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.”