SMARTIE - REVIEWING APPS

Female | 8.5 months old | 41 pounds | Medium energy | Playful with dogs | Best with dog-savvy kids | Previously lived with a cat | From Manitoba | Fostered in Toronto | Super smart & always up for adventure | Affectionate

When was the last time you indulged your sweet tooth? SMARTIE over here is looking for an adoptive home. Might you be that? 

Described by her foster fam as super smart, you could say that SMARTIE is, well, a smarty-pants! Implementing boundaries with SMARTIE has gone smoothly, and she’s always ready to take on the challenge of a good puzzle mat. 

Every day with this SMARTIE is a moment of colourful fun! For instance, she loves to chase after a ball and play with throw toys. She’s also the kind of scruff that has the energy for and an interest in all hikes and embraces new walking routes easily. Her energy also shows up in her high prey drive… if something moves, she’ll likely chase it (think: squirrels or birds).

Affectionate with her people, you should know that she’s always down for a cuddle! SMARTIE loves her belly rubs and ear scratches, and even though she’s not, she does think she’s a lap dog! Sometimes when meeting males, SMARTIE can be hesitant, and you’ll likely notice this more often at night or when people are moving quickly towards her. She’s curious when meeting kids, often giving them a sniff hello. SMARTIE will likely do best with dog-savvy kids since she can get mouthy when excited and wants to play.

Like we just said, this scruff is playful! This is very much true with other dogs, and she’s working hard at greeting them calmly while on leash with her foster by her side. Right now, on-leash interactions have involved some jumping from SMARTIE, though implementing leash walking strategies has been helping her improve.

So, what do you say? Are you ready to indulge? Apply to adopt SMARTIE today!

SAANVI

Female | 1.5 years old | Medium energy | Good second dog | Good with kids | Hasn’t met cats | From Mexico | Fostered in Mississauga | Playful

Just as curious as she is playful, there’s a whole lotta things that make SAANVI, well, SAANVI. First of all, she’s sweet and loving (her foster’s words, not ours!), she listens well and aims to please, and last but not least, she’s a dream to walk. It’s true! Her leash skills have made her foster family proud.

We already mentioned her playfulness, and it’s her lively energy that has us thinking she’d do well with kids. Her love for attention also means she’s more than willing to accept pats from them. She can certainly be excitable, so it’s best that her humans monitor these interactions and perhaps introduce her to older dog-savvy kids only for now.

For SAANVI, going on her own adventures in the backyard and sniffing all the smells while out on walks is her fav. Speaking of walks, when interacting with new people, she can be less confident and is often nervous when male humans approach her. In these scenarios, SAANVI can be vocal. She needs a confident handler who will advocate for her and her space and continue to show her that she is very much safe in their care.

SAANVI has been living with another dog in her current home, and his confidence has been rubbing off on SAANVI over here! She tends to take cues from other dogs and will likely be just as keen to learn from another dog in her new home. Would she be just as happy as a solo dog, though? Likely. 

SAANVI is an active scruff, and her schedule right now involves a few walks a day. She’s quick to pick up on what to do when routines are set in place and is sure to thrive in an adoptive home that can create that structure for her, as well as continue her training.

Apply to adopt!

SAANVI will be a special guest at our upcoming adoption event on Saturday, September 27th from 10am - 1pm at Beertown Public House in Burlington (2050 Appleby Line - Unit K). Come meet her and see if she might be the right fit for you! Note: This event is only open to SOS adoptables. If you have your own scruff, we ask that you please leave them at home!

SINPA

Male | 8 years old | 56 pounds | Medium energy | Coexists with a dog | Hasn’t met kids or cats | From Mexico | Fostered in Brantford | Loves affection | Tripawd

Meet SINPA. 8 years old and looking for his furever, SINPA is the kind of scruff that loves affection from his humans and would spend every morning cuddling you if he could. Sound like the perfect match? We think so, yes!

He’s a tripawd (AKA tripod), meaning he’s got 3 out of the 4 legs that dogs typically have. Does this stop him from enjoying all the things he loves most in this world? Definitely not. With his medium energy level, SINPA has been getting the hang of leashed walks in particular and has already improved since being in foster care. 

