The Urgent Need to Foster Dogs: Lending a Helping Paw to Shelters and Rescues

It’s no secret that animal shelters across Ontario are bursting at the seams with homeless dogs. The rising cost-of-living post-pandemic has made it difficult for many families to care for their pets properly. As a result, shelters have seen an influx of returned dogs, leading to overcrowding. Here’s where fostering comes into play as a lifeline to our furry friends:

Fostering saves lives.

By welcoming a furry friend into your home, you provide individualized care, socialization, and stability to an animal that may otherwise face euthanasia. Fostering reduces stress in the shelter environment, allowing shelter staff to focus on cases requiring immediate attention. Your kindness gives the lucky dogs renewed hope for a brighter future and increases their chances of finding a fur-ever home.

Fostering helps adoption chances. 

Dogs in foster care can fully showcase their personality, helping them get matched with the right adoptive family. As a foster, you gather valuable insights into the dog’s personality, and compatibility with children and other pets, enabling individuals or families to determine whether a specific dog fits their lifestyle.

Some dogs come to shelters with specific needs or behaviours that require one-on-one care and socialization. While we don’t always know this upfront, we will be honestwith you and share what we know so you can decide if you can help.

Fostering is good for your well-being. 

Opening your home to a foster dog can be equally rewarding for you. Without a long-term commitment, you get all the benefits of having a dog, including wet kisses, warm snuggles and daily walks! Fostering a dog leaves an indelible pawprint on your heart.

If you have a lot of extra love and a little more time to spare, please consider becoming a foster paw-rent. Contact Emma at Coveted Canines and Creatures Rescue so we can rescue more dogs across Ontario together: foster@covetedcanines.org 

P.S. We gratefully accept donations if you can’t be a foster paw-rent but want to help. One hundred percent of your donation goes directly to support the dogs in our care, like Boris (view his bio here) who is undergoing extensive training or the adorable Maggy (view her bio here) that needed a lot of medical support and ongoing medication.

Coveted Canines and Creatures Rescue is a not-for-profit organization that rescues animals at high risk of being euthanized or vulnerable to abuse. We are wholly volunteer-driven by individuals donating their time and expertise for the love of animals.

Prince's Success Story

Coveted Canines and Creatures Rescue was in urgent need of foster parents to house a litter of puppies, and while Kristie and husband, Chris, had intentions of adopting a dog, they were happy to temporarily provide a safe place for a puppy in need. This was the couple’s first time working with a rescue organization and the opportunity to be foster parents gave them a chance to get to know the puppy before formally adopting him three months later. They named their dog Prince.

When Prince and his siblings arrived at Coveted Canines and Creatures after their prior owner unfortunately became unhoused and could no longer care for them, they were malnourished and in need of some love, care and medical attention. 

Kristie says Prince wasn’t always as comfortable and rambunctious as he is now. He used to cower from his own shadow and his demeanor was hesitant – his ears were often pinned back against his head, a clear indication that he was stressed and cautious in his new environment. Kristie and Chris were worried that it would be difficult for him to befriend other dogs, but after building up some confidence through many treats and some patience, he is now confident on walks and makes dog friends easily. Now that he’s calm and content, his ears, “crazy ears”, as Kristie calls them, flop all over the place. 

Carly at Coveted Canines and Creatures played a role in helping Kristie and Chris learn how to boost Prince’s confidence, and they are thrilled to have been able to provide him with a safe space where his sweet and energetic personality could shine.

Now that Prince is completely settled, he is very chatty. He lets Kristie and Chris know when he wants to play or needs attention, but also talks back when he’s been misbehaving or doesn’t get his way. Sometimes he even insists on having the last word.

Prince’s favourite things to do are chew on sticks he finds at the park, chase Chris around the house and take long naps on the couch. Because she works from home, Kristie and Prince spend a lot of time together, but he isn’t picky when it comes to deciding who to nap with. He is a social, playful and cuddly dog, and Kristie feels like it was a match made in heaven. 

It’s extremely rewarding for Kristie and Chris to see Prince learning new things and embracing adventures he wouldn’t have had in different circumstances. He has grown into his big personality and is thriving in his new family. Kristie emphasizes the importance of adopting: “We’d rather change the life of a pup in need than contribute to shopping for the ideal dog”. Kristie and Chris are grateful to have been able to provide Prince with a safe and loving home, and feel like Prince picked them as much as they picked him.

Lyle's Success Story

Lyle was pulled from a kill shelter in Georgia the day he was scheduled to be euthanized. Six years ago, Georgia shelters were full of dogs just like Lyle who existed largely because of low levels of spaying and neutering. Something about Lyle tugged on the heartstrings of Beth Rushing, so she rescued him just in time, holding him in her own home for four months while trying to find a forever home for him. That home came through Coveted Canines and Creatures.

Before Lyle, Melodie and Steve raised a dachshund named Abe. After a long and happy life together, they were absolutely gutted when he crossed the rainbow bridge. After about a year of grieving and healing, they felt ready to welcome another dog into their home and hearts.

Lyle’s “strong jaw.”

The couple had a picture in their minds of what their next dog might be like. On a trip to Italy, they befriended a blonde street dog with a compelling character they named Raphael, and felt they could love a dog like that. They also adored their friend’s dog Libby, who rocked an adorable underbite. When they saw Lyle with his “strong jaw,” they knew he was the one. “There’s nothing like a good underbite,” said Melodie.

 In less than a week, Lyle went from a photo on a rescue page to throwing up in their car on his way to his new home. Despite his propensity for motion sickness, the couple believe Lyle is a unicorn dog. “He’s a really good boy and he was so close to nobody knowing that he had so much potential. We feel really lucky he found us.” 

Lyle with his people, Steve and Mel, during one of his favourite activities - hiking!

Lyle didn’t bark for his first month in his new home, and he shrunk from fast movement, particularly feet. He also trembled uncontrollably at the sound of a running bath. There’s no way to know what caused these fears, but through patience, understanding and training, he’s become more relaxed around people, though not around the bathtub. He also had a knack for finding trinkets and shoes to chew on. Their home was dachshund-proofed for Abe, but Lyle is taller and more mobile, so they had to make some changes around the house to prevent the destruction of more items. Apart from those initial issues, Lyle’s behaviour was always quite outstanding. 

Lyle the Wizard of Weaves.

Lyle was also bony and skinny, a little over 20 pounds. With the help of sweet potato leather and weekly agility classes, he’s become a muscular, 35 pound “wizard of weaves.” If able, Lyle would weave his way up and down the length of a football field until the end of time. He’s also extremely motivated by balls and loves being recognized for his good work. While he’s a little dog, he has a big attitude and prides himself on a job well done. 

They don’t know how much Lyle remembers about his life before being rescued, but based on how comfortable and protective he is with his family, Melodie knows he is happy with the life he has now. “Based on everything he does and how he interacts, we know he loves us and that love is unconditional…. I think he’s just a really grateful dog and as a result he’s just so good.” 

Lyle with his cousin, Lincoln, another CCCR alumni.

