Spring brings warmer weather, longer days, and an influx of puppies. Often called “puppy season,” this time of year sees a sharp rise in litters being born, many of which end up in shelters and rescues. 

While it’s easy to be swept up in the charm of tiny paws and playful energy, this seasonal surge also creates a greater need for foster families willing to open their homes and hearts. At To Love a Canine Rescue, puppy season is one of the busiest and most rewarding times. 

Fostering a litter of puppies is certainly an adventure filled with cuddles, milestones, and unforgettable moments. It’s also an incredibly meaningful way to help save lives. Young puppies, especially before they are fully vaccinated, need safe indoor spaces where they can grow, stay healthy, and begin learning about the world around them. Foster homes play a vital role in giving them that strong start. Whether it’s helping with feeding schedules, socialization, or simply providing a clean and loving environment, fosters are truly the bridge between rescue and forever home. Even though puppy season can stretch rescue resources, every new foster who says “yes” makes an immediate impact and helps us save even more dogs in need.

Puppy season is a reminder that behind every adorable face is a network of people working tirelessly to keep them safe and healthy. If you’ve ever considered fostering, spring is a great time to give it a try. Even taking in just one dog or puppy can free up space in a home that is able to take in a mama and her babies. Supporting rescues, whether through fostering, donating, or spreading awareness, can make a meaningful difference during this high-volume time. And as Bob Barker always said, “Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered.”

Volunteer Spotlight: Liss Fuina

For nearly two years, Liss Fuina has been making a meaningful impact at TLC, supporting dogs on their journey to finding safe, loving homes. What began as a simple invitation from a friend quickly turned into a deep commitment. “I went to an event with him, and kind of fell in love with that,” she shared. Today, she’s an active member of the events and fundraising committee, helping drive the organization’s mission forward.

Her motivation is rooted in a strong sense of community and compassion. “It’s all about helping the dogs obtain good resources until they find their forever home,” Liss explained. “I believe in giving back to the community.” That passion shows up in everything she does, from organizing fundraisers to fostering dogs in need.

Fundraising, in particular, has been a lifelong interest. Drawing on years of experience, Liss brings creativity and structure to every effort. “When you feel passionate about something and believe in what the organization is doing… it’s not hard to reach out to others to join the cause,” she said. For her, TLC represents more than just volunteer work, it’s a collective effort powered by people from all walks of life coming together for a shared purpose.

When asked what she enjoys most, her answer reflects the heart of TLC’s mission: “I like being able to help secure resources because it completely goes back to the dogs… I also enjoy fostering because dogs deserve a second chance.”

Her advice for anyone considering volunteering is simple and encouraging: “It doesn’t matter your skill or knowledge level because TLC is a family… Even if you can’t foster all the time… there are lots of ways to participate without being pressured into something you’re not comfortable with.”

Through dedication, compassion, and a belief in second chances, Liss continues to make a lasting difference, one dog at a time.

There is no better example of the saying “small, but mighty” than our sweet Charlie Boy! At only 13 lbs, this Terrier Mix is all sass, smarts, and snuggles!

We thought Charlie Boy had a severe heart murmur before he arrived at TLC. We made him a promise to give him the care and treatment he needed to live a happy life. During his visit to a cardiologist, they discovered that he had an almost impossible case of Heartworm that was causing the murmur! We stuck to our commitment to provide him with the care he needed which ended up requiring a surgery to physically remove the Heartworms because there were too many to treat regularly.

With surgery and treatment in his rearview mirror, Charlie Boy is 100% healthy and ready for his next destination: a forever home. 

He would do best with owners who understand the classic Terrier personality. He’s also prefer to be in the only dog in a house with older children or only adults who can be patient with him.

Charlie Boy is crate trained, rides well in the car, and loves toys, but his true love language is food. He tends to bark at new visitors until he can vet them himself (did we say he’s a little sassy?) and once he approves, he is a lovebug. He enjoys being picked up and snuggling with his people.

We know Charlie Boy’s people are out there and they’re going to fall in love with the big personality in this little dog.

This Mother’s Day (May 10, 2026), we turn our hearts to the many mama dogs of TLC Rescue.  Mothers like Bonny, Noelle, Abby, Lyric whose love is quiet, steady, and unconditional. Their stories aren’t often told, but they are filled with courage. In shelters, on the streets, and in uncertain conditions, they do whatever it takes to keep their puppies safe, even when it means going without themselves.

There’s a quiet dignity in the way they endure. They don’t ask for help. They simply keep going, nurturing, protecting, and loving through exhaustion and fear. It’s a kind of strength that doesn’t demand attention but deeply deserves it.

