MIRA - ADOPTION IN PROGRESS

Female | 3 months old | Medium energy | Limited interactions with dogs & kids | Hasn’t met cats | From Manitoba | Fostered in Toronto | Smart, sweet & playful

It’s time for her golden moment to shine - meet MIRA! ✨ The final member of our HUNTR/X trio has arrived and she’s ready for battle… I mean, *her furever home*.

Winning fans over with her irresistible puppy eyes and enough charm to earn herself an overnight fan club, this popstar is ready to make her stage debut 💅. MIRA might need a little work on her choreography, so watch out for those paws! But she loves saying hi to everyone — with time, patience, and continued guidance for introductions, we know she’ll have you falling head over heels in love.

Even though she’s only 3 months young, MIRA figured out the elevator to potty-break mission like that 🫰 and has been settling into her crate even quicker than when she first arrived in care. She’s got a sharp mind, easily adapting to the routine and settling beside her foster mom when it’s time to work. When MIRA’s happy she shows off by leaning into you for a little hug, wagging her tail the whole time.

While she hasn’t met cats, MIRA will sometimes stop, or pull to investigate and chase birds, bugs, critters, or ‘demons’ she might spot on her walks — what can we say, she’s a Huntrix! She’ll sometimes insist on trying to say hi to the other dogs, but giving her space and facilitating slow greetings will do wonders with this sweet girl. We imagine MIRA would also love the company of a respectful BFF (best-fur-friend) to run and play with as well.

The next adventure for our rookie heroine? Finding her perfect furever home. And spoiler alert: it turns out the greatest force against darkness... is actually love, but thankfully MIRA has more than plenty of that to give.

Interested in adopting this sweetheart scruff? 💖 Submit a questionnaire below!

ALFREDO

Male | 3.5 years old | 48 pounds | Medium-high energy | Friendly with dogs | Hasn’t met cats or kids | From Mexico | Fostered in Toronto | Happy-go-lucky | Sweet

Someone once said that life is a combination of magic and pasta. As a fellow carb connoisseur and pasta fiend (some may say… pastaphile), this is straight-up facts.

Now, today we’re dishing out all the delicious details about a certain, shall we say, scrumpdiddlyumptious scruff. Allow us to present ALFREDO. We know you’ve already feasted your eyes on his photos, so let’s get into the secret sauce of what makes this scruff his irresistible self. 

ALFREDO here brings a lot to the table. He’s an extrovert where socializing is concerned, and is friendly with anyone and everyone. In fact, if he comes across someone who isn’t in the mood to say hi, well, he can’t relate. Honestly, he’s just hoping you’ll indulge him in a pat or two.

When it comes to training, you won’t be starting from scratch with ALFREDO. His foster fam gave him a glowing review on his ability to pick up on patterns, meaning that if you introduce a routine, expect him to nail it. This scruff is curious about his environment. So much so, actually, that he’s become an acclaimed counter surfer. He’s working on this, you understand.

Older, dog-savvy kids who understand dogs’ boundaries could be the recipe for success in this particular scenario. Know that ALFREDO, while dreamy, also tends to jump when excited. So there’s that. He bonds with people easily and is high-key hoping you like to snuggle. If you have a backyard, well, that’d be a slice of heaven for him.

Apply to adopt.

ZAPOTE

Male | 1 year old | 33 pounds | Medium energy | Dog-friendly | Has met kids | Hasn’t met cats | From Mexico | Fostered in Toronto | Happy-go-lucky cuddlebug

The fruit version might be compared to chocolate pudding or pumpkin pie, but we guarantee he’s even sweeter — it’s ZAPOTE!

Settling into his first real home in foster care, this loving scruff is proving to be a quick learner. ZAPOTE has already mastered the elevator, is gaining confidence around loud noises and his routine, and is ripening into a wonderful walking buddy (even if he occasionally stops to taste-test the vegetation along the way).

Like many scruffs adjusting to a brand-new life, ZAPOTE is still learning to feel comfortable on his own, but he’s making great progress and is even practicing his ‘place’ cue. At night he only needs a few hugs and pets before bed and he’ll sleep like an angel. Currently, ZAPOTE spends a couple of workdays home alone each week, so he’ll need continued support as he works toward a full 9-5 routine.

