Meet some of our amazing foster families

Fostering is one of the most valuable ways to get involved directly with our rescue efforts and help us save more dogs. Not sure if fostering is for you? A few of our experienced foster families have some advice. Keep reading to see what they have to say.

Are you are ready to join our network of foster families and help change more lives? Great! If you are in Puerto Rico, please email prfoster@thesatoproject.org (in English or Spanish). If you are on the East Coast, click here to submit a foster application.

*All of the interviews below have been edited for length and clarity.

Rob & Robbie - New York

How long have you been fostering?
We have been fostering since Dec 2012 - about 35- 36 dogs since then. And loved them all!!! 

What made you want to start fostering dogs in your home?
We traveled to the Island of Cozumel years ago and we were able to bring our two dogs at the time. During one trip we actually rescued a dog from the Island - brought him back to NYC with us and found a fantastic home for him where he lived out his life in a fantastic doorman home - pampered beyond belief. This started our passion for saving and helping out as many “Island Dogs” as we could.  We have two of our own (Disco was indeed a sato - our first foster and our first foster failure) but we always have room for one more! 

What is your favorite part about fostering? Realizing each ones own personality and seeing how that blooms and grows as they come out of their protective shell and learn how to be loving dogs. They become "happy"  and there is nothing better in the world than seeing that happen!!!

What is the hardest part about fostering?
Well I think you might think the typical answer  would be when they have to go to their forever home. But that is not necessarily the hard part for us (see answer to next question for more detail).  For us - oddly it is house training those little wonders who come to stay with us who are not house broken.   Like with any new puppy, young dog / animal / pet, house training is par for the course, it just happens to be not our strengthen since all of our own dogs already came house trained.  But we muddle through, do a lot of clean up, and areb as patient and diligent about guiding them to learn as we can.   

Do you have any thoughts or advice for families who are considering becoming a foster family?
I think EVERONE should foster at least once in their life. It is such an indescribable experience and so individualistic. As much as each dog has their own personality, so is the experience of fostering them. It is kind of like they are fostering us! We always learn more about ourselves through our time with them.    However - the only word of caution, and as I might have answered the question ahead of this one, letting them go to their forever home can be VERY hard.  However, I leave you with two thoughts on that- ONE- The Sato Project does such an AMAZING job at matching dog to households (owners) that ALL of our fosters went to perfectly paired homes. It is rather magical that such a connection occurs - it is like it was just meant to be.  So, it is comforting  to know they are going to where they truly belong and are loved.  It is like we had a small part in making that happen.

Second and last thought- When it is time to hand them off and say goodbye and when your heart is breaking (and it will) just know that - your heart is  breaking a little so that theirs NEVER has to ever again!!!  (NOTE- we can not take credit for making this saying up- but we DEFINITELY live by it!)

Linda - Puerto Rico

How long have you been fostering? I began fostering for TSP about 8 years ago but I’ve always been involved in rescuing and fostering dogs and cats for all my life. 

What made you want to start fostering dogs in your home?
The main reason why I foster is because I know there is a great need for foster homes and I have a house with plenty of space for them.  I live on my own with 10 animals of my own and I still find the time and space to foster.  And also because I get energy from the animals I foster, they make me feel alive by being able to care for them for a while.

What is your favorite part about fostering?
My favorite part of fostering is just cuddling with them and watch them grow up and have a better life.  To watch their new beginnings is just amazing! 

What is the hardest part about fostering?
The hardest part is taking them to the airport and saying goodbye.  There is always a little heartbreak in it and a bittersweet sensation but it’s all worth it in the end. 

Do you have any thoughts or advice for families who are considering becoming a foster family?
My advice for families who are considering fostering is just do it.  Strong hearts and character are developed in these experiences.  Get involved, act in kindness and compassion, become an active player against animal abuse and neglect, and share your experiences.  Fostering helps you become a better person and human being.

Esther - New York

How long have you been fostering? I have been fostering since 2012. In the past 9 years, I’ve had over 36 fosters.

What made you want to start fostering dogs in your home?
I saw how important it was for the pups to be in a home environment / to become acclimated to living with people and other animals / learn a routine / learn commands /house training (although I am really really bad at that one)

What is your favorite part about fostering?
Watching the pups as they discover life with a family. Being able to be part of this phase of their journey. And also, see the faces of the adoptive families when they meet their special little bundle of joy!!!

