Why We Foster 

Every time we open our home to a foster dog, we step into a story already in progress—a story of resilience, survival, and hope. We may play only a small part in their journey, but somehow, they always leave a lasting mark on ours. 

Last month, Riley found her forever family.  The kind of family that fits just right, like it was always meant to be. Though we weren’t her primary fosters, we were lucky enough to have spent a few precious chapters with her—once when she first arrived in PA with her nine babies , and again, more recently, for a day that reminded us why we do this.

When Riley arrived, she was underweight and heartworm positive , but she gave everything she had to her puppies. Watching her care for her little ones was like watching love itself in motion—pure, selfless, and unwavering.  Despite her own needs, she put them first. That kind of devotion is humbling. It reminds you of what really matters. 

Dogs like Riley show us the good in the world. In their quiet strength, in their ability to trust again, in their tail wags and gentle eyes, they teach us to be present. To be kind. To keep going, even when it’s hard. 

Fostering isn't always easy. Goodbyes are bittersweet.  But the blessings far outweigh the heartbreak. We get to witness transformation—sometimes in just a few days, sometimes over weeks. And we’re reminded again and again that love, even the smallest kind, can change everything.

We also heard something that warmed our hearts even more—the family that adopted Riley shared that they had worked with several different rescues during their search, and To Love a Canine Rescue stood out from them all. 

That kind of feedback says everything about the deep dedication, compassion, and integrity of this rescue and every volunteer who pours their heart into it. 

This is why we foster. Not for the credit or the comfort, but for the privilege of walking alongside these incredible souls, if only for a short while. They give so much and ask for so little.  And in return, they leave us better than they found us. 

At TLC, every dog’s “furever” begins in a foster home. As a foster-based rescue, we rely on a network of volunteers who open their homes—and hearts—to dogs in need. These fosters aren’t just temporary caregivers, they are the ones giving scared, confused, or overlooked dogs the chance to settle in, feel safe, and start fresh.

In foster homes, magic happens: shy dogs learn to trust, puppies learn the basics, and senior dogs get a second chance to enjoy soft beds, gentle walks, and the comfort of a couch nap. TLC dogs don’t just survive in foster homes**—they** thrive. Day in and day out, our fosters do it all.

And they don’t do it alone. Fosters are supported every step of the way from day one . Tricia, our Volunteer and Foster Coordinator, along with the rest of the TLC leadership team, our guide dogs, and foster follow-ups, makes sure every foster feels informed, connected, and confident. Together, they create a strong safety net—ensuring no foster ever feels alone in their journey, whether it’s their first placement or their fiftieth.

Because of fosters, scared dogs learn to be brave. Because of fosters, puppies learn manners. And because of fosters, adopters meet dogs who are ready to be part of a family. These volunteers create the foundation that allows each dog to thrive—and that’s something truly special.

So today, we shine a light on our fosters. They may not wear capes, but they perform miracles every single day. If you’ve ever considered becoming a foster, now is the perfect time to join our pack. With guidance, training, and the full support of our team, fostering is not only doable—it’s one of the most important and rewarding ways to make an impact

Ready to change a life? It might just change yours, too.

This month’s Happy Tail-seeker? 

The dogs you haven’t met yet.

We are beyond proud to have a dedicated foster base that has helped us save over 7,500 dogs. Currently, our fosters are caring for more than 80 dogs. When they open their homes and hearts to a dog in need, space is freed up—and another dog is able to be saved and placed into rescue care with our partners down South. That “rescue math” means we’ve helped save tens of thousands of lives—and the work is not done yet!

Each week, we connect with our rescue partners to identify dogs that can come up on transport to TLC. These are dogs that desperately need our help—through no fault of their own. They’ve been let down, but they’re full of love and ready to take the next step toward their forever homes.

A litter of four Lab puppies will be joining us this week thanks to our foster families. The puppies were dumped and left to fend for themselves. They were likely attacked by other animals—some left with infections and gaping wounds. Our foster families answered the call and will care for these sweet angels until they’re ready to be adopted.

There are dogs out there we haven’t even heard about yet. They’re the strays wandering the rural South, looking for food and shelter. They’re the backyard breeder moms longing for rest. They’re the mistreated and misunderstood pups hoping for something better.

These dogs are happy tail-seekers—but they’re foster family-seekers first. They patiently wait for a better life, and our foster families are their golden ticket.

Our next happy tail might just be because of your kindness as a foster. We invite you to join us, fall in love with being a lifeline, and be the reason we have more happy tails to write about next month.

When It Rains, It Pours... and Right Now, It’s Pouring at TLC

We knew Blaze would need serious medical care when we took him in, and we’ve been endlessly grateful to our incredible community for stepping up—helping cover vet bills, sharing his story, and standing with us every step of the way.

But now, we’re in the midst of one of those weeks—the kind that truly dampens your spirit. Because what we thought was a routine illness in another one of our dogs has turned out to be something so much more horrific.

Meet Bessie.

She arrived at TLC a month ago, parading into our lives—larger than life, both in size and spirit. At 42 pounds (nearly double what she should weigh), she was breathless, struggling to move, and shaped more like a loaf of bread than a pup. But beneath her roly-poly frame was one of the sweetest souls we’ve ever met.

We immediately started her on a diet and daily movement plan, cheering her on through her weight loss journey as she made friends and napped peacefully in a safe home. We thought helping her lose weight would be our only challenge.

But her body had other plans.

Just a week after arriving, Bessie began coughing and having trouble settling at night. We assumed it was kennel cough or a virus. Antibiotics were started. Then another round. But nothing helped. Her energy faded, and she was coughing through long, painful fits that left us all sleepless and worried. So we took her to our trusted friends at VRC for X-rays, suspecting pneumonia.