Sweet as pie ZAPOTE also loves pretty much any dog he meets, and a confident canine companion would likely become his build-in best friend. He shows very little prey-drive, if any, so with slow introductions, we think ZAPOTE could also happily share his home with a feline friend.

ZAPOTE has also met a few kids, and while he can get a bit excited and forget to keep his paws on the floor, he seems genuinely happy to meet everyone he encounters. Dog-savvy kiddos who understand he’s still young would be his best match.

He’s a surprisingly athletic guy, too! If someone were to introduce ZAPOTE to dock-diving one day, his foster dad thinks he’d be a pro.

It might not be a coincidence that Black Dog Appreciation Month falls in the same season as pumpkin pie 🥧 Sweet ZAPOTE is ready to be picked by his forever family. Could that be you? 🖤 Submit the questionnaire below!

ZOEY - ADOPTION IN PROGRESS

Female | 3 months old | Medium energy | Enjoyed meeting older kids | Hasn’t met cats | Limited exposure to dogs | From Manitoba | Fostered in Toronto | Sweet, playful & learning lots

If you have ever heard us talking about a sweet, smart, and playful rescue pup, well, chances are good we were talking about ZOEY! A scruff who loves people just as much as they love her, ZOEY is as lovely as they get. She has learned a lot since being in SOS care, which we’ll tell you more about in a sec, and has also grown in energy, exhibiting comfort in her current living situation. Truly love that for her!

Life with a pup is a lot of things. It’s challenging. It’s rewarding. It’s a surefire way to fall in love. And fall in love with ZOEY, you will! She’s smart, like for real. She responds to sit, lie down, stay, AND come. That’s pretty good for a three-month-old! ZOEY knows how to be gentle when playing, which, for a young scruff, is saying a lot, and will likely serve her well if and when she meets more kids. It’s crate training that’s perhaps the trickier piece. She’ll use her crate, sure, but like, when treats are thrown in there first. Obviously.

Sometimes ZOEY gets a little over-excited when meeting people for the first time. Accidents happen, right? So, she’s almost house-trained. Almost. This pup has shown that she learns how to anticipate a routine once she gets the hang of a typical day with you. She enjoys spending time working on her chew toys, playing catch and generally being outside. She was excited to have the chance to meet another dog, though she has yet to find a scruff pal that’s just as interested in playing as she is.

What else should you know about her? Thunderstorms make her nervous. Belly rubs are appreciated. Her foster family loves having her in their home, and we just know you will too! Apply to adopt ZOEY.

SKIPPER

Male | 3 months old | Medium-low energy | Has had short interactions with kids outside | Limited interactions with dogs | Hasn’t met cats | From Manitoba | Fostered in Toronto | A sweet, old soul!

With his confidence growing on the daily, every new interaction is helping him become his most social self. Meet scruff SKIPPER! Arguably the best cuddler of all time, SKIPPER is, in fact, his happiest when with his humans. Honestly, we can’t blame him.

Described by his foster parent as a natural on leash, SKIPPER still continues to learn all the ins and outs of what it means to be a dog. At three months old, he’s doing well with learning house training and having a human(s) by his side to continue teaching him basic commands as well as some cool new tricks here and there is what he’s looking for. That’s in addition to providing love and care, of course!

After an initial introduction to new people (note that he may be a bit shy at first!), SKIPPER shows off just how friendly he naturally is. He’s curious about people and excited to make new friends. Having come across some other dogs while outside on walks, SKIPPER is starting to show more curiosity towards them as well. He might even enjoy living with another scruff in the home who can match his playful energy as well as show him the ropes.

As a pup who’s growing and learning more and more every day, SKIPPER is looking for a furever family that’s committed to his training and excited to make him an integral part of their lives. Establishing (and maintaining!) boundaries will also be necessary with such a young scruff, but know that training can and should be fun too! We’d love for you to apply to adopt if this feels like the right fit. SKIPPER would love to meet you!

