September 16-22 is Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable-Pet week.

While TLC believes every dog deserves to find a home, we understand that some may have challenges that could make them seem like a “not perfect” dog in the eyes of potential adopters. What we also understand is that when you adopt one of these dogs, you’ve not only become their new family, but you’re also their hero.

Just like people, some dogs have personality quirks. Not every dog will be excited to meet someone new or will come bounding to you when you first meet them.

Take Minnie, for example. She’s a true example of an introvert, and when meeting new people, she needs a little time to warm up. Once she’s accepted you into her inner circle, you’re her friend for life.

June Bug is also a cautious girl. She prefers a slow introduction and may be a bit particular about those she chooses to accept. Earning her trust is an accomplishment to be celebrated.

Dogs with health or physical challenges spend a lot of time waiting to find their homes, but they are just as loving, sweet, and kind as any other pet. While they may have some physical limitations, it doesn’t affect their ability to spread joy to their family.

Chelsea suffered a spinal injury which, for the most part, she’s been able to recover from. But it’s left her with bladder control issues, meaning she has to wear a diaper. This doesn’t stop her from being a very happy girl who loves everyone she meets.

Buddy recently came to TLC after being abandoned at a fire station. He gets along with everyone and is progressing through his training. He happens to be deaf. His foster says he’s a sweet and loving boy who will make someone a very special companion.

Dogs become members of our families and they give so much meaning to our lives.

If you would like to help TLC celebrate Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week, spread the word. Tell your friends and family about less-adoptable pets and encourage them to consider adopting one.

And if you’ve already become a hero to a “less-adoptable pup”, share your story on social media to let others know that the rewards far outweigh the challenges.

For this month’s volunteer spotlight, we would like to introduce you to Kari Inners Vogler.

Kari is coming up on her two year anniversary of volunteering and fostering with To Love a Canine Rescue. Kari’s adventures with TLC began when her and her husband Joe moved to the area and came across TLC’s booth at the Goshen Fair. They were already looking for ways to meet new people in the area, so after seeing how much fun everyone was having, and being a big animal person herself, she decided it was a good fit. Looking back, Kari says, “I planned to just volunteer at some weekend events, but it escalated from there!”

In addition to fostering, Kari helps lead adoption events, including staffing the events with both volunteers and adoptable dogs. She is also on the volunteer team and has joined the fundraising committees for TLC’s two largest fundraisers: Raffles for Ruffs and Miles for Mutts (registration is now open for Miles For Mutts in case you didn’t know!).

She loves volunteering and is thankful for all of the wonderful dogs and people she has met thus far. Working with people who are equally passionate about dogs has inspired her to learn and do more, and having the opportunity to work with many different dog breeds has made her more knowledgeable about dogs.

Kari and her husband have their own dog, Guinness. He’s a 9 year old who Joe got from a pub in Indiana. “He pretty much started my obsession with dogs,” Kari says of him. Guinness is a volunteer of sorts as well. He gives commentary on all of the couple’s foster dogs on their TikTok account @fostersnhound. We think he is an excellent foster brother to the many foster siblings his parents have brought home to him.

Kari and Joe are mindful of the fact that keeping one of their fosters could impact their ability to keep fostering, so for the time being they have avoided what we call in the foster world “foster failing,” or adopting your own foster dog. However, they are open to adopting another dog if the right one comes along.

When discussing her fosters, Kari states, “they were all special in different ways and I feel like I learned a lot from most of them. But yes I do have favorites that were extra special.” She goes on to talk becoming attached to Denny Disco who was their first extended stay foster. Blanche, one of their most recent fosters, was another favorite who made Kari “reconsider being a small dog person.”

Fostering can have it’s ups and downs, but those of us who do it have to roll with the punches and find humor in some of the less desirable circumstances. One example Kari gives is one of their current fosters (who shall remain nameless), who climbed onto the top of the couch, “squatted and pooped right on the cushion!” It’s thanks to the patience of our fosters like Kari and Joe (and Guiness too) that our dogs have the opportunity to learn and grow in a loving home before they are adopted, so our adopters and adoptable dogs can have the best possible outcomes.

Please consider fostering and/or volunteering to make a difference in the lives of dogs in need much like Kari!

After 485 days of love, care, and patience, Russell is finally HOME!

We couldn't be happier for this sweet pup.

At just 8 months old, Russell and his sister were found clinging to each other, homeless and starving. When Russell arrived at TLC, it was clear he was in pain. After several vet visits, we discovered he had torn ligaments in both of his hind legs. We can't imagine the hardships he faced in his short life.

But Russell's journey to happiness was just beginning. With the help of specialists, TLC worked tirelessly to give him the pain-free life he deserved. Despite being shy and keeping his human circle small, Russell made incredible progress thanks to the love and dedication of his foster family. They provided him with structure, routine, and endless love, helping him on both his medical and behavioral journey.

And now, after 485 days, Russell's dream has come true—his foster family has decided to make him a permanent part of their family!

Russell is home, loved, and will never be in pain again.

Happy life, Russell! We are so thrilled for you

Now is the PERFECT time to break in your running shoes & Save with Early Bird Registration for our 10th Annual Miles for Mutts 5k Run & 1 Mile Walk! !!!!

No matter the breed or skill level, this event is a blast for everyone - dogs, people, kids, etc! Join us on Sunday, October 20th, at Wilson Farm Park in Wayne, PA, for one of our most exciting events of the year! Miles for Mutts isn't just a race—it’s a lifeline for the dogs we rescue.

Whether you're running, walking, or just want to join in, your participation directly supports dogs in urgent need. Every registration fee goes toward saving lives, and you'll enjoy a day filled with dogs, raffle baskets, a doggy costume contest, great music, and fun for the whole family—both human and canine!

Don’t wait—sign up today and be a hero for pups in need

Here are some go-to tricks to use when training your pup!

1. Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats, praise, or toys when they do something right. This encourages good behavior.

2. Keep Training Sessions Short: Dogs learn best in short bursts. Aim for 5-10 minute training sessions, a few times a day.

3. Be Consistent with Commands: Use the same word for each command. For example, always say "sit" instead of changing it up with "sit down."

4. Train in Low-Distraction Areas: Start training in a quiet space, gradually introducing distractions as your dog improves.

5. Teach One Command at a Time: Focus on one behavior until your dog masters it before moving to the next.

6. Use Hand Signals: Pair hand signals with verbal commands to reinforce learning and help your dog understand better.

7. End on a Positive Note: Always finish training on a successful action, followed by praise or a treat, to keep your dog motivated.

8. Be Patient: Training takes time. Stay calm and patient, and your dog will learn at their own pace.

These tips will help your dog learn basic commands and behaviors efficiently!

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