APPLE.

What better way to kick off the fall solstice than by introducing you to our latest adoptable, Apple! Born around July 8, Apple is a shih x chi mix who came to us from a backyard breeder/hoarder. This tiny girl currently weighs in at fewer than five pounds, but that hasn’t slowed her down one bit. Finding her forever family should be easy for our girl – it’s hard not to fall for this little Apple!

If Apple could pick the perfect family, it would 100% include kids! Apple is a big fan of hanging with the youngsters. She’s currently being fostered with twin six-year-olds and is kiiiiind of obsessed with them. Her fosters have noticed that Apple often abandons the adults in favour of playing with the kids. Whenever Apple is on a park walk, she gravitates to the kids at the playground and follows them around. Given her tiny size, it’s easy to tucker this girl out, but she always manages to find the energy to keep up with the kids! Speaking of her tiny size, Apple would make for a perfect condo dog, especially since she’s very quiet. She only barks when she wants out of her crate, and even then, her volume is low. She is still working on her potty training: she’s had a few accidents in the house. She’s not vocal about needing to go out. Instead, she stares at her fosters until they acknowledge her and stand up, causing her to dart to the door for her break. Her fosters are not using pee pads, so it’s just a matter of time before those bathroom break cues are fully established!

Apple’s foster tell us she is a bit of a local celebrity! She trots around the block, saying hello to the neighbouring children who love to visit her. She really enjoys meeting new people – for Apple, there are no strangers, only friends! Pair that with some belly scratches and you’ve got a happy pup! Apple goes on a few short walks per day, some of them to the park. She’s already heeling nicely, but right now, the combination of curiosity and puppyhood means that she can’t help but stop and sniff absolutely everything. She gets a little jumpy at outdoor sounds and has a bit of a prey drive. Her fosters are working on conditioning her to new experiences, like car rides, which she still not so sure about! Back at home, she uses her crate on a regular basis, opting to hang there when she needs a break and happily snuggles in overnight!

Apple is microchipped and up to date with her vaccines. She has a luxating patella, but since she is so young, the vet will continue to monitor and reassess at each appointment. Apple also has an underbite, which could lead to dental surgery down the road if the bite is off – there will be a better understanding once her teeth come in. Apple’s adoption fee will include her remaining puppy series shots and spay at six months.

Our sweet girl would make the perfect little addition to any family, especially one with youngsters! Don’t hesitate to make a decision … this is one Apple that you’re going to want to pick!

SOCIABILITY: Humans (adults and kids) and dogs; not cat tested
ENERGY: Low to medium
QUIRKS: Her bunny hops!
TRAINING NEEDS: Continued basic obedience, continued socialization and introduction to play
WEIGHT: 2.5 lbs (for now!)
MEDICAL NEEDS: Currently monitoring a luxating patella
FOSTER LOCATION: Hamilton