MANOLO

Male | 1 year old | 35 pounds | Medium energy | Living with a dog | Hasn’t met kids | Hasn’t met cats | From Mexico | Fostered in Bracebridge | Happy, curious puppy-face

Appropriately named for his love of shoes, it’s MANOLO! 👠👟🥾 With the most adorable little face, we have a feeling this guy might look like a puppy forever. 🐶

Still a young pup himself, MANOLO is full of energy and curiosity, but learning when it’s best to relax. When he first arrived, he would follow his foster parents around the house constantly. Now, he still likes to check in, but he’s also happy to keep himself busy with toys or shoes (did we mention he loves shoes 🙃).

Once you've earned his trust, MANOLO is an incredibly devoted companion. He loves being close to his favourite people and would happily spend every evening curled up beside you. (While couches remain off-limits for now, we're fairly certain he'd love to negotiate that rule.)

MANOLO is still building confidence in the world around him. New people can make him nervous, especially indoors, so proper introductions are essential. For this reason, we do not feel he would be comfy in a home with children. Loud noises and passing vehicles can also be startling, so leash walks remain a work in progress, but he loves quiet trail walks where he can sniff to his heart’s content!

MANOLO has been mostly indifferent to other dogs, preferring human companionship over canine play. He would do well in a home with another respectful dog, but he would also thrive as the star of the show. He hasn't been introduced to cats yet, but he has not shown any signs of prey drive, and we believe he would do well in a home with feline friends.

When he's feeling comfortable, MANOLO loves running and playing in the yard. He knows that bathroom business happens outside and has not had a single accident in his foster home. Gold star, MANOLO! 🌟

MANOLO’s looking for a patient, understanding home that will continue to help build his confidence. Ready to have this guy steal your heart? (and sneakers!) Apply to adopt!

WREN - ADOPTION IN PROGRESS

Female | 1 year old | 35 pounds | Low-Medium energy | Limited interactions with dogs | Hasn’t met kids or cats | From Mexico | Fostered in Toronto | A shy, affectionate girl

Sporting a polka-dot-dipped tail & sweet speckled socks, she might be your sole-mate — meet WREN!

Since arriving in Toronto from Mexico, this shy girl has been slowly coming out of her shell to show just how sweet she is. Once she’s completely comfortable (and she settled into home life quickly) you can often find WREN snoozing on her back with her paws up in the air. Showing off her independent side already as well, she might roll over or pop her head up if you leave the room, but she’s perfectly content to wait for your return before greeting you with the happiest tail wags and kisses.

Smartie-pants WREN mastered the elevator and timing her potty breaks within a day or two, and she’s learning other scruffs are fun to see out in the wild. Living in a high-dog-traffic area, she can sometimes freeze or be timid when spotting bigger dogs outside, but with confidence from her handler, and treats when she quickly disengages, WREN has been becoming much more comfortable sharing their space.

With humans, she would prefer if you let her come to you. Pretend she’s not there, maybe have a little cheese nearby, and soon enough WREN will be ready to be your best friend. She’ll be asking for scritches on her ears and fancy tuxedo chest and happily falling asleep near the action. Everyone who meets her says, “she is the cutest and sweetest girl” 💖

Fun fact: the magic ingredient with this girl is cheese 🧀✨ (try peanut butter and you could be frenemies, at best).

Ready to give WREN the love, patience and comfort she needs to keep growing her confidence? The reward is a lifetime of snuggles. Apply to adopt WREN!

RAE

Female | 4 months old | 15 pounds & growing! | Puppy energy | Playful with dogs | Has met older kids | Has met two cats | Fostered in Etobicoke | A sweet, quick learner | Playful & affectionate

With the most amount of love to give, we know it’s about time we introduced you to RAE. She’s as playful as scruffs get, and we’re 100% certain that she’ll show off just how many toys she can play with at any one time once in your company! It’s actually impressive.

Puppy stage is in full swing with RAE! If you’re a first-time dog owner, this will be a learning curve, but a fun one, no doubt! We’re sure you can imagine that as a pup who’s learning and growing (and all the things!), that she’ll need continued training in her furever home. What’s one thing that’s gone even better than expected thus far? Crate training! She uses that as her space to rest.

