Our Mission

Founded in 2023, Foster Tales (501c3) emerged from the heart of Bakersfield, California, a city at the epicenter of a severe dog overpopulation crisis. Our founder was moved by the dire situation of local shelter dogs, where the stark reality often contradicts the law's intent to prevent euthanasia for lack of space. Despite legal protections, many dogs—whether due to minor illnesses like kennel cough, timidity, or simply a lack of interest from adopters—are still tragically euthanized when shelters reach capacity.

The diversity of dogs facing such fates in Bakersfield is astonishing, often leaving people in disbelief that such loving animals were on the brink of being lost forever. The city's acute shortage of adopters means many dogs never get the chance they deserve.

At Foster Tales, our commitment runs deep. In 2023 alone, our dedicated volunteers saved 114 dogs through relentless tracking, fostering, and facilitating adoptions. We’ve grown that number to 200+ so far in 2024, saving more lives with the help of our incredible community of adopters—many of whom hail from Northern California. Every adoption not only transforms the life of a rescued dog but also opens a spot for another in need. Our journey is fueled by the belief that every dog deserves a chance, and each adoption is a victory in the fight against unnecessary euthanasia.

Mission Statement: Reduce unnecessary euthanasia and ease pressure on municipal shelters by clearing kennel space through a robust foster and adoption program.

Meet the Team

  • Courtney C.

    FOUNDER & Executive Director/President

    Courtney is a CSUB graduate and has a master degree in public administration and nonprofit management. She once was an HR professional for the public school system. She gave it all up to dedicate her life to saving dogs.

  • 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.

Get in touch.

Contact us! Our Communications Director will triage your message and get it to the right member of our team.