DOUG

Male | 10 years old | 22 pounds | Low energy | Coexists with a dog | Gentle with young kids | Hasn’t met cats | From Ontario | Fostered in Peterborough | Quirky & cute | Easy going

It’s DOUG the pug’s time to shine in the adoption spotlight, and we are SO here for it! Described as “a very good houseguest,” DOUG loves his human interaction, enrichment activities, and getting excited for treats. He’s cute and quirky (it’s the expressive eyes and underbite combo for us) and especially appreciates when his people invite him in for a cuddle or two.

A day with DOUG often involves a healthy amount of napping, which includes structured crate naps, since he experiences some separation anxiety. While he likes to keep an eye on what his people are up to, you’ll find that he’s quite an easy-going guy. His foster parent works shifts, which means every day is a little different, and DOUG over here is pleased as punch to be going with the flow. The one thing that doesn’t please him as much is working through a little ear infection. Obviously, he isn’t the hugest fan of ear drops, but his foster fam has persisted, and it’s definitely gotten easier!

What else? DOUG the pug lives with an older resident dog, and, honestly? He’s indifferent to him, and they simply coexist. On the other hand, DOUG is a happy little scruff when meeting other dogs on walks! DOUG is all tail wags meeting adults, and he shows off his gentle side meeting kids, doing best with those who respect his boundaries.

Lately, DOUG has found his voice in foster care and sometimes barks at the window. Generally speaking, though, he’s a quiet dog and would likely do well in an equally chill home. A couple of short strolls a day (during which he walks well on leash!) plus some enrichment in the evening, suits him well. He’s not very playful, but he will always accept a belly rub. You know, if you were curious.

Apply to adopt!

ROSE’S PUPPIES

3 male and 3 female | 3.5 weeks old | Growing every day | Puppy energy | Pick up date: May 6 | Playful and require all training

Stevie, Johnny, Moira, Alexis, David and Patrick are but 3 weeks old and available for adoption, ready to go to their home sweet homes once they turn 8 weeks old. Needless to say, right now is not the time for pettifogging (AKA dawdling on less important matters).

Have we ever told you how bewitching puppies are? Mildly alarming in their antics (only kidding) and delightfully self-absorbed (not kidding), these young pups are looking for their very own families that will love them just the way they are. Of course, all basic training will be essential. And Ew, David! Potty training in particular. Anyone bringing one of these pups into their home will find that having a flexible schedule is a must-have to allow for frequent bathroom breaks.

ROSE, the mama of these bébés is a Bichon Frise, and the father is likely a smaller breed. All this to say, that once full-grown, these scruffs will likely weigh in around 12-22 pounds. Grooming these bébés will be an ongoing responsibility, so that they can look and feel their very best. Known to be affectionate and playful companions, Bichon Frises are typically good with children and other pets. Keep in mind that they can be sensitive and require lots of attention from their humans.

Are you positively bedeviled with an affection for one of these scruffs etcetera? These puppies may be walking on wobbly legs, but they’re busy gaining strength and practicing their play wrestling, barks and growls. Not only that, but they are particularly winsome, this litter.

Thinking of waiting to apply to adopt? That sounds dangersome. No dilly dallying, darlings, these pups have places to go, people to see, and things to do.

Love this adoption journey for you.

Warmest regards, 

The SOS Team.

ROO

Male | 3 months old | Medium energy | Hasn’t met kids or cats | Friendly with dogs | From Manitoba | Fostered in Toronto | Curious & learning lots

Meet ROO! Changing by the day as his confidence grows, this scruff has been showing off just how sweet he can be… and also how stubborn! He’s been learning so many things since moving from Manitoba to Toronto. While this might be his foster parents’ first time caring for an SOS scruff, they had previous dog experience of their own, which has helped them come up with a schedule that works for them. They’ve described their experience with ROO so far as “wonderful,” which we know will be encouraging for potential adopters to hear! 

