Looking for ways to enjoy the weather before it gets too cold to be outside? Here’s one idea: TLC’s Miles for Mutts. It offers both a 5k run and a 1 mile walk, all while helping raise money for dogs in need. Rain or shine, on Sunday, October 19th, we’ll be running through Wilson Farm Park in our 11th year of this event.

Not much of a runner? There will be activities for everyone, including the always popular Rent-a-Pup tent and the Smooch a Pooch booth. With Halloween right around the corner, there will also be a doggie costume contest.

Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places based on age group, as well as by overall winners (by gender), Even the top three pooches will win prizes! 

Registration is only $35, which includes your run or walk and tons of entertainment on the day of the race. While registration will be open on the day of the event, we recommend preregistering.

Check in is scheduled to begin at 8:00am with the opening ceremony at 8:30am. The 5k run is at 9am  and will feature a staggered start, and the 1 mile walk kicks off at 9:30am. Throughout the morning, our sponsors will be there for you to check out in our sponsor village,  adoptable dogs to meet,  baked goods for sale, and a DJ spinning tunes, a doggy costume contest, an alumni activity, and the chance to bring your tlc alum to see their former foster or to meet up with their siblings. 

All proceeds from the event will go towards TLC’s mission of saving the lives of dogs that would be euthanized without our help. These funds allow us to offer foster homes to dogs while they wait to be adopted, provide health care and address medical emergencies, and to be the bridge between life in a shelter and life with a loving family.

Last year’s Miles for Mutts event raised more than $43,000 for the dogs. This year, we’ve set a goal of $50,000. We know that with your help, we can reach that mark. Let’s make the 11th annual Miles for Mutts the very best ever! 

For more information and to register just click below!

We Can’t Wait To See You there

………But Wait There’s More!!!

Our 2026 calendar debuts at Miles For Mutts — get yours before they’re gone and check this off your holiday shopping list early!

Some adoption stories are extra special, and this is one of them.

Brigette, a sweet and goofy German Shepherd mix, spent over two years in a Mississippi shelter before coming to TLC. Fearing she might not make it out of the shelter because of her heartworm-positive status, Brigette’s fosters promised that if there were any way to save her, they would take her in. She arrived just before Thanksgiving and quickly stole their hearts with her zoomies, sparkling eyes, and zest for life. Her fosters adored her and at times debated keeping her, but knew it would make fostering other dogs more difficult and wanted to give more dogs the same chance Brigette had.

Brigette was in foster care for 302 days, going through heartworm treatment, learning about life in a home, and becoming even more loving and goofy along the way. She was housebroken almost right away, adored her foster siblings, had wonderful recall, and was so well-behaved - except perhaps when rabbits darted across the yard, a temptation she couldn’t resist! Her fosters say she’ll always be one of the most special dogs they’ve had, which made it bittersweet when the right adopters finally came along.

After three adoption appointments that didn’t pan out, Brigette finally met her perfect match. Her new family was looking for a playful but calm companion for their pup, Shamus, whose favorite playmate had recently passed away. After meeting Brigette at two different events, they knew she was “the one.” Brigette’s fosters also knew this was the family for her, and that she would be loved and spoiled the way she deserved.

At the same time, they met Sugar, a Chihuahua mix with an unforgettable underbite and a huge personality. Sugar had been rescued in Mississippi with her puppy, Daisy, after being abandoned when her owners moved away. From the moment her adopters saw her at the Highland Orchards Peach Festival, it was love at first sight. Hearing her story only made them more determined to make sure she would never feel abandoned again.

Now Brigette and Sugar are home together, surrounded by love, playmates, and a family who can’t imagine life without them. After such long and difficult journeys, both girls finally have the forever homes they deserve.

We’re so happy for Brigette, Sugar, and their wonderful adopters—thank you for giving these two the happy ending they waited so long for!

Love is patient. Love is kind. Yeti’s forever family is both.

Yeti may take a little time to come out of his shell, but once he feels safe, his true personality shines through—a gentle, affectionate pup who just wants to love and be loved. He’s looking for a family willing to offer him the patience and kindness he needs to build trust at his own pace. With a little time and a lot of heart, Yeti will reward his forever family with unwavering loyalty and the sweetest companionship.

He’s opened up with his foster family and enjoys stuffies, bones, and especially cheese! Yeti thrives when he’s with his confident canine friends who show him the way. He’s cat and dog-friendly and is fully crate trained and housebroken, too!

If you’re a patient, kind family - preferably with another loving pup at home - Yeti is waiting for you!

Shining the Volunteer Spotlight on Joe Vogler

Joe Vogler shared the heartwarming story of his foster-fail, Griswold, as one of the reasons he's so passionate about volunteering with TLC. When Griswold first arrived at Joe’s home as a foster, he was timid and afraid, often spending hours hiding in the trees behind the house.

With time and patience, Griswold slowly began to come out of his shell. Witnessing that transformation in a foster home deeply inspired Joe and fueled his desire to help more dogs.

“Griswold is one of the kindest souls you’ll ever meet and the perfect example of why I think it is so important that TLC is foster-based,” Joe said. “The time in a foster home gives the dogs a chance to grow, flourish, and be loved while they wait for their forever home.”

