TUBA

Male | 5 years old | 88 pounds | Low energy | Lives with a dog | Hasn’t met kids or cats | 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 extends to his interactions with people… and, can we just say, he loves making new friends! 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.

NANTUCKET

Male | 3 months old | 11 pounds & growing! | Puppy energy | Currently lives with kids and 2 dogs | Hasn’t met cats | Fostered in Burlington | Inquisitive & playful

Introducing NANTUCKET… or, as his foster family likes to call him, Tuck! Arguably the cutest, most confident little scruff, he flew straight in with that cool coastal charm of his just to meet his future fam. He’s a one-of-a-kind pup, this one, though we’re pretty sure you already know it!

NANTUCKET is a smarty pants. At 12 weeks old, he's hard at work mastering potty breaks, learning commands, and settling into his crate for bedtime. He’s also working on his walking skills. It can be tricky with all the noises, aka distractions (think: fire trucks, garbage trucks, people saying hi, etc.). If you’re committed to his ongoing training and building a bond by setting boundaries and advocating for him on walks, you might just be the perfect match. 

Life in his foster family’s home currently involves all the attention and playtime NANTUCKET could want and then some. Living with 2 kiddos aged 7 and 9, and dogs (including a former SOS rescue!) is very fun for him. He would make a great addition to a family with kids or even a home with a second dog, as he looks up to other scruffs. 

NANTUCKET has a nose for adventure and is keeping his first-time foster family busy. He LOVES to play! Encouraging him to settle on his own in his crate by using independent enrichment activities like a snuffle mat or Kong benefits him. Oh, and they also help build his confidence even more :)

If you're ready for lots of puppy kisses and, yes, bum wiggles, then NANTUCKET could be the pup for you. Apply to adopt! Life will be an infinite adventure with him by your side, that’s for sure.

NAIROBI

Female | 3.5 years old | 37 pounds | Low-medium energy | Hasn’t met kids or cats | Positive interactions with dogs | From Mexico | Fostered in Toronto | Goofy and gaining confidence | Affectionate

Meet NAIROBI. A low-key yet social gal pal who enjoys spending time with her humans and dogs alike. Sure, she’s a little on the hesitant side at first, but she’s new here, and who can blame her?! Giving her time and space to warm up, as well as advocating for her, will help her gain confidence in you as her handler and herself as she learns to embrace new friends.

With her calm approach to life, NAIROBI only occasionally gets the zoomies. More often than not, she likes to fill her days with time to lounge by the window and time to receive affection. Belly rubs, please! Of course, NAIROBI is pleased to attend a few walks throughout the day, typically a long walk and a couple of shorter walks to stretch her legs and get her activity in.

As her foster knows, access to quieter areas nearby is key if NAIROBI is to be living downtown. She’s working on developing her confidence in the city and is slowly but surely getting comfortable in everyday scenarios like using the elevator and passing other dogs and people. Also, this gal does like her space, so living as a solo dog could work well for her. Otherwise, having another dog with a similar energy level in the home could help her feel more confident in her surroundings.

Think you’re the one for NAIROBI? Apply to adopt.

CHESTER - APP IN PROCESS

Male | 2 years old | 50 pounds | Medium-high energy | Currently lives with another dog |  Hasn’t met cats or kids | From Hamilton | Fostered in Toronto | Shy yet brave!

CHESTER, here, is a lot of things, one of which is unique! He’s the first dog that has been in SOS care with this particular name, which we think is really special. The name CHESTER signifies strength, and gosh, is there a lot of that evident in the way the SOS community shows up to help scruffs find homes that will help them shine as their best selves <3

Naturally curious, this is a dog that wants to meet new people. Especially when they have treats! He’s cautious and maybe even a little nervous at first though, so you’ll have to give him a bit of time to warm up. He’s brave, though, and is, in fact, here to make friends, so you can count on him becoming your best bud if you give it time. Something you can look forward to is the way this scruff bonds with his main caregivers. He’s been busy coming out of his shell, and every day he’s becoming more sociable. 

CHESTER not only shows strength in his bravery, but he’s also such a friendly pooch who is doing his best to make friends with the dog he lives with. They play wrestle here and there, and we’re fairly certain he’d do well with another scruff going forward that can show him the ropes and keep him company. What should you keep an eye out for? His zigs and his zags, and generally speaking, his zoomies! Just like any dog, CHESTER gets the occasional spurt of energy. He can startle, which is why he’ll do best with a more experienced dog owner over a first-time owner. This is also why he might do best with no kids or simply just older kids for now as he learns to settle and become more comfortable in new environments. When it comes down to it, he’s really a gentle giant with a bit of puppy energy!

CHESTER is also progressing with his training. Advocating for him on walks will set him up for success. Note that he is strong and can pull while out in the neighbourhood though he’s also a good listener. Communicating that you’re the leader is key here! So. Think you might be a good fit for this scruff? Apply to adopt.

