Pet of the Week, Kynjyn

Say hello to Kynjyn – a 4-month-old sweetheart! Kynjyn loves every human and dog that he meets. When he really takes to someone he will perform his full bum wag, not just a tail wag but a full back end wag – now that’s a happy dog!

Kynjyn is nearly house trained. His foster mom would say he’s 95 percent there. He is also crate trained and will sleep through the night without a problem. If he feels the need for a nap during the day – he will go in on his own and snooze on his own.

This cutie pie has also figured out the commands of sit and shake-a-paw. He is learning to heel on leash and has great recall when he is off-leash. Being a very food motivated puppy – he’s sure to learn many more commands and tricks quickly.

Kynjyn has qualities seen in some hockey players! He loves his two bouncy balls and when he has exhausted all attempts to carry both balls in his mouth, he will carry one in his mouth and will play foot hockey with the other one. What a talent!

Kynjyn hasn’t met any cats yet but his foster family believes he would be pretty okay with them. Kynjyn and other dogs are very okay. He hasn’t met another canine big or small that he hasn’t adored. When it comes to kids, the only children that Kynjyn has met are the kids that have come to Petsmart to checkout the ARF dogs on the weekend. He has always behaved when kids have been present in these circumstances.

After a long day of running around, catching and playing foot hockey with his most favourite bouncy balls – Kynjyn is very keen on snuggling with you on the couch and maybe snatching a couple of belly rubs from you.

Interested in becoming Kynjyn’s forever home? Fill out ouradoption application today.

Pet of the Week, Bella!

Meet Bella, a loving and energetic gal. This sweet dog is already doing some great things in life! She sleeps in her crate all night long and even lays down in it during the day when she’s ready for a nap. House training was a breeze. Bella goes to the back door when she needs to go to the bathroom and hasn’t had any accidents for a very long time!

Bella has been taking puppy classes and is sure to graduate at top-of-the class. She is a quick learner and is currently mastering the skill of walking on a leash and is a fine student! It’s been proven that good students are rewarded and Bella is no exception. Bella has been recently rewarded with walks at the off leash dog park because her recall skills are top notch and she’s learning so much.

Ms. Bella has met children and has learned that it’s not acceptable to jump on them or be overly excited around them. Families that lead active lifestyles and can dedicate time for daily walks and playtime for Bella would be the best candidates for this gal.

Bella currently has canine roomies, which she gets along with splendidly so a family with dogs would be fine. Not sure how she is around cats but with a little training – Bella is confident she can learn to love them too.

Interested in becoming Bella’s forever home? Fill out ouradoption application today.

Pet of the Week, Gem!

To say Gem likes a busy household would be an understatement. She loves her foster family, which includes 4 children, 2 dogs, 2 cats and 2 other foster puppies! She can be found playing with small and big dogs and loves everyone around her! When she’s not trying keeping up with all the activity in her foster house she loves to be cuddled and spend some one-on-one time with her human foster family. 

This happy-go-lucky gal is house trained and isn’t super high energy but enjoys her daily walks so if getting fit in the new year is one of your new years resolutions - Gem would be the perfect walking companion!

Gem is looking for a family to give her the security, confidence and love that she needs and deserves in her life.

If you are interested in becoming Gem’s forever family, fill out our adoption applicationtoday!

Pet of the Week, Stryker!

Stryker is one special four-legged furry boy! This adventurer loves everyone he meets and gets along very well with his eight other canine siblings (includes both resident and foster siblings.) Stryker’s foster family says that he would best be suited with a family with older children.

Stryker is a “turn-key” dog because he is house and crate trained! The only area he needs a little help with is controlling his excitement when meets new dogs when he is out for a on-leash walk.

Stryker is an enthusiastic dog who would love an active family to live with - someone who will exercise him often and most importantly love him unconditionally and provide him with his forever home.

If you’re interested in adopting this sweet boy, fill out an adoption application form today!