What we saw broke us.

Not only did she have possible pneumonia and a collapsing trachea—but there were also bullets visible on the scan. Lodged in her jaw and face.

BULLETS.

This gentle, loving gem of a dog had been silently carrying unimaginable trauma—and never let it show. Her devoted foster family took her home with more medication and heavier hearts. But soon after, the vet called with even more devastating possibilities: fungal or resistant bacterial pneumonia, trauma complications... or cancer. She was admitted to the ER, where she spent two days undergoing biopsies, scans, and receiving 24/7 care.

Bessie has been diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia. And while we finally have some answers, the road ahead won’t be easy—it may take time and ongoing care to fight. She’s back home now, resting with her foster family, who have gone above and beyond. What began as a simple weight-loss journey has become full-time medical care for a dog battling a serious illness. They’re administering nebulizer treatments twice a day, managing a complex medication routine, and loving her through every difficult moment. We truly can’t thank them enough.

But when we commit to a dog, we mean it. No matter what. Even when the diagnosis is daunting. Even when the costs pile up.

Bessie, through the exhaustion, discomfort, and vet visits, has remained sweet and loving. We miss her sparkle. And we want it back.

If you’re in a position to donate, please help us give Bessie a fighting chance. Every dollar goes directly toward her emergency care, diagnostics, and recovery.

If you can’t give right now, we understand—please consider sharing her story and sending her all your good thoughts and healing vibes.

Someone asked me recently—at the adoption appointment for my 51st foster dog—how I do it. How I let them go. This particular pup had worked her way deep into my heart, and I’ll admit, I shed a few quiet tears when I found out she had an adoption meeting.

The adopter asked me, “How do you do this without getting too attached?”

I told them the truth: I do get attached. Deeply. Every single time.

But then I thought about it more. Most people, over the course of their lives, will love 6 to 8 dogs. They'll remember every one of them—the way they snored, the way they greeted them at the door, the unconditional love they gave.

And then it hit me: I’ve had the chance to love over 51 dogs in my lifetime already. Not “own” them—but truly love them. And that’s the part that matters most.

I’ve had 51 dogs come into my home and into my heart. I’ve watched them heal, learn to trust, and then move on to complete someone else’s story. Each one takes a little piece of me when they go—but they leave behind even more: a reminder of how boundless love really is.

I have the love to give. So why not share it with those who need it most—and then stand back and witness the beauty of a family becoming whole?

That’s what fostering is. It’s not about saying goodbye. It’s about saying, “Go be loved for the rest of your life. I was just your bridge to get there.”

And what an honor it is to be that bridge.

How to Train Your Humans to Foster Dogs (for TLC Rescue)

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

Step 1: Look deeply into their eyes while they’re eating. Whimper. Let one single, perfect tear fall. When they say “What’s wrong, buddy?” dramatically flop onto your back like you’ve just been told squirrels are extinct. This builds sympathy.

Step 2: Steal their shoes and hide them in pairs — not chewed, just relocated — to demonstrate that you’re responsible enough to care for others. Optional: put a plush toy next to each shoe like you’re “nesting.”

Step 3: Turn every walk into a heartwarming social documentary. Greet every passing dog like you're hosting a reunion special of Pup Dateline: Lost and Found. Make your humans see how good you are with others.

Step 4: When the laptop opens or the phone comes out, dramatically stretch and rest your paw on their hand. Whisper with your eyes: “Google TLC Rescue. It’s time.”

Step 5: When they finally say, “Maybe we could foster…” run three victory laps, jump on the couch (yes, even if it’s “off-limits”), and start prepping your bed for your new foster sibling. Preferably by kicking all the cushions onto the floor.

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

How to Capture the Foster Glow-Up Without Dropping Your Phone or Your Sandwich

Want to inspire others to foster but your foster pup only sits still when asleep or pooping? Welcome to the art of Pawtography.

Step 1: Bribe shamelessly. Cheese, treats, the sacred sound of the crinkly snack bag—whatever gets those ears perked. This is not about dignity. This is about content.

Step 2: Embrace chaos. That blurry mid-zoom photo of your foster dog doing parkour off the couch? That’s the magic. Caption it: “From stray to slay. #FosterGlowUp”

Step 3: Use the "before" photo wisely. Aim for tragic but not too tragic. Think “heartfelt rescue ad,” not “straight out of a Dickens novel.”

Step 4: The "after" shot should scream “adoptable AND influencer.” Cozy blanket. Perfect lighting. Tongue slightly out. If you’re not sobbing with pride when you post it, retake it.

Step 5: Add a caption that guilt-trips just enough:
"I only meant to foster... now I know what love smells like (it's wet dog and joy)."

Remember: You’re not just posting pics. You’re documenting a journey from “Who’s a good dog?” to “I helped get this amazing dog adopted”

Now go forth and shoot like your camera roll is saving lives. Because it kinda is.

📝 Love to Write? TLC Times Needs You!

Do you have a way with words and a passion for storytelling? The TLC Times is looking for dedicated volunteer writers to join our newsletter team! This is a wonderful opportunity to make your voice heard, highlight the heartwarming work of our organization, and help us stay connected with our community.

We're looking for committed volunteers who can contribute just one article per month—whether it's a foster spotlight, a happy tail, or a behind-the-scenes look at what makes TLC special.

If you're reliable, creative, and love sharing stories that matter, we’d love to have you on board. Let’s make each issue something our readers look forward to!

📧 Interested? Reach out today and help bring the TLC mission to life, one story at a time.