Our Mission

Mission Statement: To save shelter dogs through thoughtful adoptions, valuing both the dogs we rescue and the adopters we prepare for lasting success.

For dogs entering the shelter system, the risks are overwhelming. Many face euthanasia due to overcrowding, while others are handed off to unvetted adopters, shuffled between poorly managed rescues, or abandoned to uncertain fates. With minimal safeguards in place, shelters often leave dogs vulnerable to outcomes no animal should endure.

This is the reality in Bakersfield, California—a city at the epicenter of California’s dog overpopulation crisis. Home to two of the state’s highest-kill shelters, Kern County sees hundreds of dogs housed in overcrowded facilities, with dozens more arriving daily. Without intervention, these dogs face heartbreakingly slim chances of finding safety and stability.

There is room in this crisis for many different approaches to make a difference. While some nonprofits focus on spay and neuter programs to reduce future overpopulation, Foster Tales focuses on what we excel at: saving lives through adoption. We believe adoption is one of the most immediate ways to rescue dogs currently suffering and provide them with the stability, love, and safety they deserve after their harrowing experience in the shelter system.

Here’s what makes us different:

1. Rescuing Responsibly

We rescue only the dogs we can care for responsibly, ensuring they receive the medical attention, rehabilitation, and placement they deserve. Each adoption represents a chance to save another life, and we maximize every opportunity to do so.

2. Putting Adopters First

Adopters are partners in our mission, and we treat them with the respect and transparency they deserve. By working with one adopter per dog at a time, we avoid games, surprises, or unnecessary rejections. Our goal is to build trust and create successful matches that save lives.

3. Innovative Adoption Practices

We pioneered Adoption Counseling, an hour-long session with certified trainers that helps adopters prepare for success. This personalized guidance addresses each dog’s unique needs, reducing adoption returns and ensuring smooth transitions.

4. Lifelong Support

Our work doesn’t stop when the adoption is finalized. We provide ongoing support to adopters, helping them navigate any challenges that arise and ensuring the long-term well-being of their new companions.

5. Maximizing Lives Saved

Through professional photography, engaging storytelling, and a dedicated team, we attract adopters and match dogs with loving homes. Every adoption not only transforms a dog’s life but also creates room to save another.

In our first year, we saved 114 dogs. By our second year, we’ve rescued and personally placed over 200 dogs directly from foster homes to carefully vetted adopters.

At Foster Tales, we believe adoption is the key to saving lives now. By focusing on quality at every step, we’re making a lasting impact on Bakersfield’s shelter dogs and proving that thoughtful rescue can save more lives. Together, with our incredible community, we’re building a brighter future, one adoption at a time.

Meet the Team

Courtney C.

FOUNDER & Executive Director/President
A CSUB graduate with a master’s degree in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management, Courtney's journey began in the public school system as an HR professional. But her true calling led her away from the corporate world and into the heart of animal rescue. Passionate, resilient, and driven by a deep love for dogs, she gave up a stable career to dedicate her life to saving dogs in need. Now, Courtney channels her expertise into leading a nonprofit organization that fights tirelessly for the voiceless, making a lasting impact one rescue at a time.
Gaby C.

Communications Director
Gaby has fostered over 15 dogs for Foster Tales and currently serves as our Communication Director on our Adoption Team. Gaby loves pit bulls and has been the reason many have lived. She is very organized and timely, and if you have sent us an email, you have likely already heard back from her.
Mckenzie P.

Adoption Quality Assurance Specialist
Mckenzie is a California native and all around dog lover. She is a teacher by day, and home inspector by night. She joined our adoption team in 2023 and completes all virtual home checks. She is very experienced with welcoming new dogs into their homes, as she has fostered over 12 dogs with Foster Tales so far.
Deb W.

Transporter, Troubleshooter, & Board Member
Deb Ward has made her life about the dogs. Deb has more than 30 years experience in rescue, obedience, and transporting. She loves greyhounds, and has saved many retired racers. Deb sits on our board, oversees adoptions, and does many transports for our organization.
Erin C.

Certified Trainer
Erin is a software developer turned dog trainer who works tirelessly to make the world a better place for dogs. He counsels adopters and is in charge of our new puppy program, where he fosters and properly socializes rescue puppies for adoption. He is very experienced in fostering; his family has fostered hundreds of dogs and cats over the years. You will appreciate his scientific approach!
Belle T.

Certified Trainer
Belle is an incredibly resourceful trainer and lifelong dog lover. She is incredibly knowledgable and committed to dog rescue. Ou adopters appreciate her thorough approach to adoption counseling and troubleshooting issues. She has a very fresh and easy to understand philosophy on dog ownership.
Kaylx Su

Marketing/PR Specialist & Emergency Transporter
A California native and new to the rescue world, Kaylx was inspired by her own rescue dog, Binky, to help more dogs in need. By day, she is a Technical Project Manager in cancer genomics, but her passion for shelter dog advocacy fills her evenings and weekends. Organized, determined, and analytical, Kaylx plays a vital role in Foster Tales' marketing and PR efforts, particularly in managing the newsletter. She also serves as an emergency transporter, ensuring dogs find their way to safety. A lover of nature, she enjoys hiking with Binky and aspires to one day pivot into full-time dog rescue, advocacy, and legislation to make the planet a better place for all animals.
Alexzandria C.

Marketing/PR Specialist & Foster Mom