VENTI

Female | 3 months old | 22 pounds & growing! | Medium energy | Enjoys meeting dogs | Hasn’t met kids or cats | From Manitoba | Fostered in Toronto | Sweet, loyal & intelligent

Meet VENTI. At just three months old, this young pup is busy growing (she’s likely to be a bigger dog) and learning how to become the best version of herself each and every day. With her puppy energy, VENTI is active and playful and is looking for an equally as active adopter(s). This is a scruff who loves making new friends with people, and a day doesn’t pass without someone new paying her a compliment!

A big fan of people, VENTI enjoys spending more time with her foster fam than not, and if you work from home, you’ll definitely find her lying at your feet. While shy at first, VENTI is curious in nature, which has enabled her to become both more comfortable and confident in her current home. She understands the boundaries her foster family has implemented and, aiming to please, is quick to listen… especially if yummy treats are on the line!

VENTI’s foster family has found that living life with a puppy is both challenging and rewarding. Of course, lots of training is involved, as is time to shower this pup in belly rubs and facilitate activities that make her happy, including playing with toys (she’s a big fan of tug) and going for car rides. As VENTI likes to explore and spend time sniffing on walks, she might enjoy some hiking in the future. She’s got the energy for it, that’s for sure!

Working through puppy tendencies, VENTI will try to find things to chew (such as her leash) and will nibble when excited. This is also why she’s likely to do best in a home with no kids for now, well, with that and her playful jumping. With this playful personality of hers, we do think she’d enjoy living with another animal in the home. She shows a calm interest in other dogs while out on walks and recently had a positive interaction with another dog.

All in all, VENTI is a young pup looking for an adoptive family that will not only love her but also set her up for success through continued training. While she’s working on this, she’s not a fan of loud noises (think: fireworks, sirens, etc.), and you’ll see that she’s on alert. If we could humble-brag for a moment, though, VENTI is very good at letting her humans know when she needs to go outside. Oh, and give her 10 minutes, and she’ll be settled in her crate, especially if she’s sleepy. She loves her sleep, this one! 

Apply to adopt!

ROSA

Female | 12 years old | 8 pounds | Low energy | Hasn’t met kids or cats | Lives with multiple dogs | From Ontario | Fostered in Milton | Chill

Meet our sweet senior ROSA! Perhaps best described as low maintenance, ROSA is a super chill and relaxed senior mama. She enjoys her naps and finds joy sunbathing in her foster’s backyard. You could say she’s a bit of a couch potato when she’s not otherwise busy working on her tan. 

While she’s looking for a low-energy home, this gal still has the occasional short burst of playfulness. She enjoys slow, easy walks and at any given time will request a belly rub from her humans. You’ll soon find that ROSA enjoys spending time with her humans, as long as their schedule allows it, and she’s happy when they return home. 

Sweet as can be, ROSA is likely to do well with kids, but just keep in mind that she’s not likely going to run around engaging in play with them. The same goes with dog pals. She’s happy to coexist with them and say hello to new friends, but then it’s right back to her relaxing. As calm and relaxed as she is, the one thing she isn’t a fan of is the vacuum, which you’ll hear about since she’ll bark. After a couple of minutes, though, she tends to settle. 

Ready to bring this super sweet gal into your home? She’s sure hoping so! Apply to adopt today.

MASCARITA

Male | 7 years old | 35 pounds | Medium energy | Lives with a dog | Hasn’t met kids | Minor prey drive & hasn’t yet met 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 yet to meet friends of the cat variety, and with his minor prey drive, we recommend slow introductions 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!

MAJESTA

Female | 3 months old | 20 pounds & growing! | Puppy energy | Friendly meeting kids | Hasn’t met cats | Cautious but curious meeting dogs | From Manitoba | Fostered in Toronto | Smart, sweet & gentle

If you’re looking for a four-legged friend that is equal parts loving and loyal, well, MAJESTA fits the bill. A little silly and a lot cuddly, MAJESTA is an affectionate gal who loves adults and children alike. Just as curious to make friends with other animals, she cautiously meets other dogs, taking in their cues. Rather than getting all up in their personal space, she prefers to observe their behaviour first and go from there. If they’re game to play, she’s ALL in.

