Holiday Shelter Chicken Feed Event Brings Joy to Bakersfield Animal Care Center
At Foster Tales, our mission has always been to rescue dogs who need us most, but we also believe we can—and should—do more for our local shelters. In addition to rescuing the dogs we can responsibly place, we want to host events that drive traffic to shelters, break the stigma surrounding them, and empower people to show up for these dogs. That’s exactly what we aimed to do with our Holiday Shelter Chicken Feed Event—a day dedicated to spreading kindness by serving hand-prepared chicken burritos and treats to every adoptable dog at the Bakersfield Animal Care Center.
We won’t pretend things are perfect—our shelters are overcrowded, under-resourced, and the struggle these dogs face is real. But when our community comes together, even just to witness that struggle, it can be the first powerful step in making a difference.
On a chilly December day, Foster Tales organized this special feed event at the Bakersfield Animal Care Center, a municipal shelter located on the outskirts of town. Known for its low foot traffic due to its remote location, the city shelter houses dogs picked up by animal control or surrendered by the community. These animals are given a chance to reunite with their owners, but when no one comes for them, they are either put up for adoption or made available to rescue organizations. As a key source of rescue dogs for Foster Tales, the Bakersfield Animal Care Center plays an essential role in our lifesaving mission.
The event was a resounding success, made possible entirely by one extraordinary local family. This family generously donated funds for the chicken and supplies and worked tirelessly to coordinate every aspect of the day. Their hard work brought the event to life, and we are so grateful for their dedication and support.
Setting the Stage for Kindness
The day began with opening remarks introducing Foster Tales’ mission, accomplishments, and ways to get involved. We also shared shelter rules and tips for engaging with the dogs, explaining that even something as simple as eye contact can release oxytocin in a dog’s brain—a rare and precious moment of comfort in their difficult surroundings.
With excitement building, over 50 volunteers—many of whom had never been to a shelter before—set out to visit every adoptable dog. Each dog received a hand-prepared chicken burrito, treats, and much-needed affection. For these dogs, those moments of attention and kindness made a world of difference.
A Community Coming Together
The event concluded with refreshments and a truly special moment: the rescue of Samantha, a sweet and deserving dog who took her “freedom walk” amidst cheers and applause. Samantha’s rescue was a powerful symbol of hope and change, showing what’s possible when a community steps up for its most vulnerable animals.
The day brought other unexpected benefits as well. We connected with a new volunteer willing to transport dogs to our Fresno-based veterinarian—a critical role in our operations that’s often hard to fill.
Most importantly, this event would not have been possible without the incredible family who made it happen. Their generosity—funding the supplies, organizing the details, and bringing people together—sparked an unforgettable day of joy and hope for both dogs and volunteers.
Looking to the Future
This event not only brightened the day for dozens of shelter dogs but also raised awareness about the city shelter and its ongoing needs. At Foster Tales, we’re committed to hosting more events like this—events that bring our community into shelters, break down misconceptions, and drive action. Whether through adoption, fostering, volunteering, or simply showing up, we can all make a difference.
Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and supported this event—you truly made a difference, one treat and one wagging tail at a time.
Together, we can continue to bring hope to the animals who need it most.