The couple knows a lot more about rescue organizations now than before adopting Lyle, and admire Carly and the whole Coveted Canines and Creatures Rescue team immensely for the selfless work they do. So much so she convinced her sister to adopt a dog through them too, a hurricane dog from Texas named Lincoln. Carly and the team are great at assessing each dog’s temperament, strengths and weaknesses, are transparent, and relentless about finding the right home for the right dog. This is how you do rescue right. 

Lyle’s pull photo from the shelter in Georgia.

One of the most rewarding things about adopting a rescue is being able to save an animal from a fate they had no choice in. In every conversation with every person even considering a dog, Mel’s mantra is always ‘adopt, don’t shop.’ As she notes, there are plenty of amazing dogs out there who need homes. We don’t need to make more; we need to save the ones the world has already created for us.

Deck the Paws Gift Guide

If you’re panic-surfing the internet for the perfect gift for your four legged family members (or the human variety), never fear! We got you covered. Here’s our curated list of some of our favourite finds this holiday season! 

And keep reading to learn how you can have a chance to win all of these amazing goodies as part of our Deck the Paws Fundraiser! Enter by Dec. 22, 2021. Details at the bottom of this post.

For the Bougie Bow Wow

If you’re looking for a tasty treat without any filler ingredients, look no further than Wooftown’s home cooked all natural oven baked dog treats. A snack you can feel good about!

For the Dog with the Big Brain

Did you know: 10 minutes of enrichment is equivalent to 1 hour of physical exercise? If you’re looking to add enrichment and brain power play, the PawznDogz Anti-Bite Lotus Snufflemat is a Canadian designed item that’ll be sure to engage your pup’s brain power as they search for treats in all of its nooks and crannies.

For the Health Conscious Pupper

Another great all natural dog treat to gift your fur babies this holiday season is the Happy Pooch all natural dog treats. Happy Pooch treats are lovingly handmade in Toronto, and 5% of proceeds go to support animal welfare projects. We love supporting Canadian brands!

For the Zen Dawg

Nothing like setting the festive mood this time of year. Have you tried Juniper Ridge’s incense and room spray from Bonehouse in Toronto’s east end! Delight the senses with this Christmas Fir scented gifts.

For the Fashion Forward Pawrent

A ‘big dog energy’ ball cap and ‘hakuna matata’ fanny pack from our friends at Brandless Rescue Goods are classic staple pieces for on the go adventures with your dog. 
Bonus: you’ll feel good knowing 100% of their proceeds goes to the rescue community to help save more animals. Win-win!

For the Pawty Animal

Sometimes you need to sit back, and relax, beer in hand with your furry bestie by your side. Wouldn’t it be great if they could also indulge with you? Well, with FETCH, Crafty Beasts Brewing Co’s Canine Pale Ale, they can! Crafty Beasts put together a non alcoholic beer for your dog, so you can kick back with a brewski together!

For the Dog Fashionista

A Canada Pooch winter jacket will keep your dog warm and fashionable as they brave a harsh Canadian winter. Canada Pooch donates coats and sweaters to rescues every year!

Not seeing the perfect gift here? A gift card from a local pet loving business is a perfect alternative to gift any of your beautiful pet loving friends! Support local and get your gift cards at the Bonehouse, Wooftown, Barking Love Boutique, PawznDogz, or your local Pet Valu.

Enter to win one of four gift baskets in Coveted Canine’s Deck the Paws Fundraiser!

Like what you see here? You could win one of everything (and more!) by entering our gift basket raffle to win one of four gift hampers: The Copper Box, The Siri Basket, The Kruger Box, and the DJ Gift Bag. Head to our Instagram page to learn more about how to enter. 

All funds go to cover the vetting costs for these pups. As an ethical rescue, Coveted Canines ensures all dogs are thoroughly assessed and vetted before clearing them for adoption. As a result, we’ve seen some vet bills snowball this year! Enter the raffle and help these very deserving pups get the care they deserve!

463 Days with No Home of His Own

Help us find DJ a family!

DJ is a handsome, healthy boy who has been waiting over a year to meet his forever family. Compared to when DJ first came into care, you probably wouldn’t recognize him today. 

Since arriving at Coveted Canines, DJ has received the medical attention he so severely needed, and his foster mom, Jessica, has done an amazing job at monitoring his health and familiarizing him with a normal routine. He’s been living with her since last May (he originally entered the rescue last February) and he has made a tremendous amount of progress since then. 

DJ ended up in the care of Coveted Canines because his former owners didn’t realize he had an allergy, so they were feeding him generic dog food. This caused him to lose a severe amount of hair and weight. He was extremely ill to the point where he almost had to be euthanized. He had little fur left on his body, was covered in sores and was dripping blood from excessive scratching. Vets believe DJ has an allergy to all animal proteins except 1, so he’s currently on a special diet of kangaroo food. He is also on allergy medication. 

When he first arrived at Jessica’s house, he was so thin that you could see his ribs. He didn’t know how to walk on a leash and was terrified of everything as his owners had kept him in a basement for the entirety of his life. He didn’t trust humans but wanted so badly to be loved. He would approach Jessica to try and cuddle, but when she would try to pet him, he would back away. 

It took DJ a few months to warm up to people, but now, in many ways, he’s the opposite compared to how he was before. He has plenty of hair and sheds a lot, and he has filled out into a healthy weight, about 100 pounds. 

DJ would be best in a home without other pets and without children. He’s timid and spooks easily, so sudden movements and loud noises can be very upsetting. DJ is a mix of German Shepherd, Rottweiler and Hound so he is naturally a guard dog. He loves to sit in front of the window and watch people pass by. Jessica says DJ is protective as long as he’s in the house but tends to be scared when he’s outside.

 “He is very hyper and very strong,” says Jessica. “He needs to be with someone who has experience with large dogs and has a lot of time and patience for him.” DJ can be quite anxious and would be most comfortable in a home where someone is there with him for most of the day. DJ is crate-trained for when his owners have to go out, but if he’s not in his crate, he can be alone for about 4 hours before he starts getting into trouble around the house.  

DJ is high energy and would thrive in a home with a backyard where he can play. He loves running and going on walks, and he enjoys being near the water and playing in the snow. He doesn’t know how to swim but he will go in shallow water up to his stomach. Since smaller dogs often bark at him, he prefers to avoid them and will often ignore them completely if they bark at him during their walks. He will let other dogs take the lead when they play together. While he used to go after squirrels and cats, Jessica says he mainly leaves them alone now. 

DJ goes to the vet about every 6 weeks to have his glands drained. Though his diet is limited to kangaroo food, he can have healthy treats like cucumbers and apples. Jessica says DJ loves to be close to his human companions. He cuddles up on the couch with her and shares her bed at night.

DJ has shown his eagerness to love and please, and his ability to adapt. We’re looking for a person or a family who can be a source of consistent support and stability for DJ while he continues to work through his insecurities and anxieties. He’s become increasingly comfortable and confident during his time with Jessica and we’re hopeful that in the right household, he’ll continue to learn and trust.  

