For the Love of Dog

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.&quo...

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 u...

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 perf...

"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, bla...

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...

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....

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.  Support the sho...

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 foo...

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...

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 f...

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...

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...

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 a...

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:...

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 l...

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 ded...

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!  Support the show Donate, adopt, or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/ Fol...

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 vol...

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 YouTu...

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,...

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. A...

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 R...

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...

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 a...

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 y...