The next pup on our adoptable roster is Mary Ka – wait, no! Sorry … Ashley! Ashley is an eight month old Border Collie Lab X from a remote community in northern Manitoba. She was surrendered to a clinic alongside her sister twin Mary Kate, covered in ticks. Ashley is a sweet and loyal girl with a shy side. 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 (her current obsession is ripping apart cardboard boxes), 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!

Though Ashley loves getting out for some exercise, she knows there’s no place like home! Ashley will tolerate new places but is always very excited to head back to her fosters’ condo. She loves being around her people and is most definitely a Velcro dog. Her fosters are working on her independence (like, Ashley, you don’t need to poke your head into the bathroom if your foster is in there…just give her a sec!). Her need to be near her fosters at all times has translated into some territorial behaviours, which is not unusual for Borders. Ashley has barked and growled at guests or neighbours passing in the hall. She does warm up over time, and will eventually show her sweet side. 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 “wait” to help with impulse control. 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. Ashley has been known to channel her energy into ripping things apart, but now that her fosters have provided her with rip-appropriate items, she rarely touches their stuff anymore. Her adoptive family will want to stock up on good chew toys for this one!

Ashley is potty trained, spayed, microchipped and up to date with her vaccines. She is currently being treated for Giardia and hookworm. All associated costs will be covered by MUTTS.

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: Currently being treated for Giardia and hookworm
WEIGHT: 20lbs
FOSTER LOCATION: Etobicoke