Learning what his new routine looks like in Canada, SINPA over here has been decompressing while taking in his new surroundings and all the new sounds that come with that. His preferred activities include naps and sniffing all the best smells while out in the yard and during walks. What might he like in the future? We’re thinking scent games!

SINPA is learning to grow more comfortable living with his scruff brother, and when meeting other dogs, he’s often shy at first. In the same vein, he’s working on gaining more confidence while out on walks. The confidence he has built so far has given him more energy to pay attention to commands, which is major! 

He’s slowly but surely coming out of his shell. What’s going to really set him up for success is having a confident handler by his side who enforces structured routine on the daily in a leadership role. With some more recent guarding behaviours popping up, implementing boundaries will continue to be necessary, and obedience training will also be in his future!

If you think SINPA might be the scruff for you, we’d love for you to apply to adopt!

SINPA will be a special guest at our upcoming adoption event on Saturday, September 27th from 10am - 1pm at Beertown Public House in Burlington (2050 Appleby Line - Unit K). Come meet him and see if he might be the right fit for you! Note: This event is only open to SOS adoptables. If you have your own scruff, we ask that you please leave them at home!

PUMPKIN

Female | 8.5 months old | 37 pounds | High energy | Loves playing with dogs | Enjoys meeting kids | Previously lived with a cat | From Manitoba | Fostered in Toronto | Sweet, smart & energetic

Love it or hate it, pumpkin spice season is here, and with it so is PUMPKIN, the SOS scruff! But we know you’re gonna love her, especially once you learn a thing or two about her. She’s an energetic and rambunctious gal who finds a lot of joy hanging out with her humans. Basically, the more pats and general affection she can get (from adults or kids), the better!

Fun fact: Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte has already been around since the end of August, and, funnily enough, that’s just about as long as this pup has been in SOS care! Under her foster family’s direction, PUMPKIN has been learning lots, and they’ve learned through training that she’s highly food motivated.

Still young, PUMPKIN has still got some pup tendencies, such as nibbling on fingers and toes… shoes very much included! That’s something she’s been working on, as is leash training.

When it comes to things this scruff loves, PUMPKIN loves interacting with other dogs, and they have a great time playing with toys and running to their hearts’ content together. As active as she can be, it’s just as important for her to have dedicated downtime, which is usually in her crate.

Think you might just like to adopt this sweet, smart, and energetic gal? Apply today!

PUMPKIN will be a special guest at our upcoming adoption event on Saturday, September 27th from 10am - 1pm at Beertown Public House in Burlington (2050 Appleby Line - Unit K). Come meet her and see if she might be the right fit for you! Note: This event is only open to SOS adoptables. If you have your own scruff, we ask that you please leave them at home!

ANDROMEDA - APP IN PROCESS

Female | 3.5 months old | 17 pounds | Puppy energy | Limited interactions with dogs & kids | Hasn’t met cats | Fostered in Burlington | Plays hard & naps harder | A total foodie

She’s got that puppy energy we know and love, yet she loves her quiet time for naps. She’s got an adventurous side to her, yet she’s still building confidence. She’s motivated (by food!) and a quick learner, yet still has her puppy tendencies. Meet ANDROMEDA. 

Learning to be brave, we love that ANDROMEDA has been able to build independence over the past while in SOS care. Her days involve a mix of play, training, enrichment, and naps that recharge her growing self. She’s working on leash pressure during short walks around the block and is working with her foster fam on building a foundation, learning the basics of training. Supervision and structured downtime throughout the day have been (and will continue to be!) key.

This scruff sleeps well in her crate due to her foster’s consistency in enforcing a routine and boundaries (which can be so tricky with pups!). In her new home, we know that she’ll thrive once she learns what to expect from her humans, just like she’s learned in foster care.

ANDROMEDA has seen kids from a distance and shows initial calm curiosity. She’s a smart scruff and is sure to do well in a home with kids, though we think slightly older, at least for a little while, as she continues to learn her manners! She’s pretty playful, this one, and has met one other dog, showing excitement. Having another confident scruff in the home would be great to help show her the ropes.

