For the Love of Dog
The Little Red Dog is a dog rescue organization based in Southern California, specializing in dog training and behavior. Join us as we dig deep to entertain and educate.
Can a Dog Help Protect Your Brain From Dementia?
Can a dog help protect your brain from dementia? PJ Rosch and Christine Smith of The Little Red Dog talk about a study that found dog owners had about a 40% lower risk of dementia, and why fostering a dog counts too, then share the rescue dogs who need a foster or a forever home right now, from a cat friendly girl who's been waiting a long time to a big black dog nobody ever asks about. Plus Good News: a husky poodle mix survives 50 hours alone in freezing temperatures after an avalanche in Alaska, found with help from an Apple...
Why Dogs Need Blood Donors Too
Did you know dogs can donate blood? PJ Rosch and Christine Smith of The Little Red Dog explain how canine blood donation works, which dogs are eligible, and why one healthy donor can save several other dogs, then share the rescue dogs who need foster homes right now, from a shy little girl on a ten day deadline to an 80 pound lap dog nobody has asked about in two and a half years. Visit thelittlereddog.org to be a foster at the ready! Plus Good News: a 15 pound Chihuahua joins Mexico's National Guard, and a French Bulldog finally goes home...
The Little Red Dog Turns 15
The Little Red Dog turns 15 this Sunday, and PJ Rosch and Christine Smith look back on over 8,000 dogs rescued: what it really takes to start a dog rescue, why a foster-based rescue depends on its fosters, the dogs they still think about, and what comes next, from spay and neuter clinics to advocacy. Plus Good News of the Week: a rescue dog who had a rare cancer at one year old, lost the top of his jaw to save his life, and is now a certified therapy dog with the woman who found him by chance at our adoption tents...
What To Do When You Find a Stray Dog
Found a stray dog? PJ Rosch and Christine Smith of The Little Red Dog explain what to do first: get it scanned for a microchip, post it on lost pet sites, never just let it go, and ask for proof before handing it to anyone who claims it. They also walk through what really happens after a rescue says yes, and the true cost of saving one dog, about $1,200 from transport to spay and neuter. Plus Good News of the Week: a little stray who led a chase across an airport tarmac in Naples, Florida lands in a forever home.<...
Why Didn't You Just Take the Dog?
Why didn't you just take the dog? PJ Rosch and Christine Smith of The Little Red Dog explain why a rescue can't simply take a dog from its owner. In one story, animal control was called six times and nobody came. They also cover why rescues ask so many questions before an adoption, from home checks and full-household interviews to why they never do surprise adoptions. Plus Good News of the Week: Chloe went from a New Mexico euthanasia list to become the first rescue dog to graduate from the US Border Patrol Canine Academy.
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<...The Dogs Nobody Applies For
Fifteen dogs at The Little Red Dog have been waiting a year or more for a home, and almost nobody applies for them. PJ and Christine introduce every one of these long-term rescue dogs, from Lucy Ann, who has waited almost five years and adores her mail lady, to Dudley, a blind and deaf dog who is practically bulletproof, and Cookie Crisp, the Frenchie who proves six is not old. They also talk about Bella, the Oregon dog who died after being left in a sheriff's patrol vehicle, what to do if you see a dog in a hot car...
The Messages Rescues Get Every Day
Please note: we show the actual messages on screen in the video version of this episode on YouTube. PJ and Christine of The Little Red Dog rescue open up their inbox and read real dog surrender requests: a perfect family dog left behind in a move, a grandmother's dog after a dementia diagnosis, a bulldog "jealous of the baby," surprise litters, and a family facing homelessness. They talk honestly about why rescues without open intake have to say no, why "I've tried everything" rarely holds up, and how training, vet care, and low-cost resources can keep dogs in their homes...
The "1 in 6" Rule That Could End Shelter Euthanasia
Attorney, Penn Law professor and Animal Advocate Penny Ellison joins PJ and Christine to talk about pet surrender prevention: why housing restrictions and the cost of vet care drive most surrenders, how Philadelphia passed a three-year moratorium on unlicensed dog breeding and built a subsidized spay/neuter coalition alongside it, and why veterinary telehealth could reach families living in veterinary deserts. Penny also shares the statistic that stopped PJ in her tracks, that we only need about one in six people to choose adoption over a breeder, plus her free Four C's of Legislative Advocacy series for anyone who...
