GEMINI

Female | 9 years old | 50 pounds | Low energy | Living with dogs - resource guards | Older kids only | Hasn’t met cats | From Ontario | Fostered in Kitchener | Sweet & spicy senior scruff

She’s sugar and spice and everything nice - reintroducing GEMINI! 💎

We recently shared GEMINI on our social media pages as she made the transition back into SOS care from a return situation that truly had nothing to do with her. While she definitely does have her spicy quirks — she’s earned it at 9, almost 10, years young. (Think you can help us find her furever home before her 10th birthday on August 26th?)

While GEMINI is living with other scruffs, she definitely gives off only-child energy when it comes to her resource guarding. A home with older kids who might not have similar-looking toys, or a respectful scruff with clear boundaries around meals, treats, and anything special, would be best for GEM. She hasn’t had much interaction with cats either, so it’s hard to tell how she’d feel about feline companionship. But in classic Husky fashion, she’s a communicator, so learning to read her body language, respecting her boundaries, and providing clear structure will set everyone up for success.

Those mute howls can sometimes have a soft, low volume, and GEMINI is still learning that being on her own isn’t the end of the world (a Husky, dramatic?! Never…). While the woo-hoo’s are definitely on low, they are persistent, so a home that can help her slowly transition to more time alone will help her build back her independence.

Miss GEMINI has already made so much progress in foster care and has had a ton of change thrown her way in the past few weeks, so she deserves some extra grace. GEM does have arthritis, but it’s being managed with a monthly injection that will allow her to continue to enjoy a good quality of life for years. From her big vet appointment to a good blow-out at home from foster mom, followed by a professional groom for that lovely poof of floof we couldn’t be more proud to see her settling in again.

Time for this silent howling queen to be her family’s true gem. Ready to say furever to GEMINI? Apply to adopt!

NORA

Female | 2 years old | 67 pounds | Medium energy | Hasn’t met kids, cats or many dogs | From Manitoba | Fostered in Burlington | Affectionate & cautiously confident

Have you met the sweet, lovebug pups, ACE & NUGGET? Cause they absolutely got it from their mama - meet NORA! 💖

Found starving alongside her babes and only two years young herself, NORA has already been through more than any scruff should. Yet despite all that, this resilient girl hasn’t lost even a touch of her sparkle.

Just like her sweet boys, affection might as well be NORA’s middle name. This snuggly 67-pound baby girl would happily crawl right into your lap for kisses if she could fit. Her foster family lovingly compares her to Scooby-Doo: goofy, friendly, loyal, a teeny bit dramatic (she can talk!), and brave until genuinely spooked - ruh-roh!

While her love for her humans knows no bounds, NORA does prefer slower introductions. She hasn’t met many cats or dogs, and may freeze and tuck her tail when she spots a bigger dog across the street. Outside she’ll greet unfamiliar people cautiously, but at home, expect her signature big grin, happy tail wags, and if especially excited, the occasional jump (though she is listening to the reminder to keep all four-on-the-floor!).

NORA is also completely crate-trained, great in the car and on stairs, and is a wonderful walking buddy. She loves to stay close to you and take it all in. The only thing you’ll have to keep an eye out for are very fluffy distractions. A bunny might be a little too irresistable, but with continued support we’re confident she’ll learn to redirect.

Think you’ve got the love to give this mama bear the relief she needs to be a regular ol’ scruff? Apply to adopt!

ACE

Male | ~3 months old | ~20 pounds & growing | Puppy energy | Has met kids | Hasn’t met dogs or cats | From Manitoba | Fostered in Toronto | Very loving & learning lots

Ready to meet the top dog? This is ACE. With so much zest for life, his puppy energy is truly infectious! As a rambunctious pup, dive-bombing into his humans to give out kisses is absolutely one of his preferred pastimes. 

Bringing a puppy into your life is a lifestyle change, for sure. That said, you’re the one reading his bio, so we like to think that you’re already intrigued by this and possibly already looking for ways to adapt to having a young scruff in the home! A few things to note: regular supervision while he’s out of his crate is a must. He’s eager to please, though he’s still young, so obviously he’s interested in getting into some mischief here and there!

You could say that ACE is an ACE at sleeping through the night. Even during the day, he has dedicated downtime in his crate for a nap after all of his activity. When he’s not catching some Zzz’s, he’s typically busy working on tricks for treats. He already knows how to shake a paw, sit and lie down. Oh, and his recall is quite good, too!

