GUMBY

Male | 11.5 months old | Medium energy | Good second dog | Hasn’t met kids or cats | From Hamilton | Fostered in Toronto | Affectionate, happy-go-lucky and  a bit of a smarty-pants

He might not be a blocky green humanoid made of clay, but he very well could be your confident canine companion. This right here is GUMBY.

With his medium energy level, GUMBY is both a social and rambunctious young scruff, who will thrive in a home where action and adventure are more common than not. Wherever he goes, you’ll find him making new human friends, which is always something that has him doing his seriously cute full body wiggles. Just you wait and see!

His foster family have found that a consistent, active routine keeps him physically and mentally engaged. His day typically involves 2-3 walks and, of course, some time for play and training. He’s a fan of puzzle feeders and enrichment toys and has been picking up house rules rather quickly. GUMBY is a good listener, which enables him to easily pick up verbal commands. He’s already nailed place, sit, and down and is comfortable using his crate. Want to know something we’re especially impressed by? GUMBY’s patience as he waits for his people to open the door to his crate.

Right now, GUMBY is busy working on his leash manners and learning not to jump. The latter means that his interactions with little ones should be monitored in the event that he gets overly excited. When it comes to adult humans, this scruff loves to cuddle. That said, don’t get it twisted - he’s not clingy! GUMBY enjoys the company of living with another dog with a similar play style and these two are often found napping next to each other. Lately he’s been showing more interest in meeting other dogs as well, which you might notice as he’s inclined to pull towards them on walks. 

Think you might like to bring this happy-go-lucky guy into your life? Apply to adopt!

RIGBY

Male | 11.5 weeks old | Medium energy | Likely good with kids | Limited interactions with cats | Lives with a dog | From Manitoba | Fostered in East Gwillimbury | Playful, cuddly & sweet

RIGBY. A little guy who has stolen the hearts of SO many already and he’s only 11 weeks old! Wanting nothing more to hang out with you, sure RIGBY likes his fur friends, and likes his people even more! So, if you’re looking for a loyal companion, RIGBY might just be the one.

RIGBY has been busy gaining confidence in SOS care and has become more brave, showing off his playfulness in the company of his foster’s dog. Playing outside with her is one of his fav activities. While he has an independent side, we still think he’d love living with another dog going forward, as long as they can tolerate his puppy tendencies!

On the whole, RIGBY is likely to thrive as part of an active family that encourages his love for play and running. It’s also important that they’re keen on furthering his training as he still has much to learn. RIGBY is comfortable in the car, has learned commands including come and sit, is continuing to work on place, and, of course, is new to leash walking and tends to crisscross lots. You’ll be pleased to know that he’s progressed with his crate training, though you might occasionally experience the (not so subtle) sounds of him missing you in the night. What can we say, he’s still young!

This playful pup finds a lot of joy in bringing alllll of his toys to one spot before plunking himself down for some independent play. He can often be found chasing his fur friends or a toy when he’s not busy bouncing around in the snow. He loves snagging a good shoe or slipper too, so watch out! Another thing to keep an eye on is his puppy teeth and any nipping, particularly if he’s to meet any kids. One thing humans of all ages can look forward to when it comes to life with this scruff is his love for a good snuggle! He’s a fan.

Think you’d like to bring this pup into your life? Apply to adopt.

ESCARCHA

Female | 6 months old | ~37 pounds | Medium energy | Limited dog exposure | Not cat tested | From Mexico | Fostered near Hamilton | Very shy, sweet & sensitive (fearful of men)

Meet ESCARCHA! Found on the streets with her litter before entering shelter life, ESCARCHA is slowly settling into her foster home and learning the world can be a safe place. Her foster mom calls her an “old soul,” and it fits. She’s gentle, observant, and happiest near her (female) person.

She’s closest to her foster mom and ESCARCHA will lay at her feet, follow her around, or go for snuggles. Men, loud noises, or seeing/hearing things that are new to her are a different story and ESCARCHA can be very fearful of them, usually by retreating and sometimes barking. Given a lot of patience, ESCARCHA has become comfy around the two male kiddos at home (ages 8 & 11) so she could learn to settle in a home with older or dog-savvy kids. Her foster dad and any males she meets are still very much a work in progress. With time she has been accepting some food and attention from him, but she often still barks at her foster dad when he enters the room.

ESCARCHA is super smart, food-motivated, curious, and her puppy energy is now shining through with tons of playing, gentle mouthing in play and zoomies. She’s a great crate sleeper, is potty trained, and adores her backyard romps. As she has become more bold on the leash, her interest in squirrels has also increased, which is where redirection comes in handy.

ESCARCHA doesn’t love long stretches alone and would do well in a home where one or more family members have a more flexible schedule to help her settle into her routine and continue her training. Her coat is also prone to tangles, so regular brushing, or even professional grooming, will likely be needed.

Think you’ve got the gentleness and patience to match our girl ESCARCHA? Apply to adopt!

