Letter from Courtney, our founder
Dear Foster Tales Family,
I am thrilled to welcome you to the very first edition of our Foster Tales newsletter! This is a significant moment for us, and I want to take this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has opened your heart and home to a rescue dog through our organization.
As the President and Executive Director of Foster Tales, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the incredible journey we’ve been on together since our founding in April 2023. In just over a year, we’ve placed nearly 200 dogs in loving, forever homes. This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without your unwavering support, especially from those who adopted from us in our early days when we were still finding our footing. Your trust and patience as we navigated the challenges of starting a new rescue organization have been invaluable, and I cannot thank you enough.
When Foster Tales began, it was just me, a vision, and a deep passion for saving dogs. Today, I’m proud to say that we’ve grown exponentially. Our team now includes 12 dedicated foster homes, 6 committed adoption team members, 4 talented marketing and PR specialists, and 3 transporters, including emergency responders in Northern California who assist in urgent situations. Our Board of Directors has also expanded from three to five members, bringing even more expertise and passion to our mission.
One of the most exciting developments is our enhanced adoption process, which now includes innovative counseling from a certified dog trainer. This new program provides vital guidance on how to integrate a new dog into your home during the critical first 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months. We believe this will make a significant difference in helping our dogs and their new families thrive.
In addition, we’ve broadened our reach geographically for transports. While we used to meet in Fresno for adoptions, we’re now in Merced every weekend and make monthly trips to San Francisco, ensuring that more dogs can get to their perfect home.
Our commitment to responsible pet ownership is also evident in the resources we’ve allocated. Last year alone, we spent nearly $12,700 on spay and neuter procedures, and we anticipate that this figure will double this year as we continue to prioritize the health and well-being of the dogs in our care.
Our goal with this newsletter is to build a strong, supportive community among our previous adopters. We want to stay connected, share valuable information, and celebrate the wonderful stories of the dogs you’ve adopted. In the coming months, we’ll be hosting online information sessions exclusively for our adopters, including a nutrition seminar, which will be announced in next month’s newsletter.
Thank you once again for your support, compassion, and commitment to the dogs of Foster Tales. Together, we are making a profound difference, and I am excited to continue this journey with you.
With gratitude,
Courtney Clerico
President & Executive Director, Foster Tales
