TLC K9 Rescue: 13 Dogs and Puppies for Adoption
TLC K9 Rescue in Escondido, CA has 13 dogs and puppies up for adoption. Here are all 13, each with photos, their story and how to get in touch.
Right now that's 6 young dogs and 7 adults.
1. Sampson
MEET SAMPSON, A LITTLE SURVIVOR WITH A BIG HEART! ❤️
Sampson is a handsome 10-pound 3 yr old Poodle mix who has beaten the odds in ways no little puppy should ever have to.
He had owners, yet he was still abandoned on the streets to fend for himself.
What could a 5-month-old puppy have possibly done so wrong to endure this kind of heartbreak?
His old tag said Oreo, but he is now our brave Sampson.
He fought his way through starvation on the streets until he was rescued.
But the unthinkable happened, while out there all alone, he caught distemper.
Read more about Sampson
Distemper takes so many. But Sampson was rescued for a reason, and he was so, so worth fighting for!!
Today, he is truly the happiest, bravest boy we know
Yes, the virus left him with nerve damage in his lower legs. But watching him go from complete lameness to getting up, walking, wobbling, and actually playing... words can’t even describe how much joy that brings to our hearts. Every little wobbly step he takes just shows us there is so much hope for his future.
What is most breathtaking about Sampson is that none of this agony took away his beautiful spirit.
He is so deeply affectionate, trusting, and just desperately wants to be loved.
He walks right up to everyone he sees, ready to give his sweet heart away, and he is so happy just to be held by anyone willing to wrap their arms around him. Everyone who met him today absolutely fell in love with him!
After everything this sweet little boy has endured, I know in my heart his special person is out there. ❤️
He deserves a safe, soft, loving home where someone will cherish him, protect him, and hold him tight for the rest of his life.
Sampson has survived the hard part. Now, he just needs someone to love him forever.
If Sampson has touched your heart, please fill out an adoption application at tlck9rescue.org
Please SHARE his post, let’s help this brave little boy find the home he fought so hard to reach!
Thank you TLC K9 Rescue
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
- Special needs
2. Blue
Blue's came to us absolute broken. He lived on the streets of TJ where people passed by yet didn't have a heart to give him a morsel of food to eat. When we found out about him and realized the horrible condition he was in we couldn't turn our backs on him. After proper vetting, medications and healthy food we started to see the blue in his eyes shine. So we named him Blue.
This boy does not have a mean bone in his body, but shelter life is not for any dog especially in TJ. Blue, needs a foster or family to call his own. He needs patience and a loving hand that will help him blossom. Are you that person/family? If so then please apply to foster or adopt Blue at tlck9rescue.org
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
3. Mini
Meet Mini — A Tiny Girl Who Truly Deserves Her Happily Ever After ❤️
When we found little Mini on the streets of Tijuana, she was absolutely starving. It was obvious that this precious 10-month-old puppy had been dumped and left to fend for herself.
During her veterinary exam, we discovered that Mini was pregnant. She was far too young, weak, and severely malnourished to safely carry her babies. Sadly, because her little body was so depleted, she lost her babies.
My heart broke for this tiny girl. She was still just a baby herself, yet she had already endured hunger, abandonment, and the loss of her puppies.
But Mini’s story doesn’t end there. ❤️
Read more about Mini
Today, she is safe, healthy, and finally getting the chance to simply be the puppy she was always meant to be.
And what a wonderful little girl she is! Mini is playful with all dogs, wonderful with cats, and I’m absolutely certain she would be wonderful with children, too. She has been fully vetted, vaccinated, and microchipped.
After everything Mini has been through in her short life, all she wants now is what every little dog deserves — a family to love her, a warm bed to sleep in, someone to spoil her, and a place she can finally call home.
