was born May 18, 2005, so she's still an active adolescent. Honey enjoys people and loves attention. Already spayed and microchipped, this friendly and playful gal can move to her new home today.

These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For directions, special events and to see more pets available for adoption, visit www.hawaiianhumane .org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost or found animals, ext. 4.

PETS ON THE NET: AN ONLINE COMMUNITY

Our Web feature, Pet Project, is for people who love their dogs, cats and other animals so much they want to show them off to everyone. At Pet Project, you can submit a photo of your pet, read the latest news about pets, learn about new books on pets or join a discussion group with other pet owners in the community. Go to: the.honoluluadvertiser .com/section/petproject.