Let’s get to the real talk real quick. Puppies are work, and potty training in particular is certainly not linear. This is something he continues to work on, though is doing well with, often asking to go out on his own! As ROO grows both literally and developmentally, so too does his curiosity. While he might not want to go for a walk in the cold, once he’s outside, he’s a little social butterfly wanting to say hello to each and every dog. This is great progress, looking back at the timid pup that first arrived in Toronto.

ROO fills his days with stick-chewing, squirrel-watching, napping and playing tug. He also enjoys being close to his humans, so much so, that he can be described as a stage-five clinger. Implementing boundaries and continuing to work on crate training (which he enjoys using) will come in handy in the long run. Of course, it can be hard to resist those puppy cuddles, which is exactly what his adopters can look forward to in addition to taking him on their own adventures and continuing his training.

Apply to adopt!

ESCARCHA - APP IN PROCESS

Female | 7 months old | ~42 pounds | Medium energy | Limited dog exposure | Not cat tested | From Mexico | Fostered near Hamilton | Very shy, sweet & sensitive

Meet ESCARCHA! Found on the streets with her litter before entering shelter life, ESCARCHA is slowly settling into her foster home and learning the world can be a safe place. Her foster mom calls her an “old soul,” and it fits. She’s gentle, observant, and happiest near her (female) person.

She’s closest to her foster mom and ESCARCHA will lay at her feet, follow her around, or go for snuggles. Men, loud noises, or seeing/hearing things that are new to her are a different story and ESCARCHA can be very fearful of them, usually by retreating and sometimes barking. Given a lot of patience, ESCARCHA has become comfy around the two male kiddos at home (ages 8 & 11) so she could learn to settle in a home with older or dog-savvy kids. Her foster dad and any males she meets are still very much a work in progress. With time she has been accepting some food and attention from him, but she often still barks at her foster dad when he enters the room.

ESCARCHA is super smart, food-motivated, curious, and her puppy energy is now shining through with tons of playing, gentle mouthing in play and zoomies. She’s a great crate sleeper, is potty trained, and adores her backyard romps. As she has become more bold on the leash, her interest in squirrels has also increased, which is where redirection comes in handy.

ESCARCHA doesn’t love long stretches alone and would do well in a home where one or more family members have a more flexible schedule to help her settle into her routine and continue her training. Her coat is also prone to tangles, so regular brushing, or even professional grooming, will likely be needed.

Think you’ve got the gentleness and patience to match our girl ESCARCHA? Apply to adopt!

DEL - APP IN PROCESS

Male | 3 months old | Puppy energy | Hasn’t met kids or dogs | Lives with a cat | Fostered in Toronto | Smarty-pants

Meet DEL! What’s the first thing you’ll notice about DEL when you bring him into your home? His awesome puppy energy, that’s for sure. DEL is rambunctious when in a playful mood and is 100% going to live his best life with a fam keen to bring him on all their cool adventures.

Only three months old, and this pup has developed a friendly disposition, always showing an interest in meeting new people. DEL also shows an interest in meeting other dogs when he sees them nearby, though, of course, he has yet to interact with them. He does live with a cat …whom he pretty much ignores!

Learning the ins and outs of being a dog, one thing he’s currently getting the hang of is this thing called leash walking. It’s tricky, but a little time and patience go a long way. Speaking of walks, DEL is very much looking forward to sunnier days as he’s not especially loving these rainy spring walks. Oh, but want to know what he does love?! His stuffies. You’ll notice that he’s always happy to carry them around the home and show them off. It’s the cutest. He also understands how fetch works and seems to enjoy it!

Now, back to training. DEL is a quick learner, and this smarty-pants is already comfortable using his crate. He uses it while his foster family is working for a few hours at a time, and also sleeps through the night using it. Being a foodie (and incredibly fast eater), DEL does well using a slow feeder for his meals. This pup has yet to meet kids, and potential adopters should keep in mind that as he’s in the puppy teething stage, he can be nippy.

Interested in bringing DEL into your life? Apply to adopt today!

