Save Me Rescue

Save Me Rescue Save Me Rescue is a registered non-profit charity dedicated to saving dogs and placing them in loving
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Our mission

Founded in 2012 Save Me Rescue, located in Southern Ontario, is one of many non-profit organizations dedicated to rescuing abandoned or otherwise homeless animals, (primarily dogs) from high-kill shelters predominantly around Canada and the United States. Additionally, Save Me Rescue focuses our efforts on providing foster homes for dogs whose owners are no longer able to care for the

m, in order to place them in the care of individually chosen families with whom they can bond and grow with in years to come. By effectively connecting and working alongside impossibly committed volunteers, dedicated foster homes, local veterinarians, diligent trainers and boarding facilities, Save Me is able to rescue, rehabilitate and relocate a large number of animals every year. Providing incoming animals with much-needed loving temporary care until we are able to find them carefully screened, well-matched forever homes is simply our pleasure. Formed after recognizing a need for an organization which specialized on the medical health and behavioural well-being of the dogs they rescued, Save Me also found an absence of support for the families behind their adoptions. This includes both the families surrendering dogs who often have no other choice but to turn to shelters or rescue groups for help, by ensuring that they feel supported in their decisions and reassuring them that their loved ones will be cared for in every sense of the word, and keeping in touch with the families who we have been lucky enough to meet through the adoption of one of our foster dogs. To further prevent this issue from occurring, Save Me Rescue decided very early on to also serve as a resource to communities and all pet owners by providing education and information on responsible pet ownership, including the importance of spaying and/or neutering your pet, positive behavior training, and proper nutrition.

Winter - AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION Husky Mix - Male - 50 lbs - 2 yrs (approx.)Location: Owen Sound Sponsored in memory of L...
07/04/2025

Winter - AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

Husky Mix - Male - 50 lbs - 2 yrs (approx.)

Location: Owen Sound

Sponsored in memory of Lucy, with love from her friend and groomer, Nancy.

Meet Winter!

If you're looking for a dog with all the charm of a husky—but without the exercise requirements that usually come with the breed—we have just the boy for you!

Winter joined our rescue eight weeks ago from a northern Ontario community. He was brought down for medical care after being hit by a car. Over the past two months, he has undergone surgery and recovery (full details below) and is now ready to begin his search for a forever home.

When Winter first arrived, he was in pain and understandably anxious. But despite his injuries, he has shown nothing but gentleness toward people. He loves everyone he meets and will quickly flop down at your feet in hopes of receiving endless pets.

Like many northern dogs, Winter gets along well with other dogs. In his current foster home, he goes on large pack walks and interacts positively with dogs of all sizes. However, we are recommending a home without other dogs. While he’s friendly, Winter has displayed some resource guarding around food—very common in northern dogs. This behavior has significantly improved while in our care, but to minimize risk, we believe a dog-free home is best. That said, Winter can still enjoy canine friends outside of his home.

Winter tends to ignore the cats at his foster home, but when stressed, he can become a bit fixated on them. For this reason, we also recommend a home without small animals.

Winter is both crate trained and house trained. Like many dogs, he’s tempted to counter-surf if something particularly delicious is being cooked—but he responds well to correction. We suggest keeping a light leash on him indoors for the first couple of weeks to help reinforce boundaries.

Winter loves kids! There is a toddler in his foster home whom he absolutely adores. For safety reasons we recommend a home with children aged 8+, who can recognize when Winter needs space while eating. Although he has never shown any guarding behavior toward humans, we prefer to be cautious.

Winter is a low-energy husky. He enjoys his walks, but even more so, he loves lounging with his people. Because of his past injuries, long walks may always be a bit limited. A couple of 20–30 minute walks per day is plenty for him. He’s the perfect patio dog—calm in busy environments and happy to lie at your feet and take in the world. He’s also very intelligent and would thrive in a home interested in doing some light obedience training.

When he first arrived, Winter was very vocal—singing in the car, in his crate, when bored… you get the idea. Thankfully, this has decreased significantly as he’s settled into his foster home. While he’ll always be a bit of a chatty husky, he’s now excellent in his crate and travels quietly—no more earplugs needed! However, due to his tendency to talk, we wouldn’t recommend him for apartment living. He would be happy in either an urban or rural setting.

Winter has had a tough start to life, but his sweet nature has never wavered. He is a gem of a dog, and we’re thrilled to begin the search for his perfect forever home.

Vetting History

Winter was reportedly hit by a car shortly before leaving his northern community and arriving in Timmins. He sustained pelvic injuries, and his tail had been degloved. It was initially believed he had healed well. However, once he arrived at Save Me, his foster mom quickly noticed he was still in pain.