ROMEO

Male | 6 years old | 30 pounds | Medium energy | Good second dog | Hasn’t met kids or cats | From Ontario | Fostered in Waterloo | Timid, but spunky & sweet

Meet ROMEO - like his namesake, this gentleman is ready to steal your heart! ROMEO has shown so much growth and progress since first arriving in foster care. Having never been on leash before, ROMEO is now really enjoying his walks and is absolutely excelling at loose-leash walking.

Since everything is new to this sweet boy, ROMEO can be nervous and cautious when adapting to new environments and when getting to know new people. He might initially be shy and tuck his tail, or look to his crate for a retreat, but ROMEO is warming up to things on his own time. He’s courageously learning new skills, including staircases. Going up is a breeze now, going down is another story, literally, but he’s proud to say he no longer needs a lift.

A note from his foster mom: “I love his courage! You can tell that he is really embodying the idea of doing something anyways even when he is scared.”

While ROMEO hasn’t been introduced to kids or cats yet, he would likely bond with dog savvy kids and/or cats with good boundary setting. His foster family has noticed he loves having their scruff around, and having a fur-sibling is definitely helping ROMEO’s confidence grow. This lover boy follows her around, looks to her for guidance, and is even starting to initiate playtime. Can you guess his fave game? - Chase me 😉 ROMEO loves to play keep-away.

ROMEO recently went for a full grooming because his fur was so matted and dirty there was no chance of him getting a true fresh start without a real haircut. Swipe for after photos of his trim - but don’t worry, it’ll fully grow back! With his coat he’ll likely need regular grooming appointments and brushing so he never gets to that point again.

Wherefore art thou Romeo’s adopters… no sorry, scratch that… Ready for to give this spunky little lover boy his furever home? Apply to adopt ROMEO!

PIPPI - REVIEWING APPS

Female | 2 years old | 14 pounds | Medium energy | Good second dog | Hasn’t met kids or cats | From Ontario | Fostered in Mississauga | Cautious, shy, & cuddly, with a touch of sweet zoomies

Meet PIPPI! Drawing more of a quiet strength from miss Longstocking, the self-proclaimed strongest girl in the world, scruff PIPPI is slowly coming out of her shell and courageously experiencing the world for the first time.

When PIPPI arrived in foster care, her crate was her safe space and this cautious girl would often quickly retreat to keep an eye on everyone from a safe distance. Now PIPPI bravely explores her new home, and is warming up to her new foster family by even snuggling up to them. She’s also started to play with her toys, trying to figure out tug-a-war with her foster fur-sibling, and is also attempting to play for the first time with humans. PIPPI’s still shy around people, especially strangers, but with slow introductions once she feels safe she settles right in.

While PIPPI is great to sleep in her crate at night and nap during the day, being left alone is still a challenge for her and she might whine and need support settling. Someone with a bit of flexibility to help PIPPI adapt to a new routine would be beneficial till she learns how to handle being on her own. PIPPI does love a good lick mat or puzzle, so keeping her entertained with enrichment activities would also help with a busier schedule.

Starting to love her walk time, PIPPI is currently going out three times a day, though loud noises and sudden movements still scare her. PIPPI also doesn’t love the snow… she tolerates it, but she does love a good run around in the backyard. This golden girl is so full of sunshine that waking up, meal-times and walkies fill PIPPI with such joy that she’ll do sweet little zoomies all around the house multiple times a day and return to her foster parents to play.

Ready to be the steady support this shy girl needs to shine? Apply to adopt PIPPI!

ROSE

Female | 1 year | 12 pounds | Low energy | Living with a kid, cat & dog | From Ontario | Fostered in Hamilton | Sweet, funny & adorable

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet 🌹 Meet ROSE! Formerly known as Star, this girl is stepping into a brand new chapter with a new name to match her sweetness. 

ROSE’s story may have started out more like a tragedy with no walks, human affection or any real chance to be a puppy, but with some gentle time to settle into foster care ROSE is showing off her comedic side. She’s initiating solo play with her stuffies and toys for the first time, getting into some light puppy mischief like sock and toilet paper roll thievery, but most of all, finding out she really LOVES love. 

While still shy around strangers, ROSE is opening up to her trusted circle for belly rubs, face massages, and all the cuddles. She even adores snuggling with her scruff sibling, who’s quite a bit bigger than her! She’s had limited interaction with the kitty she’s currently living with, but as long as her pals are respectful of her size they should make good friends. 

Princess treatment is a must for this girl, and ROSE is receiving support up & down stairs. Otherwise she’ll contently follow from room to room to keep you company and nap beside you should your hand just happen to feel like grazing her tummy. 

ROSE is also an angel in her crate, sleeping all night and on the days her foster family has to go into work, only whining softly if she needs a bathroom break and learning that entirely from scratch as well! She still has the odd accident, but she’s making good progress learning her new routine. Initially even afraid to come out of her crate and put on her leash, she now bravely makes it all the way around the block for her daily walks and she loves to explore the backyard.