Left Behind: The K-9s Who Died on Duty
Four police K-9s died in hot cars this summer, and PJ and Christine are not letting it slide. They walk through what happened to Chili, Georgia, Rip and Boomer, why one sheriff claimed there is no such thing as animal neglect under her state's law, and why "the equipment failed" is not an excuse when a dog is your partner. Recorded on Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, the episode closes on better news: puppy Fawn found her forever home, and Charlotte, Diesel and Dudley are still waiting on fosters and adopters from The Little Red Dog.
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What Happens to Your Dog If Something Happens to You
August is Make A Will Month, and PJ and Christine sit down with Spencer Cassidy, co-founder and CEO of LifeLegacy, to talk about the one document most dog owners never get around to: a will. 70% of Americans have no estate plan, and TLRD has pulled countless dogs out of shelters because their person died and nobody had a plan for them. Spencer breaks down pet guardianship, what really happens to your money (and your dog) in probate court, the "I'm too young" myth, and simple ways to support a rescue beyond your lifetime, from beneficiary designations to qualified charitable...
Hit by a Car, Sent to the Deadliest Shelter
Five years after adopting Naomi Mae, TLRD VIP Jeff Cohen is back in studio to talk about life with her, why he keeps donating and fostering, and what it's like to raise a dog nobody else wanted into a total sweetheart. Then, PJ and Christine share the true story of Goosey, a Texas pet goose whose honking alerted her family to an emergency. A warm one about second chances.
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Donate, adopt, or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/
Follow us at https://www.instagram.com/thelittlereddog
Follow on YouTube to see our virtual...
Meet Caroll and Rescue Rufus
Volunteer Caroll Schwartz joins PJ and Christine to talk about what it really takes to walk rescue dogs: the 100-pound pit mix named Rhino who dragged her across a lawn on her fifth outing, why The Little Red Dog runs a walking clinic before anyone takes a leash, and the honest difference between a martingale and a prong collar. She also tells the story of the Halloween foster fail that turned into four years of running the walking schedule, and makes the case that one hour a week is enough to change a dog's life. Plus a happy story: Rufus...
How One Photographer Gets Shelter Dogs Seen
Volunteer photographer Christian Shenouda has spent 15 years taking the photos that get shelter dogs adopted. He joins PJ and Christine to explain why the intake photo is usually the worst picture a dog will ever have, and what actually changes their odds. He shares practical tips anyone can use on their own foster or transport, plus the advice his therapist girlfriend gave him for walking into a shelter without falling apart. We have exciting adoption updates on Pita, Sirius, Katniss and Woody, and another ask for Charlotte, a sweet, cat friendly girl whose foster backed out without ever meeting her.<...
Fireworks, Floods, and Getting Dogs Home
A little dog named Prieta went missing over the Fourth of July and turned up two weeks later swimming in San Francisco Bay, fending off seagulls until Menlo Park firefighters scooped her out of the water. PJ and Christine talk about why her microchip got her back to her family within an hour, then celebrate Boerne, Texas, where a town of 24,000 placed 46 shelter dogs into 29 emergency foster homes in just eight hours ahead of the floods. Plus good news from The Little Red Dog: Katniss and Peta adopted, Dudley's DNA results, and an update on Malibu's IVDD journey.
<...Why Adopted Dogs Get Returned
PJ and Christine dig into the real reasons adopted dogs get returned: too much love too soon, unrealistic expectations, not enough exercise, no rules or routine, the wrong match, and life changes nobody planned for. They share what The Little Red Dog has learned from 15 years of rescue about setting a new dog up to succeed, and close with the story of a seven-year-old boy who sold his prized Pokemon card collection to save his sick puppy.
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Donate, adopt, or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/
Follow us at https://www.instagram...
Why Are Dogs Still Dying in Shelters
In 2025, roughly 600,000 animals (including 320,000 dogs) died in America's shelters — many of them alone, scared, in their kennels. PJ and Christine of The Little Red Dog dig into why so many good, adoptable dogs get overlooked: breed mislabeling, the pit bull myths that follow certain dogs, and how the shelter environment itself can turn a happy dog into a so-called "behavior case." A hard but hopeful conversation about dog rescue, adoption, fostering, and why the problem is almost always human error — not the dog.
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Donate, adopt, or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/
Foll...
The Miranda's Rescue Case: How Does This Happen?
