TACO

Male | 8.5 months old | 10 pounds | Medium energy | Needs slow intros to dogs | Best with no kids | Hasn’t met cats | From Mexico | Fostered in Waterloo | Sweet & sensitive | A loyal companion

We’ve got a new adoptable, so let’s TACO ‘bout it. You already guessed his name, but did you guess that he’s a sweet and sensitive soul? This leads us to a few conclusions, the first being that practicing calmness helps him focus. The second is that he’d enjoy the predictability that a home with no young kids offers. The last being that he’ll live his best scruff life when meeting other dogs slowly with proper intros. Shell yeah!

If you don’t love TACO(s), well, he’s nacho type. This certainly isn’t the case for TACO’s foster parents, though. As the third foster dog they’ve had in their care, they enjoy TACO’s enthusiasm for cuddles and ability to quickly pick up new cues in training. He also develops a close bond with his humans, and, to that, all we can say is TACO ‘bout awesome! Having his people to himself is his preference, but know that his neediness for attention means boundaries and structure are necessary.

Developing confidence in foster care is what is enabling TACO to build trust in his humans while out and about on walks (or hikes, which he quite likes!) and exploring new places. TACO ‘bout a good time. This clear communication between him and his foster parents is what’s made the adjustment period of living in a new home easier. Lately, TACO has been working on his vocal tendencies. He responds well to correction, and it now doesn’t take him long to settle in his crate.

TACO has experienced living with his foster fam’s resident dog, and after a slow and steady intro and time to warm up to living with her, now enjoys initiating play. Seven days without TACO(s) makes one weak. Apply to adopt this one and live like every day is TACO Tuesday!

VIDHIRA

Female | 1.5 years old | 33 pounds | High energy | Needs proper intros to dogs, best as a solo dog in the home | Limited interactions with kids | Hasn’t met cats | From Mexico | Fostered in Toronto | Affectionate | Goofball

Playful and affectionate, you could say VIDHIRA is a bit of a goofball. Sure, she can be a little shy here and there, but for the most part, she’s a confident gal who’s got a lot of love (and energy!) to share.

So, like we said, VIDHIRA’s got a high energy level. Do you happen to enjoy running? If so, you may have just found the greatest running buddy. If that’s not your thing, don’t worry. This gal loves a good game of fetch and will happily take part in food puzzles to exercise that brain of hers. Is she food-motivated? Definitely.

VIDHIRA needs slow and steady introductions to other dogs. While previously living with another dog, she displayed some resource guarding. This tells us that VIDHIRA would do best as a solo dog in her adoptive home. Now, while she hasn’t yet met cats, we do know that she is highly curious about small animals, so just make sure to monitor any interactions with them.

As you may have determined, VIDHIRA will do well in an active home. She also may do well living with older, dog-savvy kids. As of right now, she’s only met children at the park, so getting used to having more kids interact with her is the next best step. Otherwise, her typical schedule at the moment involves 3 walks per day and at least 2 separate play sessions. If we’re talking training levels, this gal is now comfortable using her crate (huge win!) and continues to work on leash walking.

Interested in VIDHIRA? Apply to adopt!

PRIETA

Female | 7.5 years old | 46 pounds | Medium-low energy | No cats, please! | Limited exposure to dogs & kids | Fostered in Toronto | From Mexico | Building confidence | Gentle & affectionate

Sweet as can be, we’d love to formally introduce you to PRIETA. In her foster’s exact words, “She is one of my favourite foster dogs so far. She is SO sweet.” If that’s the kind of gal you’re looking to bring into your life, then we think you’ve found the one!

PRIETA is busy building up confidence, in particular when faced with new situations. To support this, her foster will intentionally set out large items in the yard (think: golf clubs, camp chairs, etc.). Wary at first, PRIETA quickly becomes comfortable walking up to these items for a quick sniff. What does she do next? Continue with her zoomies and rolling, of course!

This scruff will shine in a calm, quiet environment. We can picture a forever home that looks similar to a spot in the suburbs… and with a backyard! Why? Her nervousness means she’s not yet comfortable going for leashed walks in the neighbourhood. Having a space like a yard where it’s private and controlled will help her gain confidence and build trust with a new family. PRIETA is looking for a home that has experience with nervous dogs. If you’re ready and willing to work with a balanced trainer, that is what will help her grow.

PRIETA is only a moderately active gal. Some zoomies, scent work, and maybe a puzzle here and there are all she needs to be her happiest self right now. Oh, and she’s a big fan of chasing after a tennis ball… just don’t expect her to bring it back yet! What can we say… she’s not quite mastered the art of fetch. What has she mastered? Sleeping through the night in her crate. You won’t hear a peep.

