Corinth-Alcorn Animal Shelter (CAAS) is a county funded shelter based in Corinth, Mississippi and one of TLC’s longest standing shelter partners. In 2022, they moved into a new facility, which was a former prison converted into an animal shelter. CAAS is the only no-kill, animal shelter-rescue in a six county area of North Mississippi and West Tennessee, and as such, they are often operating over capacity. The new shelter is designed to house 75 dogs; however, in January 2024, they were housing 129 dogs.

Because the new facility is already well above capacity, many of the dogs are still housed in outdoor kennels with just a tarp and boards to help protect them from the elements. Those slightly luckier dogs who stay in the out building are still subject to the drafts as the building is not fully enclosed. Everyday, CAAS employees and volunteers work tirelessly to keep everyone clean, fed and happy. It is often a struggle to provide just those necessities and leaves minimal time for socialization, exercise, and just being a dog. Make no mistake, the employees and volunteers who care for these dogs are passionate about each of their wellbeing. They are simply doing the best they can with the resources they are provided. The shelter has limited funding and dog laws are not as strict in southern states as they are in Pennsylvania. 

At the end of January, a small group from TLC traveled to CAAS to assist employees with their efforts.  The team’s primary goal was to perform behavior evaluations on as many dogs as possible. While the hope is to get as many of these dogs into a TLC foster home as possible, this work helps even those dogs TLC is unable to place. Updated records and photos help support CAAS’ efforts for local adoption and also provide information for the other 7 rescue partners that CAAS works with. Tracy Long, TLC’s Executive Director, explains how “trips like this help to build the relationship and confidence our rescue/shelter partners have with us. It is important that we can trust that they are giving us the right and good info and we get good dogs/pups from them. Every shelter and rescue who hears about TLC wants their pups to come to us. We have a stellar reputation because we do rescue the right way and for the pups.”

Volunteer Erin Jenesky shared her reflections on the emotional toll of the trip, emphasizing the harsh reality of needing more foster homes to save these dogs from a grim existence.  “It brings tears to my eyes to recall seeing shelter staff stand at the cages, with their palms pressed up on the cage doors in an apologetic way, each time they returned the dogs back to their concrete reality,” Erin explained.  “It may be easy to judge the state these dogs are living in, or to think we could do it better, but with the resources and volunteers they have, they are truly doing everything. The care the staff has for these dogs is the only reason these animals still have hope and love. Without them, I honestly don’t know what would happen. 

Shelters across America are facing overcrowding, but I can promise you, saving even one dog makes a huge difference. It makes a difference for that dog and the dog who needs to take their place. It may be easy to focus on the sad parts of fostering, but that’s our brain’s way of protecting our heart. I guarantee you, fostering will change you for the better.”

The team’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle shelters face and the critical role foster families play in the rescue ecosystem. 

The team from TLC was able to evaluate 60 dogs. They performed behavior testing to gauge human & dog friendliness, tolerance for physical handling, and general personality assessment (playful, fearful, energetic, mellow, etc.) The time spent with the dogs also allowed them much needed time out of their kennels for play and exercise.

As of March 2, 2024, only 7 of those dogs evaluated have made their way to TLC, because we can only help as many dogs as we have foster homes for. One hope is that this glimpse into the life of a shelter dog will encourage more to open their homes to fostering a dog. You may feel that you don’t have enough time to give, that you would want to keep every dog, or that it would simply be too hard, but any level of love and care is going to be better than life in the shelter. “Rescue is tough, but it is also unbelievably rewarding,” says TLC’s Foster & Volunteer Director, Tricia Gonci. “I wish that we didn't need shelters and rescues, but until that day, if you could just try fostering, you could change a living thing's life for the better and you usually end up getting more back in return than you give them.” 

For anyone moved by the plight of these shelter dogs, your willingness to open your home can make a huge difference in the lives of these animals AND help alleviate the pressures on shelters like CAAS.  Apply today to become a foster and start making a difference, one dog at a time. 

Five years ago in the heart of Mississippi, a tale of resilience and unwavering hope unfolded.