If you couldn’t tell, RAE over here is a quick learner. She knows how to sit and has also been working diligently on house training. With her foster family, she’s working on minimizing her tugging during walks. Speaking of, this pup enjoys going for a few walks a day, and is just as happy if they vary in length. She’s met dogs in her neighbourhood, and is always eager to play nicely with them.

Now that we’re on the subject of meeting new friends, RAE can be timid when meeting new people. Upon meeting someone a second or third time, she’ll absolutely take a liking to you. Third time’s a charm, and all that! Treats help. Just keep an eye out for any nipping, especially if and when she meets younger kids. With her playful and affectionate nature, she has done well meeting older kids so far.

Apply to adopt RAE.

SHIZI

Male | 6.5 years old | 30 pounds | Low energy | Limited exposure to dogs and kids | Hasn’t met cats | From Mexico | Fostered in Toronto | Sweet as can be & affectionate | Gentle & building confidence

Quietly taking in his brand new Canadian life, meet SHIZI! This sweet tri-pawed guy made the journey all the way from Mexico and has been taking everything in at his own pace. His approach to new experiences involves quietly observing the world around him while he decides exactly how he feels about it.

SHIZI was reserved when he first arrived in foster care, but we're already seeing a more relaxed and playful scruff emerge. Once he's comfortable, his quiet exterior gives way to full-body wags, kisses, and a definite appreciation for a good pat (treats are also enthusiastically accepted). 

He's house-trained, settles well overnight, and is comfortable with some alone time using his crate. He may not know what all these toys are about just yet (a Kong? Suspicious.), but give him a towel rolled up with hidden treats, and suddenly he's got a game worth playing.

Where SHIZI really comes alive is outside. This nature-loving guy is always ready for another neighbourhood adventure, even if he just came home from one. He loves taking his time to sniff through the greenery, investigate his surroundings, and conduct quality control on every patch of grass he encounters. As a three-legged scruff, a few manageable walks throughout the day give him plenty of opportunity to explore without overdoing it.

SHIZI handles the sights and sounds of city life surprisingly well, including busy sidewalks and traffic. New people and dogs are something he'd rather approach at his own pace. He's reserved yet polite. A family willing to give him time and space to build trust will help his confidence continue to grow! Apply to adopt.

TAMAR - ADOPTION IN PROGRESS

Female | 6 months old | 35 pounds & growing | Medium energy | Dog friendly | Has met some kids | Hasn’t met cats | From Mexico | Fostered in Toronto | Smart, curious & cute

Inheriting her name from a special & important ingredient in candy, it’s TAMAR! Tamarind is often used in Mexican candy for the sweet, sour and spicy effect, but it’s confirmed, TAMAR is 100% pure sweetness.

Taking life’s adventures one paw at a time, she’s been curiously observing the big world around her. Fostered in the city, she is unfazed by the hustle and bustle, and excited to meet both new people and scruffs on her walks to the park. Her foster mom says she simply seems, “motivated by the adventure of life.” 💖

While TAMAR is still a puppy and learning the few last pieces of her new routine, she has made lots of progress in her training. She will still need some support growing her confidence going potty outside, but she’s a smart cookie learning sit in just one quick training session, has been amazing in her crate, and even mastered stairs like a pro!

At a recent weekend away at the sitters, TAMAR got to spend time playing (and also cuddling) with a fur friend (pictures for evidence 🤫). She truly loves every kind of companionship, so while she’s had limited interactions with kids and hasn’t met cats, with slow introductions and a little patience we know this excited, happy girl could easily settle right in.

TAMAR would likely love the family life, or even being her human's #1 BFF, but one things for sure, her happy place is cuddling next to you after a fun day of adventure. One look into her beautiful green eyes, and you just can’t help but fall in love forever.

Want to give this sweet puppy girl her cozy, dream home? Apply to adopt!

BRUNO

Male | 10 years old | 66 pounds | Medium energy | Best as a solo dog for now and with dog-savvy kids | Hasn’t met cats | From Hamilton | Fostered in Toronto | Affectionate & chill

Giving the loveliest chill senior scruff vibes, we’re pleased to introduce you to BRUNO. At ten years old, BRUNO is in his senior years with the cool, calm, and collected nature to show for it.

