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
“Our hearts break a little every time so theirs never have to break again.”
Meet Rob & Robbie. They have fostered with us 55 times as of May 2026 🤯
After learning about The Sato Project in 2012 through a New York Times feature on our Founder/President, Chrissy Beckles, they signed up to foster — and immediately foster failed 😂 But unlike most families, they kept going. Over the last 15 years, their generosity, love, time, and commitment have helped 55 satos transition into forever homes.
“We keep that third slot open for fosters because it means another dog can be rescued from the streets. And having our two dogs already in the house helps the newcomers learn calm behavior and just how to be a dog.”
When asked how they say goodbye over and over again, Robbie says: “Our hearts break a little every time so theirs never have to break again. That’s the sacrifice you make.”
Their message to anyone considering fostering:
“If the sight of dogs suffering in Puerto Rico moves you, then foster. You are literally taking a dog off the streets and giving it a future.”
Rob adds: “It takes effort, but it’s not as hard as you’d think. Satos are resilient, smart, and eager to learn. And with the dogs who struggle more at first, you figure it out together and set them up for success.”
“And after you get the hang of it, saying goodbye gets easier. The dogs are ready to move on when it’s their time to go home forever; they don’t look back. That means we did it right.”
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.
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.
Elba - New Jersey & Puerto Rico
How long have you been fostering?
I’ve beenfostering 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.