About me
Hi, I’m Monica Elyse Nelson—the heart and hands behind Friend & Foster. I’m a U.S. Army veteran and former healthcare professional turned software engineer and lifelong dog lover. But really, my story begins with Tootsie, the sweet pup who quite literally saved my life.
When I first met Tootsie, I was navigating some of the toughest challenges I’d ever faced—both in and out of uniform. He greeted me each day with boundless joy, unwavering loyalty, and a gentle nudge to keep going. His love pulled me out of my darkest moments and reminded me what it means to care for another being as much as—or more than—yourself.
Friend & Foster is built in honor of Tootsie’s gift to me. It’s my way of paying forward the healing power of a dog’s love and companionship. Through this app, I want every shelter dog to experience the same hope, connection, and kindness that Tootsie showed me:
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For dogs: A chance to stretch their legs, feel affection, and build confidence beyond kennel walls.
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For shelters: Relief for staff and volunteers, and a powerful new way to showcase each dog’s unique story.
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For people: The opportunity to find friendship, purpose, and the kind of unconditional support only a dog can give.
Every line of code, every feature, and every pup profile is a tribute to Tootsie’s legacy. Thank you for joining me on this journey to bring more tails wagging, more hearts healing, and more second chances—all in Tootsie’s honor.