What is the hardest part about fostering?
House training - I really suck at it!!!! And with some of them, letting them go. You get attached to certain ones and it's hard to let them go.

Do you have any thoughts or advice for families who are considering becoming a foster family?
You really have to have the time and the desire to commit to this. You really have to love being with dogs and having them be an integral part of your life. And it's very important that the foster parents stay in contact with us (TSP) with any questions or issues etc. 

Katie & Henry - New York

How long have you been fostering? My dog, Henry, and I started fostering in October 2016 and have since fostered 18 dogs and puppies with The Sato Project. 

What made you want to start fostering dogs in your home? If I could I would have 10 dogs, but Henry enjoys being an only dog. Fostering let’s us balance a bit of the two. I love being able to provide a supportive and safe waypoint for the pups as they wait to meet their forever family.

What is your favorite part about fostering? 
If I adopted a second dog instead of fostering, I would change one dog’s life. With fostering, I get to be part of changing many dogs’ lives. I love getting to know each pup and watching them come out of their shell as they get more confident. I also love watching Henry drop his salty attitude to protect them when they get scared 🥰

What is the hardest part about fostering? 
You may expect me to say “when they get adopted” but I actually love adoption day because I know it’s the start of a new life. As much as I love every one of them, the fact that they have a home of their own is such a joy. So for me, the hardest part of fostering is when the dog is having a hard time adjusting to their new life - you want them to immediately feel safe and comfortable. But it’s important to remember that this transition takes time, even for the most confident dogs, and to just continue providing consistency and dependability as they settle in. 

Do you have any thoughts or advice for families who are considering becoming a foster family? 
Try it! You don’t have to be a foster parent forever so if it’s not the right fit for you that’s ok.  It can feel intimidating, so the best way to truly understand if it is something you are able to do to help a dog through to their future life is to just try it.  The Sato Project has a lovely community of staff, volunteers, and other fosters who are always on hand to help answer questions.

Elba - New Jersey & Puerto Rico

How long have you been fostering?
I’ve been fostering on and off for 3 1/2 years both in Puerto Rico and New Jersey.

What made you want to start fostering dogs in your home?
My dog, Luna, had a great foster and it made a huge difference for her.  Fostering dogs gives you the opportunity to get to know the dog in family environment and by getting to know the dog it can help them get matched to the right family environment when they get adopted.  You are basically setting up the dog to succeed. 

What is your favorite part about fostering?
Favorites are seeing the dogs flourish and be brave enjoying new experiences, seeing them happy, wiggly and smiling.

What is the hardest part about fostering?
Hardest is the saying goodbye, but happy they are going to a forever home

Do you have any thoughts or advice for families who are considering becoming a foster family?Fostering is hard but very rewarding, I treat every foster as if it were my own so there is that attachment/bonding that occurs which you want.

Kristin - New York

How long have you been fostering? I’ve been fostering for TSP for almost 7 years now.

What made you want to start fostering dogs in your home? I wanted to do volunteer work and missed having a dog but wasn’t ready to adopt. Chrissy Beckles told me she really needed foster homes so I decided to try it.

What is your favorite part about fostering? 
Meeting the dogs and seeing their personalities emerge as they become comfortable and learn to trust me. And then seeing them get adopted into a family that is perfect for them - I always cry the happiest tears! 

What is the hardest part about fostering?
Letting them adjust on their schedule - it’s hard to see them scared and anxious and not scoop them up to comfort them.

Do you have any thoughts or advice for families who are considering becoming a foster family?
I think fostering is a great way for families, especially if they’ve never had a dog, to understand the responsibility having a pet. They should be prepared to be flexible with their schedule while socializing the dog and setting a routine. Some foster dogs need to decompress in a quiet space and explore their surroundings in their own time while others make themselves right at home so it’s important to follow the dog’s cues and let them decide how best to adapt to your home.

Yarimar - Puerto Rico

How long have you been fostering? Since July of 2020.

What made you want to start fostering dogs in your home? There is such a huge need for fosters in Puerto Rico and I have plenty of space for them. 

What is your favorite part about fostering?
Watching them with their new families.

What is the hardest part about fostering?
If they get sick while in foster and you have to take them repeatedly to The Sato Project’s veterinarian. 

Do you have any thoughts or advice for families who are considering becoming a foster family? Start with one and try it.  Remember all the suffering that dogs are going through on our island. It’s not always easy, but it is very fun and satisfying to get to help make a difference.