We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Terah Gisolo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Terah below.

Terah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

The journey to starting Real Good Rescue has been a long one—one that began not with a formal plan, but with a deep-rooted passion for dogs and a fierce desire to make a difference. For many years, I was a “rogue rescuer.” I’d rescue strays, care for them, and find them homes—all on my own and under the informal umbrella of what would eventually become Real Good Rescue. I had been volunteering at shelters and working with other non-profits, but there was always a nagging feeling that I could do more.

The idea for what would eventually become Real Good Rescue really started to take shape about 20 years ago, when I first learned about the shelter crisis. I had no idea that, while so many dogs were being killed by the thousands and millions in the U.S. each year, people were still breeding dogs as though there was no issue. It was a total eye-opener, and I couldn’t ignore it. I felt compelled to educate myself, to understand the scope of the problem, and most importantly, to do something about it.

That’s when the vision for Real Good Rescue truly began to form. I knew I wanted to make a tangible difference, but I had no idea where to start. At the time, I was running successful businesses for other people, but launching my own non-profit was a whole different animal (pun intended). I had to figure out how to establish a 501(c)(3), which meant learning about legal frameworks, fundraising, grants, and—most importantly—how to run a business. Running a non-profit is no different from running a for-profit business in terms of operations, but it’s easy to forget that when your mission is so deeply emotional.

One of the biggest challenges was and has been funding. A lot of it came out of my own pocket, especially in the beginning, but I also knew that if I wanted to create something sustainable, I would need to build a solid foundation. That’s where my knowledge of relationships, branding and aesthetics came into play—I understood how to create a brand that resonated with people, not just emotionally but also as a professional, trusted entity.

These first few years have been a blur—setting up systems, figuring out how to manage donations, building relationships with other rescues, and learning the ins and outs of non-profit operations. It was a steep learning curve, but I kept reminding myself: this is still a business, even if it’s driven by passion and compassion. Keeping that balance between emotion and business was key to moving beyond the idea phase and making Real Good Rescue a reality.

Looking back, it wasn’t easy, it still isn’t. There are a lot of late nights, a lot of setbacks, and plenty of times when I question whether I should keep going. But here we are today, making a difference in the lives of dogs and families, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m the founder of Real Good Rescue, a Los Angeles-based, 501(c)(3) foster-based dog rescue dedicated to saving the old, sick, discarded, unwanted, and those at risk of being killed in our shelters. But Real Good Rescue is more than just a non-profit—it’s a movement, a community of passionate individuals committed to transforming the lives of dogs and families alike.

My journey into rescue started as a “rogue rescuer” long before I formalized Real Good Rescue. I would rescue strays, provide medical care, and find loving homes for dogs, all on my own. But everything changed 20 years ago when I discovered the harsh reality of the shelter crisis: millions of dogs are euthanized every year, while others are still being bred. It was a wake-up call, and I couldn’t sit idly by any longer. That’s when I decided to turn my passion into a formal mission, and Real Good Rescue was born.

At Real Good Rescue, we are on a mission to rescue and heal dogs who are often overlooked or discarded. We focus on the dogs that other rescues won’t take: the seniors, the medical cases, and the dogs that are at risk of being killed in overcrowded shelters. We provide them with the medical care, behavioral rehabilitation, and love they need in our foster-based program, ensuring they thrive until they find their forever homes.

Our mission is three-fold:

Rescue & Heal: We pull dogs from shelters and provide them with a safe haven. We treat their medical needs, help them overcome behavioral challenges, and give them a chance to live their best lives.
Educate & Empower: We aim to break down the stigma around certain breeds, especially often-misunderstood “bully” breeds. We empower potential adopters to look beyond stereotypes and adopt from rescues with confidence.
Advocate & Prevent: Through education and outreach, we advocate for responsible pet ownership, promote spay/neuter programs, and work to prevent overpopulation and shelter euthanasia.
We’re not just saving dogs—we’re building a community of passionate individuals who care about making a difference. The Real Good Gang is what sets us apart. Our volunteers, foster families, and supporters are the rebels, the outlaws, and the heroes who step up and make real change happen. Whether it’s fostering dogs, sharing our message, or helping with community outreach, the Real Good Gang is always ready to fight for those who need it most.

Running a non-profit is just like running any other business: it requires structure, dedication, and strategy. I’ve used my experience from running businesses for others to build a solid foundation for Real Good Rescue, ensuring we operate efficiently, responsibly, and with professionalism. But at the heart of it, we never lose sight of why we do this: for the dogs.

What I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve had on the lives of the dogs in our care and the families that adopt them. Every dog we rescue is a victory, and every person who joins us—whether by adopting, donating, or volunteering—is part of the movement to end the shelter crisis and save lives.

To anyone thinking about supporting Real Good Rescue: We are more than just a rescue—we are a community of rebels and heroes working together to make the world a better place for dogs. Whether you’re adopting, fostering, donating, or just spreading the word, you’re part of something bigger. Together, we can create a future where no dog is left behind.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

For me, building a solid reputation in the rescue and non-profit space has been all about honesty and transparency. From day one, I’ve been open about the challenges we face, the tough decisions we sometimes have to make, and the real impact we’re striving to have. People trust organizations that are upfront with them, whether it’s about how funds are used or the difficulties that come with rescue work. By being transparent with our supporters, our community, and the dogs we rescue, we’ve built strong relationships and a reputation for being authentic and accountable. I’ve found that this honesty not only helps us earn the trust of our followers, but it also motivates them to get involved and be part of the change we’re working towards.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

At Real Good Rescue, we’re learning to shift our approach from always asking for help to providing value to our community. We recognize that constant requests can create donor and volunteer fatigue, so we’re focused on fostering a sense of connection and community that goes beyond just asking for support. Whether it’s through sharing success stories of the dogs we’ve rescued, offering educational resources, or simply expressing our gratitude in meaningful ways, we want our supporters to feel that they’re a part of something bigger than just a transaction. By keeping them engaged with the real impact they’re helping us make, we build loyalty based on trust, shared values, and a mutual commitment to changing the lives of dogs in need. This approach not only strengthens our relationships but also creates a more sustainable and meaningful connection with everyone involved in our mission.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.realgood.dog
• Instagram: @realgoodrescue
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realgoodrescue/

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