February is a month dedicated to love and finding your perfect match, even if that match is in the form of a dog. That’s where TLC comes in. Just like finding a partner, our rescue meticulously pairs our adoptable dogs with their forever families. Through meet and greets, thoughtful conversations, and a series of reference checks, we ensure that every adoption is a match made in heaven.

Swipes & Searches: When looking for love, you start by finding a profile. You spend time reading about their likes and dislikes, what they do for fun, and if they pee in the house…oh, you thought we were talking about people?

Each dog is in our care for at least two weeks. While this length of stay is part of a new PA law, it gives us the appropriate time to learn more about each dog. We update their profile with everything we discover: temperament, interest in toys, quirks, etc.

The First Date: Maybe you meet one of our adoptable dogs at a Meet & Greet event throughout the area or you schedule an adoption appointment to meet a specific dog in our Adoption Center. While you play with and pet one of our adoptable dogs, you also have time to ask a foster or volunteer meaningful questions that help you get to know this dog better.

Matchmaking: So the first meeting went well- that’s great! Now we get to do our matchmaking. After we take a look at your application, we’ll review your veterinary records, talk to your landlord, and check in with at least two of your personal references. Through each step, we compare the info with what we know our adoptable dogs need to determine if you’re a good fit for each other.

Furever:If we’re confident that your family is a good fit for our adoptable dogs and vice versa, we’ll work together to schedule an adoption appointment and let you add a furry family member to your household! If you’re not a perfect fit for this dog, don’t be discouraged. You may be a better fit for another dog in our rescue and our matchmaking process will continue. You can’t rush love!

Lots of love: We’ve helped match over 6,700 dogs with their forever families over the last 10+ years. We are proud to know that each dog is living his or her best life with a family that was precisely paired with their perfect people.

Are you ready to add a bundle of personality and love to your life?

Meet Bailey, a 4 and a half(ish)-year-old bulldog with a heart as big as her adorable wrinkled face. Rescued from Mississippi in October and affectionately known as “Pork Chop” by her foster family. Bailey is on the lookout for her furever home, and she comes with a truckload of charm and unique quirks.

Beautiful Bailey embodies the classic bulldog spirit - a touch of stubbornness with an insatiable love of relaxation. Completely housebroken and crate trained, she’s the perfect addition to a family with bulldog experience. Her love for other dogs is boundless, and she’s just waiting for the right human companions to share her warmth. She takes a little time to warm up to people, but a handful of treats will make her your best friend in no time. Bailey is incredibly food-motivated, making training a breeze for anyone looking to add a furry friend to the family.

Her sleeping habits only add to her charm. Known for snoozing in a variety of unique positions and snoring loudly, Bailey is sure to bring joy and laughter to your home. Be warned, though - she may steal your spot on the couch when you get up, claiming it as her own with an irresistible charm. Bailey has a penchant for soft toys, but also enjoys a good chew on harder ones. You’ll find her playful antics endearing - even when she adds your favorite pair of shoes to her growing toy pile!

This bulldog beauty is in search of a forever home that appreciates her unique personality and needs. If you’re ready for a loyal companion who will bring tons of personality, laughter, and love into your life, and have experience with bulldogs or similar breeds, Bailey is the one for you.

Open your heart and home to this charming lady, and you’ll discover a lifelong friend who will steal not just your spot on the couch, but also, your heart. Adopt Bailey and make your home her furever home today!

The term “It takes a village” describes a success that results from multiple peoples’ efforts. One of our most special Happy Tails was Mia’s, which was made possible by the TLC “villagers” who helped during her journey. Mia, who was featured in our 2023 Giving Tuesday campaign, found her family!

At 12 weeks old, just one day before her scheduled euthanasia, Mia was pulled from a crowded shelter by Misty, a TLC rescue partner in Mississippi. “She was literally a shut down, closed up shell when I got her,” Misty says, “just barely clinging to life.” Under Misty’s care and protection, Mia recovered, grew, and thrived. Healthy enough to travel in November 2023, Mia’s village expanded as TLC foster Glenda welcomed her in Pennsylvania.

Over the next two months, Mia’s foster family acclimated her to a new life. She began to play with toys and learned from the family’s dog pack, who were happy to share all the perks of being a loved dog. After a few weeks, Glenda remarked, ”Mia is just a normal puppy, and thank goodness for that, because when you think about the turn her life might have otherwise taken if she had not been rescued and nursed back to health. All of her ‘ordinary’ experiences are actually pretty wondrous and extraordinary.”

Mia began to develop confidence in the world around her, but was still apprehensive about new situations. She would attend TLC Meet and Greet events but would quickly shut down, making it hard for potential adopters to see her true personality. She also hated crate training, and refused to walk on a leash; after all, walking to someplace new could mean leaving the safety of the life she had found.

Mia’s village expanded when her foster family was going on vacation and she needed a safe place to land while they were away. Having met Mia at events, TLC volunteer Debbie jumped at the chance to help.

