Fourth of July is a time that comes with cookouts, gatherings, and firework displays. While we humans may enjoy firework displays,  The loud noises and bright lights from fireworks can be very startling and stressful for your pets.  All that increased stress comes with increased risks. Many dogs are fearful of loud noises and can be easily startled, scared, stressed, and disoriented when fireworks are being set off. 

July 4th Festivity Safety Tips For Your Pup:

• Make sure your dog gets lots of exercise during the day before the fireworks and festivities begin.

• Make sure the information on your dogs microchip is current. 

• Make sure your dog has proper identifications with current information on their collar just in case they get loose. 

• Take your dog outside to do their business on a leash prior to sunset / the start of any fireworks to ensure their safety. 

• Make sure all the windows and doors in your home are shut and locked. This will help prevent any chance of your dog getting out of the home.

• Close your blinds and drapes. This will help drown out some of the noise and bright lights from nearby firework displays.

• Crate your dog if your pup is extra anxious or can be destructive when hearing loud scary sounds. 

• Do not leave any dog unattended in your yard, or in the yard at all during firework displays. 

• Try playing some music or having the tv on in the background to distract from the big booms. 

• If your pup needs to use the potty while fireworks are being set off make sure to take extra precautions. Ensure that their collar and harness fit snug. Consider double leashing or hooking the leash to the collar and harness in case the dog is easily startled. Dogs can easily slip their collars when they are scared.

It  is best to keep your dog safe in a quiet, sheltered, and escape-proof area of your home before firework displays even begin.

Beach Days With Your Doggo:

Some dogs are lucky and get to go to the beach with their owners during the summer months. If that is the case for you and your pup here are some ways you can ensure a safe and enjoyable beach day with your dog. 

• Always prioritize providing fresh water.

• Make Sure your pup has access to shade

• Dogs can get sunburned, short-haired dogs especially, as well as ones with pink skin and white hair.  Make sure to apply dog-safe sunblock to their ears and nose 30-minutes before going outside.  

• Limit your dog’s sun exposure, especially when the sun is shining bright and strong. 

• Dogs are easy targets for jellyfish and sea lice. Check with the lifeguard about the daily water conditions before letting your dog swim.

• If you are letting your pup enjoy a dip in the ocean make sure you check the waters currents and practice safe swimming, it is worth it to invest in a doggy life vest. 

• After swimming, rinse your dog with fresh water to remove salt and sand, which can irritate their skin. 

• If your dog is not in good shape, do not allow him to run in the sand. This is strenuous exercise, and they could easily pull a tendon or ligament.

• While the cool ocean water is tempting to your dog, drinking too much sea water can make them sick.

Dog Days Of Summer Safety: 

• As you take your dog on more walks and are spending more time outside, make sure your dog is up to date on all vaccinations, has a microchip for identification, and wears a tag with your contact information.  

• After spending time outdoors with your dog, check for ticks once you’re inside.  Make sure that your dog is up to date on flea, tick and heartworm medications as well.

• Keep your dog away from any plants or mushrooms that you do not recognize, as some of them can be harmful and can make your dog sick.  

• Some yard and gardening products like fertilizers, insecticides, and pesticides can be harmful to your dog.  It is best to keep your dog away from any area being treated.  

• It is important to make sure you are familiar with the plants in your garden and if they pose a potential hazard to your dog.  

• Never leave your dog unattended in direct sunlight & Never leave your dog unattended in a hot, parked car.  Even on a 70 degree day, the inside of a car can heat to more than 120 degrees in a matter of minutes.  

• Heatstroke can occur and lead to brain damage or death within minutes   

• Signs of heatstroke include panting, drooling, rapid pulse and fever. 

  1. Immediately seek veterinary assistance if you notice any of these symptoms and are concerned about heat stroke. . 

• Always make sure that there is fresh water available for your dog.

• Do your best to avoid strenuous exercise with your dog on extremely hot days.

• If you are going to walk, hike, or run with your dog, make sure to do it during the cooler hours of the day.

• Make sure there is plenty of shade and take water with you for both you and your pet.

• Summer Dog Grooming: You can trim the longer hair on your dog, but do not shave your dog.  The layers of a dog’s coat actually protects them from overheating and getting sunburn.  