When these dogs are given their freedom ride to TLC and their foster home, their world begins to soften. They rest. They feel safe. Little by little, they begin to open up. You see it in the gentle wag of a tail, the cautious lean for affection, the spark of trust returning. Their love was always there, and now, it finally has room to grow.

Mama dogs are so often overlooked, yet they have so much to give. This Mother’s Day, let’s honor these mama dogs by seeing them for their strength, their tenderness, and their incredible capacity to love.

We celebrate the mothers in our lives this Mother’s Day. Let’s also honor the dog mamas who teach us so much about resilience, sacrifice, and unconditional love.  This Mother’s Day, let’s give them something they’ve never had before: A chance to be cherished, not for what they’ve done, but simply for who they are.  Because every mama dog deserves her happily ever after.

Honor a mother. Change a life. Be the reason her story changes.

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the women who have shaped our lives. Let’s also honor the mama dogs still waiting for their chance to be chosen, to be safe, to be loved.

Donate in honor of the moms you love and help give these deserving dogs the care, comfort, and second chances they’ve never known.

Become her forever. Apply to adopt a mama dog like Noelle, or Abby.  Don’t let another Mother’s Day pass her by without a forever home. Give her the ending she’s been waiting for, starting today.

May Dog Training Tip: Mastering "Leave It" This Spring!

Spring has officially arrived, and with it comes blooming flowers, buzzing bees, and approximately 47 things your dog absolutely should not put in their mouth.

Teaching "Leave It" is one of the most useful commands your dog can learn because "Drop that immediately!" gets old after the hundredth time.

Here's how to teach it:

Step 1: Start with a Treat in Your Closed Hand Place a treat in your fist and present it to your dog. They will sniff, lick, paw, and possibly question your friendship. Stay still and say, "Leave it."

Step 2: Wait for Disengagement. The moment your dog backs away, looks away, or stops pestering your hand, immediately reward them with a different treat from your other hand. (Important: they do not get the forbidden treasure.)

Step 3: Repeat Until They Back Away Quickly. Practice until your dog hears "Leave it" and immediately abandons their tiny life mission.

Step 4: Level Up. Place the treat on the floor and cover it with your hand. Say, "Leave it." Reward when they ignore it. Eventually, uncover the treat while maintaining your vigilance.

Step 5: Practice with Real-Life Spring Temptations. Leaves, sticks, mulch, mysterious sidewalk snacks, and the occasional "spicy sky raisin" (bee). Always reward success generously.

Pro Tip: Your dog should never receive the item they're being asked to leave. Otherwise, they'll assume "Leave it" means "Wait politely and the gross thing becomes yours."

With consistency, your dog will soon learn that ignoring questionable outdoor appetizers earns much better rewards. Your veterinarian will be thrilled.

Spring Photo Tip: Chase the Light, Not the Dog!

Spring is basically nature showing off, and your dog deserves their own seasonal photo shoot. The secret? Great lighting, patience, and accepting that your dog may have other creative ideas.

Here's how to capture the perfect springtime pup portrait:

Step 1: Find the Good Light. Shoot during the "golden hour" shortly after sunrise or before sunset. The soft, warm light is flattering for everyone, including dogs who just ate dirt.

Step 2: Get on Their Level. Crouch down so your camera is eye-level with your dog. This creates a more engaging, intimate photo and gives you an excellent view of whatever they're about to lick.

Step 3: Use Treats or Toys. Hold a favorite treat or squeaky toy near your camera lens to grab their attention. For approximately 0.8 seconds, you will have their full cooperation.

Step 4: Keep the Background Simple. Flowers are beautiful, but avoid clutter. You want "majestic spring model," not "dog lost in a botanical explosion."

Step 5: Embrace the Outtakes. The tongue flops, mid-sneeze faces, and zoomie blurs are often better than the posed shots anyway.

Bonus Tip: Burst mode is your best friend. Dogs do not respect the concept of holding still, and frankly, that's part of their charm.

Remember: the goal isn't perfection it's capturing your dog's personality, whether they're striking a pose or attempting to eat a daffodil

It’s Round-Up for Rescue Month at Kimberton Whole Foods and every time you choose to round up at the register, you’re helping TLC dogs get the second chances they deserve

And don’t forget…

**Kimberton Whole Foods matches every donation** — so your spare change = DOUBLE the impact!

If you haven’t shopped yet, there’s still plenty of time to join in. And if you have… THANK YOU. Seriously. It all adds up more than you think.

Let’s keep it going all month long