Her beginning was heartbreaking, but we are determined to give her the happy ending she deserves. ❤️
Apply to foster or if youd like to give Mini her forever home apply at: www.tlck9rescue.org
Please help us find this tiny girl the family she has been waiting for.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
4. Dusty
❤️ Meet Dusty — He Just Needs Someone to Love Him ❤️
Dusty is a sweet 4-year-old Cocker Spaniel/Papillon mix who I rescued just three weeks ago in Tijuana, Mexico.
Like so many dogs there, Dusty had been dumped and left to fend for himself. We found him late at night at a supermarket after being told he had been wandering the area for several days looking for food—right beside a very busy main road.
We couldn't leave him behind. There are 15 large dogs nearby that have already killed other dogs. Dusty was simply too vulnerable.
Thankfully, he is safe now. ❤️
Dusty is calm, very obedient, loves everyone and an absolute lap dog.
Read more about Dusty
He loves being petted and has even learned to give you his paw!
Because he is still decompressing and currently lives with several other rescue dogs, we feed him separately. He worries that another dog might take his food, but with patience and security, we know he will learn that he never has to worry about going hungry again.
Now Dusty needs a family to call his own.
A loving foster or, even better, a forever family who will give him the safety, patience, and love he deserves.
He has already been through enough. All he needs now is a family to show him that he is finally home. ❤️
Please apply to foster or adopt Dusty at www.tlck9rescue.org
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
5. Pearl
Meet Pearl
When TLC K9 Rescue saved Pearl from the streets of Tijuana, she was so filthy that we couldn’t even tell what breed she was. But after a much-needed bath, this little girl transformed before our eyes into a beautiful white Pearl—and the name simply fit her perfectly.
We don’t know much about Pearl’s past. She was wearing a groomer’s bandana when we found her, so we believe she once had a family. Sadly, no one knew where she lived, and we were told she had been wandering the area for months, begging people for food.
Pearl was very sick when we rescued her, and her right eye looked especially concerning.
Read more about Pearl
We immediately took her to the veterinarian, where she had extensive bloodwork, an ultrasound, and an examination by a veterinary ophthalmologist. We learned that Pearl was experiencing liver problems and had a detached retina in her right eye.
I brought Pearl to San Diego right away for further care. Thankfully, with nutritious, healthy cooked food and continued veterinary care, her liver values have improved dramatically. Her eye has never bothered her, and because surgery may not restore her vision and could pose additional risks given her liver condition, her veterinarian and I decided that the safest choice was to leave her eye alone and continue monitoring her.
Today, Pearl is happy, healthy, and as sweet as can be. She is absolutely wonderful with people, other dogs, and even cats. She loves playing with her canine friends, but with her calm and gentle nature, she would also make a wonderful companion.
Pearl doesn’t ask for much. She is truly an angel who enjoys the simple things in life—walks, healthy food, and lots and lots of cuddles.
After everything this precious girl has been through, Pearl deserves a family who will cherish her and show her just how wonderful life can be.
If you would like to meet Pearl, please complete our adoption application at www.tlck9rescue.org.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
- Special needs
6. Moka
Meet Mocha ❤️
Please meet Mocha, a beautiful 1-year-3-month-old Rottweiler/Australian Shepherd mix weighing approximately 65 pounds.
Mocha was adopted from Helen Woodward Animal Center when she was just 4 months old. She has grown into a beautiful, loving, playful young dog with a big personality and an even bigger heart. She is spayed, healthy, current on all vaccinations, crate trained, and potty trained.
Mocha is affectionate, silly, energetic, and loves spending time with her people. She enjoys playing, exploring, and sharing her toys. With her humans, she is incredibly loving and sweet and truly enjoys being part of the family.
Read more about Moka
❤️
As Mocha matured, she developed into a confident, dominant female. At times, particularly during high-energy situations, she may assert herself toward the family's other, more submissive female dog. Because of this, her family believes Mocha would be happiest and most successful as the only dog in the home, where she can relax, feel secure, and receive all the love and attention she deserves.
