ROCKY - APP IN PROGRESS

Male | 8 years old | 12 pounds | Low energy | Has met young kids | Enjoys meeting dogs & people | Hasn’t met cats | From Ontario | Fostered in Peterborough | Sweet & gentle | Not apartment-suitable

Sweet. Chill. Gentle. Those three little words sum up ROCKY over here to a tee. As his foster family’s first-ever (!!!) experience fostering an SOS scruff, life with ROCKY has been equal parts challenging and rewarding. Learning new things every day has been a given, and on the whole, they’ve found this scruff to be loving and friendly. Basically, he’s not one to shy away from new pals, especially when affection is on the line!

An early riser, ROCKY likes to get up and at ‘em and enjoys a leisurely stroll first thing in the AM. As an eight-year-old scruff, he likes spending his time napping and snoring, training, and hanging out outside. You should see his happy dance when he hears the word “outside!” Oh, and he loves receiving pets from humans. Talking about humans, ROCKY is pretty great when it comes to greeting people. He’s even enjoyed a shorter interaction with young children, remaining calm even when the kids were pretty excited to catch sight of him. We get it; he’s a stunner!

ROCKY has made great strides with his separation anxiety and now settles more quickly in his crate with only some initial barking. With barking in mind, we don't think apartment-living is best suited for Rocky. Establishing boundaries with him is key, and he’s been busy practicing crate training for this reason. We’re happy to report he now regularly naps there throughout the day. Learning to become more independent and comfortable when his people leave the home is a big step for him. When it comes down to it, ROCKY does get a little bit of FOMO and, generally speaking, would like to be included in your plans when possible. Your leisurely plans, that is, not so much hikes or runs of any kind!

If you guessed that ROCKY is looking for a quiet and less active home, you’d be right. Having another calm, chill dog in the home could work well for ROCKY, too. He’s always happy to stop and say hello to dogs while out on walks before carrying on. This particular scruff isn’t too interested in play (or toys for that matter!), so living with a dog that has a similar energy level as him would be ideal.

Think you’d like to bring this scruff home sweet home? Apply to adopt!

CHICO - APP IN PROCESS

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.