Right off the bat, we (and BRUNO!) would like his potential adopter(s) to know that BRUNO is busy enjoying life, even with early stage chronic kidney disease (CKD). This means his kidneys aren’t working as efficiently. This was diagnosed early, and with proper nutrition, vet checkups and monitoring, this lifelong condition can continue to be well-managed.

This scruff’s ideal day involves spending a good chunk of time with his humans. It might just be his favourite thing! Bonus points if they are eager to give him a nice head scratch. Of course, he’s learning boundaries and is working on his independence when his people are busy with work or other such activities.

A day in his life involves a few medium-sized walks throughout the day, about 30 minutes each. We love how confident a walker he is, though this confidence does result in some pulling here and there! He’s working on it. BRUNO and his foster family also work through short daily training sessions. Both recall and crate training are a work in progress.

In a future home, BRUNO is the kind of scruff who would likely be his most comfortable self as the only dog, at least for now. He’s shown some reactivity towards both small and large dogs when outside, which typically presents as whining and pacing. Having a confident leader by his side to help guide him in these scenarios will ensure he continues to progress in this area.

Friendly with adults, it’s likely BRUNO will walk right up to you for a sniff and some affection! When it comes to kids, he’s mostly indifferent, though he’s fine to have them approach him. 

Think he’s the one for you? Think you’re the one(s) for him? Apply to adopt!

RUBY

Female | 3 years old | 50 pounds | High energy | Has met kids | Friendly with dogs | No cats please | From Ontario | Fostered in Waterloo | Silly, smart & eager to learn

Right from the start, who stole our hearts? RUBY, it’s you 🎶 Mama RUBY is out of the shelter and ready for a home to provide her with love, structure, and lots of activity to continue blossoming into the sweet and silly girl she truly is.

While RUBY was shy with strangers, especially men, she initially just needed slow introductions, patience, and her safe space to decompress. She is fully crate-trained so after a good cozy nap in there, she was instantly ready to befriend both her foster mom and dad at the very same time. Recently, RUBY has even become more trusting, and quick to show off her most goofy and affectionate side when making brand new friends!

Being part Belgian Malinois, RUBY is happiest when she is out exploring, staying active, and following a consistent routine. Her days currently start with a full hour of exercise, often a jog alongside the bike, followed by a long structured walk. At lunch she has a slightly shorter outing, often paired with some training and playtime. In the evenings, RUBY goes for one more good long walk or even a hike with the foster pack, and then some fun play before bedtime.

She also might be part fish, because this girl LOVES to swim! In heatwaves, find RUBY happily splashing around on a long line, playing fetch in the water. After a full day of activity and designated rest, RUBY enjoys curling up near her humans and rolling onto her back with that goofy grin to let you know when she’s ready for belly scritches!

She also loves other dogs… a little too much at times! RUBY is still discovering how to be a dog herself, and at first that excitement turned into accidental bulldozing. The best part? She’s been very responsive to feedback and has learned that good manners leads to more playtime or simply just hanging out with her fur friends.

Think you’ve got the adventurous life RUBY’s been patiently wiggling for? Apply to adopt!

TRINEO - ADOPTION IN PROGRESS

Male | 1 year old | 53 pounds | Medium energy | Has met older kids | Dog-social, would make for a great second dog! | Hasn’t met cats | From Mexico | Fostered in Mississauga | Happy-go-lucky | Growing more confident everyday

This right here is TRINEO! With a healthy amount of curiosity, TRINEO has been getting to know his surroundings after making the big move from Mexico to Canada. With his foster fam by his side, his hippy-happy personality has started to shine, and he’s shown even more confidence when meeting new people. He’ll go right up to potential new friends just to say hi!

TRINEO’s typical day involves a few walks, which typically range from 15-20 minutes each. Being the quick learner that he is, he’s easily picked up walking on a leash (and house training for that matter!). Not only that, but he’s also been enjoying going on longer walking routes to see more of his neighbourhood.

Since his big move, TRINEO has shown us just how much he thrives with another dog by his side. He’s going to make for an excellent second dog for a family that already has a resident scruff of their own! Of course, every now and again, he can still be hesitant, though that’s where patience and a consistent routine will come in handy.