An active family with a secure yard and room to run, play, and explore would be ideal for this energetic girl. She would also benefit from continued positive-reinforcement training, particularly with her leash manners.
Mocha is truly a wonderful dog who has been loved by her family since she was a puppy. They want more than anything to find her the right forever home where she can thrive and be the happy girl they know and love. ❤️
Adoption fee: $100
COURTESY POST — Mocha is not in the care of TLC K9 Rescue.
For more information or to inquire about Mocha, please contact her owner directly:
Melissa
Mgspooner78@gmail.com
- Good with kids
- Only dog
- House-trained
7. Jenny
Meet Jenny! ❤️
Jenny is a beautiful 4-year-old Anatolian Shepherd mix who is the perfect combination of independent, adventurous, goofy, and incredibly loving.
This girl LOVES to go places! ️️️
Give her a long, slow walk, a trip to the beach, camping in the desert, a trail through the mountains, or even an adventure in the snow, and Jenny is ready to go!
She doesn’t need to be entertained every second, she’s perfectly happy just being by your side soaking up time with her person or lounging in the sun.
And of course, belly rubs are always welcome!
Read more about Jenny
Jenny is the epitome of an Anatolian.
She is an amazing watcher and takes her job seriously, happily patrolling the house and yard and making sure everything is exactly as it should be.
She doesn’t really care about playing fetch, but she LOVES hide-and-seek.
The only problem? Jenny is absolutely convinced she is invisible!
She will hide behind a black chair, a pole, or pretty much anything she can find and truly believes you cannot see her. She is such a goofball!
Jenny is also crate trained and house trained and is a very independent and confident girl.
On walks, she can walk near other dogs without a problem. She doesn’t bark or lunge, she’s simply cautiously aware of them and her surroundings without being anxious or bothered.
There are just a couple of things her forever family should know. Jenny is frightened by fireworks and becomes stressed when confined in a kennel at the vet.
She only needs calming medication for those specific situations.
Jenny is looking for a family with no other dogs a family who wants a loyal companion to share life’s adventures with, a dog who will happily explore the world with you and then come home and keep you company while you relax. ❤️
If you’re looking for a beautiful, smart, independent girl with a HUGE personality and a heart full of love, Jenny may just be your girl.
COURTESY POST — Jenny is not in the care of TLC K9 Rescue.
For more information or to inquire about Jenny, please contact her owner directly:
Elethia
Eragus.er@gmail.com
- Good with kids
- Only dog
- No cats
- House-trained
8. Jazz
Meet Jazz ❤️
Hi, I’m Jazz!
I was just a puppy when I found myself wandering the streets of downtown Tijuana, desperately following people and trying to find someone—anyone—to help me. I was so thin, covered in fleas, and terrified. To make matters worse, I still had a cable wrapped around my neck. Somehow, I had managed to break free from where I had been tied.
Then the cars started coming… and I was running right into the middle of the street.
Read more about Jazz
Thankfully, my rescue saw me and knew there was no time to think. She blocked the cars called out to me, opened her car door, and I ran straight to her. I didn’t hesitate. I jumped right into her arms and covered her with kisses. ❤️
That was the moment my life changed.
One month later and I’m now around 35 pounds and have become a beautiful medium-sized boy with the most adorable one blue eye. I’m super playful, affectionate, and absolutely love being around people and my other doggie friends. After everything I’ve been through, I’m just so happy to be safe and loved.
I’m ready for the part of my story where I finally get a family of my own. ❤️
If you think Jazz might be your boy, please apply to adopt him at www.tlck9rescue.org
Please help me find my forever home! ❤️
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
9. Penelope
Penelope is ready for her forever family! ❤️
Penelope’s Story ❤️
This is why we rescued Penelope.
She was just a puppy living in an area where cargo trucks were constantly coming and going. Sadly, many dogs in that area were being killed because drivers couldn’t see them. We simply couldn’t leave this sweet baby there to fend for herself.
