2024 was another year full of challenges. Adoptions are still down and financial insecurities are being felt across many industries, even in rescue. Adoptions have been slow for rescues, all while being saturated and overwhelmed with dogs in need. It goes beyond just normal supplies and foster homes for dogs, extending to care and major medical bills. It's not just a TLC issue; it’s affecting rescues nationwide. 

We at TLC have put our heads together to try to find solutions to the increasing problem of overpopulation in shelters and rescues. We’ve been old school from the beginning recognizing that education is key and is a huge start to help get the numbers down. Not only is teaching people how important the need for spaying and neutering is but educating on general vetting and the use of preventatives, such as heartworm preventatives, is just as essential.

We’re teaching people that owning a dog goes beyond feeding and loving it; there is a huge commitment in pet ownership. It’s a lifelong promise to train, vet, use patience and understanding. When someone recognizes the importance of all that it takes to support a new puppy through the dog’s entire life, it helps to ensure they make the right decisions when adopting one.

We’re also looking into additional ways to help financially care for all the pups in our care by adding smaller fundraisers in addition to our two large (and hugely successful) annual events, Miles for Mutts and Raffles for Ruffs. We aren’t giving up on helping as many dogs as we possibly can and we don’t plan on it either!

While there are days when the daunting task of helping the overwhelming lives in need seems impossible, every one of our volunteers and adopters gives us the strength and motivation to keep going. Of course, we always strive to increase our foster homes to save more lives and add volunteers to continue to grow stronger and become an even better rescue.

We are determined and hold true to our promise to each and every pup; the promise of a new and better tomorrow no matter what. We will keep that promise by pulling together and searching for solutions to the never ending need. 

This TLC Team and our supporters truly are the best, and I want to say a heartfelt huge thank you to each and every one of you. We cannot do what we do without ALL of YOU! Stay tuned for 2025.

As always, we have big plans on the horizon and many more pups' lives to save. 

We will make a difference together.

This month, we’re THRILLED  to shine the Volunteer Spotlight on Tracie Cummings, a true jack-of-all-trades at TLC! Tracie’s journey with TLC began in November 2020 when she and her family adopted Danny. They had rescued pups previously, but this was their first experience with TLC. The adoption process left Tracie with such a positive feeling that she felt inspired to give back. Every step of the way, “it was clear that everyone involved was completely committed to doing what is best for both the pups and the adopters,” she says.

In the spring of 2021, Tracie began helping out at events and quickly expanded her volunteer resume to include processing applications and facilitating adoption appointments. She discovered a passion for talking with excited prospective adopters, sharing her insights, and delivering her signature “puppy speech” to ensure that adopters are prepared for life with a puppy: “Puppies are amazing and lovely and awesome, but also agents of destruction!”

As if that weren’t enough, Tracie now trains others to process applications; runs new volunteer orientations; and serves as a mentor for incoming volunteers as a member of the “Guide Dogs,” our new volunteer mentor program. Her enthusiasm for giving back is also evident in her passion for finding ways to involve others. “The most surprising thing about TLC is the sheer number of volunteer opportunities,” she says. “There’s literally something for everyone.”

One of Tracie’s favorite roles is as an adoption counselor, where she facilitates meetings between dogs and their potential forever families. Through application processing and serving as an adoption counselor, Tracie loves that she gets to see adopters from the beginning of their adoption journey, with their application, to the end, when they meet their new best friend. 

Tracie really loves “working with this great group of dog loving people connecting TLC pups with their forever families,” and TLC is truly lucky to count her as a member. Her positive energy, organizational skills, and genuine love for rescue work have made her an invaluable part of the TLC family.

Thank you, Tracie, for everything you do to help our pups and their people find their happily-ever-after’s!

Seeking Happy Tail: TLC’s Longest Resident & Favorite Poofball - Chelsea!

Meet TLC Rescue’s longest resident (and unofficial mascot) – Chelsea! This incredible Great Pyrenees is ready to embark on the next chapter of her life with a forever family. You may recognize Chelsea from our fundraising efforts for her surgery last year, but today, she is thriving. Fully healed and full of love, she’s cleared for all normal activities and has even impressed everyone by running a full 5K this fall! Chelsea is eager to share her love, playful spirit, and companionship with her future family.