This week on For the Love of Dog, PJ and Christine share must-know Fourth of July safety tips to keep your dog from becoming part of the July 5th shelter surge — from microchips and safe spaces to keeping gates closed during the fireworks. They also dig into the disturbing Miranda's Rescue case, where dogs were found shot and buried, and ask how transfers and adoptions go unchecked. Plus an uplifting finish: Bear, the Australian koala-detection dog who saved 100 koalas and just retired with an award.
Support the show
Donate, adopt, or foster at https://thelittlereddog.or...
She Was on the Kill List — Now She's the Perfect Dog
PJ and Christine sit down with adopter Jill Stanton, who almost never found Zahara — a dog pulled off the kill list at one of California's deadliest shelters and now, in Jill's words, “heaven on earth.” Jill shares how she discovered foster-based rescue (the middle ground between a shelter and a breeder that most people don't know exists), why staying open-minded landed her the perfect family dog, and how The Little Red Dog's 30-day protocol made a seamless second-dog adoption. Plus a Feel Good Friday moment with Osito, the bike-riding rescue pup charming the World Cup in Mexico City. A warm r...
The No-Kill Myth
"No-kill shelter" is one of the most comforting phrases in animal rescue — and one of the most misleading. This week PJ and Christine pull back the curtain on what really happens to surrendered dogs, why five states account for half the nation's euthanasias, and how kennel stress breaks down even healthy animals. They also dig into why so many good dogs get overlooked — seniors, black dogs, "only dogs," and dogs with disabilities like Dudley — and make the case that there's an adopter out there for every single one. A frank, hopeful conversation about responsibility, rescue, and loving the dog you ha...
You Don't Have to Surrender Your Dog
The #1 request The Little Red Dog gets isn't to save a shelter dog — it's "please rehome my pet." This week PJ and Christine walk through the real alternatives to surrendering your dog: trainers and rescue support for behavior issues, Care Credit and Scratch Pay for vet bills you can't cover, pet-friendly housing searches, safe rehoming (never free on Craigslist), and how to ask for temporary help without shame. Plus: TLRD's new Second Chance Circle on Patreon — care without crisis, starting at $10/month — and sweet Charlotte still needs a foster.
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Donate, adopt, or foster...
My Dog Is My Home
For thousands of people, a dog is the one constant through the hardest stretch of their life. PJ and Christine dig into the "My Dog Is My Home" movement and the shelters finally making room for pets, the life-saving role fostering plays for people leaving abusive situations, and the big debate: is crate training helpful or harmful? Plus two urgent rescue appeals from The Little Red Dog. Learn more and foster at thelittlereddog.org.
Support the show
Donate, adopt, or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/
Follow us at https://www.instagram.com/thelittlereddog
...
Why Having Your Dog Off Leash Is a Bad Idea
It's National Microchip Month — and PJ and Christine are here to remind you to not just chip your pet, but actually register it and keep your info updated. Then they get into it: off-leash dogs, summer safety tips, and why your dog doesn't have to like everybody (and neither do you). A packed episode full of practical advice for dog owners heading into the warmer months.Â
Support the show
Donate, adopt, or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/
Follow us at https://www.instagram.com/thelittlereddog
Follow on YouTube to see our virtual adoption eve...
When Rescues Go Wrong
What happens when the rescue is the danger? This week PJ and Christine break down three recent cases that shook the dog rescue world: Woofy Acres in California, where 94 of 114 seized dogs were euthanized and the operator may walk away with probation; Miranda's Rescue in Fortuna, where dogs were shot and buried in mass graves; and Working Dogs of Nevada, where a whistleblower's phone footage led to felony arrests at a Las Vegas training facility. This one's hard — but it matters.
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Donate, adopt, or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/
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She's Fostered 30 Dogs. Yes, It Hurts Every Time.
Liz has fostered over 30 dogs for The Little Red Dog in six years — and yes, it still hurts every time she says goodbye. This week, PJ and Christine sit down with Liz (and her current foster, Cookie Crisp!) to talk about the number one thing that stops people from fostering, the real decompression process behind a dog settling into your home, and why the TLRD support system makes it possible even when you travel. Christine also breaks down the 3-3-3 rule — the framework every new adopter and foster needs to understand before bringing a dog home.Â
Pleas...
