Cindy and Mindy are eight-month-old puppies that live at the Kern County Animal Services shelter on Fruitvale. They were found abandoned near Malaga Road in Bakersfield. Lucky for these sisters, I was able to take them for a fun-filled doggy day out thanks to the shelter’s program, the “Streets of Bakersfield,” where volunteers can foster them for an afternoon. These days are held on various Saturdays where you can pick up the dogs between 10 and noon and return by 3:30 p.m., after filling out a short application online or in-person.

“The ‘Streets of Bakersfield’ program allows our community to participate in advocating for shelter dogs. There are far more dogs entering our shelters right now than there is kennel space to hold them, and some time out of our shelter is extremely beneficial for out shelter pets’ health and wellness,” says Nick Cullen, Director of Kern County Animal Services. “Taking a dog out for the day also allows for our community to advocate for these animals by showcasing them to friends and family, and posting them on social media.  At the end of the day the only requirement is to fill out a report card and tell us all about the adventure! This is valuable information that we can then pass on to potential adopters.”

Originally, I had planned on bringing one dog home with me for the afternoon, but that changed after visiting the shelter. As you walk through the kennel, the dogs that are participating in the “Streets of Bakersfield” program are designated with a special sign, so you know which ones to choose. At Cindy’s and Mindy’s kennel, they both were so eager and excited that after meeting these sisters, I knew they both had to enjoy the fun together.  Cindy was the more spirited one of the two, and Mindy was more shy.

Kern County Animal Services volunteer, Meagan Allen said we picked out the most “Ying and Yang” pairing at the shelter to balance their energy. Allen says the public response to this program has been tremendous. It’s really helped to get the public invested for people wanting to foster or adopt. And if they can’t do that, they have really helped network the animals through social media and word of mouth.

Once we arrived to my house, the girls got to play with my cute neighbor, seven-year-old Franki Boyd. Even she noticed their different personalities, but she also said that’s what she liked most about them. “I like them because they are different,” she says. “It’s fun to meet different kinds of dogs.”

My dog, Lincoln, a six-year-old black-and-white parti standard poodle was so happy to meet Cindy and Mindy.  All three ran around the yard, enjoyed some bones and treats, and drank a lot because it was a warm day.

The two sisters were inseparable, and you can tell they rely on each other. Cindy was much more adventurous and explored the area more; while Mindy was more affectionate. At one point, Mindy just curled up at my feet and rested from all the excitement.

I was surprised how fast the time went with them. When it was time to take them back, I thought a Starbucks whipped cream Pup Cup would be the perfect ending for their doggy day out. Cindy didn’t love the pup cup as much, so Mindy ate both of theirs. She even got a milk, doggy stache.

Admittedly, I was sad to take them back, but I know in our own small way, we gave them a happier day. Once in the entry way waiting to check the sisters back into the shelter, I met the cutest five-year-old girl named Claire Ashmore, who found her “dream” dog through this amazing program. With her mother, Brittany, they have participated in the “Streets of Bakersfield” program a handful of times, but this day they found their forever pet, Candy, a gorgeous German shepherd. Claire says, “I can’t wait to play with her, give her lots of treats, and give her loves!”

Brittany was no stranger to fostering animals. She had fostered 12 puppies and was the first in line for the “Streets of Bakersfield” program.  She said Candy, whose name at the shelter was Lilo, was the perfect fit for their family. According to Claire, they all voted “yes” to keep her. She told her mom, “It feels like happiness. I feel like crying happy tears but my body won’t let me.”

My son and I filled out the sisters’ “Streets of Bakersfield” report cards, which the shelter puts into their permanent files. These reports give the shelter and prospective families more information about the dogs’ temperament and activity level during certain situations. We gave both our dogs A+s. These adorable puppies would make great family pets, but I really think they would do better being adopted together.

Walking through the shelter, you realize how many animals need a loving home. This program is the perfect chance to meet a shelter pet and see him or her in your own environment.

To find out which Saturdays are the “Streets of Bakersfield” days, you can check out the Kern County Animal Service’s Facebook page. For more information, and to fill out a short-term foster application, please visit www.kerncountyanimalservices.org/how-to-help/streets-of-bakersfield/.