Fostering With Fur Angel Foundation: A Journey With Sochu
“Every foster journey begins with a moment of trust, no matter how small.”
Most people know my first foster experience ended in the best way possible: a foster fail named Max (with the approval of Bruno). And with Bruno’s physical presence being absent and Max seeming like he needed a friend, it felt it was time to open our lives again to a pup who needed a safe place to land.
That’s how Sochu came into our lives.
Sochu’s Story
Sochu was surrendered to the Hawai‘i Humane Society, and like many scared pups, he completely shut down in the shelter environment. Thanks to another foster parent, he was taken out of that overwhelming situation and slowly transitioned to my home.
I remember meeting him for the first time. He pressed himself flat against the ground as if trying to become invisible. On the drive home, he buried himself in a towel. He was so tired, but too scared to fall asleep. His first night included a few oopsie daisies, but we reassured him: You’re safe here.
Walking on leash? He wanted nothing to do with it. His default mode was melting into the ground. Max wanted to play, but we taught him to give Sochu gentle space.
Understanding the 3-3-3 Rule
If you’re new to fostering, the 3-3-3 rule is a helpful guide:
3 days: decompression
3 weeks: learning the routine
3 months: feeling truly at home
Watching Sochu move through each phase was like reading a slow, meaningful story. One filled with trust, patience, and small victories.
Watching Confidence Bloom
Little by little, Sochu began to change.
He took his first confident walk on his own.
He finished an entire meal (a huge milestone for him) and carried his food bowl wherever he went.
He crossed the crosswalk without going “pancake.”
His eagerness to greet every dog we pass along our walks.
He jumped into the toy pile with no worries.
He acted like the puppy he truly was underneath the fear.
Somewhere along the way, he gained a confidence complex (maybe my fault for telling him he’s cute every five minutes).
His transformation reminded me so much of my own life. Leaving an environment where I couldn’t thrive, moving into one filled with love, and finally feeling safe enough to grow. We weren’t so different after all.
The Reality of Fostering
Fostering is deeply rewarding, but it’s also time-consuming and emotional. Between my full-time job, running my photography business, supporting fellow small businesses, caring for Max, and handling personal matters… there were moments when I wondered: Why did I take this on?
But every step forward Sochu took reminded me exactly why: This matters. He matters.
Max & Sochu on their last day together
The Bittersweet Goodbye
Nothing prepares you for the moment your foster pup meets their forever family.
I thought it would be a simple meet-and-greet, but since the family had already adopted from Fur Angel Foundation and were fully vetted, they were ready to take him home that same day.
They arrived with hopeful eyes, thoughtful questions, and a clear understanding of the 3-3-3 rule. A part of me wanted to say, “Nope, he’s staying with me,” but I knew this was his family. The icing on the cake was Sochu’s forever family lives on Hawai’i Island, the same island where I was born and raised.
During the meet-and-greet, Sochu became nervous again. He hid behind my legs like a little kid on their first day of school, not wanting to face something new. I knelt down, reassured him that he was safe, and gently guided him forward. Even in that moment, he trusted me to lead him.
After photos and one last play session with Max, we said our goodbyes. I watched Sochu walk away beside his new mahm: head high, tail up, as if he had always known this was where he belonged.
From a puppy who once flattened himself to the ground in fear…to a confident little guy ready for the world. It felt like sending a kid off to college (dog edition).
Reflections and Fostering Duration
Even now, I still catch myself thinking about Sochu from time to time. He pops into my mind in the quiet moments or the silly moments, and it always brings a smile. I do miss having him around, but more than anything, I’m grateful. Grateful that he found safety, routine, and love, and that our time with him helped him get there.
Our time fostering him was only three weeks, but the impact he left behind feels enormous. In such a short period, we got to witness his growth, help him feel safe, and prepare him to start this exciting new chapter of his life.
Why Fostering Is Worth It
Being a foster parent is one of the most meaningful experiences you can have. It takes time, patience, and energy. But you get to help a dog write the most important chapter of their life.
And sometimes, it changes your life too.
Interested in Fostering With Fur Angel Foundation?
If your heart has ever nudged you toward fostering, this is your sign.
Fur Angel Foundation provides support, guidance, and all the resources you need. All you really need is:
A safe and stable home
Patience and love
Willingness to help a dog adjust
An open heart for temporary companionship
Fostering truly saves lives. And who knows, your heart might grow in ways you never expected.
To become a foster parent or if you’re interested in adopting your next best furry friend, visit: furangelfoundation.org