Still teething, ACE nips when excited, which is something to note when introducing him to more kids. ACE also seems interested in meeting dogs, though he has yet to have any face-to-face interactions with them. What else can we share? Well, just that he finds joy in bringing his toys everywhere… so you’ll definitely find them in the kitchen, the living room, the hallway… really, you name it! We think it’s pretty sweet!

Ready to bring this ACE into your life? Apply to adopt!

PUPPIES

7 pups (5 males & 2 females) | Born May 6 | Growing lots! | Puppy energy | Live with a dog | Haven’t met kids or cats | From Manitoba | Fostered in Winnipeg | Arrival date in Toronto TBD | All looking for adopters

Precious beyond words, we have the pleasure of introducing you to a total of 7(!!!) puppies who are officially looking to find their furever homes. 

ORION. POLARIS. NORTH. URSA. CASSIE. LIL MAGNUS. LIL DIPPER. What’s so stellar about them? First of all, each of these perfect pups was named after a constellation. Imagine! Being named after an area of the celestial sphere! Also, we have been informed that these scruffs are playful and affectionate cuddle monsters who mostly understand the concept of house training. Like, in theory, they understand. Basically, what we’re saying is that they’re the full puppy package, and you’re going to want to get in on all they have to offer.

These 7 scruffy pups are travelling the vast cosmic distance (AKA Winnipeg to Toronto) via a flight that has yet to be determined. Nebulous stuff, we know. What you should know is that you’ll need to be able to pick up the pup you’re intending to adopt from the airport when they do arrive. For reference, these pups will be 8 weeks old at the beginning of July, which is the soonest you could potentially be welcoming them into your home.

All 7 pups are likely to grow into medium-sized dogs (think anywhere around 50-80 pounds) who, of course, will need basic training. Curious to know a little more about each before you commit? 

ORION is the quietest of the bunch who can’t resist a good snuggle and sharing puppy kisses. POLARIS is the strong, silent type who plays hard yet settles just as easily. NORTH is a happy medium - she’s steady in her temperament. Small but mighty, URSA holds her own during playtime. Our firecracker is CASSIE. Think energetic, bouncy, and a take-no-prisoners kinda attitude. A bright star! LIL MAGNUS is the leader of the pack. He plays with everyone and is often the last to sleep, quietly watching over his siblings. Finally, we have LIL DIPPER, who’s sweet and calm and plays well with all his siblings. As much as he loves them, he also loves his people, and we just know he’ll love you.

Think their adoption is written in the stars? Apply to find out! In your application, please state which pup you’re applying for.

*These puppies Mom is pictured in the last photo for reference!*

NUGGET

Male | ~3 months old | 20 pounds & growing | Medium energy | Has met some kids | Hasn’t met cats or dogs | From Manitoba | Fostered in Oakville | Gentle & loving

Chaos NUGGET, emotional support NUGGET, either way, this scruffy pup is a certified NUGGET! Just about three months old, NUGGET is a goofy, social, funny-without-trying kinda pal who’s quietly curious and working his hardest on learning all the things (or at least some of the things!) while awaiting his future family to adopt him.

To begin, this young pup is attention-seeking, but like, in a nice way! He is eager to please and, with words of affirmation being one of his love languages, will do his best to show off what he knows. Sure, he can be easily distracted… but bring some treats with you into a training session, and his attention will (more or less) be on you! 

Evidently, NUGGET has some serious NUGGET energy. He loves to chew things he probably shouldn’t, meaning a watchful eye is necessary… as are implementing and sticking to boundaries. You likely already guessed that this pup doesn’t often sit still. You’d be correct! That is, unless he’s unwinding in his crate for a nap. He loooves his naps. But gosh, on the flip side, does he ever love to run when he’s awake! Fetch, chase, the occasional zoomies, you name it, and he’s likely a fan!

NUGGET is a social scruff who looks forward to making new human friends. We can totally see him growing up to be a family dog full of playful personality with a healthy dose of confidence. He’s yet to meet both cats and dogs up close and personal, and for now quietly watches them from afar. With young kids, he’s gentle and happy to sit with them. I mean, obviously, because this often gets him a compliment, which he totally can’t resist! Words of affirmation, remember?!

Ready to adopt the nuggetest NUGGET to ever NUGGET? Love to hear it. 

TAMAR

Female | 5 months old | 22 pounds & growing | Medium energy | Dog friendly | Hasn’t met kids or cats | From Mexico | Fostered in Toronto | Smart, curious & cute

A curious star girl with a talent for stealing hearts, meet TAMAR 🌟 One look into those sweet green eyes and you’ll fall in love forever!