Having met people inside and outside, she tends to be more nervous than not in these situations. What helps is getting on her level, allowing her to sniff you hello, and taking these interactions slowly, at her pace. She’s likely ok with dog-savvy kids and, while she has yet to meet them directly in her foster’s care, shows curiosity towards dogs.

Ready to bring this confidence-building, affectionate scruff into your life? Apply to adopt.

ADAL

Male | 1 year old | 42 pounds | Medium energy | Good second dog | Hasn’t met cats | Limited interactions with kids | From Mexico | Fostered in Markham | Fun & playful | Building up confidence

Meet ADAL! Fun and playful when feeling his most confident self, ADAL is in search of a home to call his own. In just a matter of days, ADAL has quickly grown more comfortable in his foster’s home. Confidence is something they’re working on building up together, and it takes time. 

Working through a few little fears, ADAL is a scruff who currently relies on his humans to feel like his safest self. He’s naturally curious about all that he sees, so we know that with his adoptive family continuing to advocate for him, he’ll grow into a confident scruff. For instance, he was initially nervous about leaving his crate, and now enjoys exploring the house AND is happy to go up and down stairs. Oh, and want to know a fun fact about him? This scruff does well at settling and will sleep just about anywhere!

Being curious, ADAL wants to meet new people. Setting him up for success is easily done if you let people know he prefers not to be patted right off the bat. Similarly, ADAL can get a bit nervous in situations where kids run up to him. To ensure a positive interaction, facilitating intros, where dog-savvy kids are advised to approach slowly, is best.

ADAL currently lives with a dog and would likely make a great companion to another confident dog already living in your home. He coexists well with other scruffs! His foster family has also found that introducing ADAL to new dog pals while out on pack walks or in the neighbourhood makes him feel most comfortable. 

So. Keen to adopt this curious, fun, and currently-building-confidence scruff? Apply today!

MASCARITA

Male | 7 years old | 35 pounds | Medium energy | Lives with a dog | Hasn’t met kids | Shows prey drive - would do best in a home without cats | From Mexico | Fostered in Toronto | Loving & sweet | Big snuggle fan

Meet our newest adoptable, MASCARITA! Arguably the perfect combination of playful and chill, this scruff is looking for a moderately active family who maybe enjoys the occasional hike but also makes time for play and, most importantly, relaxation!

MASCARITA’s daily activities involve two walks. One of these is more structured, while the other is more open-ended, with time to stop and sniff all the smells. You’ll notice him zig-zagging at first, which is him expressing his excitement to be out and about, and while continued leash training will assist with this, he typically progresses with a nice loose leash walk after a few minutes. He’s easily redirected and, being as food-motivated as he is, we think he’d be a good fit for a first-time dog owner.

Having grown in confidence since being in his foster’s care, we expect he’ll continue to flourish in his furever home. This could look like him taking some time to warm up and show affection and becoming more playful (and snuggly!) once comfortable. When he’s his happiest self, he often rolls around on his back and will give out a few kisses to his humans.

Both neutral and friendly when it comes to interacting with other dogs, MASCARITA is fine living with another dog in the home. TBH, they mostly coexist (translation: they ignore each other!), but every once in a while engage in playful activity. Having previously enjoyed living and playing with a dog in Mexico, we think that once MASCARITA gets comfy, he’d be happy to live in a home as a second dog. Oh, and one other thing! MASCARITA is well crate trained, you’re not likely to hear him make much (or any!) noise.

MASCARITA has shown some prey drive, so we recommend slow introductions with cats if he’s to meet any. What else? His foster wants you to know that this scruff settles well in new spaces, easily chillaxes on car rides, and loves a yummy treat for a job well done.

So, what are you waiting for? Apply to adopt!

This dog is sponsored by PetSmart! This means their adoption process includes a visit to PetSmart’s Mississauga Lakeshore location to finalize the adoption. Adopters will receive an exclusive PetSmart adoption kit with $300 worth of coupons and special offers! Plus, adopting through PetSmart Charities helps support rewards and grants that benefit pets in need.

CHICO

Male l 12 years old | 9 lbs | Chihuahua l Social guy l People + treats over everything l Affectionate, Cuddly, & Loyal l Fostered in Hamilton

Meet Chico – the Steve Buscemi-eyed sweetheart! Chico may be a senior, but he’s full of love, charm, and curiosity. He settled into foster care quickly and is well-socialized. While he’s not into toys or playtime, he coexists peacefully with other dogs, especially senior or calm ones. He would do just fine with a cat too.

This tiny guy lives for human company. He’s happiest when snuggled up next to someone and will follow you around like a shadow. He does struggle with separation anxiety, particularly if crated or left alone, so a home with someone around most of the time (or patient adopters willing to work through this) would be ideal. Crating at night or during long absences may lead to loud protest crying.

