When a dog first arrives in foster care, they often come with a mix of uncertainty and hope. They may be shy, scared, or unsure of their new surroundings. But with patience, love, and a safe place to land, something incredible happens: they begin to blossom.
For the past 8 weeks, we have been fostering the sweetest little puppy. Itty bitty, funny Pam is part of ‘The Office’ litter (along with Dwight, Jim, Kelly, Meredith and Angela) and she is the last one who is still looking for a home. Her mom was dumped while being pregnant and it has taken a village to get all 7 dogs into their safe homes. Three puppies were adopted quickly and 2 of the puppies were foster fails. My sweet Pam has a meet and greet in a few weeks with a family who is interested in adopting her. I will certainly be exhausted from staying strong for this long and not breaking down and foster fail this little girl.
After every foster puppy leaves, I grieve for a few weeks. Having had tiny Pam for this long, having taught her a good amount, having had her become part of our family and our every day routine, her just leaving will be hard. But I know that this little girl is set up for success and I’m so hoping she will stay close to where I will still be able to get updates while she grows up. I often get the question why I do this since it’s quite heartbreaking when they finally leave to go to their new families. So let me leave this here with you and I so hope that this might make you consider fostering a dog at some point.
Why Fostering Matters
Every dog has a story. Some are surrendered by families who couldn’t keep them, others are pulled from overcrowded shelters, and some have never known a gentle hand at all.
Without fosters, many of these dogs wouldn’t get their second chance. A foster home provides:
Safety and stability in a world that’s felt unpredictable.
Socialization and routine so they can learn how to trust again.
Love and healing that prepares them for their forever family.
Fostering doesn’t just save lives, it changes them.
No puppy was harmed in the taking of this picture.
The Joy (and the Bittersweet Goodbye)
People often say, “I could never foster; I’d get too attached.” And it’s true, you absolutely do get attached. That’s part of of it all and each foster dog will take a little piece of your heart with them. But YOU set them up for success so they can live an amazing life in a family that will love them forever (hopefully).
But here’s the thing: every wagging tail, every playful bounce, every quiet moment when a once-fearful dog finally curls up beside you: those are the reminders that you’re making a difference.
And when adoption day comes, yes, there are tears. But they’re the kind of tears that hold both sadness and joy. You’re sad to say goodbye, but you’re overjoyed that they’ve found the family they were waiting for. Pam has not even left yet but knowing we have a scheduled meet and greet already makes me tear up…
Stories That Stay With You
I’ve seen dogs who arrived trembling, hiding in corners, eventually strut around the house with tails held high. I’ve witnessed dogs who had never known toys suddenly discover the joy of squeaky balls. I’ve watched them learn to trust, to love, to be loved.
Those moments stay with you. They remind you that even small acts of kindness can change the entire trajectory of a life.
What Fostering Teaches Us
Fostering isn’t just about helping dogs. It teaches us, too:
To be patient with progress.
To celebrate the little victories.
To let go, trusting that the love you gave will carry them forward.
Most of all, fostering shows us the incredible resilience of dogs, their ability to forgive, to adapt, and to love again.
A Simple Way to Make a Big Difference
Not everyone can adopt. Not everyone can volunteer at a shelter every day. But fostering is a way to make an enormous impact, one dog at a time.
Opening your home to a foster dog is opening your heart to transformation for them, and for you.
Also, fostering does not cost you anything. Organizations, such as the Ozzie Albies Foundation usually take on the financial responsibilities such as vet visits, food, toys, supplies, etc.
If you’ve ever thought about fostering, consider this your sign. The dogs waiting in shelters don’t care if your home is big or small, or if your schedule isn’t perfect. They just need love, patience, and a safe place to land.