Pet of the Week, Micah

Micah is a very handsome, loveable dog that is searching for a new home. Micah loves people and loves to be wherever his people friends are. He has had minimal interaction with children so his current foster parents aren’t sure how he is around them. With that said, he has been nothing but calm and friendly with his current family.

A typical day for Micah includes lounging on the carpet watching the daily family routines pass him by. He loves to play outside and since his surgeries – he has become more and more active. This playful boy doesn’t bark or whine except for when he needs to go outside to the bathroom. At night Micah sleeps in his crate and is quite content with that never making a sound. He has even adapted to sleeping in on the weekends to let his foster parents catch up on their rest.

Micah had an unfortunate encounter with another dog so he is very cautious around other dogs of all sizes but seems to be improving everyday with how he reacts when he meets up with one. His foster mom believes that with more socialization, patience and encouragement – he will slowly let his guard down and be open to meeting and making new canine friends. It’s not known at this time how Micah is around cats, as he doesn’t live with any at the moment. 

Micah is looking for a family to give him the love and security that he needs and deserves in his life. If you are interested in becoming Micah’s furever family, fill out our adoptionapplication today!

Pet of the Week, Sara!

Meet Sara! Sara is a great girl that will love you with everything she has. This 1 year old is a bundle of energy and excitement. There isn’t a lot of downtime in her schedule, in fact her daily activities include play – walk – run – rest and repeat!

In addition to being sweet and friendly – Sara does find time to learn new things and has mastered the command ‘sit’ and is on her way to getting ‘stay, come and leave it’ under her belt. Sara is more motivated to learn by receiving praise and positive feedback over treats. With that said, she recognizes the sound of the treat bag opening and will come immediately to check it out.

This happy and affectionate dog would love to find her forever home with an active guardian that will take her for walks, play fetch and spend time teaching her new tricks and commands.

Sara has met other dogs at the off leash park and quite likes them – especially those that can keep up with her! Cats are pretty interesting too but not as fun as her dog friends. Once Sara realized they weren’t that interested in playing with her – she respected their space and moved on.

This sweetheart deserves a loving home that she can call her own. If you’re interested in adopting this lovely gal – fill out an adoption application form today.

Pet of the Week, Lady!

Meet Lady, this sweetheart is looking for her forever home. Lady is a bit shy when she first meets new people and takes a little time to warm up to you. If you give her the time and space she needs to get to know you – you will have a loyal friend for life.

Lady is a true companion – she is most happy when she’s with her foster family whether it be running errands, going for walks or just lying at your feet while you watch tv. For Lady it’s about being part of the family. Once you’re a BFF of Lady’s she will expect a few neck and belly rubs on occasion but if you stop she might just put her paw in your lap to encourage you to keep going!

This gal loves the snow! She rolls in it, throws snow in the air with her nose and catches snowflakes in her mouth. Not only does this cutie like to chew on the odd snowflake – she likes to have her chew toys handy and if her kong is filled with peanut butter, even better! Exercise and appropriate chew toys will keep this dog from chewing on things she isn’t supposed to chew on.

Lady is currently living in a home with a cat. She likes the cat and doesn’t even mind sharing her food or space with him. In fact, she even tries to convince him to play with her.

Lady might be best suited to a household with older children or no children as she is still learning to not jump up on people. An active household that can involve her in as many activities as possible would be ideal for her. She sleeps in her crate at night and during the day while her foster parents are at work but it isn't her favourite place to be.

Interested in becoming Lady’s forever home? Fill out ouradoption application today.

Pets of the Week – Ollie and Riggs!

Riggs on left, Oliver on right.

Meet brothers – Oliver (Ollie) & Riggs. These young, handsome brothers are loving, affectionate, with a strong connection to humans. They both love chasing anything with a string, cuddling, napping and playing with each other.

Ollie is a "giver" and he can be found massaging his brother and sometimes even to his foster parents on occasion. Riggs on the other hand is more of a “receiver” – he won’t argue with a gentle massage from Ollie and if that isn’t going to happen he might stretch out, lay on his back with his legs in the air and have a quick snooze.

