About Us

Tender Hearts Dog Rescue is a 501(c)(3) Non-profit rescue located in San Diego, California. Its beginnings were tenuous due to limited resources. As a result, a brief hiatus was taken. During that time, resources were explored to find the best ways to rescue the dogs and how best to find forever homes for them.

THDR is committed to rescuing and rehoming dogs who have been abandoned, surrendered, or neglected. Once rescued, our dogs are placed in loving foster homes until they are ready to be adopted. Please view our list of adoptable dogs.

One of the agencies THDR works with is the San Diego Humane Society. Please visit their website to see what they offer pet families. We are also in the process of contacting other shelters and rescues to offer our help in any way we can to make dogs’ lives better than before they met us.

Why We Do It

It takes a community to rescue homeless dogs and find them forever homes. Volunteers are the backbone of Tender Hearts Dog Rescue. Come join our dog-loving team and share your skills whether they be Grant writing, procuring foster and adoptive parents, transporting dogs to their various appointments, or seeking donations that help our dogs get everything they need to thrive. Lend your heart and you will make our dogs happy and they will make you happy.

Meet Our Team

Diane

Founder

Diane is the founding heart of Tender Hearts. She met the first love of her life in early childhood, an affectionate beagle named Scrappy. He would be the first of many four-legged friends Diane would meet in her life. As an adult, she began rescuing shelter dogs. The first was Allie, a Lhasa Apso. Next came Sammie, a lovable Terrier mix. Lexie arrived when Sammie was still young, and to watch them play together was a joy like no other. Lucie is the newest addition to the family. She is a ginger-colored Chihuahua originally from Mexico. She’s definitely the leader of the pact.

Because of her life-long journey with dogs, hers and other peoples, she realized a need to do more than adopt. Thus Tender Hearts Dog Rescue was born. Though still in its beginning stages, Tender Hearts’ mission is to rescue abandoned, abused, neglected, and owner-surrendered dogs.

Laurie

Board Member

Laurie comes from a multi-generational line of dog lovers. Her mother raised Springer Spaniels and brought her love for dogs into the family. Growing up, Laurie had a Springer Spaniel named Misty – star mist of the sunset. She’s been lucky enough to co-parent several rescues over the past 35 years. Currently, she has a Cocker Spaniel named Boo and an adorable mixed-breed named Valentino. Laurie is happy to lend her energy to everything dog.

Mary

Board Member

Mary has been a lifelong dog lover and owner. Animals have always been a part of her credo. She has always done her part in helping, rescuing, training, and loving animals. Growing up, Mary found herself rescuing everything from insects to wild animals. Today, she is a well-known realtor that specializes in finding homes for pet owners. Additionally, Mary donates regularly to rescue organizations.

Charyl

Board Member

Charyl’s love for animals started before she can remember. Her first puppy, a quirky Siberian Husky named Babez, was given to her on her first birthday. The two were inseparable for the next 16 years. Since then Charyl has volunteered for animal shelters as a foster and at a training guide dog facility. Her passion for animals is immeasurable. When presented with the opportunity to help with Tender Hearts, she couldn’t resist lending a hand. Charyl and her husband Manny are the parents of two Australian Shepherds, Salt & Pepper. You will often find them at Dog beach, a hiking trail, or exploring nature.