This isn’t going to be pretty and its a story that doesn’t have a happy ending, but it’s a story that needs to be told because this is the reality of rescue, and is the heart of TLC.

Every rescue has a mission statement. Ours is simple but unshakable: To rescue and find permanent homes for abandoned, stray, neglected, and surrendered dogs.

When TLC says “yes” to a dog, it’s a promise that we will do everything in our power to give them a better tomorrow. No matter the cost. No matter the heartbreak. No matter what.

Ellie Mae was no different

Ellie Mae A 5-year-old Great Dane. Surrendered with her three siblings sometime after her owner passed away arrived at TLC and she was heartbreakingly thin — every bone and rib visible. She had lost her family, her home, and everything familiar.

But what she gained immediately was love.

TLC Volunteers and her foster welcomed her with open arms and open hearts. On her first day, Ellie Mae was petted, spoken to softly, taken for a walk on a local trail, given a warm bath, and treated to a trip to Pet Supplies Plus and she got to pick out whatever bone she wanted. 

After she came back home with her treat, she hopped right onto the couch, pressed her face into her foster’s neck, sighed, and fell asleep — as if to say, “Thank you. I’m safe now.”

Because she was so emaciated, Ellie Mae was fed small meals 3–4 times a day. She ate every bite, followed her foster mom from room to room, and walked so close to her side that their hips touched.

Her foster spoke to her often — something she does with every new dog — so Ellie could learn her voice, her presence, and her love. Ellie listened, gazing at her with those big, gentle eyes. She was the kind of dog who didn’t just want to be near you — she needed to be near you.

For the first time in a long time, Ellie Mae could simply rest.

But sometimes, love isn’t enough to heal the damage done before a dog reaches us.

The next day, Ellie Mae was sick and her health declined rapidly, she collapsed and her foster rushed her to VRC, petting her the entire drive, making sure she was breathing, telling her  that she was loved.

At the hospital, Ellie lifted her frail head to look at her foster one more time, and her foster told her she loved her,  before being wheeled to the back. Moments later, she coded. The incredible team at VRC performed CPR and brought her back, rushing her into emergency surgery.

We were quoted over $10,000 for the procedure. We didn’t hesitate. The answer was “yes.” The answer is Always yes.

But her body was simply too weak to endure it.

Ellie Mae passed away on the operating table.

Ellie Mae’s story doesn’t have the ending we hoped  for. She had just gotten her second chance — and it was over too soon. 

But this is what it means when we say TLC commits to our dogs no matter what.

We knew taking in a senior Great Dane in such poor condition was a gamble. We said yes anyway. Because our mission isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about making sure every dog knows love, safety, and dignity — for however long they have left.

Even in those final 36 hours, Ellie Mae was treasured. She had soft beds, gentle hands, and a foster who was her bridge — not to an adoption, but to the Rainbow Bridge. Her better tomorrow came sooner than anyone wanted, but it came wrapped in love.

Rescue isn’t just about the happy endings. It’s also about the heartbreak — the cases that break you wide open, the dogs who change you forever, even if they’re only in your life for a day.

It’s about showing up in the darkest moments, for the dogs and for the people who care for them. 

When Ellie Mae’s foster was at the hospital, our Assistant Director stayed on the phone with her offering unwavering support. That support didn’t end when Ellie Mae’s life did. Because at TLC, our commitment extends to our volunteers just as fiercely as it does to our dogs.

Thank you to VRC and Dr. Hennelly for their compassion and high-quality care for our girl Ellie Mae and her foster. 

Ellie Mae’s story is raw, painful, and far from the fairy tales we wish we could tell every time. 

But if you want to know the heart of TLC — the trust you can place in us — it’s this:

We will say yes.

We will fight for them.

We will love them until their last breath.

We will stay true to our promise of a better tomorrow — no matter what.

Rest peacefully, sweet Ellie Mae. You were so loved. Always.