Debbie says, “What started as vacation coverage ended up being one of the most impactful foster experiences I have had so far.” Debbie’s goals were to help Mia work through her crate and leash issues. “Training can be tough but sometimes as a foster you need to be tougher.” With patience, love, and guidance from Debbie’s family and dog pack, Mia made significant progress. She learned walks can be fun, and a crate isn’t so bad after all. “When I took Mia to an event, she was scared but not terrified. I knew she was making progress when she walked around to greet some of the other pups. Then, her forever family came over to meet her and never left her side. It was like it was meant to be.”

Mia, now Margot, is living her best life thanks to everyone who helped her on her journey. Her mom writes, “We love her and can’t get enough of her wiggles and kisses. Thank you to everyone who is responsible for saving this sweet dog.”

To our rescue partners, those who transport our pups, all of our volunteers, and those who support our mission, especially on Giving Tuesday in honor of Mia – thank you for your help in helping us to make “Until they all have a home…” a reality.

Thank you for being a part of Mia’s village!

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.

After the celebration of Valentine’s Day passes, don’t worry - the celebration of love isn’t over yet! On February 20th, we are lucky enough to have a day to celebrate our loving pets, on National Love Your Pet Day. Even though we fuss over,and love our pets every day, why not treat them to a special day designated for them?

Animals have been a part of human life since the beginning of time. Wolves have lived with humans for centuries and dogs, cats, and humans have interacted for thousands of years. European royalty began to show interest in toy dog breeds. In the 1600s, the pet of choice for Spain was a bird. It was in the 2000s, that National Love Your Pet Day gained widespread interest.

In 10,000 BC, wolves became domesticated. In 8000 BC, cats were domesticated. In 3100 BC, Ancient Egypt began to keep dogs for the purpose of hunting and guarding. 3000 BC, parrots became domesticated. The oldest photo on record taken of a dog was titled: Poodle with Bow, on Table. The photo was taken in the 1850s and sold at Sotheby’s auction for $8,000 in 2009.

Most households in the United States have a pet or pets. We can all admit that our furry friends hold a special place in our hearts, sharing a unique and meaningful bond. Owning a pet can reduce stress and anxiety. Pets can provide comfort when we are feeling down and lonely. They can also make us laugh and put a smile on our faces. Pets can help us to become more social when out for walks, interacting with other dog owners and dog lovers.

The best thing about National Love Your Pet Day is that pet owners can spend extra time with their pets, who bring such joy and unconditional love into their lives. This special day is a day to celebrate the bond between owners and their pet, to give a little more attention to your pet and to show appreciation for all they do for us. Animals play such an important role in our lives. It is only fitting that we have a day to celebrate how wonderful they are and how much joy and happiness they bring.

There are so many different ways to celebrate and pamper your special dog(s) on National Love your Pet Day. Here are a few examples:

-Find a yummy recipe and bake special treats for your special pup.

-Take a trip to your dog’s favorite pet store and let them pick out a special toy.

-Find a new route and go on an extra-long walk with your dog.

-While brushing your dog, give them a special massage.

-Dig out an old, favorite toy and play games with your dog.

-Take a trip to Starbucks and get your dog a Pup-Cup.

-Find a new, dog friendly restaurant and take your dog out to dinner.

-Throw a Pawty for your dog, inviting the most special human and doggy friends.

National Love your Pet Day is a wonderful day where pet parents can show their love and care for the pets who bring them such joy. It doesn’t matter if you are a parent to a dog, cat, bird, or any other kind of animal, February 20th is a day to celebrate your pet and the exceptional bond you share.

This easy and healthy recipe is a great way to treat your favorite four-legged companion this Valentine's Day. After all, no one gives unconditional love quite like a dog! Abby gives these treats two paws up. She was such a help in the kitchen by cleaning the floor after her foster mom made a mess. Abby is an affectionate hound mix who is searching for her forever Valentine. Could it be you? Check out Abby’s dating profile to see if you’re a match. If you think she could be your new best friend, swipe right to set up your first date and be prepared to fall in love.

To train a successful stay behavior, you need to start small and build slowly. Your first step is to teach your dog what their release word means. The following steps will get you started:

• Ask your dog to sit or lie down.

• After one second, calmly offer your dog a treat and immediately say your release word.

• Encourage your dog to get up after you’ve given the release. You can walk away, pat your legs, clap your hands, etc. to get your dog up and moving.

• Praise your dog when they move.

• Repeat the above steps until your dog understands they can move after they hear the release word.

Get ready for a heartwarming and adorable extravaganza as TLC Rescue proudly presents our very own Puppy Bowl, a paw-some event dedicated to spotlighting our very own adoptable puppies!

Join us for an evening filled with cuteness overload as these lovable furry friends showcase their playful antics on the field, all while aiming to score a forever home. The event is not just about the playful competition; it's a celebration of compassion and the incredible impact adoption can have on these deserving pups.

Have a watch party in the comfort of your own home with your friends and family to witness the joy, laughter, and tail-wagging moments that will make your heart melt. By attending, you'll not only be supporting TLC Rescue's mission but also contributing to a brighter future for these adorable companions.

This event will be broadcast on our Facebook Page or YouTube Channel! It's free to watch and should be fun for the whole family! This streaming event will also include DIY Project Ideas, Dog Themed Trivia, some behind the scenes at TLC & so many adorable adoptable puppies!

Don't miss out on this exciting & heartwarming experience – come be a part of something truly special!