You can read more about DJ in his adoption bio, and learn more about our adoption process here.

Photos by Capture North Studios
www.capturenorthstudios.ca


UPDATE: DJ was adopted by his wonderful and loving foster turned forever family in January 2022 after almost 600 days in rescue.

The Importance of Including Your Rescue Dog in Your Will

Adopting a new rescue dog is an emotional experience. After all, you’ve likely been waiting a while to find the perfect match. Plus, they’ve been through so much and you want nothing more than to shower them with love and the best that life has to offer. From top-of-the-line pet food, to purchasing a soft new doggie bed, to the endless toys and bully sticks, you are determined that your new fur baby will live like the king or queen they are. 

These luxuries of life are all well and good but the number one (and often most overlooked) thing that should be on your list is to update or make your Last Will & Testament to include your new furry family member. It’s the only way to legally ensure your pet is cared for the way you would want, no matter what happens in life.

Including a pet in your Will lets you do some very important things.

A Will lets you appoint a guardian for your dog

Despite thinking of (and treating) our dogs as a family member, the majority of pet parents aren’t prepared for the unexpected when it comes to their furry friends. Only 7% have made formal arrangements for what happens to their pets if they die. Stats like this are shocking (but true) and can lead to very undesirable outcomes for your beloved furbabies. 

For peace of mind, it’s a good idea to “hope for the best, but plan for the worst” to ensure that your dog is safe and well cared for should the unthinkable ever happen. Creating a Will is a great place to start—and thanks to technology like online Will platforms, it can be super easy too!

46% of pet owners believe a surviving family member will take care of their pet, but unfortunately, the sad reality is that often no one steps up, and the pet ends up in a local shelter. Especially considering what your rescue pup has already gone through, it’s best to put measures in place to avoid this outcome.

Taking on dog ownership is a huge financial responsibility, and there’s no guarantee that a close friend or family member will be able to take that on at any given time.

Tips on how to choose the best pet guardian

Having a Will allows you to formally and legally appoint someone to care for your dog. When choosing a pet guardian, ask yourself questions like:

• Is this person physically and financially able to handle pet ownership?

• Is this person able to provide the standard of living I’ve created for my pet?

• Does their lifestyle fit my pet’s needs? (For example, if your dog isn’t kid-friendly, your pet guardian shouldn’t have kids or be planning to have kids.)

• Does this person already have a relationship with your pup?

It’s essential to have an honest and upfront conversation with the person you select as pet guardian before including them in your Will, to make sure they are committed to the role should the need arise.

A Will allows you to leave a monetary legacy for your dog

Since pets are technically considered property in your Will, you can’t leave them any inheritance. But what you can do is leave a monetary gift to your pet’s guardian to help them manage the cost of caring for a dog.

Don’t worry if you haven’t thought of doing this before—you’re not alone. Of people who did make arrangements for their pets in their Will, only 2 in 5 left a monetary legacy for them.

When thinking about the sum of money you might want to leave your pet guardian, consider things like their favourite toys and bed, as well as a lump sum of money to cover costs like dog walkers and vet bills.

A Will is the only legal way to document a monetary legacy for your dog. Only you know the quality of life they are used to, and only you can make sure they can maintain it whether you’re around or not.

Now, show them who’s a good dog and include them in your Will!

A new rescue dog makes for a great companion and will bring a lot of joy into your life. But they are also a huge responsibility, and a Will is the only legal way to protect them fully. 

Whether you see a lawyer or take advantage of an online service, consider making or updating your Will to include your fur babies. The peace of mind of knowing they will be cared for (no matter what) is better than a belly rub.

For anyone in need of a basic Will, an online platform is an affordable and convenient option. You can create a comprehensive and legal Will online in minutes and for a fraction of the cost of seeing a lawyer. 

We’ve partnered with Epilogue, Canada’s only online estate planning platform founded by lawyers, to offer all Coveted Canines dog pawrents a fast and simple way to include their rescue pets in their estate planning. With Epilogue, you can go online and complete your Will in as little as 20 minutes and for a fraction of the cost of seeing a lawyer. Plus, all Coveted Canines adopters will receive a discount code in their “Congratulations” email!

If you have or are planning on rescuing a new doggo, we highly encourage you to add ‘make or update a Will’ to your to do list!

Jax's Success Story

Jax with his adopter, Caitlin.

“I just loved him from the moment I saw him.” As soon as Caitlin saw Jax’s picture on social media, she knew she wanted to give him the healthy, happy home he deserved. To ease her family into the idea, she began fostering him in December, and it wasn’t long before everyone fell in love and agreed that he should be a permanent member of the family. Even their English Mastiff, Alice, who is not aggressive but is easily jealous, got along with Jax immediately, so Caitlin and her family took that as a great sign. “He didn’t even care that he was somewhere new,” says Caitlin, remembering when they first brought Jax home. “He acted like he had been there forever.”

Jax was found in an abandoned factory in downtown Toronto, tied to a shopping cart. He was severely underweight and ate what was available to him at the time: garbage. When he arrived to CCR, he was put on a medical hold for a couple of months because the tips of his ears bled quite frequently, most likely due to frost bite from the cold winter months outside and the lack of body fat to keep him warm. “He wasn’t in pain, but they would bleed a lot,” said Caitlin, CCR volunteer and Jax’s adoption mom. He was put on steroid medication to help clot the blood and stop the bleeding.

He used to bark at the neighbours and dart to the door whenever he heard commotion outside, but he is no longer on high alert after having settled in over the past few months. He used to be desperate for food but now that he knows it will always be available to him, he’s evidently more at ease.

Caitlin loves seeing dogs thrive in their new homes, so it’s especially rewarding to know that she could provide that sanctuary for a dog who hadn’t had that comfort before. “They finally understand that not everyone in the world is going to hurt them or starve them.”

Caitlin says Jax’s personality continues to shine brighter as time passes. He loves food, toys, running around the backyard and going on adventures, but he does not like water. He sleeps in Caitlin’s bed, but every morning he will go room to room and greet Caitlin’s parents and her sisters.

Some habits die hard, and Caitlin says Jax does get into the garbage sometimes, but they bought him a lot of interactive dog toys to keep him occupied and steer him away from getting into trouble. He’s a very neat boy, and once he’s done with his toys, he will put them back where he found them. She says he’s a crazy, funny dog and brings a smile to everyone.

Caitlin says while some rescue organizations tend to mislead people, CCR is always up front with potential fosters and adoption parents about a dog’s challenges. They are very thorough with their medical procedures, and instead of trying to find the perfect dog for a person, they aim to find the perfect person for the dog.

We’re so grateful for Caitlin’s contribution to the organization, and so happy that Jax has found his furever home with her.

Zoe's Success Story

Victoria and her family met their dog Zoe during a Coveted Canines adoption event. Victoria’s husband and kids were ready to adopt, but Victoria was a little reluctant at first because the loss of their previous dog was hard to overcome. When she heard Zoe’s foster dad joke that he would trade his two dogs for Zoe, it helped make their decision final. Victoria and her family brought Zoe home with them that same day.

