A Birthday Sleepover with a Purpose: How One Hotel’s Foster Program Changed a Rescue Dog’s Life

Written by David Perez

For my daughter’s birthday, I arranged for my sister, who was visiting from out of town, to take her on a girls’ night out. They enjoyed side-by-side pedicures, followed by a scrumptious dinner at The Hive. They ultimately ended up at the trendy 21c Museum Hotel in Bentonville, Arkansas, for a sleepover. However, that was not the highlight of the evening by a longshot.

The day she checked in, my sister discovered that 21c partners with Best Friends Animal Society Pet Resource Center, offering hotel guests the chance to foster a dog for the night. My sister, who is deeply involved with adoption and fostering programs in Northern Alabama, jumped at the chance to participate in that experience. My daughter was equally thrilled by the idea, eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to foster a furry friend for the night and create even more lasting memories with her aunt.

My sister completed 21c’s online form and was contacted within 30 minutes by a representative from Best Friends. Later that day, she and my daughter drove to their facility and were matched with their sleepover buddy, Prim, a sweet, shy rescue dog from South Central Arkansas.

Best Friends provided an overnight bag with food, wipes, waste disposal bags, blankets, bowls, and paper towels. When all three ladies checked into 21c, they received a kennel so Ms. Prim would have a safe place to call her own and decompress after being pulled from the shelter. After a little time acclimating to her new environment, Prim began to come out of her shell and let her guard down.

My sister was pleasantly surprised to learn that 21c not only welcomes fosters but fully embraces them.?As someone who has fostered many dogs, she understands that accidents happen, especially when a pup is adjusting to a new environment.?She was relieved to find out that if Prim had a nervous accident or knocked over a water bowl, she wouldn’t be held financially responsible for any “oopsies.”

Another surprise??Prim was allowed on the furniture.?Many hotels have strict pet policies, but 21C recognizes that for a dog who has spent time in a shelter,?being able to curl up on a soft bed or hop on the couch next to a human is part of the healing process.?So, when Prim cautiously climbed onto the bed and snuggled up next to my daughter, my sister didn’t have to shoo her away—she could simply enjoy the moment, knowing that Prim was beginning to feel safe.

All three ladies enjoyed a fantastic night, and Prim returned to Best Friends the next day.

A Safe Space to Start Again

What began as a delightful birthday treat for my daughter soon blossomed into a potentially life-altering experience for Prim. This experience highlights that foster programs are much more than temporary solutions—they’re transformative experiences for dogs.

“Fostering pets in hotel rooms could help set pets up for success in their new homes,” explains Dr. Katy Miller from BSM Partners. “Often, pets are sent to a shelter for behavioral issues that cannot be addressed while living in traditional kennel housing. Being able to foster pets in a home-like environment allows them to work on learning new behaviors and becoming adjusted to new environments, which will allow for a more successful transition to their forever homes once adopted.”

Just as Prim needed time to adjust in the hotel, fostering a pet at home follows the same principles.?Whether it’s a one-night stay in a cozy hotel room or a few weeks in a foster home, giving a pet the chance to decompress in a safe, low-stress environment makes all the difference.

“When fostering a pet in your home with other animals and family members, the most important thing is a gradual and thoughtful introduction. Every pet comes with a unique history, so setting them up for success means providing a safe space where they can decompress and adjust at their own pace,” explains Lee Ann Hagerty of BSM Partners.

“House training can be a challenge, especially if they’ve never lived in a home before—patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are key,” she continued.?“Safety is non-negotiable: supervised interactions, slow introductions, and exposure to new experiences all help build confidence and trust.?Fostering isn’t just about giving a pet a temporary home—it’s about preparing them for a successful future in their forever home.”

If you’re looking for a way to make a difference in an animal’s life, consider participating in sleepover programs like the one at 21c in Bentonville, Arkansas. Whether through a hotel foster program or in your own home, you have the power to change a pet’s life—just one night in a warm, loving space can help them feel safe, build confidence, and set them on a path to finding their forever family. And finally, if you're ready to take the next step and welcome a new family member into your home, visit?Best Friends Animal Society Pet Resource Center?to meet pets awaiting their second chance.

About the Author

As Vice President of Product Innovation at BSM Partners, David Perez brings nearly 20 years of experience in the pet food industry, specializing in formulation and product development. He has played a key role in driving innovation, developing products that align with evolving industry trends and consumer needs. Always looking ahead, he enjoys tackling challenges and finding creative solutions that push the industry forward. Outside of work, David can be found?competing on the tennis court, composing music in his home studio, or enjoying a good scary movie—always bringing the same curiosity and energy to everything he does.

This article was originally published on BSM Partners' website here.