Skip to main content
Home

Main Menu

  • take action
    • make a gift
    • monthly giving
    • other ways to give
    • donate faqs
  • ways to adopt
    • find a pet
    • adoption centers
    • adoption events
  • partner with us
    • our grants
    • adoption partners
    • partner resource center
    • faqs
  • about us
    • leadership
    • financials
    • news & PR
    • careers
  • our stories
    • community impact
    • journey home
    • unconditional love
    • disaster response
  • our research

Main Menu

  • take action
    • make a gift
    • monthly giving
    • other ways to give
    • donate faqs
  • ways to adopt
    • find a pet
    • adoption centers
    • adoption events
  • partner with us
    • our grants
    • adoption partners
    • partner resource center
    • faqs
  • about us
    • leadership
    • financials
    • news & PR
    • careers
  • our stories
    • community impact
    • journey home
    • unconditional love
    • disaster response
  • our research

adopt

donate

journey home

From Foster to Forever: How Penny Found Her Home

Penny and kenny
Penny and kenny

written by

Staff Writer

April 28, 2026

What started as a short-term foster turned into something more. Penny’s story shows how one small yes can change everything for a pet and a person.

share

A Short-Term Plan
When Kennedy first said yes to fostering, it was meant to be temporary.

Penny needed care, attention, and a safe environment while she waited for her next chapter. Kennedy opened her home, planning to help for a few weeks.

That was the plan.
 

Getting to Know Penny
It didn’t take long for Penny’s personality to come through.
 
She wanted to be close to everyone. She followed Kennedy from room to room, curled up beside her, and looked for any chance to be held. She fit right in with the household and quickly became part of the daily routine.

Each day, the connection grew stronger.

A Change of Heart
As time passed, the idea of saying goodbye became harder.

Kennedy and her family started to realize that Penny already felt at home. The bond was there, and it felt natural to keep her where she was.

So they made the decision to adopt her.

Penny’s foster story became her forever story.

The Power of Fostering
Fostering gives pets the chance to feel comfortable, build trust, and show who they are in a home environment.

It also helps shelters and rescues continue their work by creating space for more pets in need.

For Kennedy, fostering Penny opened the door to something meaningful. It’s an experience she hopes to continue, helping more pets along their journey.

Right Where She Belongs
Today, Penny is part of the family.

She spends her days close to the people she loves, settled into a home that feels right for her.

Her story is one of many made possible through support for adoption programs and foster networks. Every step forward helps more pets find their place in a home.

DONATE TO MAKE MORE STORIES LIKE PENNY'S COME TO LIFE.

See Our
3

Impact in Action

pip clover and leah
journey home
One Adoption Turned into Two: How Pip and Clover Found Their Home
When Leah walked into her local PetSmart, she wasn’t expecting to adopt that day. But one moment changed everything. What started with…
read more arrow-right-primary
Penny and kenny
journey home
From Foster to Forever: How Penny Found Her Home
What started as a short-term foster turned into something more. Penny’s story shows how one small yes can change everything for a pet and a…
read more arrow-right-primary
archie
journey home
The Cat Who Brought a Little Extra Personality Home
When Charissa decided her cat Nyx needed a companion, she visited a PetSmart Charities Everyday Adoption Center and met Archie. What…
read more arrow-right-primary
See Our
3

Impact in Action

pip clover and leah
journey home
One Adoption Turned into Two: How Pip and Clover Found Their Home
When Leah walked into her local PetSmart, she wasn’t expecting to adopt that day. But one moment changed everything. What started with…
read more arrow-right-primary
Penny and kenny
journey home
From Foster to Forever: How Penny Found Her Home
What started as a short-term foster turned into something more. Penny’s story shows how one small yes can change everything for a pet and a…
read more arrow-right-primary
archie
journey home
The Cat Who Brought a Little Extra Personality Home
When Charissa decided her cat Nyx needed a companion, she visited a PetSmart Charities Everyday Adoption Center and met Archie. What…
read more arrow-right-primary
Home

adopt

donate

  • donate
    • make a donation
    • other ways to give
    • donate faqs
  • adopt
    • find a pet
    • adoption centers
    • adoption events
  • partner
    • adoption partners
    • our grants
    • partner resource center
    • faqs
  • about us
    • leadership
    • news & PR
    • careers
    • financials
    • contact
  • articles
    • community impact
    • journey home
    • trending tales
    • unconditional love
  • impact

contact us

call us

1-800-423-7387

say hello

send a message

stay connected

CAPTCHA

 

©2026 PetSmart Charities, Inc. All rights reserved.
Terms of Use Privacy Policy Site map

 
19601 N 27th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85027 1-800-423-7387
Man in baseball cap looks down at kitten
community impact

Creating families through our…

Helping 11 million+ pets find homes through in-store adoptions at PetSmart since 1994
see the impact arrow-right-primary
Sammy and Jon
journey home

Meet Sammy, our 11 millionth…

Watch Sammy's journey to capture Jon's heart and become the 11 millionth adopted pet
read morearrow-right-primary
a woman kisses the top of a frenchie's head
community impact

Love Heals: An Access to Vet…

With your support, we’re helping pets stay together with their families by making veterinary care more accessible and…
read morearrow-right-primary
woman hugging a small brown dog
community impact

Keeping Families Together

Taking better care of pets builds healthier communities.
Read the story arrow-right-primary
Meals on Wheels
unconditional love

Meet Joyce and Mystie

Through our partnership with Meals on Wheels America, families like Joyce and Mystie can stay healthy, happy and together.
read morearrow-right-primary