MAJESTA is her hippy-happiest self in nature, in the water and in the fields, and she quite literally likes to stop and smell the roses. Being in natural settings such as a cottage and near water has quickly become a personal favourite of hers (though not required, of course!). Does this pup have a strong prey drive? No, though she finds great joy in sitting politely and observing all the birds, bugs, and squirrels she sees while out and about, and shows zero interest in chasing them. Her foster family has described her as easy-going, which has made training both easy and enjoyable. Already proving to be an incredible companion and not to mention gentle, MAJESTA would be a great family dog.

Being active with all that puppy energy of hers, MAJESTA is best suited to an active household that is keen to support her training and able to stick to the boundaries they provide for her. Structure and boundaries will be appreciated by this gal because that’s how she continues to learn! Her adopter(s) can expect to continue working with her on crate training… especially as she’s more interested in being with her humans than all by herself. Would she much rather cuddle up by you? No doubt, and she’ll let you know it! Practice and patience will set you both up for success in this area, and know that she aims to please.

Get ready to absolutely adore her… her foster family sure does!! Oh, and when you do meet her, expect her to request a belly rub; she loves them!

Apply to adopt!

INDIGO - APP IN PROCESS

Male | 4.5 months old | 25 pounds & growing | Puppy energy | Enjoys living with a dog and is confident approaching dogs | Good with cats & kids | Fostered in Hamilton | A curious & quick learner | Epic crate-napping skills | Playful & affectionate

Meet INDIGO (AKA Indie!). A playful goofball eager to steal your Crocs and run. This sweet dude is 25 pounds and growing. He’s a confident little explorer always looking for something to do, but an all-star at crate time. Don't be fooled: when he's outta the crate, he doesn't stop!

Serving typical puppy energy, this guy's brown eyes, forehead wrinkles, and supersonic ears will quickly make you fall in love. INDIGO loves his SOS alumni buddy, Allan, and would choose 3+ wrestling matches a day if given the opportunity. His leash skills are picking up quickly and he loves having a walking buddy to show him the ropes—with a few extra sniffs along the way, please! Quick to warm up, this guy is friends with humans, dogs, and even his stay-at-home cat pal (though she's still sussing him out).

INDIGO will do anything for food. He's quickly learned to sit and wait to get what he wants (a treat, out of the crate, you name it), and will do *anything* for a food-dispensing toy. He sure does love his enrichment activities. His ideal home includes a loving human (or a few), lots of playtime, endless adventures, and maybe a pup pal. Cats? Sure! Kids? Can do, just note he's a pup and still a little nippy (though can be redirected). He's also put in a special request for a hammock, but his foster said "no guarantees."

With a little training, balancing downtime with play, and some supervision from you as his leader (hello, puppy energy), this guy can do anything. Ready to play? Apply to adopt!

Please note INDIGO was at an adoption event this past weekend. While we encourage you to apply to adopt if interested, please note that we will be prioritizing applicants that met INDIGO onsite.

DAISY

Female | 6 years old | 43 pounds | Low energy | Previously lived with dogs | Hasn’t met kids or cats | From Mexico | Fostered in Toronto | Affectionate & friendly 

This is DAISY. A lovely dog looking for an equally lovely home. A girl who thrives on companionship and finds joy in meeting both people and dogs alike. You should know that she happens to be the world’s biggest cuddle bug. So. Interested in adopting her already? You should be!

If there’s one thing her foster fam could humble brag about, it would be leash training. Sure, it might be game over if DAISY here catches sight of a squirrel, BUT she’s otherwise made great strides and walks well at a heel beside her person. Speaking of walks, she currently enjoys a few short walks each day, which seems to suit her well. When not out and about, she prefers to relax or nap near her humans as opposed to playing with puzzles or toys. She’s a fan of downtime, that’s for sure!