If you’d like to honor Ellie Mae and help us keep saying “yes” to dogs like her, you can donate by clicking below

From Transport to Forever: Why Seeing a Foster Dog’s Full Journey Matters

There’s something truly magical about being there from the very beginning of a foster dog’s journey. When a transport van door swings open and those wide, wondering eyes look out at a brand-new world, it can feel overwhelming—for the dogs and the people who welcome them. 

Some pups bounce out with wagging tails, while others take timid steps, unsure of what’s next. Either way, you’re the first friendly face they see in their new chapter.

Fostering a dog from transport to adoption is more than providing shelter—it’s walking alongside them as they learn what it means to be safe, loved, and part of a family. You get to witness those incredible “firsts”: the first time they figure out what a toy is, the first time they curl up and sleep soundly through the night, the first time their tail wags when you walk in the room.

As days go by, you see their personalities bloom. The shy pup who once hid in the corner now greets visitors at the door. The goofy puppy learns that shoes aren’t chew toys (well, most of the time!). And the senior dog who looked so tired finally stretches out on a soft bed with a sigh of contentment.

Then comes the day you’ve been waiting for—the adoption meeting. Watching a family fall in love with the very dog you helped nurture is a mix of emotions: pride, joy, maybe a few tears. But mostly, it’s knowing that you helped this dog find their place in the world. You were there for the hardest part of their journey, and now you get to see the happy ending.

When fosters stay with a dog from transport to adoption, they not only change that dog’s life—they create space for another to be saved. When Foster’s say yes to this, they have the unwavering support of TLC behind them. When fosters say yes, It’s a full-circle journey, filled with growth, laughter, cuddles, and the pure joy of knowing you made forever possible.

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.

Our biggest in-person fundraiser of the year is right around the corner! Last year we raised more than $40,000, welcomed nearly 500 participants, and introduced the community to almost 75 adoptable dogs. None of that would have been possible without the heart and hustle of our Miles for Mutts committee. 

This amazing group—made up of both seasoned pros and fresh new faces—spends their summer and early fall securing sponsors, perfecting event details, spreading the word, and rallying our volunteers.

Veteran Highlight: If you’ve ever checked in at Miles for Mutts, chances are you’ve met Donna I., now in her ___ year of supporting the event. Donna is our race-day registration guru, greeting every runner, walker, sponsor, and adoptable pup with a smile. Her calm presence, deep knowledge, and dedication have helped the event grow stronger each year.

New Face Highlight: On her second year with the committee, Stefanie D. brings fresh energy and great ideas. Her enthusiasm has already made a big impact—last year’s race day Bake Sale hit its highest donation total ever with her help behind the table!

We’re so grateful for this team of dog-loving, detail-perfecting, community-building, race-organizing volunteers.

These volunteers keep coming back year after year to help TLC raise funds for dogs like Ellie Mae and Brigette, who otherwise would not have had a chance if TLC wasn’t able to say “yes” and give them their best shot at a better tomorrow

We can’t wait to celebrate another amazing year of Miles for Mutts with you on October 19!

Join Us for Miles for Mutts: Run, Walk, and Save Lives!

Get ready for the ultimate fall outing with your family and your furry friends at the 11th Annual Miles for Mutts on October 19th at Wilson Farm Park! This dog-friendly, family-friendly event is much more than just a 5K run and 1-mile walk—it’s a chance to make a real difference in the lives of rescue dogs.

The fun doesn’t end at the finish line! We’ve got plenty more in store, including adorable adoptable dogs you can meet or rent to walk with. There’s also a Halloween costume contest for the pups, vendor booths from our amazing sponsors, exclusive TLC merchandise, free giveaways, and fun crafts and activities for all ages!

Every registration, donation, and raffle ticket helps support dogs in need.  This event will help To Love a Canine Rescue save more dogs, connect more families, and change more lives. Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and join us for a day of fun, community, and compassion!

