As we near the official kickoff to summer, now is the perfect time to introduce you to our resident ray of sunshine, Alba! Alba is a 1.5 year old mutt mix from Mexico (say that five times fast!). She was found outside a local shop, severely underweight and suffering from mange. Thanks to our wonderful pals @thedoggoprojectmexico, Alba made an incredible recovery, and we think it’s safe to say that her beauty surpasses another the Hollywood-famous Alba! Alba has been soaking up city life and is ready to find her new family just in time for summer!

The first thing anyone should know about this angel of a pup is that she absolutely loves to play! Though at first she wasn’t too sure about playtime, it didn’t take long for Alba to realize that it’s kind of the best. Being that Alba is still a young dog, she has energy to spare! She loves chasing the ball and is even learning the rules of fetch. If her foster isn’t available to throw the ball for her, not a problem: Alba has figured out how to throw the ball for herself! Her love of play extends to playtime with other pups. Socializing with the neighbourhood dogs has become an important part of Alba’s day. She loves running, playing, chasing … you name it, she’s game. It would be ideal that she have access to an outdoor area (backyard or dog park) where she has the freedom to run and play. That said, a portion of Alba’s exercise should also consist of structured outdoor time, such as a walk, where she can work on her commands while also aiming to hit her daily step count. She currently receives 1.5-2 hours of exercise each day, which her foster says is the right amount for her energy level: this routine means that Alba is calm, well-behaved and relaxed while at home!

Speaking of home, Alba’s house manners are excellent! She is being fostered in a condo and has remained on her best behaviour since her arrival. The only time she barks is when she hears the neighbours’ dog passing by in the hallway, though if you’ve caught any of our IG stories, you’ll know that Alba has learned how to whisper-bark! She much prefers to be near her foster but her confidence has grown to the point where she’s fine to be left on her own and doesn’t show any separation anxiety. Alba is even learning how nice it is to receive pets and belly rubs: as soon as her foster comes home, she rolls right over in anticipation of tummy scritches!

The ideal family for Alba would be one who is committed to continuing her training with patience and a calm energy! She’d excel in a quiet home and would be fine with or without kids (she has interacted with kids while out on walks and has been wonderfully accommodating of their desire to give her pets!). It may take her a little time to warm up to a new male family member: she is extra-cautious around men, so slow introductions are mandatory. And though she’s a big fan of playing with other dogs, she would be absolutely fine as an only dog-child!

Alba is 100% potty trained and crate trained. She much prefers that the crate door remain open. When her foster closes the crate at night, Alba has a mini-protest but is quick to realize that the best way to pass the time is to go to sleep! Alba is spayed, microchipped and up to date with her vaccines.

Though Miss Alba is tiny, her personality is mighty and she’s ready to continue shining with her new family!

SOCIABILITY: Humans (adults and kids), dogs and cats (mostly ignores, but is intrigued by she hears meowing)
ENERGY: Medium-High
QUIRKS: She always rolls over for belly rubs as soon as her foster arrives home – it is her top priority!
TRAINING NEEDS: Continued basic obedience
MEDICAL NEEDS: None
WEIGHT: 34lbs
FOSTER LOCATION: Toronto