The Heartwarming Journey of Fostering with Paw in Hand: A Foster Family’s Story

At Paw in Hand, our Paw Care Families are the heartbeat of our mission. These incredible volunteers open their homes to pets in need while their owners face some of life’s most difficult challenges. Today, we're honored to share the story of one amazing foster, Molly, who welcomed a dog named Leo—a gentle giant who left a lasting impact on everyone he met.

Molly and Leo

Why She Chose to Foster

“I had been wanting to find a foundation or charity that I could donate some of my time to, to help give back to our communities and make a difference to those in need,” she said. After meeting our founder, Mollie, through a networking event and learning more about the mission of Paw in Hand, she knew she wanted to be part of it. “Pets play such a huge role in their owners' lives. They’re often a source of support—especially when someone is going through the toughest time in their life.”

Welcoming Leo Into Her Home

Leo, a 120-pound dog with a heart just as big, was full of love from the start. “He was a gentle giant. He became such a blessing to me and my family. Little did I know, having Leo would be just as much of a blessing to me as my fostering was to his family.”

She already had a lab/Pyrenees of her own—and the two dogs got along like lifelong friends. “It was like they had been together since birth. My dog had to be the line leader and always tell me when Leo was ready to eat or go out.”

Leo’s Smile and His Favorite Chair

When asked about her favorite memory, she struggled to pick just one. “Leo was just such a sweet, fun dog with so much personality. He has an old soul. He’s a big dog with big droopy cheeks, and one day I came home after being gone all day and he literally smiled at me—used all his cheek muscles to lift his cheeks and show his teeth.”

And like any big personality, Leo had his own chair. “It was hard to get him to get up out of his chair,” she laughed.

The Reunion: A Full-Circle Moment

After eight months, Leo was reunited with his family—and it was nothing short of magical. “He was so happy to see them, he even smiled really big again, lifting his cheeks and showing his teeth. I truly have never seen anything like it. I know his family is so happy he’s home, and I know his heart is happy finally being back where he belongs.”

Molly and the Owners During the Reunification

What Fostering Meant to Her

At first, she didn’t think she’d get attached—but Leo changed all of that. “When we started talking about Leo going home, I’d get teary-eyed. But once we reunited him with his family, it wasn’t about me missing him—it became about me loving him until he could get back to them. The happiness and joy we all felt during the reunification made it all worth it.”

And Leo made an impression on more than just her family. “He made a difference in all the new people he met in my life. I still receive updates and pictures, and I know I’ll get to visit him again. He was a special addition to our family, and at the perfect timing.”

Thinking About Fostering?

“It truly touches your heart knowing you are loving someone else’s beloved pet and giving them a caring environment until they can get back to their families. It’s truly rewarding.”

And remember: There’s no such thing as a foster fail at Paw in Hand—because these pets are going home. We have a 100% reunification rate.

In Her Words

“Pick your pet of choice—cat, dog, reptile… and for a temporary moment in time, you are making a huge difference in someone else’s life and their pet’s life. Then you’ll realize that pet can bring joy to your home, too.”

Want to be part of something this special?

Click here to learn more about becoming a Paw Care Family with Paw in Hand. Your home might be the bridge a pet like Leo needs to get back to the person who loves them most.