What else can we tell you about her? Well, she sure does love sunbathing! Apply to adopt!

ANDROMEDA will be a special guest at our upcoming adoption event on Saturday, September 27th from 10am - 1pm at Beertown Public House in Burlington (2050 Appleby Line - Unit K). Come meet her and see if she might be the right fit for you! Note: This event is only open to SOS adoptables. If you have your own scruff, we ask that you please leave them at home!

TAMALE

Female | 9 months old | 12 pounds | Medium energy | Lives with a dog | Hasn’t met kids or cats | From Mexico | Fostered in Toronto | Cuddle bug | Shy & working on building confidence

This is TAMALE! At 9 months old, she’s a small and shy yet relatively feisty young pup who’s working on gaining confidence. She loves a good cuddle sesh and is also a big fan of playing with toys half her size. You’ll soon find out that she’s interested in playing fetch, walking in calm neighbourhoods, and figuring out puzzles. One thing you should keep an eye out for? Your socks being stolen! She’s been known to abscond with them!

The kind of home in which TAMALE will grow into her best self is one that extends patience as she continues to learn. She’s a young scruff and is learning a lot every day. With that in mind, she’d thrive as part of a family that’s keen to really dive into her training. Having people who are home more often than not is also something that may benefit her as she continues to build confidence.

Let’s talk about TAMALE and training. If we could humble-brag really quickly, we’d love to share that she’s mastered the art of going down the stairs in her foster family’s home. She’s also shown that she responds well to boundaries that are consistently enforced and would likewise do well in a home where kids (older, if there are any) also respect her boundaries. TAMALE is working on house and crate training and will continue to do so in her new home.

TAMALE is currently living with another dog, and while she still needs the occasional correction, she’s happy to interact. Ready to adopt this sweet scruff? Apply today!

HENRY

Male | 3.5 months old | 20 pounds & growing! | Puppy energy | Lives with kids | Loves dogs | Hasn’t met cats | From Manitoba | Fostered in Scarborough | Goofy & rambunctious

Rambunctious! Fearless! Outgoing! These are just some of scruff HENRY’s very best character traits. At three-and-a-half months old, he’s well on his way to becoming the neighbourhood’s friendliest pup with just how much he loves to love people and dogs.

With lots of opportunities for him to develop his independence, Henry’s foster fam has set him up to be comfortable living in a variety of environments. We still believe his preference is likely to have his people home more often than not, though. What’s something to look forward to living with this particular pup? That he sleeps through the night in his crate, being comfy and cozy in there! We’re also happy to share that house training is going really well.

If you were wondering whether or not HENRY has puppy tendencies, well, he for sure does! Think: playful mouthing and chewing things he maybe shouldn’t. It’s nothing he can’t learn to outgrow. With his puppy energy, HENRY enjoys having kids around the house, as it gives him even more opportunities for play. He also enjoys walking his foster fam’s kids when they go to school. You find that he sits when he’s tired (and maybe just every so slightly lazy), though as he grows, he’s likely to enjoy longer walks for sure.

HENRY is looking for a more active family that can provide both mental and physical stimulation. Oh, and of course, time and space for him to nap throughout the day. He’s a big fan of chillaxing! While not a deal breaker, we do think HENRY is the kind of scruff that would enjoy and learn from living with another patient dog in the home and maybe even a yard.

Smart and highly food-motivated, HENRY has already learned to sit for a treat and has good recall. Training is for sure going to be fun with this one! Ready to bring this pup into your life? Apply to adopt!

HENRY will be a special guest at our upcoming adoption event on Saturday, September 27th from 10am - 1pm at Beertown Public House in Burlington (2050 Appleby Line - Unit K). Come meet him and see if he might be the right fit for you! Note: This event is only open to SOS adoptables. If you have your own scruff, we ask that you please leave them at home!

TOKI - APP IN PROCESS

Female | 3 months old | 35 pounds & growing! | Medium energy | Good second dog | Has fun meeting kids | Hasn’t met cats | From Manitoba | Fostered in Etobicoke | Sweet, sassy & smart

If you’re looking for a pup with some seriously cool vibes, TOKI is your gal. Described by her foster fam as the “easiest puppy ever,” TOKI is house-trained and has a good understanding of boundaries. The only boundary she might try to push is when she’s using her crate. Right now, she’s getting comfortable having her meals there to learn that it’s her very own safe place. She sleeps through the night in her crate, usually with one break in the middle.