Meet Clarice, an enchanting 8-year-old lab mix with a heart of gold and a spirit that shines bright despite years of waiting. Her journey began in a shelter in Mississippi, where she spent five long years before finding her way north to TLC. Amidst the shuffle of changing shelters and names, Clarice’s essence remained unchanged - forging a path of quiet strength and unspoken longing.

Now, nestled in the arms of a foster family, Clarice awaits her chance to shine in the furever home she’s dreamed of for so long. She embarks upon each day with the curiosity of a pup and the wisdom of a seasoned soul. But it's not just her curiosity that defines Clarice; it's her resilient heart, her unwavering sweetness, and her ability to find joy in every moment. From discovering her reflection in the mirror, to mastering the art of stair-climbing, to embracing crate and housetraining with gusto, Clarice is eager to please and approaches each challenge as a testament to her indomitable spirit.

Quiet and content to be by your side, she is a loyal companion who adores people of all ages. She’s not just friendly with humans; Clarice gets along with other dogs and is cat-friendly too, making her the perfect addition to any loving home. With a tail that wags in anticipation and eyes that shimmer with hope, Clarice is more than just a dog—she's a beacon of light, a reminder of the transformative power of love and second chances.

What Clarice seeks most is a family to call her own, a place where she can finally lay down roots and know the love she’s been waiting for. If you're ready to open your heart and home to a companion who embodies resilience, loyalty, and boundless love, then Clarice is waiting to meet you. Step into her world, and together, embark on a journey filled with laughter, adventure, and the timeless bond between human and canine.

Adopt Clarice today and let her show you the true meaning of unconditional love.

After her dog passed away, Gina wanted to volunteer with a rescue, as she was not sure if she was ready for another dog. Gina had heard about TLC Rescue through researching different rescues. She felt as if TLC was well structured and did wonderful work with the dogs.

To make sure it would be a good fit, she went to an event at Wedgewood Gardens, where TLC was present. She was impressed at how approachable the volunteers were, and how willing they were to answer any questions she had.

Gina began volunteering with TLC Rescue in September 2023. The first event she attended was at the PetSmart in Concordville.

Then in November 2023, Gina had her first fostering experience with Jake. After Jake, Gina fostered Bosco. Bosco gave Gina a greater appreciation of life and in return Gina gave Bosco his forever home and adopted him. She said that being a part of picking up Bosco from transport was so special, “knowing that you are helping the dogs as they come from really bad conditions and you are assisting in their journey on the way to their forever home, is extremely rewarding”. The one thing Gina said she might do differently with her fosters is that she would “reinforce crate training more”.

Gina has enjoyed her work with TLC Rescue, thus far. Through events, she has had fun interacting with the public and promoting TLC Rescue’s mission. Gina loves spending time with the dogs, knowing how we have helped them come from bad circumstances, to better ones with the goal of eventually finding their forever homes.

For anyone thinking about volunteering, Gina stated that it is a “no brainer.” “You have the ability to assist in giving better lives to the dogs and also helping the families who adopt the dogs. You are not only sharing in the wonder of the process, but its that one puppy kiss, or the dog chilling in your lap, relaxed for the first time in a long time that makes it all worthwhile! Gina speaks first hand when saying that it is a rewarding and amazing experience”

TLC Rescue has outstanding support for fostering dog(s). Gina has had personal experience with TLC Rescue’s foster program. Her suggestions to anyone “on the fence” or who really has no knowledge about fostering is that it can be a wonderful opportunity. “By having an open mind and loving heart, you are helping to get a dog out of a horrible situation”

TLC Rescue provides the supplies and a mentor, foster follow-up, to make sure things are going smoothly, and if not, they help to find a solution. By fostering, all you are doing is giving a dog space for love and gaining confidence with the hopes of the dog finding its forever home.

In her own fostering experiences, Gina shared that it has been very rewarding to give dogs a greater opportunity at a better life.

In the spirit of Women’s History Month, we honor the female trailblazers who worked tirelessly and found the Women’s Animal Center, America’s first animal shelter.