Zoe is a very relaxed, sweet girl who was born in a rescue organization in Texas. Victoria says there were no challenges getting Zoe to adapt to her new home and family. She was around 6 months old when they got her, so she had outgrown the crazy puppy stage by that point in her life. Zoe is primarily a Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier mix so she has a lot of energy but also a quiet disposition, and Victoria describes her activity level as appropriate.

On their drive up to Canada from Texas, Zoe spent most of her time in the lap of Coveted Canine Rescue’s founder, Carly, and two have a special bond to this day. When Victoria and her family travel, Zoe stays with Carly at Coveted Kennels and Sanctuary. Zoe is very selective when it comes to people and Victoria says it brings her peace of mind knowing that Zoe loves the person she stays with.

In fact, Zoe is so selective that if a dog walker, a family friend or sometimes even another member of the family tries to walk Zoe off leash, she often ditches them and heads home, eager to be close to her mom Victoria.

“We live near a ravine and sometimes my husband will call saying ‘Zoe’s on the way home.’” Since Victoria is her primary caregiver, Zoe never wants to be too far for too long. Zoe likes to be in the same room as her and can often be found perched in a chair in Victoria’s office while she works.

 Zoe is now 5 years old, and because she is well exercised, Victoria believes that correlates with her good behaviour around the house. She is very independent and shows no aggression to humans or dogs. Zoe is friendly and social, and Victoria is grateful that she has been able to make connections in their neighbourhood and develop wonderful relationships with people and their dogs.

Victoria describes Zoe as an old soul and says she loves darting around in the woods, chasing squirrels and laying in the warm sun.

Some people may have concerns about adopting a rescue dog, but Victoria says there’s always a chance that one may need to work through temperamental issues whether it be with a purebred dog or a rescue dog. There is such a need for safe, caring homes and the sense of reward you get when adopting a rescue dog is incomparable. We’re so glad Zoe adjusted seamlessly into her new home, and so grateful for families like Victoria’s who open their doors and hearts for special dogs like Zoe.

Margie & Precious' Success Story

While browsing animal rescue sites, looking for a companion for her senior dog Kip, Jennifer instantly fell in love with Precious, a Jack Russell, Bichon Frise mix who came from a house hoarding 38 dogs. “She was shaggy, scraggly and had the cutest rainbow shaped ears,” says Jennifer. When Jennifer and her husband, Adam, met Precious in her foster home, she was very attached to her foster mom. She was skittish and constantly turned back towards the house when they took her for a walk.

Precious @lisacrispophotography

Despite Precious’s fears, Jennifer and Adam decided to bring Precious home with them the following week. She hid for the first 15 minutes but soon felt comfortable enough to join her new owners on the couch for a cuddle.

Initially, Precious would jump at loud noises and sudden movements, and she would cry when she was picked up, likely because of abuse she suffered earlier in her life. After a couple of months, those insecurities completely dissipated, and while she is still a little reluctant to be picked up, she knows Jennifer and Adam are completely harmless and show her nothing but unconditional love.  Their dog Kip was treated like a king, and Precious graciously accepted the role as the household’s new queen.

Since first arriving to Jennifer and Adam in the spring of 2019, Precious is now thriving. She darts to the door when she sees her leash, loves going on walks and can’t resist rolling over in the grass for belly rubs. She also loves dressing up and showing off her stylish outfits.

Margie @lisacrispophotography

Jennifer follows rescue organizations on social media and saw a little cutie named Margie who reminded her of Precious. Margie was adopted by a couple but despite the fact that they were very loving and sweet to her, Margie had some deep-rooted issues due to being locked in a closet most of her life. She struggled to adjust to her new home and eventually was returned to Coveted Canines Rescue. It turns out Precious and Margie were rescued from the same house and it was later confirmed that they were indeed related, and both were around 10 years old.

Jennifer connected with Alyssa, Margie’s foster mom, hoping to reintroduce the sisters. When the time came, the two dogs instantly recognized each other, and it was heartwarming to see them reunited. 

Between Alyssa’s pregnancy, moving houses and caring for a dog she had recently adopted, she realized it wasn’t the best situation for poor Margie. She asked Jennifer if she would be willing to take over the role of foster mom, and Jennifer agreed.

Precious & Margie @lisacrispophotography

Jennifer posted about Margie on social media to attract potential adopters, but no one was surprised when, after just a week, Jennifer announced their #FosterFail, stating that she and Adam would be keeping Margie as a permanent member of their family. Their dog Kip was on the decline, and Jennifer and Adam knew he wouldn’t be around for much longer so they felt it would be a good time to welcome another dog into their home.

“I call them the golden gals,” says Jennifer. “They are the cutest little girls you could imagine. Just knowing we gave them the best life possible in their retirement years makes us so happy.” Precious is Jennifer’s shadow and Margie is Adam’s. This is amazing since Margie was afraid of men and wouldn’t go near Adam in the beginning.

They discovered a lump on Margie, which has since been removed, and while she’s still jumps at loud noises, she doesn’t mind being picked up. She loves chest rubs, dinner time and gets the zoomies after she poops. Margie and Precious love dressing up; Margie’s colour is purple and Precious’s is pink.

Margie & Precious with their brother Hank @lisacrispophotography

Jennifer and Adam are committed to caring for senior and special needs dogs. They adopted a third dog, Hank, a few months ago. He is two years old and blind, and he came from a puppy mill in Texas. While Precious and Margie love him, he’s a little too high active for them, so Jennifer and Adam arrange play dates for him so expel some of that youthful energy.

Jennifer and Adam hope to continue inspiring people to adopt dogs that need a little extra attention and care. “We want to dedicate our lives to saving dogs… I want people to know that it’s worth the extra time and effort to adopt a senior or special needs dog, because they give you so much love in return for saving them from a terrible situation.”

They are starting a t-shirt company that will sell music themed dog shirts, and they plan to donate part of the proceeds back to rescue foundations. Their retirement plan is to buy a plot of land up north and run a senior dog rescue. We are so grateful for the love and care Jennifer and Adam devote on a daily basis, and hope more people will open their hearts and homes to rescuing dogs in need of shelter and security.

Check out Margie and Precious on social media @margie_and_precious and keep an eye out for Jennifer’s t-shirt business @punkpetapparel.

All photos by Lisa Crispo Photography. You can find her at: lisacrispo.ca, Instagram & Facebook.

Dasher's Success Story

Dash was kept in a cage for most of his life as a stud for a breeder. He had close to zero exposure to anything or anyone, and when rescued by his first owner he was covered in fleas and sores. He was emaciated and had nearly chewed off his tail – his physical discomfort was causing extreme anxiety. And though his first owner took the first steps to help rehabilitate Dash, he snapped and lunge at one of her children, and she realized he needed more help than she could provide.

CCR took Dasher with open arms, got him on the right medication, and quickly saw him relax once his body started to heal.

Enter Tracy, Dash’s new mama and now forever home.

