DubC Dog Chronicles: Sylvia’s Foster-Fail Rescue Story | October 2026, Vol. 1

DubC Dog ChroniclesRescue & Adoption Stories

Oct 4

Real rescue stories.

The dogs who found their people, and the people who found their best friends.

This inaugural DubC Dog Chronicle had to be about Sylvia. She is why I started DubC Dog Portraits, and with October being National Pit Bull Awareness Month, it’s only fitting that our sweet girl leads the way.

Rescued by The Philly Bully Team

Sylvia came to us through The Philly Bully Team, who had rescued this sweet mama, an overbred bait dog, from New York City. She arrived at the rescue raw with wounds and injuries that would require multiple eye and ear canal reconstruction surgeries, and raised questions about whether she could be saved.

Our family agreed to foster, comfort, and care for her through recovery. At the time, we thought we were giving her a safe place to heal before she found a permanent home.

That didn’t go quite as planned.

Multiple Surgeries, and a Lot of People Who Cared

The Philly Bully Team, with the doctors and staff at University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Hospital were there for Sylvia throughout her surgeries and recovery. Their hearts are huge, and we couldn’t have asked for better care and guidance.

There were multiple trips back and forth to the hospital, appointments, and recoveries. The Philly Bully Team’s commitment to her never stopped. We saw firsthand how much care, time, and support it takes to save a dog with serious medical needs.

We’re grateful to everyone who helped Sylvia get through it.

How Our Foster Dog Became Our Sylvia

At home, we got to know Sylvia beyond her medical needs. Even while she was healing, she had so much affection to give. We made room for her appointments, her recovery, and all the little ways she became part of our daily lives.

Somewhere along the way, “this foster dog” became our Sylvia.

We foster failed. Happily.

We adopted the most loving lump of love, and I can’t imagine our family without her. She’s especially good at nestling in, laying ALL of her weight on you, and making it clear that neither of you is going anywhere.

Why I Started DubC Dog Portraits

Sylvia’s story, her resilience, and The Philly Bully Team’s determination to save her are the reasons I launched DubC Dog Portraits.

I’ve spent my almost 30-year photography career creating emotional and engaging portraits of people. Photographing dogs and other pets gives me that same opportunity to connect with a subject and find the expressions and moments that make them who they are.

Every dog has a personality, a history, and people who love them deeply. Some, like Sylvia, also have a rescue team behind them whose work deserves to be seen and supported.

Here in West Chester, Pennsylvania, I create fine-art dog portraits for families to enjoy as physical artwork in their homes. I want those familiar expressions, funny habits, and much-loved faces to have a place on your walls.

I also wanted DubC to help the dogs still waiting for their people. A portion of each session goes back to local rescue and foster efforts, supporting the care that made Sylvia’s life with us possible.

Sharing the Stories Behind the Portraits

Through DubC Dog Chronicles, I’ll share the stories of rescue dogs I photograph and the connection they’ve brought to the people who welcome them home. I hope you’ll also get to know more of the rescue groups working every day to help these dogs.

Sylvia got through her surgeries with care from many, many people. We were lucky enough to be the family that brought her home for good. She has repaid us many times over, usually by invading personal space by snuggling close, the continuous belly rubs, and endless tugging play.

This first Chronicle is for Sylvia and The Philly Bully Team. We can’t thank you enough for connecting us and trusting us with her.

Follow Along, Support Rescue, and Celebrate Your Best Friend

Follow or subscribe to this blog, and share these stories to help more rescue dogs get seen. If you’re ready for a new best friend, please consider adopting through The Philly Bully Team or another local rescue.

You can also help by supporting The Philly Bully Team and the care they provide.

If you’d like a portrait of the best friend already by your side, reach out to schedule a DubC Dog Portrait consultation. I’d love to learn more about them, your connection, and create something special for your home.

#adoptdontshop #dubcdogchronicles #rescuedogstory #pitbullawarenessmonth

Pit Bull Awareness Month, Pit Bull Rescue, Rescue Dogs, Dog Adoption, Foster Dogs, West Chester PA, Chester County PA, DubC Dog Portraits, Dog Photography, Sylvia

Roman Coia

Roman Coia is a professional photographer based in West Chester, specializing in engaging portraits, professional headshots, and detailed imagery for science and technology products. For nearly three decades, he has worked with individuals, teams, and innovative companies who value photography that reflects both personality and purpose.

Roman is known for creating a comfortable, guided experience that helps people look natural, confident, and approachable in front of the camera. His work with corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, attorneys, medical professionals, and technology brands is grounded in connection, not just the image itself.

He is also the creator of DubC Dog Portraits, a luxury dog portrait line dedicated to producing iconic artwork for the home while supporting local rescue and foster organizations.

http://www.romancoia.com