The Working Dog and His Foster Mom

London and Jeff on one of their daily walks. Photo by author.

Meet London and Jeff, the dynamic duo of a fourth-year psychology student and a Penn Vet Working Dog Center trainee. Although the start of their foster-pet relationship differs from most, London shares the joys and challenges of temporarily raising a pet that most foster parents can relate to. As we discussed her 10-month experience as a pet parent, London revealed some crucial points about the pivotal role a foster can play in enriching a pet's life and how that foster-pet relationship can also transform the parent’s life. 

London was introduced to fostering during her six-month internship with the Penn Vet Working Dog Center research team. “I’ve always been a dog lover and grew up with dogs, and my experience working at the center just came naturally for me.” After learning about the program, their foster coordinator set her up with Wagner, an older trainee dog. 

“I had him for about a month, but it just wasn’t a good fit. Our personalities were very different, and he was an incredibly high-drive dog who needed an immense amount of exercise and attention and had trouble with his ‘off switch’ at home,” London said. 

Part of the fostering experience is learning what is best for the parent and the pet and taking those lessons seriously. London recognized her mismatch with her and Wagner and promptly coordinated with the center to ensure he found a more suitable home. She wasn’t discouraged by the fostering experience, however. 

When Jeff rolled into the center, it was love at first sight. Still hoping to experience fostering, London met her match with Jeff, the energetic, playful, and anxious puppy in need of a new place to stay. Their instant connection assured her she was confident and capable of training and raising Jeff for his successful future. It wasn’t always easy, though. 

“I loved being a foster parent to Jeff, but it’s definitely not for everyone. It required a lot of discipline on my end, and the ability to match his energetic needs no matter the situation,” London said. 

London had to adjust her schedule entirely around his, from her wake-up time to completing her schoolwork. She even had to be careful when she invited people over, as Jeff had a slight fear of men (which he has since successfully worked through). While the adjustment certainly took some getting used to, the change in her schedule also introduced London to a better routine. 

“It was such a rewarding experience doing our daily walks because it allowed me to disconnect from my environment and just be in the moment for an hour. Taking care of him encouraged me to be more active and appreciative of the smaller moments in life, like just playing fetch.” While London is no longer housing Jeff, she continues to go on her daily walks by herself, enjoying a ritual that Jeff introduced her to.  

Perhaps the hardest challenge to adjust to when fostering is the realization that this pet may not be a forever pet. While some fosters choose to adopt certain animals they’ve raised or housed, others realize they’re only there to guide the pet on a successful journey, whether it’s finding their forever home or, in London’s and Jeff’s case, to help Jeff become a working dog. 

“Nothing makes me prouder than watching Jeff grow into the confident working dog he is today and knowing I helped him get there. My advice would be to remember what your role is in their life– to love, guide, and teach them what it’s like to be a good dog in a good home. It’s absolutely crushing when they leave, but knowing that you helped point them in the right direction toward their forever home and being in a role that saves lives is pretty astonishing.” 

Jeff, currently two years old, has since moved on with his training, working as a K9 explosives detection dog for Upper Chichester, Pennsylvania. He now lives with his forever handler, Brian Gilmore, who works on Chichester’s law enforcement team. Jeff completed a tracking course at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center and will return in the spring for scent school. 

As for London, she is focused on finishing her studies at Drexel University so that she can foster another dog, of course.

“I hope to have the opportunity in the fall of 2026 when I move into my own place. I found that, for me, fostering was a great balance of freedom and responsibility. Having a dog increased my quality of life here, and forming that forever bond was unmatched,” London said. She still follows Jeff’s journey through his Instagram account, which is run by his various handlers and foster parents. Just recently, London attended his graduation from the Tracking & Article Search class alongside his previous fosters. 

“It was so difficult to see him go, but I was also so incredibly proud of his growth that my missing him felt so minuscule compared to the bigger picture of his happiness and ability to work.” London’s experience is just one of many fruitful relationships that come from fostering and raising an animal to enhance their well-being and give them a brighter future.