Since moving in with Tracy, Dasher has shown amazing resilience and grace as he settles into his new life.

Considering Dasher spent his life in a cage, playing at a park, walking on a leash and even walking down the stairs have all been new experiences for him. Tracy and the wonderful community around Dasher have shown him that there’s a lot of life to live, and that he’s a good boy for being brave and trying new things. Though shy at first, Dash is blossoming and coming out of his shell these day, including meeting all types of new people (with a wagging tail), playing happily on the beach and even exploring Bracebridge Falls.

So many people have been part of Dasher’s healing and helping him trust people again – especially men.

Tracy and Dash have their morning routine down to a fine science, often including snuggles, an early morning walk, followed by more snuggles or a nap. Tracy tells us her house is finally a home thanks to Dash, and their adventures are just beginning. He’s earned his ‘driving paws’ cruising around in Tracy’s truck and has already mastering a number of commands including, sit, head down, and shake a paw (just to name a few)!

Michelle is from the amazing Muskoka Tail Walkers team who has been a part of his success and growth. He’s walking on a leash like a champion!

Dasher is an amazing dog with a gentle and sweet disposition. Thanks to Tracy, he’s been given another chance at life – something that donors can also help with. Donors continue to be a crucial foundation for CCR to support treatments and resources to nurse mistreated dogs back to good health. Donations help us rescue, protect, and provide for the dogs that come through our doors, and feel so fortunate to be a part of improving the lives of these amazing animals.

Please consider donating so we can continue to help so many others like Dash. Click here to donate to CCR.

Bruno's Success Story

Bruno immigrated to Canada after being rescued in Mexico from deplorable conditions. He and his siblings were thrown over a 6 foot fence and landed on concrete as the shelter was closed and the owners couldn’t wait to be rid of them. 

Once in Canada, Bruno was fostered by Alyssa and Nick.  They decided they wanted to give back and thought that fostering rescue animals was the perfect fit. Since they did not necessarily want a permanent dog they partnered up with Coveted Canines and joined the foster team.

Bruno was very skittish and easily scared since he only understood Spanish but being the smart dog he is, Bruno quickly became bilingual and learned to understand life in Canada. 

Within a week, Alyssa and Nick were smitten. They fell in love (hard) and decided that Bruno was their forever dog.

Even though Bruno had suffered so deeply, had travelled so far and had so much to learn about such as: learning a new language, familiarizing to a new country, adapting to colder temperatures and living downtown in a busy city Bruno assimilated quickly. 

Alyssa said “I quickly recognized that, like introverted people, Bruno liked his personal space. He did not appreciate when people got too close to his face. Due to Bruno’s independence as well, he fit perfectly into our lifestyle since we are not always home”.

Now when Bruno goes for walks with his humans, he struts with his chest puffed out. He has become a very proud, confident and accomplished dog as he knows not too many dogs comprehend 2 languages like him. Bruno even has his own social media account with many fans that send him gifts because he is such a good boy.

Bruno is now 6 years old and he is thriving under the love of Alyssa and Nick. They are thankful that Bruno came into their lives as he, along with his new human sibling, make their family complete. 

Bruno’s story is a reminder that family isn’t always blood. It’s the people (or animals) in your life who want you in theirs. The ones that accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what. Follow his adventures in his furever home at @goodboybruno1 on Instagram.

How to Recognize Bad Breeders, Backyard Breeders and Puppy Mills

Olive, a CCR dog who endured the horrors and abuse of a bad breeder before being rescued.

There are a lot of things to consider when looking for a dog and the most important one often doesn’t make the checklist: ensuring you are not supporting animal cruelty. 

We know that none of our community would intentionally hurt an animal, but when excitedly looking for a dog it’s easy to make a mistake. 

If you get a dog from a non-reputable source, you could not only end up with an unhealthy dog and high vet bills on your hands, but you would have supported a source who is more interested in profits than animal welfare. Non-reputable sources can lead to cases like Olive who was abused and neglected by a backyard breeder. Since it can be difficult to identify reputable sources, here are types of non-reputable sources and tips on recognizing them. 

Ways to identify a bad breeder:

Bad breeders include backyard breeders, puppy mills, and breeders who may be registered but still provide inadequate care for their dogs. 

Backyard breeders are breeders with little experience or knowledge. They may not take time ro make good genetic matches or have their dogs registered. They may be more interested in profiting from the puppy sales. They may not be considered unethical like puppy mills, but still may not be responsible. 

Puppy mills are large-scale, commercial breeding facilities in operation solely for profit. They house dogs in horrible conditions with no or inadequate vet care, nutrition, housing, grooming, sanitation, or socialization. This results in dogs often getting sick or becoming behaviourally troubled. Females do not get to recover between litters and can be isolated solely for breeding purposes without human companionship. Dogs who can no longer produce puppies for profit are simply discarded - either killed, abandoned, or sold. Puppy mills can sell puppies through online sales, flea markets, newspaper ads, and retail pet stores. While laws for puppy mills have increased over the years, many are still operating. 

Bad breeder and puppy mill signs to look for:

1. Is the organization listed as a rescue selling puppies in large numbers or always has puppies available?

2. Are there constant ads from the same person or organization?

3. Are there signs by the side of the road for buying puppies?

4. Are puppies being sold at everyday events (e.g., garage sales, flea markets)?

5. A person claims to sell puppies as an “agent” for a breeder.

6. The breeder does not allow you to meet the parents or view the home.

7. The breeder offers multiple different breeds for sale or “rare” or “new” breeds.

8. Puppies are offered for sale and delivered before reaching 8 weeks of age.

9. The breeder does not ask you any questions other than about money and pickup arrangements.

10. The breeder has no or refuses to provide documentation (e.g., breeding registration, veterinary records).

11. The breeder does not ask you to sign paperwork (e.g., contracts to ensure the puppy gets its shots, is spayed or neutered, is taken to the vet, is returned to the breeder if ever you must return the dog).

12. The puppies have not had at least one vaccine, deworming, or their microchip.

13. The breeder lacks knowledge about the breed, cannot tell you the health and behaviour history of the line, and ignores or denies genetic defects prone to the breed.

14. The breeder does not provide a guarantee for your puppy in case of diagnosis with a hereditary disease. 

15. Dogs are bred before the age of two. 

16. The facility is unclean, smells either dirty or from overuse of deodorizers, contains uncomfortable conditions, does not provide protection from the weather, houses breeding parents offsite, has few staff to a large number of animals, and/or has dogs that appear unhealthy, aggressive, or excessively fearful. 

When inquiring to a breeder (individual or organization), look for the above signs and ask further questions. Breeders are aware of these types of articles and non-reputable breeders may even present fake paperwork. Dig deep. Be responsible. 

Another alternative is to rescue a dog who needs a forever home for reasons such as puppy mills, abuse, overpopulation, or to be saved from euthanasia. 

If you suspect you’ve found a backyard breeder or puppy mill, please reach out to the animal services in their area to investigate. Just google animal services and name of city for contact information.