Some of the things that TRINEO likes most include curling up with a good chew toy, lounging on his bed, and dancing in the rain (lol). Once he gets comfortable with people, he also likes receiving affection.

Apply to adopt!

MILEY

Female | 1 year old | 80 pounds | Medium energy | Kids 16+ only | Friendly with dogs & cats | From Ontario | Fostered in Sharon | Affectionate, smart & goofy

Meet MILEY. At one year old, MILEY is a young and playful scruff looking for a forever home that’s just as loving as they are coachable! MILEY is likely to grow into a large guardian breed dog and, as such, needs a confident human looking to grow and learn alongside her with continued training.

Some of MILEY’s favourite things include playing outside, going for long walks (and hikes if you’re up for it!), and exploring nature to her heart’s content. She’s got a mild interest in small animals, but only ever gives them a half-hearted chase. After a day of play and outdoor time, you’ll find that MILEY does well with decompressing in her crate and is just as content practicing the place command. She’s well-trained, this scruff, and it’s that kind of structured day where she has time to practice skills that will have her progressing even more in a new home.

Before coming into SOS care, MILEY was living in a shelter environment, with few opportunities to work on her socialization skills and interactions with people. This led to bite incidents where this scruff acted defensively. Routine, patience, and structure, combined with gentle socialization and handling, will set her up for continued success going forward (just like it already has done!).

While MILEY doesn’t necessarily want strangers going up and petting her, she’s become more trusting and is affectionate and loving with those she trusts. Her interactions with people have progressed, and she’s recently started befriending kids during monitored interactions! While this scruff has yet to experience city living, we expect that with a little time and patience, she’d do just fine.

If you’re someone who’s looking forward to continuing this scruff’s training, then you might be the one for her! Apply to adopt!

NANDO - PENDING ADOPTION

Male | 10 years old | 22 pounds | Low energy | Has previously met dogs | Good solo dog | Has met older kids | Hasn’t met cats | From Mexico | Curious & sweet

He’s legendary. He’s got heart. He’s NANDO. Bringing the heat, or, rather, the affection when you need it most, NANDO is as loyal as they come. Some even consider him a Velcro dog :) You’ll soon find that all this scruff wants is to be with his people, which, in our books, is the best kind of soul-soothing comfort out there. Feel free to give him ALL the tummy rubs. 

NANDO is big on Netflix and napping, but, while he may be a senior, he’s got a sweet puppy-like energy to him with some goofball tendencies. Some of his fav pastimes include using his nose to sniff all the smells and playing hide and seek during a midday burst of energy. Then, of course, it’s back to his nap schedule.

Being a little shy in new situations, it’s your confident, calm guidance that will have him catching on quickly to what he needs to learn in your care! While he warms up to people fairly quickly giving kisses right off the bat, it can take him more time to get comfortable with males. With you advocating for him, he’ll quickly learn to trust you’re setting him up for success. He’s likely to do well in a calm, quiet home where his people are home more often than not.

Just like the first bite of that perfectly grilled peri-peri chicken, this scruff will add a burst of joy to your everyday life. Apply to adopt NANDO today. It’s a wing-wing situation after all!

Copy of BELLA

BELLA

Female | 6.5 years | 60lbs Hound mix | Low energy

About me

Needs proper intros | Good second dog | Good exposure to dogs and children | Not cat tested | Currently training with a prong collar

A Day in the Life

I love going for walks with my hooman, we go for 3 walks a day for 1 hour each. While my hooman is at work, I relax and nap in my crate. I love it!

Fun Facts

I am from mexico, I love hanging out with kids, and cats kinda make me a little too excited.

Skills & Qualities

Cuddling

Leash Walking

Crate Training

Copy of BELLA 2

BELLA

Female | 6.5 years | 60lbs Hound mix | Low energy

About me

Needs proper intros | Good second dog | Good exposure to dogs and children | Not cat tested | Currently training with a prong collar

A Day in the Life

I love going for walks with my hooman, we go for 3 walks a day for 1 hour each. While my hooman is at work, I relax and nap in my crate. I love it!

Fun Facts

I am from mexico, I love hanging out with kids, and cats kinda make me a little too excited.

Skills & Qualities

Cuddling

Leash Walking

Crate Training