As we look forward to our next 10 years, we also reflect on the past 10 years with a heartfelt message from our fearless leader and executive director Tracy Long.

Over the past year we have needed to take a breath and slow down. The last few years have been a dust up of change and many adoptions. Now the slowdown of adoptions can be felt on every level across the nation. Unfortunately, the slowdown has not boiled over into the need from pups who need help.

We just need to remind ourselves and the public why TLC is different and better. Why we should be the Rescue to adopt your forever pup from.

We as a Rescue still step up for every pup we can and we still keep our promise for a new and better tomorrow. No matter the cost, we will find a way to make sure we hold true to our mission and our promise. We also strive to make a difference in our community too. We have done more visits to schools, assisted living facilities, fulfilling Christmas wishlists for 43 children involved in the child welfare system, and more local companies than we ever have.

We provide stress free visits and educational visits to help heal and make a difference. Just because this year has been a new challenge, we still came out on top. Our Team still amazes me every day. The resilience and perseverance are unmatched. We have a Team made up of topnotch caring people who stick together and come up with different ways to keep going and follow our mission.

I cannot wait to see what we can do in 2024, I have a feeling it may be our best year yet. The next 10 years will show more coming together to make a difference in this crazy world. We together will change things for the better, one pup and one day at a time.

This year, TLC Rescue reached a remarkable milestone: our 10th anniversary! In those 10 years, we’ve saved close to 7,000 dogs, a number that would have been impossible without the dedicated volunteers whose unwavering commitment plays a vital role in guiding a dog’s journey from shelter to furever home.

Volunteers work tirelessly in various roles. There are those who spend early weekend mornings comforting dogs arriving on transport and making sure they are ready for their foster homes. Our Foster Director places each dog with the right foster home, and fosters provide love, patience, and a bridge to “furever” for dogs who have never experienced such comforts. We have volunteers who ensure that all of our dogs’ medical needs are met - from monthly preventatives to complex surgeries - and those who support fosters and adopters with training tips.

Teams of volunteers create events - including large events, such as Miles 4 Mutts and Raffles 4 Ruffs, and our smaller weekly adoption events - that help spread TLC’s message to the wider community. Event leads, greeters, and dog handlers create valuable opportunities for our dogs to be seen in the community, while the marketing team spreads the word about our pups and events through channels such as social media and our monthly newsletter.

Volunteers processing adoption applications gather crucial information to make perfect matches between dogs and adopters. The adoptions team then facilitates the final step for a pup in finding their furever family. And of course, our dedicated team of directors keeps every aspect of TLC running smoothly, both behind and in front of the scenes.

As we reflect on a decade of TLC’s impact, we express our deepest gratitude to everyone involved for their continued dedication. If you would like to be part of our volunteer team, visit our website for more information - we’d love to have you join us on this incredible journey.

Just Jackb is a little firecracker of a Chihuahua mix who is full of personality! Just Jack is a thoughtful pup who likes to take his time getting to know new friends, he likes to meet them on his own terms (Don’t we all?).

Spicy Personality: Just Jack might be small, but he has a larger-than-life personality. He is spirited, lively, and always ready for action.

House Trained: He is fully house-trained, which means no worries about accidents indoors.

Loyal Companion: Just Jack bonds quickly to his human, he is fiercely loyal and devoted to his human. Jack's ideal day is spent with his human family, where he can enjoy all the love to himself.

Playful Nature: Just Jack takes his role as guardian of his toys and treats seriously, so he's best suited for a home with adults or older children who understand his space and belongings.

Communicates His Needs: Just Jack's unique way of expressing himself includes a bit of gentle grumbling — whether he's cuddling, settling down, or just hanging out, his gentle grumbles are his special way of communicating

Crate Trained: Just Jack is fully crate trained and while he sleeps through the night in his cozy den, he's just as well-mannered and content when he's out and about in the house .

In short Just Jack is a spcicy Chihuahua mix , who makes cute grumbles, has a loyal heart, is a perfectly mannered house guest who is looking for his happily ever after.

Just Jack will prove to you that sometimes the most remarkable things come in the smallest packages.

January is National Train Your Dog Month!

Kick off the New Year by setting healthy goals for your dog and yourself! National Train Your Dog Month - occurs every January to help bring awareness to the importance of dog training. It is a great opportunity for pet owners to take part in their dog’s life and make a difference. The event was started by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to help promote responsible pet ownership and encourage owners to get involved in their pet’s life. Focusing on training enriches your bond, encourages mental stimulation for your dog, and is another way to provide them with the best quality of life possible. National Train Your Dog Month is also a great way to get the community involved and to help spread the word about responsible pet ownership.

Training benefits both of you!

Training is a wonderful way to help your dog become the best version of themselves.. It assists in providing a clear path of interactive communication.Choosing a regular time and a safe environment to train in will yield an enjoyable experience for both of you. The benefits are visible in many ways with regular dog training. Proper training can help your dog learn how to behave appropriately in different situations, such as around other people and animals, making interactions more relaxed for everyone. It will provide positive mental stimulation, reducing the risk of boredom and destructive behavior. Dog training also creates another level of trust between you.. Choosing a relaxed environment to work in will add to the focus and fun for each of you!

Finding a trainer

When it comes to finding the right dog trainer, it is important to research your options. You want to look for a certified,experienced professional. Meet or communicate ahead of time to discuss your goals and ask questions about their techniques. You and your dog need to feel comfortable with whichever methods of training can help you reach your goals. Ask family, friends, and other pet owners for recommendations and about their experiences. Read reviews and research different trainers and facilities online. Lastly, before committing to a trainer, it is important to meet them in person. This will help ensure that you and your dog are comfortable with the trainer and that the trainer is the right fit for you and your pet.

Training Tips for Adopted Dogs

If you have adopted a dog or plan to adopt one, it is important to understand that they may require a bit more patience and understanding when it comes to training. Start slowly and allow them to get acclimated to their new environment. Introduce new commands and activities gradually to help your pet get comfortable with you and the process. Adopted dogs may take a bit longer to adjust to their new routine. It can be overwhelming. Set realistic and achievable goals for each training session to prevent your dog from feeling frustrated. Training should be fun, not stressful. Communicate your progress with the trainer. A good trainer can be key to understanding your dog’s unique personality and will help to keep your pet motivated and encourage them to keep learning. Consistency and setting a routine to train will also help your pet feel secure and make the process easier.

Time to make the magic happen!

This January, let's celebrate National Train Your Dog Month and get moving! Training with your dog is fun! It creates an opportunity for a pet owner to take responsibility for the well-being of their pet. It is a wonderful way for you and your dog to bond and learn more about each other. Start this month to make furever memories - while spending quality time with your dog. Now you know about the who, the what, the when, why and and the how. All that’s left to do is enjoy the process of training with your dog!