At only 5 months old, this smart cookie is taking in her new puppy life in stride. Speaking of cookies though, TAMAR is less food-motivated besides the odd extra-delicious smell on the counter and instead seems simply motivated by her ‘joie de vivre’. Super snuggly after a day of adventures, you’ll catch her snoozing in her fave spot, peacefully by your side.

TAMAR is happiest surrounded by the people she loves, and on a recent weekend at the sitters she loved having a fur companion to cuddle up with. She also did amazing in the car and picked up the stairs like a pro! While she has had limited interactions with kids and none with cats, we imagine gentle TAMAR would adore all the extra company at home.

Fostered in the big city, TAMAR’s no longer fazed by the hustle and bustle, but she is still adjusting to the potty training routine. Starting off with some puppy training (we know she’ll love learning!) to help build her confidence and this smart gal will be strutting her stuff in no time. (She learned ‘sit’ in just one quick session, and is already fully crate-trained!)

Want to give TAMAR the loving home she deserves to grow up in? 💖 Apply to adopt! 

SKIPPER

Male | Born May 2 | 6+ pounds & growing! | Puppy energy | Lives with a dog | Hasn’t met kids or cats | From Manitoba | Fostered in Winnipeg | Arrival date in Toronto TBD | Looking for an adopter

SKIPPER is our latest adoptable scruffy pup, and he is looking for a new home. We’d like to say that he’s coming in hot to Toronto, but his arrival date is actually still to be determined! By the end of June, this pup will be eight weeks old, meaning he will be ready to fly literally and figuratively into your arms at the end of June/early July. Let’s find him a really, really great home, shall we?!

Let’s talk size first. SKIPPER is likely to grow into a medium-sized dog (think 50-80 pounds). For a little extra info, his mum is a beautiful blonde husky mix! This five-week-old scruff is just as gorgeous as her. We’ve also heard that SKIPPER is energetic - jumping and playing at any given time. Obviously, he’s a keeper!

SKIPPER has experience living with a resident dog while in foster care, and will need all basic training - everything from house to leash to crate training. Up to the task? Please know that if you apply to adopt this scruff, you’ll need to be able to pick him up from the airport in Toronto. Again, that date is TBD!

Ready?!?! Apply to adopt.

*SKIPPER’s mom can be seen in photo #4 for reference!*

TRINEO

Male | 10 months old | 52 pounds | Medium energy | Has met older kids and some dogs | Hasn’t met cats | From Mexico | Fostered in Mississauga | Friendly, sweet & building up confidence

This right here is TRINEO! Cautious yet curious, TRINEO has been slowly settling in and learning what life looks like now that he’s made the big move from Mexico to Canada. Obviously, he’s been busy finding his footing in a new environment with his foster fam right by his side, whom he’s learning to become comfortable with around the home!

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 having started to build up his confidence, he’s been enjoying going on longer walking routes to see more of his new neighbourhood.

While out and about, this scruff is cautious yet curious when meeting new dogs and will sniff them hello before moving on shortly after. As with anything, patience will be key as he continues to work through his initial nervousness in new scenarios. A consistent routine where TRINEO can easily learn what to expect will help.

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

Apply to adopt!

MUÑECO

Male | 10 months old | 52 pounds & growing | Medium energy | Living with dogs | Hasn’t met kids or cats | From Mexico | Fostered in Toronto | Shy, sweet & calm

His name translates to “doll” and it’s easy to see the resemblance. Meet MUÑECO!

This shy guy is slowly coming out of his shell, but the big city was initially quite scary for him. The noises and cars would spook him, and his instinct was to flee, so making sure his tracker is charged and he’s securely double leashed will be key. Safety first! Always.

MUÑECO is showing off how brave he is though, as he becomes more comfy around the hustle and bustle. He’s the type of happy camper who just loves his walks or a good hike, and would likely adore accompanying his furever family on a fun outdoor adventure one day. He’s also a big fan of his crate and settles on his own like a breeze.

He’s currently living with a few respectful scruffs that he’s (awkwardly 🤪) tried to initiate play with (our hearts 💖). While MUÑECO does sometimes stare at dogs he sees on walks, we imagine with the right boundaries he’d do great as a second dog. But honestly, soaking up all the love and attention as a solo-scruff would do just fine for this boy, too. With his loyal heart and strong bond to his humans, MUÑECO is destined to be someone’s soul dog.

Ready to see MUÑECO’s confidence continue to blossom? Apply to adopt!

P.S. Does his sweet face happen to look familiar? Believe it or not, MUÑECO is siblings with Copo, Botitas & Escarcha!

MILEY

Female | 1 year old | 80 pounds | Medium energy | Has met kids | 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!