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 completing a training program in a boarding facility, 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!

COQUIS

Female | 3 years old | 23 pounds | Medium energy | Coexists with dog & cat | Potentially able to coexist with dog-savvy or older kids | From Mexico | Fostered in Toronto, but anxious around noises | Sweet, silly & playful

If you saw our SOS Halloween post, you might recognize COQUIS as Anxiety from Inside Out. But guess what? This little gal is finding her groove! With a confident handler or someone open to working alongside a trainer, Coquis is ready to shine. She’s already showing her affectionate side at home and loves to be near her favorite humans.

Coquis is still working on her confidence outdoors. While loud noises, new places, and unfamiliar sights can give her pause, she’s making steady progress. She’s warming up to new people faster these days, and her foster mom says she’s trainable and improving! Short walks and a quiet neighborhood will help her keep building that courage.

At home, Coquis is a total sweetheart. She’s no longer glued to her crate and is perfectly content hanging out wherever her people are. She’s currently coexisting peacefully with a cat and has gained confidence from her foster sibling dog, though a second dog in the home isn’t a must—just a bonus!

This playful girl is also bursting with energy when it comes to her trusted friends. Her frog-inspired name suits her perfectly because she can get bouncy with excitement! For this reason, older or dog-savvy kids would be the best match.

Coquis is ready to cuddle, play, and become your loyal companion. A little patience will go a long way in helping her settle into her forever home. Could you be the one to show her that life’s not so scary? Apply to adopt today!

Interested but want to meet COQUIS first? COQUIS and her fosters are open to informal meet and greets. Email adoption@saveourscruff.org and tell us a little bit about yourself!

ALFONSINA

Female | 1 year old | 35 pounds | Medium energy| Can be a second dog to a chill, confident companion | Coexists well with a cat | No kids, please | From Mexico | Fostered in Whitby | Independent & gentle | Nervous in new situations | Backyard Preferred

Calling all trail runners! Looking for your new hiking buddy, yet ready to earn her trust first? We found your girl!

This sweet 1-year-old pup is nervous in new areas, and around new people. But she LOVES going on leashed adventures through trails with her foster. Got a backyard? That’s her real happy place. She’ll happily share her backyard with dog friends, after slow introductions of course!

ALFONSINA could be compared to Neville Longbottom from Harry Potter — though she is a little awkward & has many fears (new places, new people, loud sounds and sudden movements), she is brave & overcomes them. She has come a long way from when she arrived! At first, she would stay in her crate (her safe space!). Over time, she’s started venturing out & has grown to enjoy companionship with her foster. Keep in mind this is because her foster has spent time developing a relationship built on trust.

ALFONSINA does best with humans who give her space and let her come to them. In time, she may just become your best friend, the key word here being time! She is looking for a handler who will help her work through her fears, but won’t coddle her. This means slow intros (especially in her home) & giving her space to learn on her own & grow her confidence. She is a BRAVE girl and needs someone who believes in her! She'll thank you with her signature "paw for pets" move.

Some areas where ALFONSINA has excelled? Crate training, leash manners, and coexisting with her feline foster sister. ALFONSINA would likely do best in a home with no children, due to her nervousness. While she can be a solo dog, we think she'd love a second dog to a chill & confident companion who can show her the world isn’t so scary after all.

Does ALFONSINA sound like the dog for you? Apply to adopt below!

ALFONSINA and her foster mom are also open to informal meet and greets in Whitby. If you are interested in meeting her to see if it’s a good fit, please email adoption@saveourscruff.org and tell us a bit about yourself.