Chico loves walks both short and long and regular strolls have helped strengthen his back legs. He occasionally holds up his back left leg due to muscle atrophy (not in pain). Despite some stiffness, he remains mobile, happy, and eager to explore the world one sniff at a time.

He’s polite on leash, though selective about which dogs he wants to greet. Around people, however, he shines—he’s been calm and friendly even in crowds and busy areas, happily soaking up attention from respectful kids and adults alike.

Chico has three teeth (perf for an adorb smile), and a bit of age-related cloudiness in his eyes (lenticular sclerosis), which doesn’t affect his vision much. Regular vet visits will help keep an eye on any changes.

Fun fact: Chico forages for strawberries on his fosters’ property like a pig looking for truffles. Hide your strawberries if you don’t want to share!

His perfect home? One filled with love, patience, and someone he can nap beside. Whether it's a retired person, a work-from-home household, or a quiet family, if you've got a spot on the couch and a soft blanket, Chico’s ready to move in. Chico is affectionate, cuddly and loyal. He's a great companion. With a person or family that can provide walks, soft beds, liver treats, ice cream (special note from his foster haha), and attention he'll be your one.

This dog is sponsored by PetSmart! This means their adoption process includes a visit to PetSmart’s Mississauga Lakeshore location to finalize the adoption. Adopters will receive an exclusive PetSmart adoption kit with $300 worth of coupons and special offers! Plus, adopting through PetSmart Charities helps support rewards and grants that benefit pets in need.

TOOTSIE ROLL

Female | 4.5 months old | 19 pounds & growing! | Puppy energy | Has met children & dogs | No cats, please! Shows prey drive | From Manitoba | Fostered in Toronto | Smart

Just as beloved as your favourite chocolatey treat, meet TOOTSIE ROLL. Smart, curious, and friendly, TOOTSIE ROLL over here could very well be a triple threat. She’s got a hint of a fun attitude, talking back to her foster family as she becomes more comfortable in their care… and that’s just how she rolls!

A big fan of being close to her humans, this scruff is the opposite of a nervous nelly when interacting with new people. In fact, she’s curious and friendly, showing off just how much of a social butterfly she might become as she continues to come out of her shell. Out on walks, TOOTSIE ROLL shows interest in dogs and has met a number of them in that type of setting. We think it’s just a matter of time before she becomes good pals with other scruffs in the neighbourhood.

If we could share one thing with you, it would be that TOOTSIE ROLL isn’t a couch potato type of dog. Heck no! She’d thrive in an active household where long walks, runs, and maybe even a hike are the norm. At just three months old, she’s got a lot of puppy energy, though we think her energy level will remain high as she grows.

TOOTSIE ROLL is looking for an adoptive home that has prior dog experience or has done their research (on puppies and huskies!) and is committed to her training. TOOTSIE ROLL is house trained, sleeps through the night, and will continue to work on crate training. What about during the day? It takes time for her to settle, and since she can be vocal (and stubborn!), she’d do best in a home that doesn’t share walls with a neighbour. Another thing to make note of is that as a pup, she can be nippy. With that in mind, it would be best for her to stick with interacting with older kids for now as she continues to learn.

Apply to adopt!

This dog is sponsored by PetSmart! This means their adoption process includes a visit to PetSmart’s Mississauga Lakeshore location to finalize the adoption. Adopters will receive an exclusive PetSmart adoption kit with $300 worth of coupons and special offers! Plus, adopting through PetSmart Charities helps support rewards and grants that benefit pets in need.

KAJETA

Female | 5 years old | 38 pounds | Medium energy | Does well living with 2 kids | No cats please, strong prey drive | Needs slow intros to dogs | From Mexico | Fostered in Mississauga | Intelligent & affectionate with her humans | Gentle, patient & well behaved

KAJETA. A girl who loves her walks, routine, and her people (once introduced, she gets comfortable and they gain her trust!). This is an easygoing gal who will make a great family dog in a home that can provide the physical and mental stimulation she needs. No matter your daily routine, she’s sure to adjust quickly and find her stride as part of a new family, and that’s something we can’t wait to see!

From Mexico, KAJETA currently lives with her foster family, including 2 older kids. Living with kids has been enjoyable for her; she’s loving and gentle towards her humans and is comfortable in their presence. She’s likely to get along just as well with those who are younger. Belly rubs are a must! She enjoys the presence of her trusted humans and will be the happiest door greeter when you get home.

Apart from walks, some of her favourite things include playing with her toys and spending time in her foster family’s backyard, where she gets occasional zoomies. Inside the home, she’s quite chill and enjoys curling up to relax while you’re otherwise occupied. She understands boundaries.

