This dog is in a foster home in Orillia and is available for adoption throughout southern or central Ontario.
Dexter was originally picked up off the side of a country road in southern Ontario and taken to the nearest shelter, where he was completely shut down. One week into his time there, the shelter still thought he was a female, and he looked so dejected and depressed that his fosters couldn't leave him behind when they went to the shelter to pick up another dog for the rescue. That was in March 2024, when Dexter weighed around 45 pounds and was estimated by the shelter to be 2-3 years old, but we now believe he was still just a puppy then, as he filled out to a healthy 60 pounds over the following few months!
In spite of a young, stray shelter dog, Dexter is now a well-trained pooch, having graduated from both beginner and intermediate doggie school! He loved learning and showing off his smarts, and quickly mastered various commands and tricks. While he may initially be preoccupied with finding the perfect spot for his business during walks, Dexter has developed great leash skills, and his eagerness to please and learn shines through in his interactions. Continuing with training will help satisfy his drive for engagement and mental stimulation, and watching him further hone his skills will be fun and rewarding.
Dexter loves people of all shapes and sizes. He loves kids, gets along with the cat in his foster home and likes most dogs. He also has a knack for socializing with both humans and canine friends, exuding an emotional intelligence that's truly remarkable. He possesses a keen sense of human moods, offering extra comfort and support when he senses someone feeling down or anxious. This exceptional empathy makes him an ideal companion for those in need of a furry friend to lean on.
He's also a total ham! His expressions give away exactly what his overactive brain is thinking at any point in time. He's as sneaky as an elephant -- his mischievous intentions are broadcast on his face. When he's scolded, he goes full drama-queen and acts like he's just found out there's no tomorrow. When he wants something -- to go outside, a piece of kibble that has gone under a couch, whatever -- he squeaks to get your attention, so much that he's known at his foster home as 'Squeaky.' Once youre able to determine his immediate need, he stops squeaking (and usually rewards you with a kiss for helping him out). If you start petting him but then stop before he thinks you should, he'll grab your arm with his paw and pull it toward him. When he gets over excited, he might get a little 'mouthy,' but he responds quickly to correction and immediately reverts back to just licking.
Like almost every young dog, Dexter loves to run around, and can spend hours chasing after a ball or engaging in friendly games with his foster brother. Dexter's passion for toys is undeniable, but black Kongs are pretty much the only toys that can hold up against his chewing! He also loves his dog beds and whatever blanket or towel you put in his crate with him. Dexter will go in his crate when told to (and presently happily sleeps in there at night). Be prepared for his poutiest end-of-the-world look when you tell him to go to bed, but once hes in there, he fluffs up his blankies, flops on his back, spreadeagles and falls fast asleep! And then the next day he'll pull all those blankies back out of his crate and pile them high into a bed for himself in the middle of the living room!
Currently in a foster home in the suburbs, Dexter does everything with his foster brother Danny. Though we think they'll each be ok as a solo dog or integrated with a new sibling, they'd be thrilled to be adopted together! They're a wonderful pair full of joy and goofy hijinks, entertaining everyone lucky enough to get to enjoy their company.
To apply to adopt Dexter, or Dexter and Danny, please fill out an adoption application on our website, lastminutedogrescue@gmail.com.
Name: Dexter
Breed: Shepherd mix, maybe Akita? husky? Chow? Lots of things...? Who knows!
Weight: ~60 Pounds
Gender/Status: Male, Neutered
Colour: Blak & tan with some white
Medical (past & present): Healthy, UTD on vaccines
Good with adults: Yes
Good with kids: Yes
Good with dogs: Yes, with proper introductions
Good with cats: Yes, wants to play
Housebroken: Yes
Crate trained: Yes
Crate aggressive: No
Food aggressive: No
Leash trained: Yes
Energy level: Medium to high
Suitable for an apartment: Maybe!
Can be handled: Yes
Barker: No