• Do not let dogs remain on hot asphalt or ground when the temperature is high.  Sensitive paw pads can burn easily  If you cannot hold your hand on the asphalt or ground  for 30 seconds, it is too hot to walk on for your dog. 

You can never be too cautious when it comes to keeping your pets safe.

This month, we shine the Volunteer Spotlight on Tiffany and Joe Dougherty! When Tiffany and Joe adopted their beloved dog Brandy from TLC in 2023, they knew their journey with rescue dogs—and with TLC—was just beginning. Tiffany had heard about TLC from a coworker who also fosters and had high praise for the rescue, and she and Joe were equally impressed after going through the adoption process. Grateful for the joy Brandy brought into their lives, they were eager to give back, so they began volunteering with TLC about a year ago.

They share that “Brandy had spent six months in a shelter in Corinth before coming north, and we wanted to help get more dogs out of their crates and out of the shelters and into their forever homes.” They started as general volunteers and now help in a variety of ways—from guiding new volunteers as part of the Guide Dog team and interviewing prospective adopters, to welcoming dogs on transport days and opening their home as foster parents. One of their favorite roles is transporting dogs from Lancaster to TLC’s home base in Malvern—completing the final leg of their “Freedom Ride” before the dogs head off to their foster homes.

From the get-go, Tiffany and Joe have been impressed with how easy it is to get involved and how organized and efficient the rescue is. Everyone, they say, has been so kind and welcoming. In addition to their work with dogs, they’ve been moved by TLC’s wider impact on the community—visiting nursing homes, organizing gifts for kids in need during the holidays, and helping the community at large. As Tiffany puts it, “They help the whole community, and that stuck with me.” 

Tiffany and Joe also understand the ripple effect of their efforts (what we call “Rescue Math”). By fostering one dog, they’re making space for another dog to be saved. Each time one of their fosters is adopted, that makes room for the next pup in need to come north, potentially saving two lives with every foster placement. 

The Dougherty’s have found themselves drawn to dogs who are scared, unsure, or shut down, finding joy in helping the dogs feel safe enough to show their full personalities. Though not their foster, one pup that especially tugged at their hearts was Bunny, a shy dog who needed a lot of time and patience before she was ready for adoption. Seeing her finally find her forever home was a truly special moment. Their own dog Brandy was once a timid pup too, and watching her blossom into a total goofball gives them a soft spot for dogs who need a little extra time to come out of their shells. 

In the future, Tiffany and Joe hope to adopt a large breed dog, but for now, fostering works well with their lifestyle—especially because they travel often. It gives them the flexibility they need while still allowing them to make a big impact.

Another aspect of working with TLC that Tiffany and Joe appreciate is the relationships they build with both other volunteers and adopters, helping to create “a community of dog lovers.” They love getting to know the dogs they are not fostering through events and staying in touch with families who have adopted their fosters. Seeing updates and progress from former fosters is a rewarding part of their involvement with TLC. 

They say there’s nothing quite as special as being a part of a dog’s story. They’re also quick to highlight the team effort that makes volunteering and fostering possible. At TLC, they say, you’re never alone. Whether you have a question, need support, or just want to talk something through, someone is always there.

From scared dogs gaining confidence to happy updates from adoptive families, Tiffany and Joe are making a lasting difference. TLC is lucky to have them as part of the rescue family. 

Their advice for anyone considering getting involved is to just do it. There’s truly something for everyone.

Having been in foster care for a little over a year and a half (604 days to be exact), Abby currently holds the title of longest resident here at To Love a Canine Rescue. Knowing that she’s been with us so long, some people may wonder "what's wrong with her?", but the answer is nothing! We think Abby is perfect just the way she is. 

There is a phrase in the rescue world that “dogs that get seen get adopted”, and that’s why we hold meet and greet events for our fosters. 

Unfortunately, this has not worked to Abby's advantage because her true colors don't shine at events. Events are overwhelming for her, and she often becomes excited and vocal. This may be a turn off for some adopters, but she loves being pet by those folks who can see she just wants some love and attention. Her foster mom jokes that “she just wants everyone to know she’s here!” 

Abby is also dog selective, so being around so many dogs at once makes the events extra stressful for her. She’ll often be off to the side to give her some needed space.