While she can be timid at first, TOKI enjoys meeting kids at her level and will often roll over to ask for a belly rub. We think she’d be great living as part of a family with kids. As much as she loves people, she loves dogs even more and has loved every one she’s met! Her days typically involve a nice mix of training, playing, and resting, and she looks for guidance from the dogs she lives with.

Now, it’s important to keep in mind TOKI is also her foster fam’s 7th (!!!) foster dog, so they have gained lots of experience. That said, TOKI really has progressed so much in such a short period of time, which is what makes her seem like such an easy addition to the family. Some other things we think you should know about her include her love for sleep, but of course, she still has the occasional puppy zoomies. Exploring on her own is also fun for her, and she uses that time in the backyard to gain some additional independence. 

Think this sweet and smart gal could be a good fit for you? Apply to adopt!

GORDIE - APP IN PROCESS

Male | 5.5 years old | 70 pounds (and working on losing some!) | Medium energy | Does well with kids of all ages | Playful with dogs | Lives with a cat | From Tennessee | Fostered in Guelph | Playful, sweet & goofy | Looking for an active family

Meet GORDIE! Five-and-a-half years old, and this scruff is searching for furever. Interested? He’s a smarty-pants and really shines when his people create structure for him throughout the day. With a medium energy level, he needs a good amount of exercise daily, and his love for adventure is sure to keep you busy!

Throughout any given day, GORDIE can often be found getting some physical activity in. He’s a BIG fan of his walks and also loves a good trail hike. Training and working are fun for him, and, after all that activity, he’s down for a crate nap. Oh, and don’t forget time to gnaw on a chew toy, play scent games and chase a ball! He’s big on those, too. All in all, if you’re home more often than not and more on the active side, well, you might just be the one(s) for him!

This scruff is likely to do best living in a detached home (e.g., one that doesn’t share walls with a neighbour). Why is this? He’s still learning and tends to be vocal when he hears an unfamiliar sound. Something he has nailed is crating. Making use of his crate is no biggie for GORDIE, and while he prefers hanging out with his people, he’s fine to use his crate when needed. 

Great with other dogs, you’ll find that GORDIE is neutral at first and then becomes more playful and curious. We do think that sharing his space and living with another balanced and playful dog in the home would be fun for him. GORDIE currently lives with a cat and shows both interest and nervousness; he will ignore any cats in the home. Quickly learning to overcome his nerves, we think he could learn to live with a cat (and even enjoy this!) in a new home.

So. Ready to adopt? Apply today!

ROCKY - APP IN PROCESS

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!

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!

VIDHIRA will be a special guest at our upcoming adoption event on Saturday, September 27th from 10am - 1pm at Beertown Public House in Burlington (2050 Appleby Line - Unit K). Come meet her and see if she might be the right fit for you! Note: This event is only open to SOS adoptables. If you have your own scruff, we ask that you please leave them at home!

PRIETA

Female | 7.5 years old | 46 pounds | Medium-low energy | Lives with a cat | Has met 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. She currently lives with a cat and would likely be fine to live with one in the future, provided that she has a confident handler who is committed to facilitating slow and steady intros. Simply put: she’d be fine to interact with kids, dogs and dog-savvy cats.

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

ADAL

Male | 1 year old | 40 pounds | Medium energy | Good second dog | Hasn’t met cats | Friendly with kids | From Mexico | Fostered in Markham | Loyal & loves his humans | Building confidence

Meet ADAL! Fun and playful when feeling his most confident self, ADAL is in search of a loving home to call his own. He loves his people so much, and we think it’s important we find his furever fam so that he can be in his favourite place: right next to you! Some of his other fav things, in no particular order, include sunbathing, playing solo fetch (LOL), and playing with chew toys.

ADAL is naturally curious about all that he sees, so we know that with his adoptive family continuing to advocate for him, he’ll grow into his most confident scruff. ADAL 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, he’s very good in his crate!