DAISY would make a good second dog or solo as the center of attention. That said, she does love interacting with other dogs, so living with them could be fun! She’s gentle and overall a chill dog, leading us to believe she’d do well in a home with children and maybe even with a cat. Time will tell!

Her being such a sweetheart is what can make it difficult not to give in to those puppy dog eyes of hers. It’s still important to maintain a consistent routine, plus she responds well to repetition and positive reinforcement. Otherwise, you can expect DAISY to continue working on crate training as she transitions into a new living environment. One other thing: this girl is a full-body tail wagger. As soon as she hears you coming, it’s not just her tail that wags, it’s her whole being. It’s the kind of greeting that melts hearts and makes coming home feel extra special!

Apply to adopt!

CHICO

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 big 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.

LARA - APP IN PROCESS

Female | Almost 3 years | 40 pounds | Medium-high energy | Good with kids and dogs | Could co-exist with cats | From Mexico | Fostered in Hamilton | Affectionate and fun-loving 

Say hello to LARA, a sweet, playful, and affectionate pup who thrives on routine, loves cuddles, and takes squirrel-spotting very seriously. She’s the kind of dog who will gently nudge you for pets, nap nearby while you work, and happily trot along on daily walks—always keeping an eye on the treetops, just in case.

LARA has settled beautifully into her foster home with a clear structure in place. She’s crate trained, house trained, and responds well to boundaries. She sleeps through the night, enjoys her crate for downtime, and listens to commands like a pro (well... unless a squirrel is involved, then she might need a minute).

Her ideal day? A few walks, a couple play sessions, time to lounge in the sun or spy on the backyard wildlife, and plenty of snuggles from her humans. She’s energetic but not overwhelming—once her physical and mental needs are met, she’s more than happy to curl up and chill.

LARA would love a home that can offer consistent routines, regular activity, and lots of affection. A backyard would be a bonus, as would another dog to play with or some older kids who can keep up with her fun-loving spirit. She's respectful, easy to redirect, and learning every day—especially with structure to guide her.

If you're looking for a curious, cuddly companion who does best when she knows what to expect, LARA just might be your girl!

LANDONIS

Male | 4 months old | 15Ibs & growing | Puppy energy | Limited exposure to dogs | Not cat tested | Good with kids ~5+ | From Cayman Islands | Fostered in Maple

With a name like LANDONIS, you’d expect a bit of charm—and this sleek adventurer delivers! Like a certain suave space pilot you may have heard of (Hey, Star Wars fans), LANDONIS has big charisma, a love of excitement, and a loyal streak that makes him unforgettable.

This handsome Caribbean pup has settled beautifully into life in the suburbs. He’s playful, goofy, and affectionate in his own cool-dog way. He’s crate trained, sleeps through the night, and is nearly house trained—just still figuring out how to ask politely when nature calls!

LANDONIS thrives on routine, long walks, fetch, and hanging out wherever his humans are. He’s doing well learning commands like “wait” and “cross,” and he’s picking things up quickly—especially when treats are involved. He’s great with people, including kids, though he can get a bit too excited sometimes, with the occasional jump or playful nip. A calm, structured environment helps him settle and shine.

He’d love a home with a backyard (or plenty of access to the great outdoors) with people who are around often or eager to include him in their everyday adventures. He might enjoy a dog buddy and definitely needs an outlet for his energy and curiosity.

LANDONIS is equal parts fun and sweet, with just enough rogue to keep life interesting. If you’re looking for a loyal co-pilot who’s ready to explore the galaxy—or at least your local park—he might be your perfect match. 

TOOTSIE ROLL

Female | ~3 months old | 15 pounds & growing! | Puppy energy | Has met some children | Hasn’t met dogs or cats | From Manitoba | Fostered in Toronto | Smart

Just as beloved as your favourite chocolatey treat, meet TOOTSIE ROLL. Smart, curious, and friendly, TOOTSIE ROLL over here could very well be a triple threat. She’s got a hint of a fun attitude, talking back to her foster family as she becomes more comfortable in their care… and that’s just how she rolls!