In the 1860s, society was truly different than what we experience today. Light was provided by gas lamps. There were no TVs or radios. The main mode of transportation was by horse. Most importantly, women did not even have the fundamental right to vote. This did not stop a group of 30 women, led by Caroline Earle White. They were determined to do things on their own and in their own way. They began to speak out about how animals should be treated, and in turn, these women began to change how society viewed the animals in their lives. Ms. White soon discovered that there were other women who shared her views in promoting the humane treatment of animals. These women joined together to form the Pennsylvania SPCA in 1867.

On April 14th, 1869, The Women’s Branch of the Pennsylvania SPCA was formed. Despite being call a “branch,” this organization was totally independent from the beginning. It maintained separate leadership and separate accounts.

One of their goals included employing an agent to inspect horses for harness sores and to make sure the horses were treated humanely. Within their first year, they had hired two agents to monitor cases of abuse and cruelty towards dogs and other animals. The Women’s Branch agents would eventually come to be located in counties throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. As this was a time where animals were not held in high esteem, The Women’s Board was widely and openly criticized for their work with animals.

In 1870, The Women’s Branch acquired management of the Philadelphia Dog Pound. They were the first humane group to ever take on such responsibilities. These women opened the nations very first animal shelter to combat the inhumane treatments stray dogs faced. It was there that they were able to keep the dogs clean and well-fed.

The women worked tirelessly to help pass laws for the humane treatment of animals. In 1907, the Women’s SPCA built their own headquarters, building what was hailed as the most modern shelter at that time. From there, progress continued quite rapidly. In 1909, The Caroline Earle White Dispensary opened. Being the first of its kind, it offered free veterinary care for citizens who had animals and could not pay for their own private veterinarian.

In 1912, fulfilling the last bequest of Caroline Earl White, the Annie Lowery Home for Smaller Animals was founded. It was located in southwest Philadelphia. The facility offered a location for a supervisor, a barn with dog runs and a play area for dogs. There was also a veterinarian with office hours on Saturdays.

Caroline Earle White died in 1916, however her work and determined efforts for better standards in how animals should be treated still lives on today. Ms. White was considered a powerhouse, one to be reckoned with when it came to animal cruelty. Through her efforts, she successfully pushed aside the gender-based constraints, taking a strong-armed approach to animal cruelty and animal advocacy. Caroline Earle White and the group of 30 women fighting with her, forged their way in a world of animal cruelty where they weren’t wanted, in order to create a better world for mistreated animals.

To Love a Canine Rescue was founded in the summer of 2013. Combining collective experience in pet rescue and community service, To Love a Canine Rescue began to have a meaningful impact on both animals and people. They educated the community on reducing the number of dogs needing rescue, a crucial aspect of animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.

The eight founding women came together with a unified goal, intense passion, and great perseverance, began to save lives, and have never looked back. It was the vision of the women originally spearheading this movement that has paved the way for To Love a Canine Rescue’s founding women to form a rescue that is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of dogs and their human companions. By gaining a reliable foster and volunteer community, To Love a Canine Rescue can continue with their partners and adopters with the hope of finding furever homes for every dog.

These eight women came together unified with one vision: the passion to rescue. Their dream is that one day they won’t have to. Until then, as Caroline Earle White did, they will work tirelessly until they all have a home…

Once your dog has mastered 'sit', it's time to teach them to lie down. This is a useful thing to get your dog to do when you want them to settle on the floor, either at home or when you're out and about.

• With your dog in a sitting position and a treat in your hand, move your hand from your dog's nose towards their chest, then straight down towards the floor.

• Your dog should follow the treat into a lying down position. Praise and reward them with the treat immediately.

• Practice this a number of times in short but regular sessions.

• When your dog is easily following the treat into a down position, you can start to say the word 'down' just as your dog is getting into the down position.’

• Practice this a number of times in short but regular sessions.

• While your dog is lying down, give him treats - this will increase the time he spends lying down.

Bonus Tip

Practice often and in different places. Once your dog is happily lying down on command in your home, start to practice in more distracting environments, like the garden or your local park.