Ready to give this blossoming adventurer the storybook home she deserves? Apply to adopt ROSE! 

CRYSTAL

Female | 3 years old | 37 pounds | Medium energy | Hasn’t met kids | No cats, please! Shows prey drive | Limited exposure to dogs | From Mexico | Fostered in Toronto | Shy, affectionate & sweet

Meet CRYSTAL 💫 This gem is a deeply affectionate, gentle soul who forms an incredibly strong bond with her person. CRYSTAL is happiest curled up beside you on the couch, soaking in cuddles, or quietly keeping you company throughout the day. Once she trusts you, her loving and devoted nature shines through in everything she does.

CRYSTAL thrives in a calm, quiet environment and has settled beautifully into her foster home routine. She sleeps soundly through the night, enjoys her daily walks, and loves a balance of activity and long, cozy naps. She has a playful side too, especially during her zoomie moments, and enjoys enrichment and one-on-one time with her human.

CRYSTAL can be shy and sensitive in new situations and is still building confidence when out in the world. She would do best with a patient adopter who understands that trust takes time and is willing to support her continued growth through gentle guidance and positive reinforcement. She feels most comfortable in a peaceful home and would be happiest as the only pet, without cats or small animals. A home outside of the city and without children - or with older, respectful, dog-savvy children - would be the best fit.

CRYSTAL doesn’t need a busy or highly active lifestyle to thrive - what she truly wants is a loving, consistent home where she can feel safe, secure, and deeply connected to her person. In return, CRYSTAL will give her adopter unwavering loyalty, endless affection, and a truly special bond.

Think you have what it takes to be this loving gem’s whole heart 🩵 Apply to adopt!

RENNIE

Male | 6 months old | 50 pounds | Medium energy | Good second dog | Previously met cats, playful | From Manitoba | Fostered in Toronto | Playful & goofy | Quick learner

Ready to meet your new partner in crime? His name is RENNIE! His eagerness to greet his humans each and every morning (and any other time he exits his crate) is so sweet to see. He also likes to show off his butt wiggles and big stretches! He’s got the biggest and best playful personality, and he’s 100% the kind of scruff that thrives with human companionship (and routine!). If you’re looking for one, he’d be your most loyal BFF.

RENNIE’s days are chock-full of learning, playing, and structured walks (during which he’s working on redirection when other dogs pass by as he gets excited). He’s a big fan of chase and tug. He’s super food-motivated, which makes training extra fun, especially when his kibble is on the line. If we could humble-brag super quick, we’d tell you that he’s a master at sit and stay… even if he may sometimes pretend not to hear you! He’s also accomplished stairs, and house training and crate training have equally been a breeze.

RENNIE is thriving with structured crate time throughout the day, where he’s learning to settle and become comfortable in his own company. Routine is everything. As this young pup continues to learn, we think that he’d love living in a home with a (possibly bigger) dog to show him the ropes. Cats? RENNIE has done well with previously meeting and living with cats. But all cat personalities are different and having space to work on integration would be great.

One thing we’ve learned about RENNIE is that he needs a solid transition period to set him up for success. He does best with a little time to settle in and learn the routine, and he thrives when he has clear structure in place. RENNIE has some great foundational skills and would love to keep practicing and building on them. Classes would be a wonderful way for him to connect with his new handler, and he’d love a home that is excited to continue his training and support his growth.

Keen to meet your new BFF? Apply to adopt RENNIE!

CARLOS - APP IN PROCESS

Male | 13 years old | 6 pounds | Low energy | Lives with dogs | Limited exposure to kids | Hasn’t met cats | From Hamilton | Fostered in Milton 

At 13, sweet senior CARLOS is all set to find his retirement home! Think you could help us set him up? Here are the deets: He likes to snooze, he likes to catch some Zzz’s, and he likes making friends with other scruffs. For CARLOS, it’s all about the little things in life, and he’s looking to enjoy those little things with someone perhaps just like yourself! Interested? Love that for you both!

Picture this: a pooch that snoozes by your side, keeping you company throughout the day and a fresh air buddy that gets you out and stretching your legs on a work break. Just FYI, he’s great on leash! Life with CARLOS is all about companionship, and you’ll soon find that after a period of getting to know you, he’ll become more comfortable and more readily show you his love.

For CARLOS, his crate is his safe space, and he uses it freely as he pleases. He also enjoys playing gently with his stuffies and his foster family’s dogs too, for that matter. CARLOS is happy living with other dogs and would continue to do well in a home as a second dog. Not only because he has fun playing with them, but also because having another dog(s) to learn from may help his confidence grow in his old age.

While CARLOS would likely do fine living with a cat, we think he’d do best in a home with no kids, as rambunctious energy might be too much for him. He’s working through anxiety and is regularly taking medication to help support him. All in all, living in a calm environment where there’s a consistent routine will set him up best going forward.

Apply to adopt!

Please note: Adoption fees for senior scruffs vary depending on age, breed, and health! CARLOS’ adoption fees are $550.

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