Thank you for doing your research. 

References:

Coveted Canines Rescue. n.d. Why rescue? Retrieved from: www.covetedcanines.org/why-rescue. 

Petful. 2016. Signs of a puppy mill: How to spot a puppy mill or backyard breeder. Retrieved from: www.petful.com/animal-welfare/puppy-mill-red-flags/. 

Spadafori, G. and Becker, M. n.d. How to recognize a bad dog breeder. Retrieved from: www.dummies.com/pets/dogs/how-to-recognize-a-bad-dog-breeder/. 

Stregnowski, J. 2019. Signs of a bad breeder or a backyard breeder. Retrieved from: www.thesprucepets.com/signs-of-a-bad-breeder-1117328. 

Yoeuns, R. 2016. How to tell if your dog is from a puppy mill. Retrieved from: www.petcube.com/blog/how-to-know-if-your-dog-is-from-a-puppy-mill.

Spike Lived Outside in a Box for 6 Years until CCR and Donors Saved Him

After living outside in a box day and night for six years, Spike was rescued by his heroic neighbours and ended up in the care of Coveted Canines Rescue.  

Since he was confined for so long without the ability to move around or exercise, Spike’s muscles deteriorated to the point where he could barely walk. He had a cancerous mass growing on his leg that had to be removed.

He had not seen a vet in years so as you can imagine, his dental and health issues were challenging, extensive and expensive. Fortunately, Dr. Sheldon from Downtown Animal Hospital generously covered the cost of Spike’s dental work, but the costs of the medical treatments Spike needed added up quickly. 

He had many appointments and required a lot of bloodwork. He was incontinent, had a thyroid condition and had bouts of nausea and vomiting. He is partially deaf due the accumulation of scar issue caused by untreated ear infections, and he had a skin infection that required him to be bathed by hand, as well as some food sensitivities.

It’s a miracle that Spike had an incredible team of people who were willing to show him the kind of life he deserves. While in foster care, he became the perfect companion. He became vocal and would bark and howl excitably, he gained an interest in toys and loved cuddles and massages to help alleviate his arthritic joints. To witness a dog transition from its lowest point to thriving is priceless and more rewarding than words can express. 

His incredible fosters played a huge role in Spike’s recovery. They carried him inside and out to use the washroom, carefully changed his diapers, gave him soothing baths, hand fed him, treated his ear infections, and thought of creative ways to give him his medication. Without a car, it was challenging to transport him to his multiple vet visits, specialist appointments and surgical consults, but they recruited family members to help ensure Spike got to all his appointments. 

Not only do foster parents play an enormous role in a dog’s journey, but donors are crucial so that CCR can afford the treatments and resources needed to get Spike and so many other mistreated dogs back to good health. Donations help us rescue, protect, and provide for the dogs that come through our doors, and it’s so rewarding to contribute to improving the lives of these sweet animals. 

Please consider donating so we can continue to help so many others like Spike find a happy, loving family. Click here to donate to CCR.

No Amount is Too Little & No Gesture is Too Small This Giving Tuesday

Please consider helping dogs in need this Giving Tuesday. 

Every year after everyone buys their discounted items on Black Friday and Cyber Monday Giving Tuesday commences. Giving Tuesday is a day where companies and individuals join together to help their favourite causes. ‘Tis the giving season!

It is safe to say that COVID has affected everyone’s lives greatly and Coveted Canines Rescue is no different. 

CCR is 100 percent volunteer run and we rely heavily on fundraising to raise the funds we need to continue helping our four legged friends. This year we were unable to have our annual fundraising auction event and we had to resort to a virtual auction on Facebook. A virtual auction was our only way to raise funds to pay for vetting, boarding, grooming, food, crates, and toys for the dogs we intake. 

COVID has resulted in many to lose jobs leaving few with extra cash that can be donated to their favourite organizations. Many organizations have not received any donations from their biggest supporters and have lost grants that the government makes. To stay afloat and continue helping they need money. 

This year more than ever is important to give whatever you can to help these organizations stay afloat. No amount is too little and no gesture is too small. Please honour Giving Tuesday this year by donating to your favourite organization. #GivingTuesday

If you can, please consider donating and help us continue to save dogs. You can do so here.

Oliver's Success Story

Oliver’s story began in Iran where he was severely beaten, almost to death. Someone nursed him back to health and sent him to Canada. Several rescues stepped in to help him overcome his physical and emotional pains with behaviourists, trainers, and more. Money was raised so he could go to Happy Tails Pet Resort and Camp for their 100-day detox and 100-day rehoming services.

Oliver in Iran

Oliver with his loving furever family

At Happy Tails, Oliver had a positive place to fully detox through exercise and positive experiences in a cage-free CottageDOG lifestyle. He was able to become happy, socially balanced, and ready to love a new forever family. The transformation was incredible.

Potential adopter parents must prove to Happy Tails why they want to be the dog’s family and the dog ultimately gets to choose when he/she gets to meet who Happy Tails believes is the right family. Oliver chose the CAF medical doctor-dad and teacher mom as his new family. He now lives in a beautiful home in Petawawa and it is as if he never suffered. He has his new parents and fur-sibling Suka. We wish him all the best!

To continue helping other dogs like Oliver, who need a little bit more help, please consider donating to Coveted Canines Rescue today!

Cash's Success Story

Jason and Julie were involved with a chihuahua rescue organization before they began fostering dogs with Coveted Canines Rescue. Once their chihuahuas began to age they started fostering Norman, a street dog from the Cayman Islands. They soon felt he was a great fit for their family and adopted him in August 2019. By the following summer they also welcomed Cash into their home, a Beagle-Dalmatian cross who was surrendered by his previous owner because they couldn’t manage his high level of energy.  

Jason describes Norman as the more easy going of the two, equally content whether taking a nap on the couch or going out for walks. Cash, on the other hand, can be a handful but as a family, they do their best to release as much of his energy as they can. Despite their differences, they tend to balance each other out, and Cash learns a lot from Norman. Jason says when dogs have a companion during the day, their behaviour and mental health are much better than when they’re alone and restless, and he also emphasizes how important it is for a family’s lifestyle to match a dog’s energy level.  

When it comes to training, Jason says he likes to guide them and explore with them. On their first day with Norman, Julie and Jason could count his ribs and hear his teeth chattering, so it’s been extremely rewarding to watch him transition into a healthy, beautiful, vibrant dog. He is self assertive and loves everybody, and can’t resist when Cash wants to play, despite being the calmer of the two dogs. “They started wrestling their first day together and have been wrestling ever since.” According to Jason, Cash lives by his own rules. He paces around the house, barks too loud, and shreds up his toys, but has also grown from being submissive to confident through consistent training and becoming more in tune with his family. 

Working with dogs who come from a rescue organization may prove to be challenging but being able to devote extra love and attention to them will contribute to their success in their new homes. Jason has always been a dog person and feels like his two daughters benefit from having pets, as they learn about nature, empathy and responsibility. “Animals are amazing things to have in your house and your kids’ lives… it’s so tragic what some of these animals go through.” Some dogs become hard coded to behave a certain way but having a loving family to work through those challenges can make all the difference in these dogs’ lives.