Why We Hate Dog Parks (And You Should Too)
PJ and Christine get real about where your rescue donation actually goes — and why $1,100 barely covers saving one dog anymore. Then they get on their soapbox about dog parks: inattentive owners, parasites like giardia and coccidia, and why a pit bull in a scuffle always loses even when it didn't start it. Charlotte is still urgently looking for a foster — and fostering is always completely free.
Support the show
Donate, adopt, or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/
Follow us at https://www.instagram.com/thelittlereddog
Follow on YouTube to see our virtual adoption even...
The Rescue Bond You Can't Buy
Charlotte has until May 7th to find a new foster — and this week, PJ and Christine are putting out the urgent call one more time. This episode also celebrates National Pet Week and Adopt a Shelter Pet Day with real talk about the bond you build with a rescue dog, plus separation anxiety tips that actually work (and one surprising reason YOU might be causing it). It wraps with PJ's passionate plea for Scoop the Poop Week.
Support the show
Donate, adopt, or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/
Follow us at https://www.instagram.co...
What Really Happens When a Dog Leaves the Shelter
This week, PJ and Christine break down what really happens when a dog leaves the shelter — from vet quarantine and isolation care to the first days in a foster home, the 3-3-3 decompression rule, and why crate training is actually an act of kindness. Charlotte still urgently needs a foster by May 7th: she's easy, cat-friendly, and has come so far after more than a year in boarding. Foster or adopt at TheLittleRedDog.org.
Support the show
Donate, adopt, or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/
Follow us at https://www.instagram.com/thelittlereddog
TLRD TL;DR: Charlotte, Energy Matching & How We Pick Our Dogs
Charlotte is still waiting — and this week she got zero foster applications. PJ and Christine share an urgent plea for this sweet, low-energy girl who just needs a quiet home (cats welcome!). They also dig into one of rescue's most important topics: matching your energy level to the right dog. From Malinois to Frenchies, pit bulls to chihuahuas, they break down why breed stereotypes mislead adopters — and how being honest about your lifestyle leads to the happiest matches. Plus: how TLRD decides which dogs they can say yes to, and why even a one-week temp foster can save a life...
TLRD TL;DR: Can You Be Charlotte's Unicorn?
PJ and Christine kick off the very first weekly update from The Little Red Dog rescue. This week: an urgent foster plea for Charlotte, celebrating Gail and Daisy Ann's move out of boarding, why volunteers matter more than you think, and a conversation about what "selective" really means when it comes to rescue dogs. Plus — puppies!
Support the show
Donate, adopt, or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/
Follow us at https://www.instagram.com/thelittlereddog
Follow on YouTube to see our virtual adoption events https://www.youtube.com/@TheLittleRedDog
The Number One Reason Why Dogs End Up at a Shelter
In this episode, Steve McClain and Gary Newcomb tackle a common mistake many dog owners make: treating dogs like children. They explain why this well-meaning approach can lead to behavior problems, bites, and even dogs ending up in shelters.
Packed with real stories and science-based advice, this episode is a must-listen for both new and experienced dog owners. Learn how to understand your dog’s language, set clear boundaries, and build a stronger bond.
Stay tuned for our upcoming Patreon with even more dog training tips and exclusive content!
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Inside the World of Dog Rescue
In this episode of "For the Love of Dog," PJ and Christine reflect on the challenges and triumphs of dog rescue. As they wrap up the year, they discuss the ongoing needs of rescued dogs, the emotional toll of their work, and the joy of seeing dogs find their forever homes. From memorable saves to the importance of fostering, this episode is a tribute to the resilience of dogs and the dedication of those who care for them. Join us for stories that inspire and a call to action to support the rescue community. #dogrescue #fosterlove #adoptdontshopÂ
Sup...
Dogs That Can Detect Cancer & Other Mysteries
Dog trainer extraordinaire Gary Newcomb joins Steve to discuss a few interesting news stories at the intersection of technology and dog behavior. They also give their thoughts on the meaning of licking, tail wagging, and why dogs eat grass. Basically, they attempt to answer some of the biggest mysteries of dog behavior!Â
Support the show
Donate, adopt, or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/
Follow us at https://www.instagram.com/thelittlereddog
Follow on YouTube to see our virtual adoption events https://www.youtube.com/@TheLittleRedDog
How to Be a Hero for Homeless Dogs in 2025
Join PJ Rosch and Christine Smith on the "For the Love of Dog" podcast as they reveal how fostering transforms adoption rates. Discover their journey through opening and closing a facility, learn about the success of "Miles for Mutts," and find out how you can be part of their mission. Get a sneak peek into future plans and witness the unwavering dedication of their team of volunteers and fosters.
