The next pup on our adoptable roster is Ashley! Ashley is a 10 month old Border Collie Lab X from a remote community in northern Manitoba. She was surrendered to a clinic alongside her twin sister Mary Kate, covered in ticks. Ashley is a sweet and loyal girl with a friendly demeanour. Though she’s a little nervous to fly the foster home nest, Ashley is very excited to have a family of her very own!

The first thing you should know about Ashley is that she’s one smart cookie! Ashley is a classic Border Collie in many ways: clever, partial to games (puzzle treats, etc.) and a total quick study. Whether playing a game of tag with her foster, fetching, or hanging solo with a treat or puzzle toy, Ashley loves to keep her neurons firing! Keeping up with her requirements for mental and physical stimulation should be a major priority for her adoptive family. Right now, Ashley enjoys a combination of neighbourhood walks and indoor fetch, but her fosters know that she’d love the chance to regularly run free in a safe, fenced-in space. Having another dog in her future home would also be a major asset! Ashley is not keen on being alone, so a canine pal would not only keep her company, but would also be a wonderful built-in playmate!

Ashley loves getting out for some exercise and has grown into quite the adventurous lady! She really enjoys exploring new places with her fosters. At home, she loves being around her people but as she’s gained some confidence, she’s finding it much easier to enjoy alone time. She can be left home alone for two hours (very good for a puppy!), and with continued structure and confidence, we know her tolerance will continue to grow. Back at the condo, this once Velcro-girl is now a-okay to hang in different rooms than her fosters. When company comes to visit, Ashley has been quicker to trust these newcomers, though she can be a little picky and doesn’t give everyone the time of day! When she does learn to trust, she’s a very cuddly girl who often climbs right into her fosters’ lap!

Ashley is still just a baby (not even a year!) so she’s still learning a lot of the doggo basics. Because she’s super smart, she’s mastered a lot of her obedience training: the final pieces of the puzzle are “stay” and “place.” Her leash skills need some work – she loves to zig zag – and as she’s gained confidence, she’s started to pull and hold firm when sniffing. A little heel training will go a long way for this girl! Crate training is another WIP. She sleeps well overnight, and tolerates crate breaks during the day. If her foster is heading out, Ashley will be left with a lick mat or Kong to keep her busy. While her foster is away, Ashley creates a “job” for herself, like pulling the blanket through the crate. She really enjoys keeping her mind busy with via chewing (don’t worry though, she doesn’t touch things that aren’t hers!), so her adoptive family will want to stock up on some good chew toys!

Ashley is potty trained, spayed, microchipped, up to date with her vaccines, and has received an A+ from the vet re: her overall health!

This very smart girl is looking for an active family with a cozy home! Ashley is well on her way to becoming a confident lady and can’t wait to meet the family who will help her get there!

SOCIABILITY: Humans (adults; not kid tested) and dogs; not cat tested
ENERGY: Medium-high (puppy energy!)
QUIRKS: She makes a baby dinosaur sound when she yawns!
TRAINING NEEDS: Continued basic obedience, leash skills, separation anxiety, continued socialization
MEDICAL NEEDS: None
WEIGHT: 20lbs
FOSTER LOCATION: Etobicoke