August is Family Fun Month! As dog owners, we know that those with four legs are members of the family just as much as our two-legged relatives. We at TLC thought we’d offer some ideas to have some fun with the entire family as we savor the last days of summer.

Pools, lakes, or dog-friendly beaches are great ways to provide some exercise while staying cool. Consider using a doggie life jacket if you’re going into deeper water or if your dog has never tried swimming before. If you don’t feel like traveling, setting up a sprinkler or kiddie pool in your yard can be just as refreshing. 

Explore the local trails where you can enjoy the scenery, and your dog can enjoy the smells. Stop somewhere along the way and have a small picnic, while you both bask in the surrounding nature. If you’re really feeling adventurous, adding an overnight camping trip can make for a fun change from your daily routine.

Set up a small agility course in your yard to teach your dog some new tricks that yes, even an old dog can learn. Easy tasks, like jumping over a stick, through a hula hoop, or weaving through some obstacles will provide mental stimulation for your dog and some new tricks to show off to your friends later. 

There are plenty of restaurants that have pet friendly spaces and many even offer pet-specific menus as well. Take advantage of the lovely weather and treat the entire family to a meal outside.

If you have a favorite summer spot, why not capture a family photo? Imagine an image of all of you framed by a beautiful flower garden, sitting under a magnificent sunset, or simply lounging together in your back yard. Wouldn’t that be a lovely addition to your portrait wall?

As always when doing outdoor activities, be aware of your limitations as well as your dog’s. Keep clean water available for everyone and be sure to take some breaks in the shade. Frozen treats for everyone can help prevent overheating as well. For the humans, popsicles or ice cream are classic go-to’s, and for the kids with tails, frozen peanut butter or yogurt in a toy (like a Kong) will always be appreciated. 

If you’d like to spend some family time with other members of the TLC crew, check out some of the TLC events planned for August.. Some of our gatherings are even open to bringing the canine members of your pack. There’s an ice cream fundraiser at Handels in Royersford and in Downingtown to help keep everyone comfy in the summer heat. Pick up some peaches and explore the groves at Highland Orchards during their Peach Harvest Festival. TLC will be there too, with the newest adoptables. Stable 12 is holding a Taylor Swift trivia contest, so come out and try to beat some of our volunteer Swifites with your Tay-Tay knowledge. Additional events and details are listed both in this edition of the newsletter and on the TLC website.

Whatever you choose to do, we hope you’re able to have some family fun and create new memories. After all, in just a few short months, we’ll be stuck inside under blankets and in our thick, fuzzy socks.

Cheryl began volunteering with TLC Rescue five years ago, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many, she was searching for connection and purpose—and she found both in volunteering with TLC. What started as a simple way to give back quickly became a passion.

Today, Cheryl thrives on running events for TLC. She loves meeting new people, hearing their dog stories, and connecting with others who share her compassion for rescue work. For Cheryl, it's not just about organizing logistics—it’s about building a community with a shared mission.

One of her favorite parts of volunteering? The events team.

“Our team is incredible,” she says. “We work so well together, and we're all focused on the same goal: giving our dogs the exposure they need to find their forever homes.”

And with TLC, no two events are the same. From pet stores to salon openings, birthday parties to assisted living visits, each venue brings a fresh opportunity to spread the word about the dogs and the work TLC does. Cheryl says there are too many memorable locations to list—but every single one plays a role in finding that perfect match.

For anyone curious about joining the events team, Cheryl’s advice is simple: just jump in. “You don’t have to know everything to get started,” she says. “Sign up for an event, ask questions, watch and learn. There’s truly a job for everyone.”

Whether you’re bringing your foster pup, helping handle a dog, transporting a foster to and from the event, or shadowing a lead, every role makes a difference.

But rescue work isn’t always easy. Cheryl admits the most difficult part is seeing how many dogs are still out there—abandoned, neglected, and left to survive on their own. “It’s heartbreaking,” she says. “The stories we hear, the conditions some of these dogs come from… it’s hard to imagine the pain they’ve been through.”