Being selective does not mean Abby can’t have doggie friends. She lives with two foster brothers and has lived with several other foster dogs throughout her time with us. She needs a slow introduction in a calm space to make things more comfortable for her. She may also need a little extra time to warm up. While there are times when she meets a dog she just does not like (I mean do you like everyone you meet?) she has been comfortable with most of the dogs that she has met through proper introductions. 

Abby has a ton of great qualities that we wish the public could see:

• She is a sweet and affectionate dog who loves all people. 

• She does great in her crate and will go in on her own when asked. 

• She is potty trained, and usually asks to go out when she feels the urge. Sometimes she dilly dallies outside, but she knows what to do when told “go pee.”

• She has a great mix of energy, going from lounging on the sofa for hours to zoomies in the yard. Her foster mom loves when she gets her tornado zoomies and spins in circles. She also gets happy feet when she’s excited (usually for treats or food).

• She knows sit, wait, and gentle (did we mention how much she loves treats?!). Despite being super excited at mealtimes, she knows to sit like a proper lady and give eye contact until she is released to eat. 

• Abby is a great catcher (a treat catcher that is). 

Abby really is a good girl despite having a few quirks. We know the right person will come along and see her for the loving, goofy, happy dog that she truly is. If you’re interested in adopting Abby, you can visit her profile and click Adopt to fill out an application. Help us find our longest resident her furever story!

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!

How to Help Your Dog Not Think the Sky Is Exploding (Even Though It Definitely Is)

Ah, the Fourth of July. A time for freedom, barbecues, and your dog questioning every life choice that led to this moment.

Step 1: Build the Bunker. You call it a "cozy den." Your dog calls it "the panic cave." Pile up blankets, stuffies, a worn T-shirt that smells like you (yes, the stinky one), and make it dark. Bonus if it's under a bed or in a closet. Double bonus if it doesn’t shake with every boom.

Step 2: Pre-Game Like a Pro. Take them for the walk of their dreams before the fireworks start. We’re talking sniff-a-palooza, every tree, every hydrant, a poop with purpose. The more tired they are, the less energy they have to declare war on the sky.

Step 3: Drown Out the Boom-Booms. Turn on calming music, white noise, or nature sounds—whatever makes your dog feel like they’re not living inside a Michael Bay movie. (Note: the soothing ocean track might backfire if your dog is also terrified of waves. Choose wisely.)

Step 4: Treats for Coping. Stuff a Kong. Toss some treats when the bangs happen. Praise them like they just graduated therapy. The goal: fireworks = snacks = “meh.”

Step 5: Don't Be Weird. If you act like it’s a terrifying event, your dog will too. So try to keep your voice calm, your energy grounded, and resist the urge to make a dramatic “we’re gonna get through this” speech.

Optional Bonus: Thundershirts, calming chews, anxiety meds, or that one playlist your dog weirdly likes are all valid tools.

Remember: to your dog, fireworks are just really aggressive thunderstorms that smell like hot dogs and bad decisions. Stay calm, stay consistent, and give them the comfort of knowing that if the world really was ending, you’d be right there with treats and a belly rub

How to Capture Your Dog Looking Like a Total Hawt Dog This Independence Day

This Fourth of July, don’t settle for blurry butt pics and drool-soaked candid’s. It’s time to immortalize your dog in their most sizzling summer slay.

Step 1: Dress for the BBQ you want. Whether it’s a flag-print bandana, tiny sunglasses, or a hot dog costume (yes, the bun and everything), your dog should look like they just walked off the grill and into a Vogue shoot. If they’re not slightly embarrassed by their outfit, you’re doing it wrong.

Step 2: Think angles, darling.
Get low. Lower. Yes, lay flat in the grass like you’re photographing Beyoncé at a cookout. That’s the energy.

Step 3: Use the Hot Dog Voice.

You know the one. That high-pitched, squeaky baby voice that makes them tilt their head like, “Who? Me? I am America's sweetheart?”

Step 4: Caption like a champ:

• "Serving buns and freedom."

• Red, white, and drool-worthy."

• "Sizzle, don't fizzle."

• "I’m not a snack—I’m the whole picnic."

Step 5: Bribe generously.
Patriotic modeling isn’t free. Payment accepted in grilled chicken, peanut butter, or the “good treats” you keep in the top cabinet.

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