And even if she survived, she would have eventually starved or become pregnant and continued the cycle of unwanted puppies.
Today, Penelope is 10 months old, 35 lbs, 4DX negative, fully vaccinated, and spayed. ❤️
Read more about Penelope
I’m so happy this sweet girl is safe and in our care. She deserves a life filled with love, safety, and a family of her very own and possibly another sweet doggie friend for her to bond and play with. ❤️
If you think Penelope might be the girl you’ve been looking for, please apply to adopt her at www.tlck9rescue.org. ❤️
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
10. Noah
Meet Noah ❤️
Hi, I’m Noah! I’m a handsome 1-year-and-8-month-old boy who has been through more than any dog should.
I was living in an abandoned house with several aggressive dogs, with no family around to look out for me or keep me safe. Thankfully, I was rescued before something terrible happened.
Despite everything, I’m still a super friendly, loving boy who just wants a family of my own. ❤️ I’m neutered, fully vaccinated, and 4DX negative.
Now I’m hoping my next chapter will be filled with love, safety, and a family who will never leave me behind.
If you think Noah could be your perfect boy, please apply to adopt him at www.tlck9rescue.org.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
11. Pippin
Hi... I'm Pippin! I'm only about 10 months old, and I've already learned that life isn't always fair. Not long ago, I was wandering the streets all alone. I was hungry, dirty, and so matted that people could barely tell what kind of little dog I was. Every day I searched for food and hoped someone would notice me. Then TLC K9 Rescue found me... and everything changed. Now I know what a full tummy feels like. I know what toys are, how fun it is to run and play, and how wonderful it feels when someone scratches behind my ears and tells me I'm a good boy. I'm a playful, happy little Maltipoo with lots of puppy energy! I love people, children, and other friendly dogs.
Read more about Pippin
I even like cats if they'll be my friend. But there's one thing I'm still missing... A family to call my own. I promise to make you laugh, keep you on your toes, and love you with my whole heart for the rest of my life. I've waited long enough... Will you be my forever family? Apply to adopt me at www.tlck9rescue.org. ❤️ Love, Pippin
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
12. Rocky
Meet Rocky – Your Loyal Best Friend and Adventure Partner! ❤️
Rocky is a handsome 2-year-old dog with a heart as big as his smile. This sweet boy is incredibly affectionate, friendly, and eager to be part of a loving family. He loves spending time with his people and is happiest when he's included in everyday activities, whether that's going for a car ride, exploring a new trail, taking a walk around the neighborhood, or simply relaxing by your side.
Rocky's story is one that will tug at your heartstrings. Before coming into our rescue, he was left to roam the streets on his own. When we found him, he was desperately approaching strangers and begging for food.
Read more about Rocky
He was hungry, thirsty, and covered in fleas and ticks. Our hearts broke seeing him in such a neglected condition.
The saddest part was that Rocky actually had owners. When we brought him home and attempted to reunite him with them, they simply shrugged and said, "You can take him." While it was heartbreaking to see him so easily discarded, part of me was relieved because I knew this precious boy deserved so much more.
Rocky is an absolute gem.
He is affectionate, obedient, loyal, incredibly friendly and loves kids. He walks beautifully on a leash, has excellent recall, and loves being with his people. Rocky is the kind of dog that quickly becomes your shadow and your best friend. His gentle nature and eagerness to please make him a joy to have as a companion.
Rocky does wonderfully with older, considerate children and enjoys the company of other friendly dogs. In fact, he would love a canine companion in his forever home—another friendly dog to play with, bond with, and share adventures with. However, Rocky would do best in a home without cats or a very dog friendly cat because he's just scared of them.
This amazing boy is looking for a forever family that will cherish him the way he deserves to be cherished. A secure fenced yard would be ideal, along with a family that will include him in their daily lives and never let him wonder where his next meal, kind word, or loving touch will come from.
