My Foster Journey with H&B rescue: "Brownie"

On Saturday, after almost a month of belly rubs, couch naps, and goofy zoomies, I watched my first foster dog—Brownie—walk into his forever home. I chose Hearts & Bones Rescue because their vibes felt right (honestly, that was it, haha), and they proved me right every step of the way. They do so much thoughtful, behind-the-scenes work to make sure each dog gets quality applications and the best match, and knowing Brownie was headed to a family they vetted with that kind of care made my heart a little steadier. Brownie made it impossible not to fall in love. He was completely housebroken, never barked inside, and carried himself like a total gentleman. Most of all, he became a big brother to Mochi—patient, playful, and gentle. Watching those two wrestle and chase the sun across the living room kept a smile glued to my face; you could hear pure joy in their paws on the floor. Mochi misses him (maybe even more than I do), and the quiet after their last play session hit me harder than I expected. Letting him go was super hard—I wanted to “foster fail” so bad—but God had other plans. And the truth is, those plans look beautiful on him. He’s with awesome people who already adore him, and playdates for next spring are already in motion, haha. So I’m sitting with the ache and the gratitude at the same time: the ache of goodbye, and the gratitude that I got to be his safe place on the way to forever. Brownie reminded me why fostering matters. If opening my home for a month can change a dog’s whole story, then I’m ready to do it again—for the next Brownie who needs us.

Foster Era Update, Pt. 2: Brownie Came Home 🐾

TL;DR: Brownie was adopted… and then he told us loud and clear he belongs with Mochi. After some tough separation anxiety from leaving his bestie, Hearts & Bones reached out about an owner transfer. We said yes in 0.2 seconds. Brownie is officially home—for good. 🤎

The Plot Twist We Didn’t See Coming

Brownie’s first chapter ended with a happy adoption—exactly what fosters hope for. But love has layers. Without Mochi, Brownie started spiraling: pacing, whining, struggling to settle. That’s separation anxiety, and it’s real. When Hearts & Bones checked in and asked if we’d consider keeping him, it was the easiest “absolutely” of our lives.

Why This Matters

Some dogs are bonded—like “finish-each-other’s-snacks” bonded. Brownie and Mochi are that duo. Their connection isn’t just cute; it’s calming. Together, they regulate each other’s energy, model good behavior, and sleep like tiny synchronized croissants. The foster dream evolved into the forever plan, and that’s still a win for rescue.

What We’re Doing for Brownie Now

  • Routine > everything: same wake-up, meals, walks, and quiet time daily to lower his stress ceiling.

  • Reassurance training: short, structured “I’ll be right back” reps to rebuild confidence when we step out.

  • Enrichment on deck: sniffaris, puzzle feeders, lick mats, and decompression naps with Mochi.

  • Community care: staying in touch with Hearts & Bones, because rescue is a team sport.

What We Learned (and Want Other Fosters to Know)

  • Happy endings aren’t one-size-fits-all. Sometimes “foster fail” is the plan the dog writes for you.

  • Bonded isn’t a buzzword. If a dog’s behavior unravels after leaving a specific companion, listen.

  • Transparency helps everyone. Honest check-ins with your rescue partner create the best outcome for the dog.

Thank You, Hearts & Bones

For trusting us, for putting Brownie’s well-being first, and for making the owner transfer seamless—you modeled what ethical, heart-forward rescue looks like. We’re grateful. 🧡

Brownie’s Forever, Mochi’s Always

You’ll see more two-dog content around here—double zoomies, double loafs, double love. Brownie isn’t our “goodbye” story anymore; he’s our “we chose each other” story. And Mochi? She’s smug about it. As she should be.

If You’re Reading This and Wondering “Should I Foster?”

Yes. Try it. You might help a dog find their person—or realize you’re theirs. Either way, a life changes. Maybe two.

— Mochi Lane, Foster Era (now featuring Brownie’s Forever Era)

Your Journey to Fostering Greatness Starts Here

Embarking on a fostering journey is a rewarding experience. We’re here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring both you and your foster pup feel supported and loved. Let’s make a difference together!

  • Sign Up: Fill out our simple foster application form.
  • Meet & Greet: Get to know your foster pup and their unique needs.
  • Ongoing Support: Access our resources and community for guidance.

Become a Foster Today!

Help a dog find their forever home by signing up to foster. Join our community and make a pawsitive impact today!
Sign Up to Foster

Ready to dive deeper? Explore more ways to support our fosters!

We’re committed to providing our foster families with all the resources they need. From helpful tips to ways to contribute, find everything right here to make your fostering experience even more rewarding and impactful.
A visually organized image of a foster dog supply wish list, featuring items like food bowls, leashes, toys, and cozy blankets, set against a bright and inviting background.
Fosters' Wish List
Help us fulfill our foster dogs' needs by contributing to our supply wish list. From food and toys to cozy beds, We will be adding these items to our Monthly Relief boxes sent delivered to Shelters.
Learn More