When volunteers with Toby Time Animal Foundation held a meet-and-greet event at Tractor Supply Co. in Parkesburg, they brought a binder with them featuring photos of available pets as well as two dogs for potential adopters to meet - Harley and Petunia, known as Tuni. By the end of the event a few hours later, Tuni had found her forever home.

Success stories like this one are what make the adoption events an important part of the rescue's mission to find forever homes for pets in its care. "(The Beegle family of East Fallowfield) had already filled out an application and they saw Tuni's picture and came here to meet her," said Barb Hogstrom, who founded the southern Chester County-based rescue along with Mandy Vincolato. "Tuni really turned on the charm (when she met the family). She knew she was going home with them."

Toby Time Animal Foundation, founded in the spring of 2025, is named in honor of the two founders, who both lost dogs named Toby, who coincidentally both had the same nickname, Toby Time. The rescue was founded "to keep their dogs' spirits alive."

"We had 103 adoptions last year. We are growing," said Hogstrom.

The rescue does not have a facility or kennel where dogs are placed, so it relies on fosters who keep the dogs in their homes while permanent owners can be found.

Prospective fosters are asked to complete an application, provide references and sign a foster agreement. "We open our doors and really get to know their personalities. We make it all about the dogs," said Hogstrom. "Our priority is a good fit for the dog first. If all goes well and the application (is approved), we move forward with the adoption."

Diane Dunn of Cochranville, a volunteer animal transporter, was also at the meet-and-greet event. She started with the rescue as a foster but wound up adopting two of the four dogs that she fostered. "I have been working with the rescue since last spring. If someone has a dog they want to (surrender), I will go and pick it up," she noted. "My first foster was a Cane Corso. I picked her up from ACCT Philly. She was really sick and came and lived with me and I had her for a few weeks, and I decided to keep her. I fostered a Rottweiler and fell in love with him and kept him."

Although Tuni was adopted at the event, Harley, a Cane Corso puppy, is still available from the rescue. Harley is housebroken and leash trained; knows many commands; and loves people, dogs and cats. Harley is a special needs dog because she has epilepsy and will need maintenance medication for the rest of her life. However, Hogstrom noted that Harley is very easy to medicate and her medications are fairly inexpensive.

Potential adopters are asked to fill out an application, which includes providing vet references and personal references. The rescue also keeps in touch with adopters to ensure that all is going well.

For more information about fostering or adopting or to view photos of other adoptable dogs, search for "Toby Time Animal Foundation" on Facebook. The Facebook page also includes a link to the organization's page on Petfinder.com. Those with questions may email tobytimeanimalfoundation@yahoo.com.