Our Story: From a Simi Valley Tiny-Dog Rescue to a Tiny-Dog Resource
Tiny Loving Canines began in June 2009 as TLC, a volunteer rescue in Ventura County, California, that pulled small dogs from shelters where they were scheduled to be euthanized. That rescue has since closed. Today tinylovingcanines.org is an independent guide to tiny dogs: breeds, health, care, training, senior dogs and adoption.
We are not a rescue. We do not have dogs for adoption, we do not rehome dogs, and we do not sell puppies or accept donations.
The original Tiny Loving Canines rescue
TLC (Tiny Loving Canines, Inc.) was a nonprofit rescue founded by Simi Valley resident Linda Nelson. It held its first adoption event in June 2009 at a Petco store in Moorpark, California, with a handful of volunteers.
The rescue worked with local shelters to save small dogs that were scheduled to be euthanized. It was known for taking the dogs other groups passed over, including seniors and dogs with one eye or three legs. Dogs were spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped before they went home.
- 2009: first adoption event in Moorpark, California.
- 2012: TLC opened a rescue-run adoption shop at Simi Valley Town Center, described at the time as the first full-time, rescue-owned shelter dog shop in Ventura County.
- 2014: volunteers had rescued more than 1,700 dogs since June 2009.
- 2016: after a dispute with its landlord, TLC had to leave its shop and asked the public to foster or adopt more than 50 dogs within days.
Many old pages from the rescue years, such as adoption stories, newsletters, event calendars and donation pages, now lead here. Those programs have ended. If you adopted a dog from TLC and want to share how they are doing, we would love to hear from you through our contact page.
The site has since also taken over landfilldogs.info. You can read the announcement here.
In the news
Local and national outlets covered the rescue during its years in Ventura County:
- Simi Valley Acorn (2012): the opening of the rescue’s adoption shop at Simi Valley Town Center.
- NBC Los Angeles (2014): a profile of the volunteers and their full-time rescue shop.
- CBS Los Angeles (2016): the eviction appeal to find homes for more than 50 dogs.
- Upworthy (2016): a family of senior Chihuahuas adopted with help from TLC.
What the site is today, and what it is not
tinylovingcanines.org is now an independent information site for people who live with tiny dogs or plan to. By tiny we mean toy and small breeds that weigh up to about 15 lb (6.8 kg) as adults, and their mixes. A few popular breeds that run a little heavier, such as the Pug and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, are included, and their pages give their real weight range.
What you will find here:
- Breed guides with size, temperament, lifespan and care needs for each tiny breed.
- Health, grooming, food and training guides written for small bodies, from dental care to cold weather.
- Adoption advice that puts shelters and rescues first, and warns about puppy mills and “teacup” puppy scams.
What we do not do:
- We do not run a rescue or shelter, and we do not take in, foster or rehome dogs.
- We do not sell puppies, take deposits or work with breeders. Treat any seller who uses our name as a scam.
- We do not give veterinary advice for individual dogs. If your dog is unwell, call your vet.
Looking for a small dog to adopt? Start with your local animal shelter, then look at breed rescues in your area. Our breed guides help you choose a size, coat and energy level that fits your home before you meet any dogs.
Editorial, advertising and affiliate policy
The site is paid for by display ads and affiliate links. When you buy something through some of our links, we may earn a commission. It does not change the price you pay or what we recommend.
- Advertisers and retailers do not choose what we write about or review.
- Pages with affiliate links say so in a short line above the first link.
- We do not place ads at the top of health pages.
- We never promote teacup breeding or link to puppy sellers.
- When we find a mistake, we fix it and update the date on the page.
Questions about Tiny Loving Canines
Is Tiny Loving Canines still a rescue?
No. The TLC rescue that started in Ventura County in 2009 no longer operates. Tiny Loving Canines is now an independent website about tiny dogs. We do not take in, foster or rehome dogs, and we do not accept donations or adoption applications. If you want to adopt, contact your local animal shelter or a small-breed rescue near you.
Can I adopt a dog from Tiny Loving Canines?
No, we have no dogs for adoption. Start with your local animal shelter, then look at breed rescues and adoption listing sites that show dogs from shelters. Ask any rescue about health records, spay or neuter status and its return policy before you commit. Our breed guides can help you choose a size and temperament that suits your home.
What happened to the TLC rescue in Simi Valley?
The rescue ran adoption events from 2009 and, from 2012, a rescue-run adoption shop at Simi Valley Town Center. In June 2016 it had to leave that shop after a dispute with its landlord and appealed for homes for more than 50 dogs. The rescue has since closed. This site now covers tiny-dog care, health and adoption advice instead.
Does Tiny Loving Canines sell puppies or recommend breeders?
No. We do not sell dogs, take deposits or work with breeders, so treat any seller using our name as a scam. If you decide to buy rather than adopt, meet the puppy and at least one parent in person, ask for health test results, and never pay for a “teacup” puppy you have not seen.
How does Tiny Loving Canines make money?
The site is paid for by display ads and affiliate links. When you buy a product through some of our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Advertisers and retailers do not choose what we write or recommend, and every page with affiliate links says so above the first link.
How do I report a mistake or contact the team?
Email office@tinylovingcanines.org or use our contact page. Tell us the page and the line you think is wrong, and add a source if you have one. We check every report, correct errors and update the date on the page. We cannot give medical advice by email; for a sick or injured dog, call your vet.
Contact us
Spotted an error, have a question about a guide, or adopted a dog from the original TLC rescue? Email office@tinylovingcanines.org or use our contact page. We read every message. We cannot answer medical questions about your dog by email; please call your vet for those.