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!

COQUIS

Female | 3 years old | 23 pounds | Medium energy | Good second dog | Co-exists with cats | Not kid tested | From Mexico | Fostered in Hamilton| Nervous, silly & smart

At 3 years young, Coquis lived for some time in a shelter setting before coming to Toronto in October. This smol girl felt a little lost in the city landscape. Indoors was her safe haven and she started coming out of her shell inside only. She thrived with another chill doggo to play with and learn from. She also has coexisted with a dog-friendly cat and done just dandy.

After a short reboot with a trainer, Coquis is now settling into her new foster home, where she has been making huge strides and showing more of her goofy, affectionate personality every day. Coquis is a gentle soul with a silly streak, especially when she’s trying to convince you that going outside in the snow is not necessary!

She thrives in a calm environment with predictable routines and chill vibes. Loud noises? No thanks. Busy, high-traffic areas? Hard pass. Coquis is all about quiet walks, cozy naps, and bonding with her humans. She’s incredibly loving once she trusts you and will happily curl up nearby while you work or relax.

Her ideal home would continue her daily routine that involves guiding her to build trust and confidence both indoors & outside. Inside that would look like having her leashed to guide interactions and avoid hiding. Outside, that would look like practicing building confidence (while having fun) by doing obstacles like jumping on structures or rocks, when out for structured walks. She’s caught on well to learning to follow her trusted people on walks, to help guide her through things that may initially startle her.

While she may take some time to fully settle in, Coquis is already house-trained, crate-trained, and great on a leash in low-stress areas. She’s good with a flexible schedule that has times in her crate alone and times with her people. She’s looking for patient adopters who will continue building her confidence while also advocating for her when the world feels a little too overwhelming. Think that could be you? Apply today!

KORI

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.

DUKE

Male | ~3 Years Old | 58 Pounds | Medium Energy | Coexists well with other dogs | No cats, please! | Did well meeting dog-savvy kids | From Mexico | Living in Erin, Ontario | Affectionate and loves to be with his people

Everyone, meet DUKE. DUKE, meet everyone. At just about 3 years old, DUKE is an affectionate mixed-breed pooch who loves to love his people. You guessed it - he’s up for the task of being an excellent companion if you’re up to the task of learning all there is to learn about him. This includes learning how he communicates with his body language and is something his current trainer would be happy to help coach you on!

In a way, DUKE is a simple scruff. He loves playing with his ball and participating in a round of fetch. He also likes to sleep and eat. Lol. In other ways, he’s more complex and would do well in a home that is looking forward to implementing instruction from his trainers.

As DUKE is currently being fostered by his trainer, he gets to spend afternoons hiking with a pack of dogs. It’s pretty fun for him! With a medium energy level, DUKE requires an hour of exercise a day, think: a nice long walk and time to play outside. It doesn’t have to be a hike!

In this environment, DUKE has been able to progress with his interactions among other dogs. Of course, his new fam will need to continue advocating for him on a daily basis! As we mention the importance of advocating for him, we should also say that DUKE has a high prey drive and will do best, and needs to go to a home with no cats. Can he live with children though? He sure can! Supervision is, of course, necessary but provided he trusts his leader(s), he will do well interacting with respectful kiddos. DUKE could also live with a 9-5er provided he gets a bathroom break midday. Something to consider!

Otherwise, we can share that time to practice the command place and even having some crate time is important to ensure he’s comfortable in his own space. That said, when inside the home he does like to hang out with his people - so leave time for both!

Anyway, we can’t wait for you to meet him. DUKE is available for informal meetups with his trainer at Paws and Sniff. If you’re interested but not quite ready to put in the application, send us an email stating you’d like to set up a meet and greet and give us some insights into why you’re thinking you’re a good fit for him! Please email adoption@saveourscruff.org to set this up. Please note, DUKE’s current location is Erin, Ontario.

Apply to adopt DUKE 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.

PUPPIES

3 Male & 1 Female | Born January 17 | Puppy energy | From Norway House, Manitoba | Fostered in Winnipeg | Arriving to Toronto late March | All looking for adopters

*Adoptions Pending for PETUNIA and ASTER*

Puppies! Run, don’t walk, because we officially have 4 pups, each looking for their furever homes. The 3 males and 1 female are currently living in Winnipeg and are making the journey to Toronto in late March. TBD on their exact date of arrival, so for any potential adopters, keep in mind you’ll need to be flexible when it comes to your availability. 

CEDAR (male), HEATH (male), PETUNIA (female), and ASTER (male) are a month old and very busy growing. They’ll be a little over 2 months old when they arrive, and we recommend looking up northern breeds for more insights and being prepared for obedience classes once they are old enough. 

As a pup, CEDAR’s presence most certainly isn’t towering, yet give it time, and this young scruff will grow almost as big and strong as those majestic evergreens. HEATH’s name suggests one who likes all things rugged and outdoorsy. Time will tell! As the female in this litter, PETUNIA is love in a puppy package. ASTER shines just as bright as a star, with his white fur coat and spotted eye.

As canine companions, each of these pups has the potential to both comfort you and liven up your everyday with their playful antics! Apply today. If you are open to any puppy, please state that in your application.

*Last photo is of mom, who is a medium-large-sized scruffy mix.

BAGEL

Female | 10 years old | 62 pounds | Low energy | Coexists with a cat | Currently lives with a dog | Has met older kids | From Hamilton | Fostered in Hamilton |  Sweet & gentle | Loves belly rubs and napping

It’s about time we spilled the beans. Our newest adoptable is ready for her time to shine, and no, she’s not named after a legume. Rather, this gal is named after a doughnut’s cooler cousin, BAGEL. Naturally sweet and mighty in her love for her people, BAGEL has perfected the art of companionship.

She’s a loyal pooch and pairs particularly well with your morning coffee :) And just about any other chill activity for that matter. As a slower, overweight senior, walks with BAGEL are short and sweet. This is to be expected, and she’s looking for a home that’s going to enjoy spending time with her as she lives out her golden years. If you ask us, those are the best ones. House-trained and familiar with using a crate, the latter is a space she’s still working on settling in.

BAGEL is the kind of scruff who adores being around people, and if she could, she’d happily spend all day by your side. Other activities she enjoys include rolling in the snow and keeping warm and toasty by soaking up the sun any chance she gets. It’s the simple things in life!

BAGEL could do well with a calm, laid-back dog friend for some extra company throughout the day. Note that she is looking for a quieter home with minimal hustle and bustle where she’s not expected to take on strenuous activities. BAGEL accepts belly rubs from anyone, dog-savvy kids included! 

Apply to adopt BAGEL. She’ll be happy to share affection with you, which will kind of be like a carb-hug from the universe.

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. 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!