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, 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 shows interest in dogs, though has yet to meet them. We think it’s just a matter of time before she becomes pals with other scruffs in the neighbourhood.

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 three months old, she’s got a lot of puppy energy, though we think her energy level will remain high as she grows.

If we’re talking training, TOOTSIE ROLL is comfortable using her crate at night. What about during the day? It may take some time for her to settle during the day since she really just wants to hang out with her people, but she’ll get the hang of it. Another thing to make note of is that as a pup, she can be nippy. With that in mind, it would be best for her to stick with interacting with older kids for now as she continues to learn.

Apply to adopt!

MOKI - APP IN PROCESS

Male | ~4 months old | 12 pounds & growing! | Puppy energy | Hasn’t met kids or cats | Previously lived with dogs | Fostered in Toronto | Friendly & smart

Meet MOKI AKA your future adventure buddy and cuddle companion!

MOKI is a bright, affectionate pup with energy to spare. He’s got SO much love to give. He’s playful and goofy, zooming around with his toys, but when it’s time to wind down, he succumbs to a good cuddle, often snuggling his favourite duck toy while catching some Zzz’s.

With his energy level, MOKI would thrive in a home that’s already active. He’s a fan of his walks, especially in the park, and also enjoys a good hike. MOKI is food-motivated, eager to learn, and thrives on positive reinforcement. He’s a curious young explorer with a nose for treats (seriously, hide them anywhere—he’ll find them in minutes!). 

In the care of his foster family, he’s already learned basic commands. Yes, he’s that smart! He’s learned sit, paw, and spin… just to name a few! He’s still working on leash-walking skills, and you may notice that he’s interested in sniffing out all the smells and trying to catch the best glimpse of any and all wildlife. While MOKI has yet to meet dogs with his current foster, he has shown some curiosity towards them when passing on walks and also previously lived with three other dogs.

This pup has shown some apprehensiveness with new sounds (think loud trucks and noisy vacuuming). With a little practice and patience, his confidence will grow. He’s definitely not shy with new people, though, which is something his foster family can confirm! With that in mind, know that at least for now, MOKI will do best with older, dog-savvy kids who understand that his excitement may lead to jumping while he’s still learning the ropes.

If you're looking for a loyal and loving companion, MOKI just might be your perfect match. Apply to adopt!

JUDITH - APP IN PROCESS

Female | ~1.5 years old | 25 pounds | Medium energy | Lives with another dog | Hasn’t met kids | No cats please, shows prey drive | From Mexico | Fostered in Toronto | Playful & curious | A real sweetheart

Are you ready to fall head over paws? Meet Judith! 

Picture this: walking through your door and being met with eyes full of love, happy hops, tail wags, and gentle kisses. Oh, and zoomies of pure joy—that’s life with JUDITH. Just about 1.5 years old, she’s full of playful energy, affection for her humans, and she’s so ready to become your best friend forever.

Here’s what we know about JUDITH: she’s curious, smart, and affectionate. Having recently moved from Mexico to Canada, JUDITH is busy learning what it means to feel safe and loved in a new living environment. Sudden movements and loud noises can make her pause, though with a little patience, she becomes more comfortable. You’ll soon see that she’s slowly but surely blossoming into the sweet, silly girl she is. In her foster’s care, she’s been building confidence, which is something we love to see!

Toys, puzzle games, and tug-of-war are some of this scruff’s favourite activities. Once playtime is over, she’s happy to curl up nearby and be close to her people. While she might take some time to warm up to people initially, she really does have a deep desire to connect. She’s also got a fun, goofy streak and a strong desire to explore! Oh, and yes, she also continues to work on leash training.

She thrives with another calm, confident dog who can show her the ropes and share in the fun. Her ideal home would be just as calm, with adults or older kids who can offer guidance, their time to play, and the chance for adventure. Know that she’s curious but cautious when meeting new dogs and prefers to meet them at her own pace.

