BRIT - ADOPTION IN PROGRESS

Female | 1.5 years old | 54 pounds | Medium-low energy | Second dog preferred | Best with no kids | Hasn’t met cats | From Mexico | Fostered in Toronto | Super sweet & gaining confidence

Meet BRIT!

First things first: BRIT really thrives with having a confident dog pal by her side, which is why we can’t wait to find her a furever home where she’ll be the second dog. It’s so encouraging to see how she looks to her foster family’s resident dog for guidance, which is something we want her to continue to have :) While BRIT has yet to really show off her playful side, as she continues to develop that confidence of hers, we just know she’ll become more comfortable trying new things, including playing with other scruff pals.

Living in a home environment that’s busy at times and chill at others, BRIT has adjusted well to a few short walks a day, time to relax inside the home, and time spent with her people. BRIT may prefer living in a quieter neighbourhood, which would also happen to match her own quiet temperament. We briefly mentioned walks, which, on the whole, she does well with, including when passing other scruffs. If anything, she zigs a little here and zags a little there! While BRIT’s crate continues to be her safe space, know that it’s equally important for her to be encouraged to explore her surroundings, again, building that confidence of hers.

One thing you should know about BRIT is that she’s working hard on overcoming her fear of new people! Gradually exposing her to new experiences (and people) will help her to get ahead of this. When her future family brings her into their life, they’ll see how excited and eager she is to receive pats and affection from them. This is, of course, after giving her the time and space to grow more comfortable in their care. Lastly, BRIT is a sweet and gentle scruff, though, for now, we recommend she go to a home with no kids, at least for now.

Apply to adopt.

BUDDY - ADOPTION IN PROGRESS

Male | 5 months old | 25lbs | Puppy energy | Has met kids of all ages | Playful with dogs | Coexists with a cat | From Costa Rica | Fostered in Hamilton | Playful, easygoing & sweet | Loves to learn

Looking for a new pup to join your family? Meet BUDDY! All the way from Costa Rica, BUDDY is a 5-month-old puppy, whose fosters describe as gentle, friendly and inquisitive.

While only 5 months old, BUDDY’s personality is already shining through! He is a real people pleaser and responds well to commands. He has already learned “drop it” and is easily redirected with a toy when his puppy mischief wins out. He has taken well to his crate and readily goes in with minimal fuss before settling down. His potty training is coming along nicely with only minimal mishaps. And to top it off, his foster pawrents rate his leash skills at an amazing 4 out of 5! What a rockstar you are, BUDDY!

While he can be timid when meeting new people, dogs or cats, he quickly warms up to them, and his playful nature emerges. He has been successfully introduced to kids, dogs and cats, and slow introductions are best to build his confidence. He takes the lead from his foster doggie brother and would do well in a family with a furry sibling to show him the ropes.

BUDDY’s ideal family would be an active household that can provide him with the adventures, companionship, and structure that a puppy needs to grow and thrive. BUDDY’s dream day consists of a short walk, followed by a nap in his crate, a game of fetch, and ending the day snuggling up with his humans. He has been successfully left in his crate for up to 4 hours and has done wonderfully. Know that BUDDY is a true snuggle bug at heart, so his ideal family would be home more often than not.

If you are looking for a loyal, devoted companion to join your family, and you can’t resist those puppy dog eyes, apply to adopt BUDDY! Apply today!

ZAPOTE - ADOPTION IN PROGRESS

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!

SHIZI - ADOPTION IN PROGRESS

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.

RUBY - ADOPTION IN PROGRESS

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! RUBY has been sweet, loving, and friendly with every single dog she meets — reading their cues and always matching their energy to play or just hang out.

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