Registration is NOW OPEN!Register before 11:59 PM on September 30th to secure the best price & a race t-shirt!

Maybe you’re a teacher who spent the summer at home with your pups and now you’re heading back to the classroom. Or maybe your college kids were around for a few months, showering the family dog with love and attention. Or maybe you took a little bit of extra time off of work to take your furry friend for longer walks in the beautiful weather. Whatever the case, as the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to turn, these seasonal changes affect not only us, but our furry friends as well.

After a summer filled with extra playtime and family company, the sudden quiet of an empty house can feel confusing for pups. They may show signs of stress such as whining, chewing, or pacing when their people are gone longer than they’ve become accustomed to.

For foster dogs, this change in routine can be even more challenging. Many of them come from far worse situations than simply waiting out the day in a crate in the family living room. Some have come from situations of neglect, abandonment, or the stress of shelter life, where comfort and routine were hard to come by. For these dogs, the change from a bustling summer household to a quieter fall schedule can create feelings of loneliness or anxiety.

Here are a few ways to help both pets and fosters adjust:

• Ease into the schedule – Start leaving for short periods, then gradually extend time away.
  

• Keep routines steady – Regular feeding, walks, and playtime’s help dogs feel secure.
  

• Provide enrichment – Puzzle feeders, frozen Kong’s, or safe chew toys keep them engaged.

• Connect before and after – A walk or play session before you leave, and focused attention when you return, can ease stress and remind our pups that we will always come back.

For family pets, this helps ease the transition. For foster dogs, it goes even deeper—it builds trust and shows them what a stable, loving home really feels like.

With consistency and care, the season’s changes can become an opportunity for growth and comfort for every pup.

Training Tip: How to Get Your Hooman to Register for Miles for Mutts

Step 1: Leash Logic Every time your human touches the leash, explode with joy like you’ve never seen daylight. This conditions them to believe walks = pure happiness. Now casually drop, “Imagine how happy I’d be if we did a WHOLE 5K with all my mutt buddies…”

Step 2: Socialization Strategy Remind them that I need to catch up with my TLC alumni friends. Group sniffs are vital. It’s basically LinkedIn for dogs, but with more butt sniffs and less business casual attire.

Step 3: Bake Sale Bribery Whine dramatically near the kitchen until they realize: there will be snacks at the event. Human snacks. Dog snacks. Probably crumbs I can steal when they’re distracted. Everyone wins.

Step 4: Puppy-Eyes Pressure Sit by the laptop, tilt head, and sigh deeply until they visit the registration page. If they hesitate, deploy the nuclear option: the slow blink. Works every time.

Step 5: Pun-ishment If they don’t register soon, I will chew their running shoes. Don’t test me.

So, humans, register for Miles for MUTTS—because I’m ready to walk, wag, snack, and show off my (okay maybe your) FREE Miles For Mutts Tee-Shirt if you register early enough.

Back-to-School Photo Tip (From Your Dog):

Listen up, hoomans: if you want me to slay my back-to-school pics, follow my lead.

1. Wardrobe first. Don’t even think about those itchy sweaters. I demand a crisp bandana or maybe a bow tie—something that screams “future valedictorian, current snack thief.”

2. Props are everything. Stack a few books I’ll never read, hand me an apple I’ll immediately drop, or pose me with a chalkboard sign that says “Most Likely to Bark in Class.” Comedy = cuteness.

3. Angles, people. Get low. Like dog-level low. If I see one more photo of the top of my head from your standing height, I’m dropping out.

4. Capture my vibe. You want that studious head tilt, the “I’m pondering life” stare, or the chaos of me mid-zoomie across your school supplies. Either way, I look adorable, you look like a genius.

5. Snacks as tuition. Every click = one treat. That’s the deal. No scholarship, no photos.

Follow these rules and I’ll deliver yearbook-worthy photos. Ignore them, and my official back-to-school portrait will be me eating your No. 2 pencil.