Still, that heartbreak is what drives her. “I just hope that in some small way, I’m helping to make a difference.”

When asked what she loves most about TLC Rescue, Cheryl doesn’t hesitate: the people.

“The volunteers here are truly one of a kind. The amount of time, energy, and heart they pour into this rescue is amazing. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by people so dedicated to giving dogs a second chance. They are the reason TLC is what it is today.”

Together, they’re changing lives—
one life at a time, until they all have a home.

Meet Connie & her kiddo - Chasity! In the few weeks that they’ve been in TLC’s care, these girls have been melting hearts, making friends, and working on their training - making them great additions to any family!

Connie – The Heart of Gold

With her puppy caretaking days behind her, Connie is ready to give all her love to her forever people. She is loyal, sweet, and adores people of all ages and sizes. She lives to cuddle, but still finds the time to brighten everyone’s day with the zoomies. Connie is house-trained and crate-trained.

Chasity – The Life of the Paw-ty

She’s outgoing, adores kids, loves toys, learns fast, and thrives in a group. Chasity brings the fun, the sass, and the energy! Chasity has nailed "sit" and "down" and is working on “leave it”.

The adorable, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Beagle mixes are ready to make your family whole. Read their full bios and get to know them by clicking below

We Can’t Say Yes Without You Right now, we’re being forced to say “not yet” to dogs who desperately need out — not because we don’t want to help, but because we simply can’t without more fosters. Our rescue partners in Mississippi are overwhelmed with dogs in their homes, yards, and on the streets — strays, dumped pets, and tiny, unwanted puppies — and the only way we can be the solution is you. As a 100% foster-based rescue, we can only save as many dogs as we have homes for. Many fosters have already doubled up, but it’s not enough. Please say yes to fostering — to giving one dog the chance to feel safe, loved, and finally home.

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!

Summer Training Tip: Teaching Your Dog to Swim (aka: Convincing a Furry Land Creature to Embrace the Wet Life)

Step 1: Pick the Right Location Start in calm, shallow water—like a kiddie pool or the least judgmental part of the lake. Bonus points if no ducks are nearby to tempt your dog into a chaotic cannonball.

Step 2: Lead by Example Wade in confidently, like you know what you’re doing. Your dog will watch you, then proceed to walk around the edge and judge you from dry land. That’s fine. You’re the weird one now.

Step 3: Floaties Optional, Treats Mandatory Life jackets make it safer, treats make it convincing. Every step closer to the water? Treat. Every toe dipped in? Treat. If you run out of snacks, just try emotionally bribing them with praise and panic.

Step 4: The First Paddle When they finally doggy paddle (after giving you the “I’m suing you” look), cheer like they just qualified for the Olympics. This is their moment. Capture it on video, but know they will shake water all over you immediately after.

Step 5: End on a Win Don’t overdo it. Let them splash a little, paddle a bit, and leave the water with their dignity (and your phone) intact.

Congrats! Your dog is now 12% sea creature, 88% drama queen.

How to Take the Perfect Summer Selfie with Your Pup:

1. Timing is key: Aim for early morning or golden hour—your dog’s fur will glow, you won’t be sweating profusely, and the lighting hides everyone’s flaws.

2. Get on their level: Crouch down, lay in the grass, or awkwardly contort yourself—whatever it takes. Eye-level = instant connection and way less double chin.

3. Use treats like bribes: Hold a treat or favorite toy right near the lens to get that alert, happy “I’m definitely paying attention and not just thinking about squirrels” look.

4. Go candid: Snap mid-lick, during a belly laugh, or while your dog’s tongue is flopping out. The messy moments scream summer joy more than any posed pic ever will.

5. Props are welcome: Matching sunglasses? Pool floaties? Melty popsicles? Yes, yes, and yes. Just avoid hats—dogs hate hats.

And most importantly: if fur ends up in your mouth and you both look mildly unhinged, congratulations—you nailed it.