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. He prefers slow greetings with people approaching him from the front. Friendly interactions with kids of all ages, we think he’d do well in a home with them.

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. He’s been working on his loose leash walking and responds well to leash pressure.

ADAL is the kind of dog that will happily match your energy. He loves going for a run and being a couch potato equally. When it comes down to it, he just wants to be your BFF. So. Keen to adopt this curious, fun, and currently-building-confidence scruff? Apply today!

ADAL will be a special guest at our upcoming adoption event on Saturday, September 27th from 10am - 1pm at Beertown Public House in Burlington (2050 Appleby Line - Unit K). Come meet him and see if he might be the right fit for you! Note: This event is only open to SOS adoptables. If you have your own scruff, we ask that you please leave them at home!

LURA

Female | 8 years old | 44 pounds | Medium energy | Needs slow, proper intros to dogs | Best with dog-savvy kids | No cats please, high prey drive | From Mexico | Fostered in Toronto | Excitable, curious & intelligent

She’s just a gal who loves her walks and chasing squirrels… and being with her humans, of course! Meet LURA. Highly affectionate, LURA enjoys being around her people and uses every chance she gets for pats and snuggles. On the flip side, she can be independent, easily entertaining herself with toys. The confidence she’s gained lately has encouraged her to come out of her shell, progressing from reserved and shy to playful and independent. Such progress!

At home, LURA has been busy learning new commands. Now and again, she might test a boundary. It’s important you reinforce them in such situations, as she thrives on structure, which is what rules provide. She’s a fast learner, and lately, LURA has also been improving on her leash walking skills and is always anticipating her next walk. Working through leash reactivity towards dogs and humans passing by, LURA has been receptive to her foster, who redirects her attention (typically towards treats!). Know that advocating for her space will continue to be necessary, though she’s made great progress. She coexists well with dogs after a slow introduction, though she’d likely do best as a solo dog in the home.

This gal loves to explore, which she does by checking out new walking routes and sniffing all the smells that she comes across in the neighbourhood. With her prey drive, you’ll likely find she’s interested in going after a squirrel or rabbit when outside, making it necessary to redirect her attention back to you while on a walk. She also happens to be a fan of tug (though her people have to play with her to get her really engaged), food puzzles, and structured downtime at the end of the day.

LURA enjoys using her crate as her personal space for downtime and often uses it all on her own. On the whole, she’s well-suited to quieter home environments and would do just fine living with humans who work 9-5.

Keen to adopt? Apply today!

LURA will be a special guest at our upcoming adoption event on Saturday, September 27th from 10am - 1pm at Beertown Public House in Burlington (2050 Appleby Line - Unit K). Come meet her and see if she might be the right fit for you! Note: This event is only open to SOS adoptables. If you have your own scruff, we ask that you please leave them at home!

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.

MASCARITA - APP IN PROCESS

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.

TOOTSIE ROLL

Female | 5 months old | 34 pounds & growing! | Puppy energy | Has met children & dogs | No cats, please! Shows prey drive | From Manitoba | Fostered in Toronto | Smart, friendly & playful

Just as beloved as your favourite chocolatey treat, meet TOOTSIE ROLL. Smart, curious, and confident, TOOTSIE ROLL over here could very well be a triple threat.

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 (and would do fine living with kids), 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 is neutral when passing other dogs. She’s friendly, though keeping her attention is easily done, being as food and toy-motivated as she is.

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 5 months old, she’s got puppy energy that shows up in bursts, 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. It’s equally as important for her to have structure in her life to teach her when it’s time to relax. She’s busy mastering basic obedience skills and will happily sit for a treat! TOOTSIE ROLL is house-trained, sleeps through the night, and is working on crate training. What could we humble-brag about? Her leash walking skills, which she’s doing particularly well with, even on busy streets.

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.

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!

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.

VANNA will be a special guest at our upcoming adoption event on Saturday, September 27th from 10am - 1pm at Beertown Public House in Burlington (2050 Appleby Line - Unit K). Come meet her and see if she might be the right fit for you! Note: This event is only open to SOS adoptables. If you have your own scruff, we ask that you please leave them at home!

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