Dot's Success Story

When Tara began her medical retirement, she knew she wanted to fill her days volunteering for a meaningful cause. After deciding she wanted to become a foster parent of dogs, a friend of a friend who volunteers for Coveted Canines Rescue got her in touch with the organization.

Tara began the application process in November after a fall left her bed ridden with a broken collar bone, so that once the plate was removed and she gained back some mobility, she would be ready to welcome a dog into her home. About two weeks after her plate came out, she felt ready, and once Tara saw Dot’s bio, she knew that she had to act fast. She feels that when some dogs are left in a shelter for too long, they can end up being unadoptable because they become terrified beyond repair. Tara is a huge fan of American bulldogs, so Dot’s breed was a bonus for her. The love of Tara’s life was her bulldog, Daisy, who passed away suddenly about 5 years ago, and she knew once her heart healed that she would welcome another dog into her home. 

Tara didn’t initially plan on adopting Dot. In fact, she signed a contract with Coveted Canines stating that she wouldn’t adopt any of the first three dogs she fostered. As time passed and the coronavirus showed no signs of slowing, Tara knew Dot thought she was in her forever home, and that they would both be heartbroken if they were to part. “Dot and I fell madly in love with each other,” said Tara. “She’s a mama’s girl, no doubt.” So after about a month and a half of fostering Dot, Tara reached out to the Coveted Canines team and asked for permission to adopt her. 

Tara believes that Dot was bred to breed. When her previous owner brought Dot into a shelter, she claimed that Dot was a stray while calling her by name. Despite being a young dog, about two years old, she had no fur left on her elbows, so Tara believes that she spent most of her life laying on concrete. Tara said, “She was so broken… Whatever happened in her life was awful and we had our doubts that she would ever be able to trust anybody. I don’t think she even knew how to love.” As soon as Dot stopped nursing her litter of puppies, Dot’s owner gave her up to the shelter. 

When Tara and her partner, Patrick, first met her, Dot was terrified. She was shaking to the point where Tara thought she would give herself a heart attack, she wouldn’t look at anyone, and she wedged herself in the furthest corner of the backseat of their car on their drive home. Tara said she started doubting herself and whether this arrangement would work. It was about a 15-minute drive back to their house, and Tara reached her hand towards the back seat as a comforting gesture. Despite her fear, Dot licked her arm a few times before they arrived home. She was terrified when Tara took her on a walk, and very unsure of everything once she was brought inside. She wouldn’t eat treats, and when Tara tried to urge Dot up onto her designated spot on the couch, she acted like she had never been in a home before. After a few hours, she began to slowly explore her new home and reluctantly began accepting treats.  

One day when Tara went downstairs to do some laundry, she heard a yelp from Dot and remembered she had never been left alone before. Tara provided Dot with a crate so she would have a safe, comfortable space to go when she was left alone, but Dot refused to enter it. Tara never forced her, but placed treats in the back of the crate to try and lure her in. Tara said she had never seen a dog crane its neck so far, trying to grab the treats without stepping a foot inside the crate. Tara realized they would have to train her to be okay at home alone without the help of a crate, so they slowly began to leave her on her own for short, 20-minute intervals. Now, a couple months later, Tara says Dot has been left home for about 4 hours on her own, and comfortably naps on her spot on the couch. They haven’t left her alone for a full 8-hour day yet, but she has made a tremendous amount of progress in a short amount of time.  

After being with Tara and Patrick for a few months, Dot has improved drastically in many ways but still has her quirks and fears. She is scared of loud noises and sudden movements and will sometimes startle herself awake when she farts. If Dot is caught off guard and sees another person she will bark, and when she encountered other dogs while on her leash, she would lunge and try to scare them. Tara has been communicating with CCR’s trainer, Dan, and he has encouraged her to reward Dot for good behaviour. Now, Dot is given treats for acknowledging other dogs she sees without getting stressed or showing aggression. Eventually Dan will bring his own dog for a visit so that Dot can continue to improve her social skills with other dogs.  

Dot is now allowed off her leash to chase her ball, and she stays near Tara and Patrick. For a while Dot was anxious about car rides so Tara would sit in the back seat with her, but now Dot leaps into the car on her own. Because of their frequent drives to fun destinations, Dot knows most car rides have an amazing outcome. 

Tara, Patrick and Dot have been social distancing so they anticipate socializing Dot with people will be a challenge. They visit Tara’s family for social distancing walks, and after the fourth occasion, Dot was tugging on her leash, wanting to greet and get close to Tara’s family members. Tara feels reassured that Dot is gradually coming around to face her challenges and fears. 

They are patient with Dot and take their time teaching her without expecting immediate results. “We’ve seen so much change in her already,” says Tara. Initially, Tara doubted herself and thought “who am I to make this dog feel comfortable.” Patrick believes that all the dogs that Tara cares for end up well behaved because of how well she teaches them. She spends a lot of time at home, so she tries to include Dot in everything she does. “She let’s me do anything to her,” says Tara. “Even when she feels compromised, she goes with the flow and is 100% trusting of me.” Tara still wants to foster, but not until Dot is fully comfortable in her new home and around other dogs. 

The most rewarding part for Tara is beginning and ending each day with a genuinely happy, loving and caring dog after doubting whether Dot would ever be able to trust anyone. They have seen so many improvements in the few months that they have been together, and Dot now has a proper home where she is shown unconditional love and affection. “We forgot what our lives looked like without her.” 

Johny's Success Story

Johny has come a long way from when he was found wandering the streets in downtown Toronto to now, living with his loving adoption parents, Elinor and Darel. The couple fostered three dogs before Johny; Leo, Tina and Jerry. Before they got Johny, they fostered and then adopted Jerry, a schnauzer, from Coveted Canines Rescue. Because he was a senior dog with some health issues, Elinor and Darel felt like Jerry wouldn’t have been adopted if it weren’t for them. They say he was a gentle trooper who made everyone fall in love with him. A day before his one-year adoption anniversary Jerry passed away, but Elinor and Darel knew it wouldn’t be long before they welcomed another dog into their lives once they gave their hearts some time to heal.  

Darel and Elinor’s previous dog, Jerry.

When their current dog, Johny, first arrived into their home he was extremely energetic but soon calmed down once he got used to his new environment. It took some time for Johny to trust Elinor and Darel. They’ve been working together to learn Johny’s preferences and boundaries and feel like sometimes they’re the ones being trained. Johny used to flinch when they would try to touch him and wouldn’t listen very well, and though he’s still adjusting to his new home and parents, Elinor and Darel have built up the trust between them and now Johny makes himself at home. 

Johny watching TV like a prairie dog.

He loves going for walks, taking naps, and splaying out in the middle of the bed with his feet sticking up in the air. Darel says he’s a play maniac. He whines when he wants to play as if he’s trying to talk and will sometimes stand on his hind legs like a prairie dog when watching TV. He’ll run around like crazy when he gets wet and loves meeting new people and other dogs. 

