It’s no longer a hard-knock life for this sweet pup! Annie is a two-year-old Shepherd X from a remote northern community. She was rescued by the RCMP and a few locals just in time to birth her twelve pups (including MUTTS alumni, Lilypad and Buttercup)! Annie is a very smart and loyal gal who loves being part of family life, and she’s ready to continue discovering all the joys of being a dog now that her mom duties are behind her!

Annie is a true friend to everyone she meets, whether two- or four-legged! She loves the chance to expand her social circle and the excitement of adding a new pal to her roster has caused her to burst out in zoomies on more than one occasion! Though she hasn’t interacted with young kids while with her fosters, her sweet and gentle demeanour suggests that she’d be a wonderful family pup. As for other dogs, Annie loves being part of a pack. She greets the resident dogs with appropriate sniffs and licks, gives a play bow when she’s ready to rock, and always tunes into their boundaries. Annie would have no issues blending in with a family with other dogs, though she’d also be great on her own! She loves to play and really enjoys a game of fetch. Annie can be a little mouthy when in the zone but is easily redirected. She pairs best with tougher chews or rope toys – TBH, plush-filled toys don’t stand a chance with Annie!

Annie’s Shepherd genes mean that she’s whip-smart and very attuned with her people! She loves learning and has mastered most of the basics. She’s an absolute angel in the home, never getting into anything she shouldn’t, and has already settled into a routine. Annie enjoys being involved in the everyday activities of a family, but is also happy to hang on her own and doesn’t need to be underfoot. With the right amount of exercise and outdoor time, she’d be totally fine in a condo or apartment. Annie goes on two to three 20 minute walks per day and would be very happy with more exercise (she’s great on the leash, btw!). She spends lots of time in the backyard, sniffing and stalking squirrels (she def has a prey drive for tiny creatures – she recently caught a cicada and proudly brought it inside!). Annie is a digger so her fosters keep a close eye on her while in the yard, lest they wish to roll their ankle in a surprise hole!

In keeping with her ultra-sweet personality, Annie is a very, very affectionate gal! She loves snuggles and belly rubs and will happily nuzzle in with her whole body. Annie is all about receiving encouragement and positive reinforcement and always looks to her people for reassurance and guidance. In unfamiliar situations, she is curious but cautious and likes to explore at her own pace. Annie hasn’t shown any signs of separation anxiety and is a-okay when left on her own!

Annie is microchipped and up to date with her vaccines. She’s fully potty trained but prefers to do her business in the backyard instead of on walks. When it comes to her crate, Annie is a big fan! She sleeps overnight, 10pm to 6am, without issue. Her bedtime routine includes a stuffed Kong but her crate cooperation does not hinge on a high-value treat. Annie’s spay is scheduled for September 10.

Annie’s fosters are already dreading the day they have to say goodbye, but we can’t wait for her to meet the lucky family who gets to call Annie their very own!

SOCIABILITY: Humans (adults; not kid tested but would likely be a wonderful companion for children!) and dogs; not cat tested, but has shown prey drive towards smaller animals
ENERGY: Medium
QUIRKS: Annie puts on a real show when getting off the couch! She steps her front paws onto the floor, then performs a long, slow stretch as her back legs catch up!
TRAINING NEEDS: Continued basic obedience and leash skills, continued recall
MEDICAL NEEDS: Spay is scheduled for September 10
WEIGHT: 50lbs
FOSTER LOCATION: Toronto