A Day in the Life of a Rep for Foster Dogs
At HavaHeart Rescue, we do things a little differently. As a foster-based dog rescue, we don't operate as a long-term shelter — instead, we place our dogs with loving fosters who provide the care, comfort, and nurturing they need until they're ready to find their forever home.
But what really sets us apart is the support system behind every foster. Each foster is paired with a dedicated rep — think of them as your go-to guide throughout the entire fostering journey. Have a question about training your foster dog? Wondering how to handle a tricky behavior? Not sure what to expect during the first few days? Your rep is there for it all.
These foster-dog reps aren't just volunteers checking a box — they're experienced, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in making sure both you and your foster dog succeed. So don't hesitate to reach out. That's exactly what they're there for.
Since HavaHeart reps are experts at answering questions, we asked all-pro Cassie Studebaker about her typical day.
Hi! I'm Cassie, a rep for foster dogs and the people who care for them!
I've spent the last 11 years working in a pediatrician's office, so I guess it's pretty obvious that helping others has always been a big part of who I am. Along the way, I've learned that caring for kids and caring for foster dogs have more in common than you might think—although there are definitely some BIG differences too!
But of all the titles I've had, my favorite by far is Mama to my 5-year-old buddy, Jonah. He, along with our dogs, keeps life busy, loud, messy, and full of so much love. I'm so excited to share a little more about me, my rescue journey, and why HavaHeart has become such a special part of our lives.
How and why did you get involved with HHR?
We lost our sweet Cockapoo, Lucy, in March 2025, and when the time was right, we started looking for a companion for our Shih Tzu, Murphy. A Google search led me to HavaHeart in July, where we put our name in for an auction dog—we were paired with a little Havimaltipoo named "Graphite"—and the moment we saw him, we knew it was fate because he looked so much like our Lucy girl.
Within hours of bringing him home, we knew we'd foster-fail, and our then-4-year-old named him Pickles because his hair reminded him of broccoli, which reminded him of a cucumber, which is basically a pickle! After falling in love with Pickles and learning more about HavaHeart, I knew I wanted to jump in as a rep, get to know fosters, and help make a difference for dogs who need someone in their corner.
After foster failing with Pickles, I fell in love with everything HavaHeart stands for and wanted to do more than just adopt.
What made you decide to become a rep?
I wanted to be more involved, to get to know the incredible fosters who open their homes and hearts, and to be someone who could support them along the way. I wanted to feel like I was truly making a difference for foster dogs who need a second chance.
Describe your job. What's a typical day?
There really is no "typical" day! As a rep, I'm the go-between for our fosters and the rescue team—checking in, answering questions, troubleshooting problems, and making sure both the foster and the dog feel supported. The general routine goes something like this:
Wake up to 47 messages about dogs before I've even had coffee.
Check in with fosters and hear about the good, the bad, and the "HELP, WHAT DO I DO?!" moments.
Help coordinate vet appointments, medications, medical updates, and making sure everyone has the information they need.
Get to know each foster dog—their personality, needs, quirks, and what kind of forever home will be the best fit.
Help with bios, photos, adoption information, and sharing their story so the right adopter can find them.
Talk with potential adopters and help connect the rescue with the foster's firsthand knowledge of the dog.
Problem-solve when something unexpected comes up because, with rescue, something unexpected ALWAYS comes up.
Support fosters through the emotional highs and lows—including the dreaded goodbye when their foster finds their forever home.
And, of course, occasionally encouraging a little thing we like to call… the foster fail.
At the end of the day, my job is really simple: support the foster, advocate for the dog, and help make sure every pup gets the best chance at their happily ever after.
What's something people don't realize about being a foster until they try it?
So many things! The foster dog you meet on day one may be completely different weeks later. Fear, shutdown, stress, or uncertainty can hide so much personality. You become their safe place. That can make saying goodbye incredibly hard—but also incredibly rewarding. You don't just foster the dog—you help them learn how to be a dog in a home. Potty training, stairs, leashes, crates, toys, routines, and even how to ask for affection can all be new. You worry about them after they leave. Even when you know they found a wonderful family, a piece of you wonders how they're doing.
Fostering changes you, too. You start celebrating tiny milestones, seeing rescue differently, and realizing just how much one person can do for a dog.
What are the most common questions or concerns foster dog parents have?
"What if I get too attached?" Probably the #1 fear! Loving them deeply is part of what makes fostering work. "What if I don't know what I'm doing?" Foster parents aren't expected to know everything. That's where the rescue team and rep come in. You don't have to be the perfect foster. You just have to be willing to give a dog a safe place to land, a little patience, and a whole lot of love.
