As an organization that is 100% foster-based, all of TLC’s dogs stay in homes with volunteers until they’re matched with the right family. Sometimes, those volunteers need a break due to work commitments, vacations, or unexpected situations. When something “comes up,” we need temporary fosters to cover until the regular foster is available again. This can be anywhere from a day to a few weeks, but you can choose which assignments work for your schedule and comfort level. 

There are also times when a foster wishes to commit to a dog coming on transport, but the foster isn’t available on transport day. In these situations, we ask for overnight fosters - someone who can take the dog from transport and keep them for the night, or occasionally a few nights. This prevents the dogs from having to wait until the next transport for their freedom ride.

Temporary fosters are a HUGE help to us at TLC. To our longer term fosters it means they can still step up to take a dog, even if there are a few days that they may not be available. For TLC, it means someone will be there for each dog, even if it’s just for a day or two. And for the dogs, it means less time spent in a loud, stressful, and often overcrowded kennel, with an uncertain future. 

While temporary fosters are needed year-round, August is particularly tough on us. This is a big month for vacations, and we’d like our foster families to know that they can still commit to helping a dog, even if they’ve got something else scheduled. Knowing there’s someone who can back them up on a short-term basis allows them to continue with their plans rather than having to turn down a dog in need. 

Temporary fosters get the same support from TLC including all the necessary supplies and the knowledge that you’re a part of a dog’s future happy tail. Plus, it’s a great way to test the waters and see if you might be interested in longer term fostering. Every dog we can get into the care of one of our families means more space in the shelter to rescue another from the streets or from a bad situation. 

If you’ve ever thought about working with TLC to find homes for dogs in need, come dip your toes into the pool of fostering. The water’s warm!

Our family has been fostering for over 10 years! Mike and I have been married for 20 years - we blended our family of 4 children, and of course, then I wanted a puppy to complete the picture! I fell in love with the idea of fostering when we rescued our late black lab as a puppy. A few years later, we started the journey with another rescue and have welcomed countless dogs into our home. The kids enjoyed it as well. It provided so many fun family memories, as well as helped them learn responsibility. We took a break during Covid, and as we soon found ourselves empty nesters, Mike and I decided we really missed it!. The chaos of a house full of teenagers would soon turn into a house full of foster dogs, as well as our own 3 foster fails. 

Deciding we'd like to try a different organization, we went to one of TLC’s events and had a great conversation with Tracy who patiently answered our questions and addressed our concerns about hurdles we'd faced in the past. That was 3 years ago, and we’re happy to say we’re still going strong! TLC has been amazing at every step! Our very first foster for TLC turned out to be very ill (Rebel), and ended up with us for 7 months. Seeing the fact that they took every imaginable step to make him well told me we were in the right place. He is now a happy, healthy, amazing dog that we still get to see! 

When I speak of TLC to others, I often use the line “quality over quantity.” It's not about adopting out the most dogs, but it's about finding those dogs the right home with the right people. Tracy said something to us at our first meeting that has resonated with me since: "We may not be the biggest, but we are the best." I totally agree! 

Fostering is something that Mike and I have really bonded over. We enjoy the opportunity to meet new people within the rescue and at events. Where an expensive date night out on the town might have been our norm in the past, we are now perfectly content to sit on our deck and watch our fosters explore and enjoy the start of their new life.

The feeling and joy of knowing that we are a step in their journey is something money can't buy.

For this month’s “Seeking Happy Tail” pup, we’re also seeking something else…can anyone find one reason why this perfect pup still hasn’t been adopted?

Brigette is one of the best dogs around. She is crate trained, housebroken, good on a leash, loves car rides, gets along well with other dogs, is food-motivated, likes kids, and is absolute joy in dog form.

As a nearly four year old German Shepherd mix, Brigette has medium energy - meaning she’s a great mix of playtime pal and cuddle buddy! Her energy spurts include zoomies, wrestling with her foster siblings, and excitedly going on hikes or other adventures. When she’s ready to settle down, she can be found snuggled up with her toys, on the couch, or next to her foster family.

Brigette’s sweet disposition charms everyone she meets and her goofy personality keeps her foster parents laughing. She’ll do best with an active family that appreciates that she’s a social butterfly who loves adventure. We hope they’re also ready to come home from that adventure and curl up on the couch together.

With all that info in mind, we can all answer the above question together. There is no good reason why Brigette is still here, but we know her forever people are out there - and they’re so lucky to have her.

If Brigette’s big ears and big heart are exactly what you’ve been looking for, we invite you to read her bio and reach out to us.

Sponsorship registration for the 2025 Miles for Mutts 5k Run and 1-Mile Fun Walk is open!

Being a hero means supporting our life-saving mission! It means providing essential funds that allow us to save the lives most in need - like our Heartworm positive, orthopedic surgery cases, pregnant moms, and more!

Last year our sponsors brought in $24,000 which allowed us to save more lives and provide care to dogs in need.

Let’s make that at least $25,000 for 2025!

A huge THANK YOU to Bald Birds Brewing Company for hosting 2025 Puppypalooza!

We couldn’t have asked for better weather or a more perfect setting to celebrate our adoptable pups and the TLC community. From face painting to raffle baskets, puppy kisses to cold brews—it was a day to remember!

Thank you to everyone who came out, donated, volunteered, and helped make this event such a success. We’re so grateful to share these moments with you.

How to Train Your Humans to be a Vacation Foster

From the Desk of Sir Barksalot, Certified Human Behaviorist (C.H.B.)

Step 1: Look extra bored. Stare dramatically out the window like you're in a sad indie film. Sigh often. Maybe hum the tune from Titanic.

Step 2: Bring your human your favorite toy... then drop it and walk away. They'll start to worry you're "losing your spark." Good. Let them feel that.

Step 3: Casually paw at your iPad (you know they gave you screen time once) and "accidentally" leave the TLC Rescue foster page open. Bonus: sniff the screen lovingly.

Step 4: When they ask, "Do you want a friend?" respond with an Oscar-worthy head tilt, soft whine, and the eyes—you know the eyes.

Step 5: Boom. New foster dog arrives for vacation. You’ve got a buddy. Your human feels heroic. Everyone wins.

Except the vacuum. The vacuum never wins.

Remember: A well-trained human is a foster human. Stay paw-sitive and persistent.

How to Capture Your Pups Beauty in June

Step 1: Wait until your dog is freshly soaked from chasing sprinklers, covered in grass clippings, and sporting a look that screams “I made choices.”

Step 2: Chase them around the yard yelling, “Just one good photo!” while they give you side-eye and sprint like a maniac.

Step 3: Finally, when they pause—mid-zoomie, tongue out, looking like a melting popsicle—snap the pic.

Step 4: Post it with #SummerModel and pretend it was totally planned.

Bonus points if there's a rogue flip-flop or chaotic toddler in the background. Now that’s June aesthetic.

Get ready for TWO awesome TLC fundraisers this summer!
Mark your calendars and gather your crew—because giving back has never been this fun!

Thursday, July 24th – Dave & Buster’s Night!
Enjoy games, great food, and drinks with friends, family, coworkers—whoever!
TLC gets 20% back on food, beverages, AND game play (just show the flyer!).
Let’s pack the place and make it a night to remember!

Wednesday, August 28th – Comedy Show Fundraiser!
Laugh the night away while supporting TLC! We’ll receive a portion of ticket and restaurant sales—so come hungry and ready to laugh!
Perfect for a date night, Father’s Day gift, or just a night out with friends.
Tickets are on sale now—don’t wait!

Let’s have fun and make a difference for the dogs we love