PEANUT - APP IN PROCESS

Female | 3 months old | Puppy energy! | Enjoys meeting dogs | Hasn’t met cats or kids | From Manitoba | Fostered in Toronto | Smarty-pants | Brave & energetic

Where are all the treats at?! PEANUT over here is a self-proclaimed foodie and is just dying to convince you to give them all to her. She’s already charmed the neighbourhood, and will do the same in yours. 

Here’s the thing. PEANUT is just a gal who adores any and all attention. She came into SOS care unsure of herself, and after some time in foster care, has grown more confident. She’s been busy facing her fears and being brave, which we totally love for her. Elevators? No worries. Streetcars? Well, that one’s still a work in progress! 

You already know this girl loves treats, so you won’t be surprised that she loves all food. Frozen carrots and cucumbers are her fav, but of course, she also loves peanut butter. Naturally, she’s food-motivated, so training sessions come easy for her… if anything, she could work on practicing patience! PEANUT is working on winding down during crate time and learning the ins and outs of house training. A solid, enforced routine helps her learn what is expected of her.

As a 3-month-old pup, PEANUT can absolutely get over-excited. Life is fun as a young scruff! She has a tendency to nip during play, which is something to watch out for with any kids in the picture. She’s social, likes to make new friends and does well meeting adults. This pup is looking forward to interacting with more new scruff pals, too!!

PEANUT is looking for a home where she can expend her energy to her heart’s content - she loves to run and is quite the speed demon! She’s also looking for a patient family that knows mistakes will happen as she continues to learn during training sessions. PEANUT is clearly a loveable scruff! She’s learning every day and will make for a great companion. Apply to adopt!

RUDY

Male | 12 years old | 10 pounds | Low-medium energy | Hasn’t met kids or cats | Limited interactions with dogs | From Mexico | Fostered in Toronto | A sweetheart | Affectionate

Meet RUDY. He’s a real sweetie pie who will soak up allll the love you have to give him. It’s heartwarming! His number one hobby is snuggling up to his human and receiving pets. He also has no problem showcasing his silly and sassy side to get your attention… and ideally more affection!

Since living with his foster family, RUDY has become more relaxed in temperament and yet excited to experience new things. For instance, RUDY loves a solid nap, but when he’s feeling well rested, he’s engaged and curious while out on walks, which he’s a fan of by the way. While out and about, RUDY is definitely in the moment and will happily stop to smell the roses (or anything, really)! Keep an eye out, though! RUDY does have a slight prey drive, which shows up as barking at squirrels and attempting to chase them.

At 12 years old, RUDY is impressive in how quickly he learns. He wants to please his people and does his best to do just that. Of course, crate training remains a work in progress as he’d much rather be in the company of his humans (really, he’d like you to be home more often than not). So too do his interactions with dogs, as he tends to be vocal. Redirection helps with this! Oh, and to help RUDY work on his socialization with dogs, he’s soon to go on some playdates.

RUDY is the kind of scruff that easily adapts to the schedule you create for him. If anything, he prefers both living environments and scenarios that are calmer and quieter. With that in mind, you can imagine that rambunctious young kiddos might be a bit much for him. A home with older kids (if any!) who can give him his space as well as commit to his training would, however, likely work for him.

So. Do you think you’d like to bring this sweetheart into your life? Apply!

Please note: Adoption fees for senior scruffs vary depending on age, breed, and health! Rudy’s adoption fees are $550.

COPO - REVIEWING APPS

Male | 7 months old | 45 pounds | Medium energy | Hasn’t met cats or kids | Lives with a dog | From Mexico | Fostered in Toronto | Sweet & affectionate | Playful

Just as unique as his name, we’d like you to meet scruff COPO. His love for people is real, and you’re sure to notice it right from the start, given how trusting he is. As soon as he lays eyes on you, it’ll be all affection and then play, play, play. Wanna know his fav toys? Anything he can chew on. Oh, and while we’re here, we might as well share that while COPO has a relaxed temperament, he does tend to nip during play, so please keep this in mind if and when kiddos are in the mix.

COPO loves spending time in the backyard and going for his morning and evening walks, where sniffing is his priority! If there were something he didn’t love, that would have to be bath time. What can we say? This scruff just isn’t about it. What he’s into is spending time with his people. He loves to hang out, and we think he would make a great family dog.