Riggs and Oliver are both very loving, sweet boys who want to remain together forever. They're still young cats and have the crazy 'kitten moments’ of pure play and bliss. They're great with other cats but a little intimidated by the current resident dog they live with.

This dynamic duo are gentle enough to be with children and would be a wonderful addition to a family. If you are able to have more than one cat and can give these bonded brothers a chance to stay together then please fill out an application today.

Pet of the Week – Jayda!

Meet Jayda – a sweet, people-loving dog looking for her forever home. 

Jayda is an active dog and requires a lot of exercise to burn off all her energy. She is a social butterfly and loves to play with other dogs. She is curious about cats and currently lives in a household that has two cats. She’s received a couple of swats and now understand that she needs to give them their space.

When Jayda is greeted by adults or children – she gets so excited! Her signature move is the full body wiggle. On occasion, her excitement gets the best of her and she jumps up on her new friends. She is working on containing this enthusiasm to when she goes on a long walk or run.

This lady is one smart cookie too. Speaking of cookies – she is highly motivated by food. Teaching Jayda new tricks or commands should be easy with this secret in your back pocket! She’s strong willed and wants to please her foster family. She isn’t completely sold on the leash yet but she is getting lessons from a trainer to help her through this.

You’re probably wondering what this super gal is afraid of. Hold on – it’s pretty intense. It’s the evil vacuum! That’s right, the vacuum. It’s the one thing that makes this girl turn a little shy.

Jayda loves to go for car rides and thinks looking out the window is the most fun! Jayda is an athletic dog who would love an active family to live with… someone who may throw her a ball over and over, take her for a hike or even a run!

If you’re interested in adopting this sweet girl, fill out an adoption application form, today! 

Pets of the Week, Boots & Kiwi!

Boots and Kiwi are two cats that will charm the daylights out of you! 

Boots is a vibrant kitten who loves his human foster family and also loves attention. Boots will play with almost anything but chasing string seems to be a favourite activity for him. Boots is a real cuddler too. He has been known to find a comfortable spot snuggled around his human friend’s neck or shoulder, purring himself to sleep. 






Boots never met a food dish he didn’t like! He’s still learning his manners and is diligently studying how to sit, wait for his food and not eat his sister Kiwi’s food before she gets to it. Boots is endearingly playful and would do well in a home with children and other pets.

Kiwi is a true black beauty. This independent lady is content doing her own thing. She doesn’t like to make a big scene and will just go with the flow. When she’s not relaxing on the cushy living room chair she can be found playing with her feather toys or chasing after treats that her foster mom slides across the floor for her.

Kiwi has totally warmed up to her young brother Boots and has even been caught cleaning him and playing with him when no one is looking of course. Kiwi isn’t a fan of being picked up and will attempt to squirm out of your hold – so she is best suited to families with older children that understand that she doesn’t like to be picked up.

These cats will bring endless joy to anyone lucky enough to adopt them. Inquire about Boots or Kiwi today or fill out our adoption application today.

Pet of the Week, Bernadette!

Meet Bernadette, a gentle 1 year old looking for her furever home. Bernie came to ARF with a terrible leg injury, which resulted in the decision to amputate her leg. Bernie, being the precious dog she is, didn’t let this get her down – she runs ‘donuts’ in the backyard which is pretty impressive considering her amputation surgery was only a month ago!

Bernie is a quick learner and has mastered commands including: come, sit and leave it. She is diligently working on ‘sit and stay’ and her foster mom is confident that it will be mastered in no time. The most impressive command that Bernie now has under her belt is not touching her food until she receives permission!

Bernie’s crate is her domain – she loves the comfort her crate provides and she can be found throughout the day taking a nap in her crate with the door open. When she’s not napping – Bernie is content hanging out with her human friends. She is very curious about cats and hasn’t quite figured out yet how they fit into her life. Bernie is very happy around other dogs but is learning that you have to share food and treats with them too.

