Have you thought about adopting a dog but want a little more experience first? Already have a dog who might enjoy an occasional companion? Want to help animals but don’t have time to volunteer onsite each week?

Fostering with the Hopalong Foster Program might be the perfect fit.

To give you a glimpse into what fostering is really like, we spoke with three of our dedicated dog fosters about their experiences.

Finding the Right Fit

Krystyna started fostering a couple of years ago as a retirement hobby. She had owned dogs before but didn’t want the full-time commitment, so she could still travel and pursue other interests. When she found Hopalong, fostering turned out to be the perfect balance.

Most dogs stay in foster homes for about 2–3 weeks, but one of Krystyna’s favorite memories came from a longer stay. She fostered a black-and-white puppy named Barry who developed an ear infection and needed extra time to heal.

During those weeks, Barry became part of her daily life: meeting neighbors, attending a street party, and even graduating to sleeping in bed. “I loved getting to see his personality come out,” she shared. When he was finally adopted, it was bittersweet… but exactly the outcome she had hoped for.

The Joy of the Everyday Moments

Kristin, another longtime Hopalong foster, knows those moments well.

“Fostering is truly about simple pleasures,” she says. “I enjoy the squishy cuddles of the puppies and their excitement for almost everything.”

Kristin has been fostering for six years, with the help of her dog, Mugi. He was actually her very first foster, but she knew right away he was meant to stay. She adopted him within 24 hours… and then said yes to fostering again just three days later.

We often tell potential fosters that having a resident dog can be a huge asset, and Kristin agrees: “Mugi has been the big brother to nearly a hundred different dogs, making him infinitely patient.”

“What If I Fall in Love With Every Dog?”

It’s one of the most common questions we hear — and Kristin offers a perspective many fosters come to share: “I’ve learned that many of these dogs were never meant for me. I was simply a place for that pup to be safe and happy.”

She remembers fostering a particularly energetic puppy who needed constant supervision. Later, she received a photo of the pup with his new family: a young boy surrounded by parents, grandparents, and extended family. “He had a literal village to keep an eye on him,” she said. “It was exactly what he needed.”

Watching the Transformation

For longtime foster Bibi, the journey from stressed arrival to confident companion is what makes fostering so meaningful.

“These dogs arrive quite stressed — they’ve been through a lot before reaching your door,” she explains. “The first few nights can be tough, but the transformation is magic. By day five, you’re looking at a completely different, comfortable animal who finally feels safe.”

After more than 20 years of fostering, Bibi says nothing compares to seeing a dog find their forever home.

One recent experience stands out: she was driving a foster puppy to an adoption event in Marin during heavy January flooding. After hours of gridlock, she pulled off the highway… only to find the adopters had done the exact same thing. “There wasn’t a dry eye around when we finalized that parking lot adoption,” she said.

Why Fostering Matters

These stories are just a snapshot, but they capture what fostering with Hopalong is all about: connection, patience, a little bit of chaos… and a lot of heart.

Foster homes allow dogs to decompress, show their true personalities, and get ready for adoption. They also help us support more animals across the East Bay and Marin, working closely with shelters and partners to move dogs from overcrowded environments into homes.

As Bibi puts it: “Rescue takes a village of staff, vets, and volunteers, but fosters get the privilege of uncovering a pet’s true personality. The joy of being the stepping stone to their happily-ever-after far outweighs the goodbye.”

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re interested in fostering with Hopalong, we’d love to hear from you! Apply to become a foster and help a dog take the next step toward home.