Chelsea’s story of resilience captured our attention, but it’s her spirited personality that captured our hearts.  Here are some of the reasons why she is an all-around amazing dog:

• 100% Purebred Great Pyrenees: This has been confirmed by an Embark DNA test, and she carries all the grace and charm of her breed.  We are requiring guardian breed experience to adopt Chelsea because of her breed tendencies. 

• Toy Lover Extraordinaire: Whether she’s self-entertaining or playing alongside her humans, she’s happiest with a toy in tow.  Her goofy personality shines when toys are involved.

• Chelsea’s Dream Den: Chelsea is very comfortable and happy in a confined space when left alone, making her a well-behaved housemate.

• Outdoor Enthusiast: Chelsea loves everything about the outdoors. From daily walks to patrolling the yard to surprising us all by running a 5K, Chelsea will happily go on any and all adventures if they involve being outside.

• Travel Companion: She’s a big fan of car rides and makes an excellent road trip buddy.

• Pampered Princess:  Chelsea absolutely loves being brushed and pampered, soaking up affection like a sponge.  Pampered… Spoiled… Either way, we love this for her!

• Affectionate Friend to All: Chelsea absolutely thrives on human interaction.  She loves being pet, snuggled and all things affection!  Adults, teens, kids, infants, she loves humans of all sizes.  She’s even a hit at school visits, where she charms kids and adults alike.  Chelsea’s love isn’t limited to humans. She’s friendly with other dogs, cats, pigs, etc!

Chelsea’s one lifelong challenge is incontinence, a result of her injuries as a puppy. While this may sound daunting, it’s surprisingly manageable. Chelsea wears a diaper, and she’s so accustomed to it that she’ll happy dance while you put it on her. Her foster family says that her incontinence is mild: she dribbles small amounts frequently, meaning there are no big messes to clean. She has better control over her bowel movements but may occasionally have an accident. Her love for the outdoors also makes managing her needs easier.

Chelsea is far too perfect to still be waiting for a furever family.  She has spent too long waiting, and we believe her perfect family is out there. She deserves a home filled with love, patience, and people who appreciate her incredible heart and goofy personality. 

Help us spread the word about Chelsea to help find her furever home! 

📢 Help Wanted: Newsletter Writers!

Do you enjoy reading TLC’s newsletter? How about writing? ✍️

We’re looking for volunteers who have a passion for writing and would love to help craft engaging articles for TLC’s newsletter. Whether it’s sharing rescue stories, writing updates about our amazing pups, or spotlighting events and volunteers, your words can help make a difference!

If you’re interested in lending your writing talents to support TLC, we’d love to hear from you!

📧 Contact us at marketing@tlcrescuepa.com for more information.

Thank You to the Birchrunville Dogs for Their Generous Donation! 

We want to give a big shout out to the Birchrunville Dogs, a cycling group from Chester Springs, for their incredible donation of $1,150 to TLC Rescue!

The Birchrunville Dogs are a group of 30 avid cyclists from the Chester Springs area.  After raising money for their cycling group, they chose to donate the money to a cause close to their hearts.  With a few TLC adopters among their ranks, they decided to support our mission, and we could not be more grateful.  Thank you, Birchrunville Dogs, for helping make a difference for dogs in need!

Photo Tip: Capture Super Cute Snowy Dog Photos!

1. Use Bright Colors: Dress your dog in a colorful bandana or jacket to pop against the snow.

2. Get Down Low: Shoot from your dog’s eye level for playful, engaging shots.

3. Catch Action Shots: Toss a snowball or let your dog play to capture joyful, candid moments.

4. Focus on the Eyes: Sharp, bright eyes make photos feel lively and cute.

5. Use Natural Light: Cloudy days are perfect—soft light prevents harsh shadows on the snow.

Most importantly, keep it fun and reward your pup with treats and play!