Not loving the ice, snow and cold temps? Well, we’ve got the perfect Winter to help you beat the blues! Born May 29, Winter is a large breed retriever mix came to MUTTS as an owner surrender due to physical limitations. Like most retrievers, Winter is affectionate, enthusiastic and always ready to make a friend or ten! If you’re looking for a sweet and fluffy BFF, this is the gal for you!

Though she was born in the summer, Winter’s name was aptly chosen! Winter is experiencing her first cold season and has already decided it’s the one for her. Her long retriever coat helps to keep her warm in the colder temperatures, which means she can spend more time doing what she loves: lying in the backyard snow and chewing sticks. Winter is an active girl who relies on four walks per day, ranging anywhere from 20 minutes to one hour – she’s content with any length! – and frequent backyard trips so she can potty and/or zoomie. She’s excellent on the leash but needs a firm hand to keep her focused. Exercise is key to helping her rest during the day and sleep through the night. She’d be the perfect fit for an active family and has a ton of potential to be a great running buddy! Winter would prefer a house with a yard so she can experience extended outdoor time, especially with all this snow!

Winter may sport a gorgeous black coat, but she is VERY golden retriever. She’s obsessed with making friends and does not discriminate between two- and four-legged creatures. For Winter, there are no such things as acquaintances, just best friends. Passing another dog on a leash? Best friend. Someone new enters the house? Best friend. Cat shows up? Best friend, unless they hiss (Winter always listens and will retreat!). Winter’s need for attention and affection is high and she isn’t shy about flopping on the feet of anyone. Since she’s still a baby, Winter is learning that not everyone likes to be greeted with jumps and excessive enthusiasm. Her fosters are focused on rewarding calm behaviour with belly rubs and praise (two of Winter’s fave things). So long as her jumping is continually addressed, Winter would be a wonderful addition to a family with kids – we couldn’t imagine a better bestie for any kiddo!

Potty training is a work in progress for Winter. She shows cues when she needs to go outside (sits near the door and looks at her fosters), but if the cue is missed she will pee inside. She can hold her bladder all night. Winter has a not-so-pleasant habit of eating her own poop, whether fresh or frozen, so her adoptive family will need to stay on top of cleaning up the yard. When it comes to the crate, Winter can be lured in with a bone but when she’s done, she will throw a bit of a fit. She hates being left alone though she’s been known to settle after about 15 minutes of barking and whining. As for destructive behaviours, Winter isn’t the kind of girl who will opt to chew shoes, but if anything falls to the floor, she’s quick to grab and run (maybe she just likes the chase!). She also has a habit of counter surfing – the lab x instinct is strong – so her adoptive family should be prepared to conquer this behaviour! Winter is microchipped, up to date with her vaccines, and will have her spay on Friday, January 2.

Winter’s hoping to find the perfect family to kick off the new year with! Winter-lovers, this gal is for you!

SOCIABILITY: Humans (adults and kids), dogs and cats
ENERGY: Medium-high (growing puppy!)
QUIRKS: Winter is a hugger! She wraps her paws tightly around your arm, leg or shoulders to coerce you into giving more belly rubs. She also pretends she can’t get into the bed so her foster will carry her even though she is entirely capable of doing this on her own!
TRAINING NEEDS: Basic obedience, potty training, crate training, slight separation anxiety, continued socialization
MEDICAL NEEDS: Spay is scheduled for Friday, January 2
WEIGHT: 67lbs (and growing!)
FOSTER LOCATION: Cambridge