GEMI.

Introducing our first 2024 adoptable, Gemi! Gemi is a one-year-old black lab mix that came to us as an owner surrender from northern Manitoba. She’s been a busy girl since arriving, already achieving local celebrity status after being featured on CP24 Breakfast’s “Take Me Home Tuesday”! Now it’s time for this little charmer to find her furever family!

After arriving in her foster’s home, Gemi was quick to realize she hit the jackpot and in no time, her personality was on full display! One thing to know about Gemi: she is a very playful girl! If she had it her way, her humans would engage in marathon-length play sessions and other dogs would be invited to join, too. Though she eventually tires out, her fosters have been working on creating boundaries to help Gemi understand when group playtime is over. She’s learning to enjoy self-play and has grown by leaps and bounds in this area! Her favourite toys include tennis balls and rope toys. Gemi is definitely a shadow dog, preferring to be near her humans at all times. She’ll go from person to person to ensure she’s getting attention and staying in the know re: the comings and goings of her foster family. Gemi doesn’t like to be left alone, often whimpering when her fosters aren’t in sight. Her separation anxiety hasn’t led to any destructive behaviours, but her adoptive family should be prepared to continue helping Gemi build her solo-lady confidence so she can thrive in all situations! She is crate trained and understands it’s a safe place where she can rest. She doesn’t mind being crated, so continued use of the crate will be key for this sweet girl!

Got kids? Gemi has formed a wonderful relationship with her ten-year-old foster sibling and loves to receive and return affection! The two are often found cuddled up, Gemi’s head in her lap, enjoying some snuggle time. When in play mode, her foster sister has done a fantastic job of teaching Gemi when playtime needs to come to an end. Outside of the home, Gemi loves meeting kids in the neighbourhood. She offers licks, sniffs and holds her head up high for scritches. During her morning walks, she’s often the centre of attention with the neighbourhood kids! She’s curious and gentle when meeting younger children. Gemi would be the perfect addition to a family with children and would especially thrive in a home where boundaries are continued to be set (this also doubles as an opportunity to teach any young first-timers how to properly interact with a dog!)! Gemi’s still a young girl and can be persistent, so boundaries will also help to manage her energy!

This perfect little love bug is full of affection and hasn’t met a head rub that she doesn’t like! She’d love a family with a hybrid worker or someone who can spend time with her during the day. Another dog would be great, too, but not necessary. Outside of fishing for extra treats in the home office garbage can, Gemi has been an outstanding doggie citizen! When out and about in the ‘hood, Gemi has adjusted very well to meeting new dogs. Initially, she lunged (just small lunges), but now she’s calmer in her approach and loves catching up with a few of her doggo friends who she sees regularly. She can be a little overzealous, wanting to play, but isn’t leash reactive. Redirection has helped improve her leash skills, as well as stopping when she pulls. She responds very well to vocal encouragement – her love languages are being called “good girl” and treats, obviously. Lots and lots and lots of treats! She’s always respectful when new humans approach and her foster tells us that many neighbours now look forward to their Gemi love-in sessions when they see her on walks! She hits the pavement twice a day and gets to run around the backyard when the weather permits (like most dogs, she’s not a huge fan of the rain!).

Gemi is potty trained, spayed, microchipped and up to date with her vaccines. She’s currently being treated for hookworm – all associated costs will be covered by MUTTS. This whip smart girl has mastered tons of basic commands (sit, stay, come, no, let’s go) and won’t go to the front door for walks until she’s given permission!

Our sweet girl certainly puts the “gem” in Gemi, and she’s more than ready to settle in for a lifetime of love with a great family!

SOCIABILITY: Humans (adults and children), dogs and cats
ENERGY: Medium
QUIRKS: She will watch TV if she hears animal sounds! And her eyes change colour from day to night – it’s pretty awesome to see!
TRAINING NEEDS: Continued basic obedience, continued boundary setting, continued confidence building and self-play encouragement (to help with separation anxiety)
MEDICAL NEEDS: Currently being treated for hookworm
FOSTER LOCATION: Mississauga