This intelligent, well-behaved scruff is, of course, still working on training, though we’d like to humble-brag about how well crate-trained she is! KAJETA uses that space when she wants some alone time during the day and even puts herself to bed there at night. Know that if she’s had a busy day with lots of human interaction, she’ll need some time to decompress after. Ever the patient scruff, she’ll also respectfully wait for her food at mealtimes. Her manners in this area are next level!

KAJETA has a strong prey drive towards squirrels, which can involve being vocal and trying to chase. Regaining her attention is key! Practice and patience will go a long way. KAJETA enjoys making new friends and is happy to meet dogs her size and smaller. Meeting larger dogs outside on walks isn't really her thing, though slow introductions will help her warm up to them in time.
Apply to adopt!

This dog is sponsored by PetSmart! This means their adoption process includes a visit to PetSmart’s Mississauga Lakeshore location to finalize the adoption. Adopters will receive an exclusive PetSmart adoption kit with $300 worth of coupons and special offers! Plus, adopting through PetSmart Charities helps support rewards and grants that benefit pets in need.

TUBA

Male | 5 years old | 88 pounds | Low energy | Lives with a dog | Needs proper intros to cats | No kids please | From Hamilton | Fostered in Toronto | Sweet with goofball tendencies | Loves stuffies & snuggles

He thrives with structure, a balanced training approach, and has completed Obedience Level 1 with K9 Academy. This is TUBA, a scruff who loves to learn. Oh, and, yes, he responds well to food motivation. 

The best way to start your day? Greeting TUBA. He’s eager for affection, plays with his foster sister dog, and looooves his breakfast - especially as enrichment. After a short walk, TUBA is content to rest with time to go outside and engage in structured play like tug and fetch. Working on calm, confident walking, TUBA benefits from training tools to set him up for success on leash. His foster says his walks have become a lot more relaxed. We’re impressed! What are evenings like? Another short walk, dinner, cuddles, and playtime. 

Similar to mornings, there’s no better way to end the work day than TUBA zooming toward you. For real, though, his whole body will wiggle in excitement. While TUBA can be left alone in his crate for the day, he’s still highly affectionate and a big-time cuddler. It takes him time to warm up to new people, and his adopters must advocate for his boundaries, especially around those unfamiliar with his cues. Once he knows you’re in his corner, he’ll lean in for all the belly rubs.

TUBA would do best in a moderately quiet home experienced with large-breed dogs. Know that busy or confined shared spaces can be overwhelming for him, and any interactions with cats will need to be supervised. TUBA is generally indifferent to dogs, but has built a solid friendship with his foster’s resident dog. Their relationship is based on mutual respect, similar energy levels, and slow, thoughtful introductions!

Interested in giving this big-hearted boy the loving home he deserves? Apply today.

TUBA is currently in Toronto and available for informal meet & greets with his foster to see if it's a good fit. Email adoption@saveourscruff.org to set that up, and don’t forget to tell us a little about yourself and why you think Tuba’s the one for you.

VANNA

Female | 3.5 years old | 42 pounds | Medium energy | Lives with dogs | Good with dog-savvy cats | Best with older kids (10+) | From Mexico | Fostered in Sharon, ON | Loves affection | Looking for an adopter

Meet VANNA! She enjoys walks or hikes, solving enrichment puzzles, playing tug and playing with a flirt pole (Google it! So fun), and of course, chill time hanging with her people. VANNA has spent time building skills, and she’s now a master with leashed walks, crate-trained, and while initially nervous, has built some great social skills.

VANNA currently lives in a rural setting, but could be fine in a different set-up. She likes exploring time, but inside she’s quiet and chill. With proper exercise, she can be left alone during a workday if needed.

Her previous foster says, “She’s been an angel, honestly. She’s so dang sweet. And she’s so funny, her facial expressions never cease to make me laugh.” Oh, and her current foster told us she’d say the same! VANNA is a scruff that’s full of personality!

As mentioned, VANNA and her handler have been working diligently on social skills. She did well being introduced to her foster family’s dogs, and while she can be nervous meeting new people, she also shows curiosity towards them. While she hasn’t met kids in her current foster home, she has in a previous home and would do best in a home with adults or with kids over the age of 10. It’s her spunky nature (and some playful mouthing) that brings us to this conclusion.

She also has a prey drive outdoors, though has interacted with a few dog-savvy cats and did really well! VANNA does need support with guidance in new settings and with new people/animals, so something to think about as you’d need to commit to ongoing guidance. 

If you're looking for a loyal, sweet, and intelligent companion, VANNA is ready to meet you! Apply to adopt today.