Let’s chat training. COPO has been quite the busy scruff learning boundaries at lightning speed (or at the very least fairly quickly). Not to brag, or anything, but he also listens to his people and responds to redirection, which helps focus his attention. What commands has he learned recently? Sit and come. What will he continue to work on in your care? Daytime crate training to help build his independence! He can be vocal when left alone.

COPO currently lives with an active and playful foster scruff sister. This experience has shown that taking his time with introductions generally leads to positive interactions. He enjoys playing with his scruff sister, though he is still pretty chill and often prefers to do his own thing. He’s shown some light curiosity towards scruffs while out and about, so it’s possible that COPO may develop lasting dog friendships. 

Apply to adopt!

TURBO

Male | 3 months old | Medium energy | Hasn’t met cats | Met kids | Living with a dog | From Manitoba | Fostered in Toronto | Playful & sweet | Building Independence

You’ve met Raz… now get ready for his brother, TURBO! 💨 

Don’t let the name fool you though, TURBO isn’t all go-go-go, he just REALLY loves to play. Whether he’s bouncing around with a toy, a dog buddy, or out exploring the world, this happy-go-lucky pup is always ready for a little adventure.

TURBO is a lovebug who’s learning to love the world just as much. He enjoys meeting new people on walks, including kids, taking everything in stride. He recently spent time with a few family kiddos and after some gentle pets he flopped down, content and drifted off to dreamland. TURBO stayed calm the entire time and his foster fam was so proud of him. 

Playtime is where TURBO truly shines. He loves to romp around, entertain himself with toys, and would happily keep a dog sibling busy. He’s currently living with a dog sister and adores her company, though he can be a little protective of her on walks, sometimes showing off his bark, especially towards male dogs. With guidance, he redirects well and shows great potential to keep building his confidence and manners. On solo walks, there isn’t a peep out of this guy, and TURBO simply loves to be out & about. 

An outdoorsy boy at heart, TURBO would thrive with space to explore, whether that’s a yard or regular adventures. When he’s not playing, he’s dreaming about snacks, and may add a little dramatic flair with a whine or howl when food is involved. 

TURBO is a growing boy who’s settling into his routine and already starting to outgrow his crate. He’s made great progress with potty training, is working through teething (frozen carrots 🥕 to the rescue), and will need help building confidence with solo time. He’s currently used to lots of company and frequent potty breaks, so he’ll benefit from a home that can gently support him as he learns to spend more time on his own.

With his playful spirit, sweet nature, and endlessly entertaining personality, TURBO is ready to bring fun, love, and a whole lot of joy to his forever home. Apply to adopt TURBO below! 

KIMMY - REVIEWING APPS

Female | 1 year old | 23 pounds | High energy | Likely good second dog | Not cat-tested | From Hamilton | Fostered in Toronto | Fun, loving & energetic

Unbreakable? You betcha. It’s KIMMY! 💛 This wiggly girl first came into SOS care in January from a local shelter with a suspected hip injury that had in fact healed abnormally. After successful surgery and lots of love, KIMMY is recovering beautifully and is now pain-free, with a bright, active future ahead of her.

KIMMY will need continued at-home rehab and physio as she heals, and moderate daily exercise to keep her strong and thriving. The good news? This happy little dynamo is more than ready. Through it all, KIMMY has kept her joyful spirit, silly expressions with those cute eyebrows, and signature all-out wiggles.

At just one year old, KIMMY is full of energy and charm. She’s a social butterfly who loves meeting new people and is always ready to hand out kisses. She can be a bit jumpy when excited, so older or dog-savvy kids would be the best fit for her. She would also likely love a dog sibling to play with and learn from.

KIMMY has not been cat-tested and does show some prey drive like crouching for squirrels, so a home without small animals would be ideal, though she may do okay in time with a dog-savvy cat. She’s still working on her manners, potty training, and being left alone, but she’s making great progress and has been managing the 9-5 routine with regular breaks, enrichment and exercise.