Overall, having a consistent routine in place with JUDITH is key, as it helps create predictability throughout her day. If you're looking for a dog who’ll make you laugh and quietly steal your socks—JUDITH is ready to meet you. Ready for your next great love story? Apply to adopt JUDITH.

WILEY

Male | 4 years old | 38 pounds | Medium energy | Comfortable with kids | Working through dog reactivity | No cats please, shows prey drive | From Mexico | Fostered in Toronto | Goofy & playful

Meet WILEY. Possibly the sweetest, goofiest scruff you’ll meet. And there are a lot of scruffs out there! Lots of walks, time to play, and, ofc, time to nap are the keys to his heart. Oh, and throw in some cuddles, and he’ll be the happiest guy around. 

WILEY currently lives in a condo in Toronto and, with support from his foster family, has been becoming more independent. They’ve noticed that his love for toys is impressive, and no matter how many he has, he makes time to play with each! He’s also a big fan of time outside, and we think he’d make a great adventure buddy alongside his future adopters. Being adaptable is what has us thinking that WILEY would do well in most environments. As long as you’re committed to his training, he’s sure to show off his best self.

Overall, this scruff is a great walker who stays by his human’s side. With that in mind, it’s his anxiousness that can sometimes lead to him becoming reactive when passing other dogs on walks. Usually, this is the case if they get too close for comfort or if they bark. Working on controlled interactions has been helpful, and WILEY recently did great attending a trail pack walk, showing more curiosity with those dogs. Big strides indeed!

WILEY enjoys attention from kids and is happy to sit while accepting pets from them. We still think living with older kids, at least for now, would be best, as he can get excited and jumpy. Have more visitors, well, visiting? He’s content in his crate even with new people around and also happy to go up to them looking for affection. After a busy day of walks, exploring, and playing, WILEY is more than happy to chillax with you. Now, here’s the thing: he might want to kick back on the couch with you, but he’s learning to stay on his bed using the command “place.” He’ll get there!

Keen to adopt this goofy guy? Knew it! Apply today.

CAPUCHINA - APP IN PROCESS

Female | 6 years old | 39 pounds | Medium energy | Working through dog reactivity | Not cat-tested, shows prey drive | Good with kids | From Mexico | Fostered in Toronto | Playful & affectionate | Best in quieter residential area

Looking for a scruff with personality? Playful and affectionate, CAPUCHINA is here to steal your heart! This 6-year-old fluffball is a certified pro at striking zen yoga moves, collecting belly rubs, and making her humans feel like the center of the universe. She absolutely LOVES people of all ages, and is always excited to make new human friends—expect lots of tail wags and happy greetings! This gal is also cool with a changing schedule. How do we know? Her foster fam goes into the office a couple of days a week and also works from home.

CAPUCHINA is a dream inside the home—fully house-trained, respectful of your space, and a big fan of her crate (it’s her cozy little retreat!). She’s not overly vocal and thrives on routine, enjoying a calm, structured home where she can relax and just be her sweet self. Sure, she’s a working breed, but inside the home, she shows off her calm demeanour. She’s got energy when it’s time for fun (who knew chasing stuffed animals on a rope wasn't just for cats!), but also loves a good nap and food puzzle for breakfast and dinner—balance is key, after all!

CAPUCHINA is currently working through her dog reactivity. She absolutely loves her walks, and has shown improvement with general reactivity and the time being reactive has gone down, but still needs to work through head-on dog encounters. It’s important her adopter is committed to working with her on confidence, patience, clear guidance and consistency. That said, know that she’s progressing in these areas and is happy to interact with them after meeting and in closer proximity versus seeing from a distance.

If you’re dog-savvy and ready to help CAPUCHINA be the best version of herself, she will reward you with endless love, hilarious quirks, and unwavering devotion. 

Ready to welcome this perfect home companion into your life? Apply now—CAPUCHINA can’t wait to meet you!