NANDO - APP IN PROCESS

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 | 2.5 years old | 33 lbs | Medium energy | Can be selective with dogs | No cats please | Best with 16+ | From Mexico | Fostered in Sharon, ON | Looking for an adopter

Meet VANNA! This sweet, sensitive girl is currently living with a trainer, and making great progress in building confidence. She thrives with structure, routine, and clear guidance, and she’s looking for an experienced adopter to continue working with her.

VANNA is smart and eager to learn. She enjoys structured leash walks, hand-feeding, obedience training, and decompression time. She also loves fetch, hiking, and hanging out with her humans! She is crate-trained and fine being left alone for a workday with proper exercise.

While neutral around most dogs, Vanna can be reactive toward excitable or pushy dogs. A calm, confident dog may help her open up, but she should avoid on-leash greetings with unfamiliar dogs. She has a strong prey drive and is not suited for a home with cats.

VANNA is still nervous with new people and has territorial tendencies in the home. She needs slow introductions and an adopter willing to advocate for her and follow her training plan. Due to this, she would do best in an adult-only home (16+).

VANNA will be in training until early March, and will need an adopter after that time. Her trainer is open to informal meet & greets, complete with valuable tips on what works for VANNA. She needs a patient and committed person to help her continue building confidence and trust. If you're looking for a loyal, intelligent companion and are willing to continue her training, VANNA is ready to meet you!

KORI - APP IN PROCESS

Female | 2 years old | 45 Pounds | Medium Energy | Good Exposure with other dogs | Dog savvy cats or no cats, please! | No kids | 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 2 years old & weighs 45lbs. 

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 bousterious with new people but is learning to engage in a calm, respectful manner.

Ideal Day: Kori thrives on a structured routine. A walk in the morning, followed by play + skill learning exercises, makes her a happy girl ready for some relaxation. She’s perfectly content to chill in her crate or relax while you’re busy but loves to be involved with you when you’re free. A few play sessions and enrichment activities keep her mentally engaged and content for fun rewards.

Other Pets: Kori enjoys the company of other dogs, especially playful and confident ones. She loves to play chase and wrestle, but she respects boundaries well. Kori has a strong prey drive and will chase small animals, so her ideal home would have a dog-savvy cat or no cats at all. She’s also very responsive on walks, redirecting well when needed.

Skills: With guidance Kori is good with housetraining & crate-training, and walks well on leash. She knows basic commands and is learning more each day. She’s still a bit nervous around strangers but improves with positive interactions & instructions that will be handed down by her handler. Kori would thrive with continued  learning and structure in her forever home.

Ideal Home: Kori would do best in a quieter, adult-only home with an experienced adopter. A family with another playful dog would be ideal. If you’re ready for a fun, intelligent companion, Kori could be the one! 

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

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.

CAPUCHINA

Female | 6 years old | 39 lbs | Medium energy | Dog reactive | Not cat-tested, shows prey drive | Likely good with kids | From Mexico | Fostered in Toronto

Looking for a scruff with personality? 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!

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. She’s got energy when it’s time for fun, but also loves a good nap—balance is key, after all!

Now, for real talk— CAPUCHINA has strong opinions about other dogs. And by strong, we mean she prefers they stay far, far away. She absolutely loves her walks, but when she sees another dog, she reacts with full enthusiasm (aka lunging and barking). She needs an adopter committed to working on her reactivity with structure, patience, clear guidance and consistency.

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. She’s looking for a home where she can be the queen of the castle (aka no other pets) and soak up all the attention she deserves.

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

MAPLE

Female | 2 years old | 35lbs | Medium Energy | Can be shy with other dogs | Dog-savvy cats may work | Best in an adult-only home or with older, dog-savvy kids | From Mexico | Fostered in Toronto | Curious & sweet

With a name like MAPLE, she was meant to find her home in Canada—and just like the syrup, she’s as sweet as can be! Initially shy, she has blossomed into a curious and observant pup whose adventurous nature makes every walk exciting.

She’s still adjusting to city life and thrives with patience, positive exposure, and a structured routine. For example, two hours of walking a day is currently setting her up for success! Crate-trained and doing well in an apartment setting, MAPLE takes time to warm up to new people and can be a bit suspicious at first. Slow introductions and clear boundaries help her feel safe, and once she trusts you, she’s incredibly loyal and affectionate.

MAPLE has shown some controlling tendencies, staying very aware of movement around her space. However, with structure and training, she’s learning that she doesn’t need to be in charge. She would do best with an experienced adopter who can recognize her cues or someone committed to working with a trainer.

While selective with other animals, MAPLE may do well with a confident, dog-savvy cat or a well-matched canine companion. She hasn’t met children, but she’d be best suited to an adult-only home or one with older, respectful kids who understand her boundaries.

Her big, soulful eyes will melt your heart. With continued guidance and a loving, structured home, MAPLE will thrive. Ready for some sweet adventures? Apply to adopt MAPLE today!