My favorite goal as a rep? Making you foster fail. Ask my group of fosters—I take this job VERY seriously. I will shamelessly send you cute pictures, remind you how perfect they are, and if that doesn't work… I have been known to make a completely fake Christmas card with your foster dog in it so you can see just how adorable your "future family member" looks.
My job is to find your foster a forever home… but secretly, I'm hoping that forever home is yours.
Can you describe a time you helped a foster through a difficult situation with their dog?
One of the experiences that really showed me what being a rep means was repping a sweet pregnant Cocker Spaniel named Ellen Griswald.
It was my first pregnant dog, and my amazing foster mama, Kristen's first pregnant dog too. When Ellen's water broke around 4:20 AM and she delivered baby #1 at home, we quickly realized baby #2 wasn't going to come without help. Kristen trusted her mama instincts and got Ellen to the vet, where she safely delivered baby #2. The fear and stress we shared that morning created a bond between us, but more importantly, it gave us both knowledge and confidence we can carry into future fosters.
Do you have a favorite success story you love telling?
Clifford, a sweet doodle mix, had been given the runaround—being told he couldn't be around men and that he needed another dog. Then Shari stepped up to foster him, determined to get a better glimpse into Clifford's world and help him find the perfect home.
And then came Bob. An older gentleman who lived alone and simply needed a companion. Sometimes it just takes someone taking the time to learn the dog. Shari and I spent many hours talking through whether Bob could be the right fit for Clifford, and our guts both said YES! So Shari took Clifford to meet Bob—and that first meeting confirmed exactly what we already felt. YES. This was his person.
Sometimes rescue is about trusting the process, trusting your foster, and trusting your gut. And sometimes, it leads you straight to the perfect match.
More Than Just Foster Dogs
One of the most unexpected and special parts of HHR has been the friendships I've gained. I've met so many amazing people through volunteering—as reps, transporters, fosters, and so much more. And the friendships don't stop when a foster dog gets adopted. Even when someone isn't currently fostering, we're still chatting about life, laughing, and checking in.
Sometimes we have a foster in common and don't even talk about the dog!
There's just something so special about finding people who share the same love and passion. HHR has given me more than the opportunity to help dogs—it has given me lifetime friendships that I'm incredibly grateful for.
FAQ: First-Time Fosters
FAQ: What does a HavaHeart Rep do?
A HavaHeart Rep is the heartbeat connecting fosters, dogs, and the rescue team. No two days look alike, but the role always centers on being a steady go-between—checking in with fosters, troubleshooting the inevitable curveballs, and coordinating everything from vet appointments to medication schedules. Reps get to know each foster dog inside and out, from quirky personality traits to the type of home where they'll truly thrive, then help translate that knowledge into bios, photos, and adoption conversations that connect the right dog with the right family. Just as important is the emotional support Reps offer fosters—celebrating the wins, navigating the hard moments, and even cheering on the occasional "foster fail." At its core, the job comes down to three things: support the foster, advocate for the dog, and help every pup find their happily ever after.
FAQ: How can I volunteer to become a Rep or Foster?
All volunteers are approved members of the HavaHeart community. Learn more about the application process and volunteering
FAQ: What if I get too attached to my foster dog?
Honestly, it happens more than you'd think—and that's okay. When you're helping a dog heal, whether from a rough past or just the stress of transition, real bonds form fast. You're there for all the firsts: the first time they feel grass under their paws, the first belly-rub rollover, the first time they truly relax and let their guard down. Watching a dog come into their own like that is genuinely special, and it's natural to fall for them along the way.
That's exactly why HavaHeart gives fosters first right of adoption. If you find yourself thinking "this might be the one," you're not doing anything wrong—you're just discovering what a lot of our fosters discover. So if that happens, let your rep know. We'd love nothing more than to help you give your foster their happily ever after, right at home with you.
FAQ: What if my foster dog needs veterinary care?
If it's a life-threatening emergency, don't wait—get your foster dog to the nearest emergency vet right away, then contact your rep as soon as you can so they're in the loop.
For everything else—an upset stomach, a limp, a weird cough, or just something that doesn't feel right—reach out to your rep first. Walk them through what you're seeing, and they'll help you figure out next steps, whether that's monitoring at home or getting your foster dog seen. You're never expected to make these calls alone.
When you start fostering, you'll receive a list of our partner vets in your area, and your rep will help you coordinate appointments, keep medical records straight, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Your only job is to notice when something seems off—we'll help you handle the rest. Learn more about fostering with HavaHeart.
Comments