One of Bernadette’s favourite things is when you sit on the floor and let her lay her head in your lap and if your hands happen to find their way to her ears – then you’re the best in her books! She has also been known to enjoy the challenge of tug-of-war with her rope toy and hunting crickets in the backyard!

With a heart as big as Bernie’s she would do very well in a home with children and other pets but maybe not cats until she figures out how they tick. 

 If you are interested in becoming Bernadette’s furever home, fill out our adoptionapplication today!

Pet of the Week, Solo!

Meet Solo! Solo is a curious, energetic and fearless puppy. He loves to play with his foster brother and foster sister a lot. His foster sister is Holly and she’s about 80lbs, but that absolutely does not hold Solo back. He seriously loves to play! Solo does great on a leash and when he’s at the dog park, he sticks close by 90% of the time, the other 10% he’s off to see what the other dogs are sniffing. Speaking of sniffing… he loves to just walk around and smell new things.

When Solo settles down for a nap, he is the best cuddle-buddy you could ever find. He sleeps in his crate all night and loves breakfast and suppertime – he loves food! His most endearing feature though? His ears! They are amazingly large and adorable!

Solo is great with other dogs and strangers are just friends he hasn’t met yet. His ideal home would probably have another dog that also likes to play so he has a canine buddy to romp with!

Solo was born with a mild neurological issue that affects his legs, sometimes making him a little clumsy, but most of the time, you can’t even tell. He will be going back to the vet in a few weeks to be re-assessed, but we haven’t seen any changes in him, so it is highly likely he will be just a little uncoordinated, but we doubt that will slow him down.

Solo's foster home made a video of him, too! Visit our YouTube Chanel to view! 

If you are interested in adopting Solo, fill out our adoption application today!

Pet of the Week, Aurora! (Guest blogged by Aurora’s foster family)

Meet Aurora! The first thing we have to tell you about Aurora is that we call her Pepper, short for Peppermint (suggested by a friend’s lovely little girl). Aurora, while a lovely name, was just too much of a mouthful for us. That being said, it isn’t hard to rename a puppy to whatever you’d like. We've had the pleasure of getting to know Pepper for the past seven weeks and we can tell you that she is a great little puppy who won’t be little for very long. When the vet handed her to me I was shocked to learn that she was only eight weeks old – she was twice the size of most puppies we fostered at that age!  

As soon as we got Pepper home she was off running and playing as happy as could be in our backyard. This is what Pepper is usually like: happy and goofy. Pepper has a lot of energy and is always ready to go - if there is another dog around or something going on she doesn’t want to miss a thing. Since she has so much energy we have found that it is very important to make sure she gets a lot of walks (a number of shorter walks each day), lots of time to romp and play, and mini training sessions to engage her mind. Pepper can get over-excited, and while this has improved dramatically, sometimes she still needs help to calm down. Because of this, she would probably do best in a home that was cool calm and collected, but willing to provide her with the exercise needed for a growing puppy. 

When there is nothing going on, Pepper is very laid back. She is happy to flop out in the kitchen and watch the world go by. She also loves to lie in the backyard and chew on a stick, antler, or Kong. She loves scratches and belly rubs and will roll over on to her back as you walk up to her so she doesn’t miss an opportunity for one. 


Housetraining took all of 3 days, and she now asks to go out by whining or barking at the door. Pepper has learned to sit and lay down on cue, and will also target touch your hand with her nose. We are working hard on loose leash walking and building a solid recall. Pepper sleeps happily in a crate and generally makes it through the night without needing a break. 


We do not have cats, but Pepper has been exposed to them a few times and seems to be more curious than anything else. She loves every dog she meets and would do well in a home with another dog who loves to play as much as she does, although older dogs or shy dogs may find her too exuberant. She would also be fine in a single dog home. 