This lovable girl is looking for a home that can keep up with her zest for life while continuing to support her recovery. A yard would be a lovely bonus for KIMMY, giving her the space to move, play, and continue building strength, as she settles into the happy life she’s been waiting for.

Think you can keep up with this resilient little ray of sunshine? Apply to adopt KIMMY!

RAZ - APP IN PROCESS

Male | 3 months old | Low energy | Hasn’t met cats or kids | Curious about dogs | From Manitoba | Fostered in Toronto | Affectionate & sweet | Building independence

Want to be in on a secret? This is strictly on a need-to-know basis: RAZ, this cutie pie 3-month-old pup, is officially adoptable. He’s quite the catch, RAZ is, and likely going to have many potential adopters checking him and his bio out. That’s why we’re sharing this on the sly - so that you can be the first to learn all there is to learn about him!

If there was one thing you should know about this scruffy pup, it’s that he’s the world’s biggest cuddle bug. Now that’s something we couldn’t keep under wraps even if we tried! He’s affectionate, which his foster family loves to see, as it’s visibly shown them just how much he’s come out of his shell in their care. Make sure to maintain your boundaries, though, so that he doesn’t delve too far into clingy territory! The right balance is key.

Let’s talk about his social life! Calmly curious about dogs, RAZ is timid meeting them on walks, though he keeps his composure. When it comes to humans, he prefers to sit and check them out rather than approaching them. If and when they pet him, however, that’s when he’s all in!

Exploring the outdoors remains new territory for RAZ. In fact, being outdoors in new settings frightens him a bit. Mum’s the word, RAZ, we won’t tell potential scruff friends! Anyways, this just means he’ll likely become slightly more active outside than he is now, as he grows more comfortable. Inside the home, he enjoys chill play sessions while chewing on his stuffies or engaging in a light round of tug. Like most pups, RAZ engages in playful nipping here and there. It’s more gentle than anything, though still something to note if he’s to meet kids.

Now it’s time to spill the beans about all things training. Daytime crate training has been tricky, though what he excelled in is house training. RAZ is comfortable using pee pads - a huge help for condo living - and making use of the outdoors. RAZ has done well learning basic commands, and it is repetition that we have to thank for that! Well, and his foster fam of course! There’s some room for improvement with leash training, though he typically follows his human’s lead.

So. Now that we’ve let the cat out of the bag and you know what you know about RAZ, ready to adopt? Apply today!

CRYSTAL

Female | 3 years old | 37 pounds | Medium energy | Hasn’t met kids | No cats, please! Shows prey drive | Limited exposure to dogs | From Mexico | Fostered in Toronto | Shy, affectionate & sweet

Meet CRYSTAL 💫 This gem of a girl is a deeply affectionate, gentle soul who forms an incredibly strong bond with her person. CRYSTAL is happiest curled up beside you on the couch, soaking in cuddles, or quietly keeping you company throughout the day. Once she trusts you, her loving and devoted nature shines through in everything she does.

CRYSTAL thrives in a calm, quiet environment and has settled beautifully into her foster home routine. She sleeps soundly through the night, enjoys her daily walks, and loves a balance of activity and long, cozy naps. She has a playful side too, especially during her zoomie moments, and enjoys enrichment and one-on-one time with her human.

CRYSTAL can be shy and sensitive in new situations and is still building confidence when out in the world. She would be happiest as the only pet, without cats or small animals, and with a patient adopter who understands that trust takes time. Someone who is willing to support her continued growth through gentle guidance and positive reinforcement. CRYSTAL also loves her treats and is happily food-motivated, which has helped her make wonderful progress in her training.

CRYSTAL doesn’t need a busy or highly active lifestyle to thrive - what she truly wants is a loving, consistent home where she can feel safe, secure, and deeply connected to her person. In return, CRYSTAL will give her adopter unwavering loyalty, endless affection, and a truly special bond.

Think you have what it takes to be this loving gem’s whole heart 🩵 Apply to adopt!

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!

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

Copy of BELLA 2

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