If you live in Southern California, San Diego County, have a home with a secure fenced yard, and would love to welcome Rocky into your family, please complete an adoption application at www.tlck9rescue.org.
Not ready to adopt? Rocky is also looking for a foster home while he waits for his forever family. If you'd like to help this wonderful boy, please submit a foster application through our website as well.
After everything he's been through, Rocky hasn't lost his faith in people. He still greets every day with a wagging tail, a happy heart, and endless love to give. Now all he needs is a family who will love him forever. ❤️
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
13. Sheba
Sheba's story is one I will never forget. At just one year old, Sheba was abandoned by her owners and left to fend for herself on the dangerous streets of TJ Mexico. When TLC K9 Rescue learned about her situation, we feared she could be exploited for breeding or end up as bait for dog fighting. We knew we had to act quickly. When we arrived to rescue her, we found Sheba living in a trash-filled yard. Despite having been abandoned herself, this incredible young dog was also hovered around a small puppy that had also been dumped protecting him. Of course, we couldn't leave either of them behind, so we rescued them both.
Read more about Sheba
Today, Sheba has blossomed into an amazing companion and has become a shelter favorite. Sheba is a beautiful 1-year-old Belgian Shepherd Malinois with all the intelligence the breed is known for, combined with a calm and gentle temperament that is truly special. She is highly intelligent, eager to please, and looks to her people for guidance and direction. She listens exceptionally well and is not your typical high-strung Malinois. She is calm, polite, and does not exhibit the nipping behavior often associated with the breed. Sheba loves car rides, going on adventures, meeting new people, and spending time with her canine friends. She gets along wonderfully with other dogs and greets everyone she meets with excellent manners. She would thrive with an active family that enjoys long walks, hiking, camping, and exploring the outdoors. A home with another friendly dog for Sheba to bond and play with would be an added bonus, but most importantly, she is looking for a family that will love her as much as she will love them. After everything she has endured, Sheba deserves a lifetime of safety, love, and companionship. If you live in Southern California, particularly San Diego County, and would like to foster or adopt Sheba, please complete an application at www.tlck9rescue.org. Could you be the happy ending Sheba has been waiting for?
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
How to adopt from TLC K9 Rescue
Interview potential adopter, meet & greet, home check, adoption application and contract, min 6ft fence, crated or closed in the home when pet is alone, certain dogs preference for adopter to be home most of the day, basic training, pet insurance
Other rescues near Escondido
- Baja Animal SanctuarySan Diego, CA · 42 dogs · 18 mi away
- California Labradors Retrievers and More RescueSan Diego, ca · 84 dogs · 20 mi away
- The Barking LotSan Diego, CA · 60 dogs · 25 mi away
- Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue GroupSan Diego, CA · 35 dogs · 27 mi away
- Woofs and Wags Dog RescueSan Diego, Ca · 13 dogs · 27 mi away
- The Heroic TailSan Diego, CA · 29 dogs · 27 mi away
- Second Chance Dog RescueSan Diego, CA · 32 dogs · 28 mi away
- It's The PitsSan Diego, CA · 21 dogs · 30 mi away
Questions about adopting from TLC K9 Rescue
How many dogs does TLC K9 Rescue have for adoption?
As of November 4, 2026, TLC K9 Rescue has 13 dogs and puppies listed for adoption with photos and a description. The list is updated every day.
Where is TLC K9 Rescue?
TLC K9 Rescue is in Escondido, CA, near Escondido. Many rescues are foster-based, so ask where you'll meet the dog you're interested in.
How do I adopt a dog from TLC K9 Rescue?
Pick a dog above and contact the rescue: call (760) 580-1200, visit their website and message them on Facebook. Most rescues ask you to fill in an application, meet the dog, and pay an adoption fee that usually covers spaying or neutering, vaccinations and a microchip.
Listings are updated daily. The rescue is responsible for its own listings; a dog may have been adopted since this page was updated.
