We’re trying something new with this blog, a behind-the-scenes look at running a rescue! Every day looks different, which is part of the excitement (and the exhaustion 😅). This particular morning began at 4:30 AM.

Morning Routine: Dogs First

The first order of business? The dogs. In my house, that means gently waking the snugglebugs who sleep in bed with me, then making sure all the dogs get outside for their morning potty break. Each has their own routine, pace, and needs; no two mornings look exactly alike.

Preparing for a Big Day

This day was especially full with veterinary appointments:

Three were scheduled for surgery
One needed routine blood work and a Cytopoint injection

Before heading out, I prepped food and medications for the pups who would be staying home. A helper would come later to feed them and administer meds while I was away. Rescue work is never done alone; it truly takes a community.

You can see me and the dogs who were coming along, still groggy and bundled up in the early darkness, getting ready to load into the car. The timestamp? Just after 5:00 AM, an hour-and-a-half drive to the hospital ahead of us.

Arriving at the vet

First up for her appointment is Birdie, needing dental work and spay surgery.

Next was Dusty, the poor baby had a severe dental disease and ended up having 26 teeth extracted!

And finally, Mel Brooks. I got him checked in with our vet team — he was a little unsure, which is fair after the week he’s had — but he settled quickly once he realized he was safe and everyone was there to help him.

Online Work Session

After drop-off, I parked myself at a nearby café, opened my laptop, and got to work. This part of rescue isn’t glamorous, but it’s the backbone of keeping Real Good running. I spent those hours reviewing our end-of-year fundraising strategy, refining the RGR investor pitch deck, consolidating our volunteer list, finalizing an adoption event flyer and confirming which fosters and dogs could attend, mapping out the April 2026 fundraiser, making last tweaks to our SOPs, and even squeezing in some rug-outreach follow-ups for my other business - House of Gisolo. It’s a lot of hats, but this is the real behind-the-scenes work that keeps the whole operation moving.

Surgery Pickup and Heading Home

At 3:30, it was time for pickup! Our brave patients emerged post-surgery, groggy but healthy.

Dusty was a little grumpy with me for putting him through this ordeal! After ensuring everyone was settled, it was time for a two hour and a half drive back home [rush hour traffic 🥴], where they could rest and recuperate.

What Rescue Really Looks Like

Every day in rescue is different. Some are joyful and easy. Some are logistical jigsaw puzzles. Many are both.

But at the heart of it all is:

Advocacy
Accountability
The long days and the work no one ever sees
And doing right by the dog — always

This day was just one snapshot of rescue — the early alarms, the planning that never stops, the doing-what-needs-doing, and those quiet seconds with the dog that make all the hard parts worth it.

How You Can Help

Every dog in our care has a story, and every day brings new challenges and triumphs just like the one you’ve seen here. You can be part of this work, too:

Volunteer: Lend a hand with daily care, transport, or events. Your time makes a huge difference.
Foster: Open your home and heart to a dog in need. Fostering saves lives and helps dogs heal and thrive.
Donate: Your support directly funds veterinary care, food, medications, and everything these dogs need to live their best lives.

Join us in making a difference. Every moment, every walk, and every bit of care counts.

Volunteer Foster Donate