Support the show
Donate, adopt, or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/
Follow us at https://www.instagram.com/thelittlereddog
Follow on YouTube to see...
Why Are Dog Rescues Struggling Post-COVID?
In this episode, Steve and PJ analyze the post-pandemic state of Little Red Dog Rescue. With a surge in pet surrenders and shelter euthanasia, yet a drop in adoptions, donations, and fostering, they explore the underlying causes of these troubling trends.
Support the show
Donate, adopt, or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/
Follow us at https://www.instagram.com/thelittlereddog
Follow on YouTube to see our virtual adoption events https://www.youtube.com/@TheLittleRedDog
Dog Rescue Crisis: Funding Struggles & Saving Lives
In this long-awaited return episode of The Little Red Dog Podcast, hosts PJ Rasch and Christine Smith discuss the challenges and triumphs of running a dog rescue organization. After a three-year hiatus, they share their excitement for the group's upcoming 13th anniversary and reflect on their journey of saving over 6,000 dogs. They address the financial struggles faced by non-profit rescues, the importance of individual donations, and the complexities of volunteer management. PJ and Christine emphasize the emotional and physical demands of rescue work, touching on the joy and heartbreak involved in fostering and adopting dogs. Notable stories, like those...
Teeanna Isaac: Why I Had To Lose
Author, life coach, volunteer grief counselor, and friend of TLRD, Teeanna Isaac joins Steve and PJ to discuss her upcoming book, Why I Had To Lose. Isaac lost her father at a young age and has spent the last decade studying grief, vulnerability, confidence, and empathy. Please visit her website - teeannaisaac.com - and sign up for her newsletter for book updates and other inspirational content.
At the top of the show, Steve and Gary discuss the genius dog competition where pups are actually able to remember and locate toys by name!
The Little...
Dog Emotion vs. Human Reaction & Volunteer 001 & 002
Correcting your dog's unwanted behavior takes a lot of practice. Trainer Gary Newcomb brings a handy visual chart that shows how dogs react to stimuli and how quickly and intensely an owner should respond accordingly.
After the break, Steve and PJ welcome the second-ever volunteer for our dog rescue (The Little Red Dog) to help kick the 10th anniversary of the rescue on 10/11/21!
The Little Red Dog needs your support | Donate, adopt or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/ | Subscribe and review For the Love of Dog | Follow us at instagram.com/thelittlereddog to watch our...
Moving Through the Grief of Losing a Pet with Marina Resa
Psychotherapist Marina Resa joins Steve and PJ to share her thoughts on moving through the grief of losing a pet. Marina provides thoughtful advice for anyone experiencing grief of their own. Marina provides counseling and can be found at https://www.marinaresatherapy.com/
The Little Red Dog needs your support | Donate, adopt or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/ | Subscribe and review For the Love of Dog | Follow us at instagram.com/thelittlereddog to watch our LIVE recording and ask your questions | Like and subscribe to our weekly virtual adoption events https://bit.ly/3e2XDay
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Animal Wellness Center of OC
We're back! Steve and Gary discuss a recent article about the science that bonds dogs and humans (https://www.businessinsider.com/dogs-hardwired-to-communicate-with-humans-as-puppies-2021-9) Be sure to check out the video version on our YouTube to see Gary's new haircut...
After the break Steve and PJ talk to Barbara and Lourdes, co-founders of Animal Wellness Center of Orange County about their amazing facility and approach to animal wellness. Please visit their website - https://animalwellnessoc.com/ - and follow them on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/animalwellnessoc/ - for more amazing stories!
The Little Red...
Should I Give My Dog Drugs?
Steve and Gary discuss the trend of prescription drugs for dogs. After the break, they get into frequent issues they encounter when dog owners don't see instant results from dog training.
Join us for a par-tee! The 3rd Annual Putts For Paws golf tournament is coming May 6, 2021. To register or sponsor visit https://puttsforpaws2020.com/ (2020 because we didn't get to have an event last year!)
Chippin is making environmentally friendly dog food! Visit chippinpet.com to see their story (as well as their dog poop chart). Use promo code TLRD 15 for 15% off and The Little...