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

KAJETA. A girl who loves her walks and her people (once 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! While she enjoys the presence of her trusted humans (and will be the happiest door greeter when you get home), meeting new people in the home can put her on alert. This just means she’ll need some extra time to get used to those she doesn’t yet know. 

Apart from walks, one of her fav pastimes is playing with her toys. Inside the home, she’s quite chill and enjoys curling up to relax while you’re otherwise occupied. 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. 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 and rabbits, which can involve being vocal and pulling. 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 can give her pause, though slow introductions will help her warm up to them in time.
Apply to adopt!

Please note KAJETA was at an adoption event this past weekend. While we encourage you to apply to adopt if interested, please note that we will be prioritizing applicants that met KAJETA onsite.

WILLOW - APP IN PROCESS

Female | 5 months old | 13 pounds & growing | Puppy energy | Hasn’t met cats | Positive interactions with kids and dogs | Fostered in Richmond Hill | A curious & quick learner

WILLOW. In European folklore, people believed knocking on the trunk of a willow tree would bring good luck, hence the phrase “knock on wood.” We’re here to share that WILLOW, a newly adoptable pup, might just be your very own good luck charm. Well, if you invite her into your life, of course.

Love, wonder, and whimsy tied together, WILLOW also happens to be brave in her boldness. Having adapted quickly to a new home environment, her hesitancy towards the outdoors quickly vanished, being replaced with a feeling of excitement for checking out new places and spaces. She’s driven, this one, and, eager to please her humans, she eagerly works through training. Being food-motivated as she is, treats are a big bonus for her after a job well done.

The key to her heart is belly rubs, and her puppy energy will leave you breathless. WILLOW is looking for a moderately active family that is keen to bring a loyal companion into their home. WILLOW enjoys going for walks and does well with a structured lifestyle in which she also practices crate training and regular downtime. This pup enjoys playing with small to medium-sized dogs and shows a slightly more reserved side with larger dogs. While WILLOW has yet to meet cats she has really loved interacting with kids so far!

They say that fortune favours the brave. Are you bold and brave enough to bring an energetic pup into your life? There’s house training and leash training. There’s structure and boundaries. And gosh, there’s a whole lot of work. On the other side of the coin, it’s adventure and companionship. It’s belly rubs and affection. 

What do you say, ready to meet your good luck charm? You’d better knock on wood… and apply to adopt!

Please note WILLOW was at an adoption event this past weekend. While we encourage you to apply to adopt if interested, please note that we will be prioritizing applicants that met WILLOW onsite.

TUBA

Male | 5 years old | 88 pounds | Low energy | Lives with a dog | Hasn’t met cats | No kids please | From Hamilton | Fostered in Toronto | Sweet with goofball tendencies | Loves stuffies & snuggles

It’s time to face the music. Meet TUBA. With a name like that, you’d best believe he’s got the personality to match! Fast to make friends, this scruff is perhaps best described as a gentle giant. He might be big (and definitely strong!), but he’s also the first to lean in for pets, roll over for a belly rub (he LOVES a snuggle), and essentially become your BFF and all that jazz.

So, he’s confident, smart, a little playful, and, like we said, strong. TUBA does his best work using training tools on walks. In his foster’s opinion, it’s made a world of difference, and he now walks in a relaxed manner by his human. He’s a smart pooch and is currently working on place. He’s already got sit, down, and wait down pat! Of course, while you might want to play it by ear, we recommend finding a balanced training program to learn right alongside TUBA. A helpful hint in the meantime: TUBA responds well to his humans, especially when food is on the line!

Ideally, TUBA would find a home with experience taking care of larger dogs. A home that’s also a moderately quiet area would also be great as TUBA continues progressing with training. Know that while he’s improving in this area, TUBA can be vocal in his crate when left alone, though. We do love that he’s become more comfortable with relaxing in it when he decides to.

