Dog Rescue Needs Urgent Assistance To Continue Their Life-Saving Mission

The Little Red Dog (TLRD), a California-based dog rescue founded by PJ Rosch and Steve McClain in 2011, is calling on the community, animal lovers, and potential investors to step forward and help prevent its imminent closure. Without substantial financial support, this dedicated organization, which has saved over 4,000 dogs from high-kill shelters and challenging situations, may be forced to shut down, placing more than 40 dogs currently in its care at risk.

Through a team of volunteers, fosters, and animal advocates, TLRD has developed a unique and highly effective approach to dog rescue known as the “TLRD Difference.” By prioritizing each dog’s behavioral needs and matching them with the right foster or adoptive families, TLRD has maintained one of the lowest return rates in the industry.

“For us, the dog is the client, not the human,” explains co-founder PJ Rosch. “When we put the dog’s needs first, we’re able to create better matches and lower the likelihood of dogs returning to the shelter.”

3-year-old Clover loves other dogs and is looking for a calm, quiet home.

A Tribute To The Original “Little Red Dog”

TLRD’s name is a powerful reminder of why they do what they do. It’s a tribute to a “Little Red Dog” who lost her life under tragic circumstances in Michael Vick’s infamous dogfighting ring.

“No dog deserves that kind of life,” says McClain. “Our work is a tribute to that little red dog and a commitment to saving as many others as we can.”

In honor of that nameless dog, and the thousands of others like her, TLRD does more than find homes for pets; they also address the behavioral needs that often make certain dogs harder to place. With a team led by specialists like their on-call dog behavior expert, Gary Newcomb, TLRD ensures every animal they rescue receives essential training and support, giving them a better chance at finding and staying in a loving home.

“Our mission goes beyond rescue,” says Steve McClain, TLRD co-founder. “We focus on transforming lives by helping dogs and humans form healthy, lasting bonds.”

A LRDR volunteer walking two lucky rescue dogs.

A Critical Juncture: The Need for Financial Support

While TLRD has successfully operated for over a decade, the organization now faces unprecedented financial challenges. The rescue currently needs funds to cover essential costs like veterinary care, spay/neuter surgeries, behavioral training, and basic food and supplies for the dogs they shelter.

“It costs about $700 to save a single, healthy dog,” explains TLRD’s Development Director. “With 40 dogs currently in our care, the financial need is urgent.”

To sustain their mission and expand their reach, TLRD is also launching a for-profit venture, The Red Dog House (RDH), a 10,000-square-foot dog care facility. The new facility, located in Orange County, CA, will provide daycare, boarding, training, and grooming for the community’s pets while simultaneously offering a safe haven for rescue dogs on a full-time basis. RDH will also support TLRD’s rescue efforts, creating a compounding effect that amplifies the organization’s impact on the local pet community.

A dream in the making.

Why TLRD Needs Your Support Now

With funding, TLRD will be able to finalize kennel construction, obtain necessary permits, strengthen its marketing efforts, and expand its foster network, ensuring more dogs receive the care they need. The addition of The Red Dog House will allow TLRD to help pet owners with dogs exhibiting behavioral challenges find a much-needed resource in an environment where few options exist. There is a critical lack of facilities that offer behavior training and daycare for dogs with complex needs, making RDH’s services even more vital.

“The problem of high boarding costs and lack of expertise in training dogs with severe behavioral issues is one that affects rescue organizations and families alike,” adds Rosch. “We’re stepping up to provide a solution that no other rescue in the area is offering. But we need the resources to make it happen.”

4-year-old Gleason is searching for a human who loves a good underbite.

If you’re an investor who’s passionate about making a lasting impact in the lives of dogs and humans, The Little Red Dog invites you to join our mission. By investing in The Red Dog House, you’ll help fill a critical gap in care for challenging and underserved animals. Your support will not only provide much-needed resources to sustain TLRD’s rescue efforts but also establish RDH as a premier dog care facility, extending the rescue’s reach and transforming lives.

Join us as we grow our impact and provide vital solutions for both rescues and families alike. To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please contact PJ Rosch, CEO of The Little Red Dog, at 949-280-2223 or pj@thereddoghouse.com. Please help TLRD build a brighter, safer future for these deserving animals!

Milo is a recent LRDR success story who is thriving in his forever home.

Even If You Can’t Invest, You Can Still Help

• Donate: Any amount can make a difference. Donations can be made directly on TLRD’s website, thelittlereddog.org.
• Sponsor a Dog: By sponsoring a dog, you can cover the costs of food, medical care, and training for an animal in need.
• Volunteer or Foster: Individuals who can open their homes to foster or volunteer their time are always in high demand.
• Share Their Story: Simply spreading the word about TLRD can increase awareness and bring in the support needed to keep the doors open.

With a social media following of over 100,000 and a fiercely loyal community, The Little Red Dog has an impressive support base. Now, they need more than just followers—they need champions and benefactors who can help sustain and grow their mission. Every donation, no matter the size, goes directly to saving lives, giving each rescued dog a second chance at happiness and health.

For more information, please visit thelittlereddog.org or check them out on Facebook.