Pepper is very smart, but she is also an independent soul who knows what she wants. We think it will be important for her new family to commit to spending the time to train with Pepper and build a strong relationship with her. This isn’t hard to do at all since she is so much fun to work with.

Pepper is an amazing puppy with a lot of personality. She will be an excellent addition to the right family! If you think that Pepper is right for your family, make sure you fill out an online application!

Medical Intervention: Hope and Valor

Meet Hope and Valor. They were found orphaned on June 18th at approximately 2.5 weeks old. Shortly after bringing them into ARF’s care it became clear that they quickly needed medical attention. They were rushed to CARE Centre where Hope received immediate attention for a rectal prolapse that she likely suffered due to days of poor nutrition and diarrhea. Over the next several days she was monitored very closely in order to ensure that her condition improved, as well as to make sure that the purse string suture repair for her prolapse was working correctly.

Valor on July 5, 2013

During this time Valor was also given critical care for hypoglycemia and a low core body temperature. Over the course of a week his body temperature and blood glucose was monitored around the clock while he was given fluids and a dextrose drip to try and keep his blood sugar levels within a healthy range. His condition was also likely caused due to poor nutrition over several days. Unfortunately, being on IV fluids and a dextrose drip is a lot for one little kitten and Valor also developed an abscess where his dextrose drip was located, which also needed to be treated.

After several days of critical care, thorough monitoring, medications and suture repairs at the CARE Centre both Hope and Valor are now in an amazing foster home where they are receiving around-the-clock care, several medications and, of course, lots of love. Over the coming weeks they are expected to make a full recovery and will be available for adoption once they are old enough and well enough to be spayed and neutered. 

Hope on July 5, 2013

You can help. To date, their medical costs have exceeded $5,000 and ARF does everything it can to help a dog or cat once rescued. This cost will not be picked up by any adoptive family, but will be paid for by ARF. ARF is a registered charity, staffed almost entirely by volunteers, and reliant on donations. Please consider donating here so we can continue to give animals like Hope and Valor a second chance.

Pet of the Week, Mary!

Hi my name is Mary and I am seeking my forever home. My foster parents say I am full of love and enjoy meeting new people. I have recently learned how to play. This was pretty difficult for me because I was fairly insecure. My foster mom and I have been working to improve this by practicing with toys, meeting new people, and new furry friends.  My foster parents say that I am making daily improvement by showing them I want to play. I do this by bringing my toys over to them. They say this was one of the biggest milestones I have made.

One of my favorite games is to play tug-a-war. The other week I played tug-a-war with one of our new 9-week-old puppies. It was lots of fun and super cute! I have also been going to the doggy park where I have been meeting other dogs more my age. We seem to get along fairly well. The other nice thing about the doggy parks is I get to work on my figure by getting lots of exercise.

Mary and her foster sibling playing with toys.

I can be a bit of a romantic and I enjoy going for long walks along the river – playing in between the rocks and grass. I have been practicing fetching sticks near the river and bringing them back to my foster mom. I still have a bit of trouble with playing fetch but I am getting better at it. Soon I may even be able to play fetch with balls! I haven’t been allowed to go swimming yet because the river is too deep, but once the river becomes a little shallower, I may get a chance to go swimming. 

I tend to listen very well when my foster mom calls me. I am not quite comfortable with the "sit" command, but my foster mom is working with me on this and I'm sure I'll get it.  I really like having someone around most of the time. I have a hard time being home alone for long periods of time, so it would be great to find a home with people who are home a fair bit of the time. 

One of my most favorite times of the day is dinnertime! I love eating kibble. I love it so much that I can be known to have a little difficulty in sharing my kibble. But when treats and bones are served, I can be a good sharer with the other dogs. Although when all my bones get taken I can get a little sad.

I have an optimistic personality and can’t wait to see what the future holds. I would really like a chance to meet my forever home and get settled in.

Love, Mary

If you are interested in becoming Mary's forever home, fill out our adoption application today!!