Meet Terah Gisolo | Founder & Owner: Real Good Rescue and Rug Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Terah Gisolo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Terah, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
My end goal is to build Real Good Rescue into a powerhouse of compassion and efficiency, so that we’re in a position to say ‘yes’ to saving any dog in need, no matter what. I envision a future where we have the financial stability to pay our incredible staff—no more relying on volunteers to do all the heavy lifting! I want the Real Good Rescue brand to be recognized not just across the country, but globally, as a symbol of excellence in dog rescue. When people think of us, I want them to know that we’re not just doing the work—we’re doing it well, thoughtfully, and thoroughly. At the heart of everything, it’s always been, and will always be, all about the dogs. That’s the ultimate goal: making the world a better place for them, one rescue at a time.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What personally sets me apart is my unique background in luxury interior design sales, where I specialize in custom rugs. This experience has given me a deep understanding of how to run a business—from operations to customer relationships—which allows me to approach the emotional work of rescue with a professional, business-minded perspective.

While I wear many hats in running Real Good Rescue, I’m most proud of the incredible team we’ve built. It’s because of them that we’re able to do the work we do, and do it well. But, like any worthwhile endeavor, this work has not come without its challenges—chiefly, the financial ones. There have been times when we’ve had to say no to saving dogs because of limited resources, which is heartbreaking. But when those moments arise, I lean on what I know about running a business. I surround myself with successful people who have their own businesses, ask questions, and implement new strategies to help Real Good Rescue grow in a sustainable way. I also rely on experts in various fields to make sure we are always evolving.

What I want people to know about Real Good Rescue is that we are more than just a rescue organization. We are a bridge—connecting deserving dogs to loving homes. Based in Los Angeles, we’re a foster-based 501(c)(3) committed to rescuing discarded, unwanted, and overlooked dogs, including seniors, medical cases, and at-risk breeds. Our mission is threefold:

Rescue & Heal: We provide a safe haven for dogs in need, giving them the care they deserve until they find their forever homes.
Educate & Empower: We combat breed discrimination and empower people to confidently adopt from rescues, showcasing the incredible qualities of all dogs—especially the often-misunderstood “bully” breeds.
Advocate & Prevent: We advocate for responsible pet ownership, including spaying and neutering, to help prevent overpopulation and reduce the number of shelter euthanasias.
At Real Good Rescue, we don’t just do good work for the dogs in our care—we transform lives, one dog at a time. And that’s what I’m most excited about. We’re building a lasting impact, and I’m incredibly proud of the difference we’re making.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting and I wanted to show them the best time ever, here’s how I’d plan a perfect week in Los Angeles:

A visit to one of LA’s incredible farmers’ markets—the one in Hollywood is always a great choice. Fresh produce, local goods, and great energy to start the day.

Pace in Laurel Canyon for some amazing wine and wood-fired pizza—super cozy

Pura Vita where I’d order their creamy carbonara, broccoli rabe, and a slice of their mouth-watering tiramisu. It’s some of the best Italian food.

Mother Wolf in Hollywood for a perfectly grilled branzino and incredible cocktails. The vibe is chic, and the food is top-notch.

The legendary Tower Bar at the Sunset Tower Hotel for martinis and people-watching. The atmosphere is classic LA glam.

Hike: To balance out all the indulgence, we’d hit Runyon Canyon for a scenic hike with breathtaking views of the city—great for catching up and soaking in the sights.

Beach Day: Of course, we’d also need some downtime by the ocean, so we’d take a leisurely walk along Will Rogers Beach, where we could relax, take in the fresh air, and enjoy the quieter side of LA.

There’s so much to love about this city, from the food to the views to the laid-back, sun-soaked lifestyle. It’s the perfect mix of culture, relaxation, and adventure!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
While Real Good Rescue has grown and succeeded in ways I never imagined, it wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible team and community that’s supported us every step of the way. First and foremost, I have to give a huge shoutout to our dedicated fosters and adopters—without them, none of this would be possible. I also want to recognize my amazing team of volunteers, who give their time and heart to every pup we save.

A special thank you goes to my right hand, Kelly Wilson, our Foster and Adoption Director, who keeps everything running smoothly and with so much care. Kendall Dittman, our Foster/Adoption Coordinator and Social Media Maven, whose energy and creativity elevate everything we do. And of course, Scott Paris and Jackie Harris, our Medical Coordinators, who go above and beyond to ensure our dogs receive the best care possible. These people are the backbone of Real Good Rescue, and I’m beyond grateful for their hard work, passion, and unwavering commitment to the mission.

Website: https://www.realgood.dog

Instagram: @realgoodrescue

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realgoodrescue/

Image Credits
Photography by Shayan Asgharnia