Typically indifferent to other dogs, this scruff can show some interest in them now and then. Case in point: TUBA and his foster’s resident dog have become BFFs. Their similar temperaments, interest in play, and ability to respect each other’s boundaries have all strengthened their friendship. TUBA’s happy-go-lucky personality shines through in his interactions with people—he truly enjoys making new friends! That said, he can take a minute to warm up to new faces and really appreciates it when people respect his boundaries as he gets comfortable. With all that in mind, this scruff has also shown some prey drive, in particular when animals dart across his line of vision. So? Interactions with cats will need to be supervised. 

Keen to adopt TUBA? That’s music to our ears! Apply today.

Tuba is currently in Toronto and is available for informal meet & greets with his foster to see if it's a good fit. Email adoption@saveourscruff.org to set that up, but tell us a little about yourself and why he's a match for you. 

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 years old | 33 pounds | Medium energy | Has dog friends | Good with dog-savvy cats | Good with respectful kids (6+ years) | From Mexico | Fostered in Sharon, ON | Looking for an adopter

Meet VANNA! She enjoys walks or hikes, hanging with her peeps, playing with a flirt pole (Google it! So fun), and of course chill time. 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 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.”

As mentioned, VANNA and her handler have worked on social skills since they’ve been together since January. She’s been great with dogs and is now super curious and a little investigator when it comes to meeting new people. Her foster, who also helped with some training for a few weeks, will pass off all info to set her up for success in her new home. VANNA is also available for informal meet and greets if you want to meet her before applying, to see if she’s a good fit. Send us some info about yourself, and why you’re interested in her to adoption@saveourscruff.org. 

She also has a strong prey drive outdoors, but recently interacted with a few dog-savvy cats and did really well! She would do best in a home with adults or kids over the age of 6. 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 today or email us to set up a meeting first.

KORI

Female | 4 years old | 32 Pounds | Medium Energy | Good Exposure with other dogs | Dog savvy cats or no cats, please! | Kids 6+ | From Mexico | Living in Sharon, Ontario | Hypoallergenic Diet (suspected food allergy) | Affectionate, playful and smart

KORI is a spunky, intelligent, and fun natured gal looking for her family. Since arriving in October, KORI has blossomed into a playful, affectionate companion. She’s eager to please, making her an excellent fit for an adopter who can continue her growth. She's a mixed breed, is 4 years old & weighs 32lbs. 

Personality: KORI is independent and smart, with a fun-loving spirit. She loves her daily walks, playtime with tug toys, and bonding with her humans. While she was initially shy, she’s become more confident with bonded people, and her affectionate nature shines through. She’s an eager learner and loves challenges. KORI can be both cautious and boisterous with new people but is learning to engage in a calm, respectful manner.

Ideal Day: KORI loves her leashed walks, visiting off leash trails, playing tug and trick training. She’s content in her crate, though she does prefer to hang out on a dog-bed in place near you! She solves puzzles and food toys like it’s nobody’s business and always for a new challenge.

Other Pets: KORI is really respectful of all dogs. She’s happy to engage in play/chase, but also very good at doing her own thing. KORI would make a great second dog — she knows just how to turn up the party, or chill out. She can recall out of a prey drive, though she will look and sometimes stare or stalk at a smaller animal on a walk.

Skills: KORI is fully crate and house-trained, and on/off-leash obedience trained — she can even do a few tricks! Her confidence is growing and she’s quite content around strangers. She’s often happy to receive pets and is always up for a game of tug with them. KORI would thrive with continued learning and structure in her forever home.

Ideal Home: KORI would be a great family scruff for for dog-savvy kids 6+. She doesn’t need a dog sibling, but she’d do well with one! She’d also make a great dog for a first time dog owner, so long as they’re willing to continue to build on the skills she already has!

Fun Fact: KORI is always game for a good tug-of-war session or a fun game of chase!

If you’re ready for a fun, intelligent companion, KORI could be the one! She is currently in Sharon, ON and is available for informal meet & greets with her handler to see if it's a good fit. Email adoption@saveourscruff.org to set that up, but tell us a little about yourself and why she's a match for you. 

Or put in an application below today!

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.