From Foster to Family: Piglett and Selena’s Foster-to-Adopt Story
From Foster to Family: How Cincinnati Animal CARE’s Foster-to-Adopt Program Created a Perfect Match for Piglett and Selena
For Cincinnati Animal CARE (CAC), every adoption story is unique and full of joy, but some journeys take a slightly different path before reaching “forever.” Our shelter’s foster-to-adopt program has been a game-changer for adopters and dogs alike, especially for animals who need a little extra time to find the right match. One such story is that of Piglett, a charming dog who found her forever home with Selena—her biggest advocate and now her best friend.
Selena’s connection with Piglett began during a short-term foster stint. “I absolutely fell in love with her,” Selena shared. “But I was unable to adopt her then due to my living situation. I told myself if she was still up for adoption after graduation, I wanted to adopt her—it was meant to be!” Her deep connection to Piglett only grew, and when the timing felt right, Selena decided the foster-to-adopt route was the perfect option.
To Selena, adopting a dog meant making a lifelong commitment, and foster-to-adopt offered a path to ensure she could keep her promise. “To me, adopting a dog means forever. It’s a promise—and a promise I wanted to keep to Piglett,” she explained. “I felt like foster-to-adopt was a safe and neutral way to see how Piglett would transition back to being with me!” And though she had a strong feeling the journey would lead to adoption, Selena valued the chance to ensure they were a perfect match.
Piglett’s official adoption confirmed what Selena had known all along: they were destined to be together. “She’s my best friend and my ‘soul dog,’” she shared. Piglett has brought boundless joy to Selena’s life and has even become a certified Emotional Support Animal (ESA). Known for her “wiggly and snorty” charm, Piglett has seamlessly blended into Selena’s family, sharing love and laughter with everyone she meets, including Selena’s two-year-old niece. “She’s so happy and reminds me to find joy in life,” Selena reflected. “She loves toys and is so silly, hence her nickname ‘Silly Goose.’”
Selena encourages others considering foster-to-adopt to take the leap, even if they feel sure of their connection. “What’s the harm in doing foster-to-adopt?” she asks. “It never hurts to be sure before you make a promise to that pup.” Through foster-to-adopt, Selena found peace in knowing she was making a thoughtful commitment, and her advice to others echoes the same sentiment: “You can be extremely certain, but choosing foster-to-adopt allows you to truly see how the animal does in your home first.”
For those who may be unsure about rescue dogs, Selena wholeheartedly recommends giving them a chance. “Rescue dogs are some of the most loving and amazing dogs, each with unique personalities, markings, and fun quirks,” she said. But her advice comes with an important reminder: “It’s essential to be honest with yourself and the shelter staff about how much time you’re willing to put into training, if any. This helps to ensure the best possible match.”
Selena also highlights the importance of the “3-3-3 period,” which helps dogs adjust to their new homes: three days to decompress, three weeks to learn the routine, and three months to feel fully at home. “Make sure you are familiar with it before bringing any shelter dog into the home,” she advised. The 3-3-3 guideline has become an invaluable resource for CAC adopters, setting them and their new pets up for success.
Cincinnati Animal CARE’s foster-to-adopt program enables stories like Selena and Piglett’s to unfold by giving adopters a unique way to commit thoughtfully and wholeheartedly. As Selena beautifully put it, “If it works out, that’s absolutely amazing! If it doesn’t, that’s okay—you still made a positive difference in the pup’s life.” And in Piglett’s case, she’s finally found her happily ever after with a mom who took the time to make sure every promise was kept.