Though Griswold is still a bit socially awkward, Joe believes his true personality may never have had the chance to shine if he'd been in a shelter. Now, Joe hopes to provide that same opportunity to many more dogs.

Another reason Joe volunteers — and specifically with TLC — is the people.

“The folks involved in TLC are some of the kindest and most genuine people I’ve met, which makes it easy to continue volunteering,” he said. “My wife Kari has a passion for the organization, and I thought it would be a great place to get involved as well.”

Joe says his favorite part of volunteering is spending time with the dogs, of course — but also with the people. Since everyone in the group shares a love for dogs, you're already guaranteed to have something in common.

When asked what advice he’d give to someone thinking about volunteering, Joe said:

“Just do it! Sometimes it’s difficult to break into a group of people that already know each other, but everyone is friendly and willing to help.”

Thank you, Joe and Kari, for giving Griswold the chance he deserved — and for everything you do to support TLC. Your efforts truly make a difference and have a lasting impact.

Is your pup ready for a “Howl-oween” they won’t forget?  Make sure to grab your four-legged friend’s costume to help wag your way through a woof-tastic Halloween!  It is important to be aware of the Halloween dangers for dogs and how to make sure you keep them safe.   

Dog Safety on Halloween:

1. Make sure your dog doesn’t sneak a peek into that candy bowl looking for a yummy treat.  Raisins can cause your dog’s kidneys to fail, and other candy can contain ingredients toxic to dogs such as chocolate or xylitol.  

2. it is important that your dog has identification (microchip, collar, and ID tag) so that it is easy for someone to contact you if they escape through an open door.  

3. When in doubt, keep your dog indoors.

Halloween fun with your dog:

1. Look for pet-friendly events such as parades or visiting pumpkin patches to go pumpkin picking. You and your pup can get extra festive by attending or hosting a doggy costume party while wearing matching costumes.  

2. Send your pup on a spooktacular scavenger hunt looking for hidden treats and toys around the house.  

3. Make dog-safe Halloween treats such as:

   • Peanut butter pup cups- Freeze peanut butter (xylitol-free) mixed with plain yogurt in cupcake liners for a fun and creamy treat.

   • Dog- friendly “candy corn-” Layer pureed pumpkin, plain yogurt and mashed sweet potato in small cups.  They look as festive as candy corn, while being dog-safe and healthy.

4. Cuddle up on the couch with your pup for a Halloween-themed movie night.

5. Bobbing for goodies: fill a shallow dog-safe kiddie pool with water and toss in floating dog toys.  For an added twist, throw in some sinking toys to really test their skills.  
   

   Last, but certainly not least, be sure to join TLC Rescue on October 19,2025, for our Miles for Mutts event. Your dog can show off their costume during the 5k run or 1 Mile fun walk. If that is not exciting enough, your dog can compete in our costume contest after the run/walk ends.  Make sure your dog’s costume is pawsitively perfect!   We look forward to seeing you and your dog there! 

🎃 Halloween Photo Tip:

Listen, human. If you insist on dressing me up like a taco again, at least let’s get a good photo out of it.

Step 1: Wardrobe Consultation. Nothing says “festive” like a costume that makes me question all my life choices. But if I can’t move my legs, we’re done. Comfort = cooperation.

Step 2: Lighting is key. Pumpkin glow, spooky shadows, and my “I’m only doing this for treats” face—capture the drama. I’m serving haunted runway, not crime scene.

Step 3: Distraction strategy. Wave a squeaky toy, make weird noises, do whatever it takes. I will give you exactly one perfect shot before I roll in the leaves and ruin the outfit.

Step 4: Reward appropriately. You got your photo. I looked adorable. Now fork over the snacks, Karen. Preferably the peanut butter kind.

Because let’s be real: the true Halloween horror isn’t my costume—it’s when you try to make me wear it again for a “retake.”

Training Tip: How to Get Costume-Ready for Miles for Mutts (and Absolutely Slay the Contest)

Step 1: Condition Your Human Early. Start by “accidentally” sitting next to cute costume ads on their phone. Stare meaningfully at the screen. If that fails, drag a blanket over your head until they say, “Aww, you’d make such a cute ghost!” Boom. Seed planted.

Step 2: Costume Selection 101. Rule #1: No banana suits. I repeat—NO BANANA SUITS. Go for something that says I’m festive, but I still have my dignity. Superhero? Acceptable. Lobster? Borderline. Hot dog? Only if I get actual hot dogs as payment.

Step 3: Desensitization Training. Ease into it. First, wear the bandanna for a few minutes. Then the hat. Then the whole outfit. Treats after every step—this is exposure therapy, not unpaid labor.

Step 4: Posing Practice. When they whip out the camera, resist the urge to zoomie. Hold that pose like a pro, ears perked, eyes sparkling, treat laser-focused. Think “America’s Next Top Mutt.”

Step 5: Event Day Execution. Arrive early. Strut in. Make sure your human announces your presence. Bark once for dramatic effect. Accept compliments graciously. Pee nowhere near the judging table.

Step 6: Claim Your Prize. Win or lose, make sure your human visits the bake sale. You’ve earned it.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the costume.

It’s about confidence. And snacks. Mostly snacks and having fun at Miles For Mutts of course!