Johny enjoying his happily ever after in his furever home.

Elinor says one of the most rewarding parts about adopting a rescue dog is that you get a companion and unconditional love, plus her and Darel love coming home to the pitter-patter of feet again. She says having Jerry was one of the best things in their lives, and now Johny brings them the same kind of happiness. 

Darel and Elinor with Jerry.

Darel says “These guys didn’t have the right chance at life, so adopting is something that helps give them that chance. Rescue dogs seem very grateful. They know that stuff happened to them, but now this is the place for them.” Elinor and Darel feel like Johny will eventually benefit from a canine sibling, and they’ve told Nancy they’re open to fostering another dog in the future. Elinor says, “Every morning when I leave the house, I tell Jerry to look after his little brother.” 

Bowled Over

By Dan of Golden Rule Dog Training

You're probably going to be surprised by one piece of equipment I never use with my dog. There are actually several, but most of them are obvious; prong and choke collars, shocks and sprays. All positive dog trainers avoid these items, but there is one on my list that might surprise you; a food bowl. My dog never eats any of her food from out of a food bowl, we don't even own one anymore. I do feed her of course, I don't shove her out the door at dinner time and tell her she better start hunting or find a job, instead I make her meals FUN! There are a few different ways you can do that, and not only are they easy, they will make your life easier.

Kongs
The first thing I recommend is getting a Kong, or maybe several. A Kong is a durable hard rubber treat hiding toy. The first time I gave my dog a Kong I was SHOCKED how much fun she had with it! I popped a few treats into the Kong and she had a blast trying to shake or roll the treats out. I even put some loose treats on the floor, but she didn't even notice, she was focused on getting inside that Kong! You can get creative with your Kong, I like filling my dog Buffy's Kongs with a couple different kinds of treats and then freezing them in place with peanut butter. The benefit for your dog is Kongs are FUN! The benefit for you is it keeps your dog occupied while you concentrate on other things; it can be used to keep your dog busy when they are home alone, crated, or when you want to distract them from something scary.

Kibble Balls
Another great item that I love to use with my dog is a kibble ball. A kibble ball is a hollow ball with 1 hole for filling with kibble. If your dog eats dry kibble, or even something semi solid like Beef Rollover, you can fill the kibble ball with that. The dog then needs to roll the ball around the room until he gets all the kibble out. Like a Kong, it can be fun, mentally stimulating, and a great way to keep your dog busy for a while. Buffy gets nearly half of her daily allowance of food from her kibble ball.

Puzzle Games
I also like to give my dog some of her food in puzzle games. Puzzle games for dogs come in a variety of types, the one I have for Buffy has several sliding lids covering compartments, and the dog has to figure out how to slide the compartments open to get the treats inside.

Hand Feeding
I also feed my dog at least a handful of food per day directly out of my hand. When I am sitting on the couch and watching TV, I invite my dog up onto the couch with me (this is allowed in my home) and if she lies calmly next to me I feed her a piece of kibble every 2 or 3 seconds. This keeps her focused on me and also encourages her to engage in calm behavior when she wants something. It's also a nice, easy, bonding experience.

Sweetie's Success Story

Korina has a lot of love to give, and she wanted a dog to accompany her throughout her days. It was about 4 years ago when she came across Sweetie’s picture in a Kijiji ad. Sweetie was born in a puppy mill, and at about 5 years old, she wasn’t reproducing and would be euthanized. We brought her into our rescue, shared her bio, and put her up for adoption. Sweetie was in a petrified state and ended up being returned by a previous family who tried to adopt her. When Korina saw Sweetie’s scared picture, she thought, “You look terrible. I must have you.”

Korina wasn’t sure if Sweetie would ever get over her fears. For about the first week after being adopted, Sweetie would sit at the front door and cry. Korina would sit nearby, and cry too, because she didn’t know how to help. “All I wanted to do was cuddle with her and tell her it would be okay.” Since then, Sweetie has warmed up to people in general, and has become comfortable around Korina’s husband, George, as well as other men, who she used to be terrified of.

One of the biggest challenges Korina faced was coaxing Sweetie out of her shell and allowing her to overcome her fear of people. When she reached out for assistance, we provided Korina with suggestions to help ease Sweetie’s anxieties and try to keep her happy. Sweetie is still a little skittish around sudden movements, but she is now very friendly when out in public and eager to say hi to everyone. Over time, Sweetie has learned that people are okay.

After a year together, Korina registered Sweetie as an emotional support animal, and they have both benefited tremendously from this. Sweetie had severe separation anxiety, so she’s a lot more at ease when she can accompany Korina out in public, and this way Korina doesn’t have to worry about Sweetie getting into trouble when she’s left home alone.

Korina has a form of dwarfism called cartilage-hair hypoplasia (CHH), and when in public, she would often hear negative comments from people and have her personal space invaded. On some occasions, people have even tried to touch her and pick her up, so Sweetie serves as a positive distraction in more ways than one. Korina can focus on Sweetie if she experiences some discomfort while out in public, and Sweetie receives a lot of attention from people instead of their sole focus being on Korina. Korina’s husband, George, also has a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia, so being able to bring Sweetie along has been helpful and comforting for all three of them. Korina tells us Sweetie has become a celebrity around Newmarket, and is extremely popular at the local Starbucks.

Korina works for a company that makes saddles for horses, and this is Sweetie’s favourite place to visit. She will run off on her own and is completely comfortable around Korina’s colleagues, both male and female, and there is never a shortage of treats and snacks for her around the office. “Our entire building is a sucker for animals” says Korina. The company donates to a charity each year, so when they chose to donate to our rescue, Carly (our founder) visited the site and gave a presentation about the organization and what people do there. She brought a couple of dogs along with her, and that’s when Korina’s brother-in-laws, who own the company, were first introduced to the dog they later adopted.

When in pet stores, if there are toys at eye-level, Sweetie will pick one out and parade around with it in her mouth. That’s how she got her current favourite toy, a colourful, stuffed unicorn. If she could, Sweetie would spend all day every day laying in the sun. Sweetie is originally from Texas, and Korina believes that’s where her love of the heat comes from. She loves getting dressed up in the winter and gets excited when Korina pulls out an outfit for her. One time, during a trip to the beach in Florida, Sweetie helped herself to a chair among a group of about twenty people, who found her charming and hysterical.

Sweetie is very kind with her toys and doesn’t rip them up. Her large ears are one of her most prominent characteristics, and she likes to snort at people when she wants attention. She runs really fast and Korina says she could probably out-snore a 200-pound man.

For Korona, one of the most rewarding things that had come out of this adoption, is being able to start from ground zero and see how much a dog’s personality can change when they feel safe and are treated well. Korina herself is adopted, and she says her family adopted a lot of rescued dogs over the years. She speaks from her own experience when she says, “The people that choose you will love you more than anything… I feel like you almost get more love and devotion from an adopted animal than a puppy. The love they have for you is beyond anything any of us can feel.”