I came across a Facebook post on a local town page one Thurs morning that just so happened to hit the top of my feed. A woman was sharing a desperate plea for a puppy foster for a rescue called the Bruno Project Rescue. A puppy named Momo was found over the Summer with his sibling at just a few weeks old in St Lucia. They were not well and Momo had an infection that sadly ended up causing severe damage to his left eye. Momo and his brother were brought to the one animal shelter on the island of St Lucia to try and save them. The Bruno Project USA is a rescue that works alongside this shelter to help these potcake dogs get their “freedom flight” out of the Caribbean (where resources are limited) and into the US. They also regularly provide donations and supplies to help support the shelter in any way they can.
After having recently lost my own dog just a few weeks earlier to old age and not having fostered in quite awhile, something was pushing me to learn more about this sweet soul and rescue. I learned that the rescue had tried to fly Momo out of St Lucia just weeks prior but his travel volunteer fell through at the last minute. Sadly, his brother made his way out of the island to Cincinnati to get the medical care he also needed while poor Momo was left behind. The rescue had miraculously lined up another family who graciously offered to take Momo with them back to the states, but they were headed to NJ and Momo had medical care lined up for him at the SPCA in Cincinnati. They are an affiliate shelter that helps many of these potcake dogs through the Bruno Project Rescue get medical care and find homes. The rescue was looking for someone in NJ who could foster Momo for just 2 weeks until his scheduled vet appointment for his eye on Nov 24th. One of the rescue volunteer’s husbands had already generously volunteered to fly sweet Momo to Cincinnati to get the help he needed. Fostering for 2 weeks was something I could do. I knew it would be difficult with a 1 year old, full time job, part time dog training business, and pets of my own but something in me knew I had to help this dog.
One foster application submitted, several texts and phone calls exchanged with the rescue, and by that afternoon I was set up to foster this sweet boy! Momo was getting his freedom flight to the good life after all!! I went to pick him up just a few days later at the home of the family that flew with him into NJ. He was very timid, adorably cute, and I could see the sadness and worry in his face. Bigger than I was expecting a 7 month old puppy to be, I still hoisted him up and secured him in my front seat and we headed home.
Fostering… Many people don’t fully understand what fostering really means. Some assume it’s just a sad goodbye, or that they won’t be able to let the dog or cat go when it’s time. And yes, saying goodbye is hard. Even after fostering many animals, I still get very emotional with each one. But a little sadness is nothing compared to the impact we can have by helping these animals find a good life. Being sad never harmed anyone. What is incredibly rewarding is watching a frightened, shut-down animal blossom into a playful, happy one.
I see fostering as being the bridge between an animal’s old life and their new one. It simply means loving and healing them until they find their forever home. We give them care, safety, and show them that humans can be trusted again. A warm bed, a good meal, gentle affection, and consistency go a long way in helping them heal. I love to spoil my fosters! They’ve been through so much. Lots of toys, soft blankets, tasty treats, and plenty of attention help them feel safe and valued.
Fostering has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I remember every animal I’ve fostered, and each one has touched my heart in ways I never expected. I truly wish more people would set aside the fear of a sad goodbye and just try it. So many animals are in need, and fostering is an essential part of rescues being able to save more lives.
Back to Momo’s story…
Before picking him up, and as a dog trainer, I made sure I had the basics ready: a cozy playpen, food and water bowls, and a covered crate in my bedroom for overnight sleep. I can’t emphasize enough how helpful a playpen is, especially for dogs new to a home. It supports house training and gives them a safe, calm space they can relax while you go about your day.
Since I was only fostering Momo for two weeks before he headed to SPCA Cincinnati for eye care, I didn’t want to overwhelm him with training. With dogs fresh out of shelters, I prioritize comfort, building confidence, and house training. Anything more can be too much for an already stressed dog. Thankfully, Momo settled in quickly. He loved playing with my toddler and even tried to engage my two cats!
Over the next two weeks, we worked gently on house training, leash confidence, and calm greetings with friendly people and dogs, always following his lead. Each day, he grew more confident, and his true puppy personality began to shine. His worry and fear slowly gave way to joy, which is exactly what makes fostering so special: seeing how love and care reveal the dog they were always meant to be.
While with me, Momo saw a local eye specialist who confirmed that his left eye was very painful due to an old infection, and removal was the only option. We used medication to manage his pain until his appointment in Cincinnati. Momo was an absolute joy to foster and helped heal a part of my heart that was still missing my own dog, who had passed away just a month earlier.
Saying goodbye was hard, but I was also so grateful he was finally going to get the care he needed. I handed him over to the wonderful Bruno Project volunteers, who welcomed him with open arms. He even flew First-Class to Cincinnati, just like the special dog he is! He had surgery within a few days and was adopted just a few weeks later, right before Christmas, by a loving family with two dogs of their own. Home for the holidays!!
Momo will always hold a piece of my heart, like all my fosters do. It still amazes me to think that if I hadn’t agreed to foster him—or if the Bruno Project volunteers hadn’t stepped in, he might still be in St. Lucia, living in pain. I hope Momo’s story not only brings you joy, but also opens your heart to how powerful fostering truly is. It saves lives!! Please consider fostering. I promise, once you start, you’ll be hooked.
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