X-rays revealed that while the pelvic injuries were healing, Winter’s hip had sustained serious damage. We consulted with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Justin Levy, who recommended surgery to ensure a pain-free future. Winter underwent a femoral head ostectomy (FHO), which went beautifully. This procedure allows dogs to regain pain-free mobility in the affected hip.

Winter’s recovery has been smooth and uneventful. While we don’t recommend high-impact activities like running at full sp*ed or rough play at dog parks, he is now able to enjoy off-leash play at his own pace. Continued short, leashed walks are encouraged, as they help him rebuild muscle and strengthen the affected leg. Stairs are also helpful during recovery.

It is expected that Winter will make a full recovery but due to the trauma of his pelvic injury may always have a slight limp. As with all dogs, maintaining a healthy weight will be important to support his long-term well-being.

For more information, you may contact Courtney (foster parent) at [email protected]

To fill out an adoption application for Winter, please visit our website: http://www.savemedogrescue.ca

**Adoptions within the province of Ontario only

Norman - APPLICATION IN PROGRESS Cocker Spaniel - Male - 18 lbs - 3 yrs (approx.)Location: Owen SoundSponsored in celebr...
07/04/2025

Norman - APPLICATION IN PROGRESS

Cocker Spaniel - Male - 18 lbs - 3 yrs (approx.)

Location: Owen Sound

Sponsored in celebration of two wonderful granddaughters birthdays.

Meet Norman. A very handsome cocker spaniel boy who is looking for his happily-ever-after.

Norman spent his early years, living a very sheltered and unsafe life in a hoarding home in Tennessee. After being removed from the home, he travelled to Canada and joined our rescue. This has been a big adventure for a small dog with very little life experience. He was a nervous and unsure dog when he first arrived, but with a little extra work, he's now ready to find his family.

We expect that Norman will be shy and unsure when meeting and moving to his new family, but we're happy to discuss how to make that transition smoother for him. Once Norman settles into his surroundings he can be quite a quirky little guy. He can go from crazy excited zoomies one minute, to "please just love me" affection the next.

Norman does well on leash and would do great with an active family that will enjoy exercise time with him. Since he does well in the car, he can also join his people on family outings. He likes to play fetch, running in the yard and also rides well in the car. He can be vocal when things p*ek his curiosity, so he really enjoys the role of neighbourhood watch dog from the comfort of his very own window seat. He is however crate trained and is quiet in that space when left alone. He is mostly house trained, but will need to be taken out regularly (he doesn't know how to ask to go out yet).

Norman will require an adopter with dog experience and also an understanding of dogs that come from hoarding situations. He needs an owner that will love him to bits, but not spoil him. Providing structure as he learns, having clear rules in place, and a good routine, will ensure he becomes a well behaved family member. He would do best in a home with no small children. He would do well balanced social dogs his own size, but he would be just as content as a single dog.

Norman will be a rewarding companion for an adopter who enjoys teaching and working with a dog. The ground work has been done, now it's time for him to learn what his new family expects from him and join them on their adventures.

For more information, you may contact Colleen (foster parent) at [email protected]

To fill out an adoption application for Norman, please visit our website: http://www.savemedogrescue.ca

**Adoptions within the province of Ontario only

POPPET (now Poppy) UPDATE! We love getting updates on dogs that have been adopted from us (whether just a short time ago...
07/04/2025

POPPET (now Poppy) UPDATE!

We love getting updates on dogs that have been adopted from us (whether just a short time ago like Poppet or from years ago). Here is a wonderful update on Poppy!

“She is funny and sweet and quite quirky. She goes to the door to go out and p*e. When I open the door she runs back to her bed so that I can carry her out. I am not sure why. Maybe she just likes the kisses, cuddles and belly rubs she gets on the way out.

She loves the bay window in the front room. I bought a small oval bed that fits there so that she can be comfortable while growling at the dog traffic going by.

She did really well at the groomers. The lady spent time talking to her and petting her before she took her in and Poppy seemed to like her. She is very cute and knot free now.

She has been to my vet to get registered there. They checked the microchip, examined her, got me her flea and tic medication and gave her a needle for distemper etc. They said she was in good shape but she will get arthritis in her weak leg. They advised me to get treats with medication in to ward that off as long as possible.

I had to go to Toronto on Thursday. My friend came to stay with her and take her for a few short walks because I did not know when I would get home. She said they had a good day but she couldn't take her for a walk because she couldn't catch her. Luckily they both enjoyed the shade in the backyard.

That is all the news I can think of. Except, of course, that I adore her and love her very much.”

Lucy - AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTIONBeagle - Female - 20 lbs - 9 yrs (approx.)Location: Holland LandingSponsored in memory our ...
07/04/2025

Lucy - AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

Beagle - Female - 20 lbs - 9 yrs (approx.)

Location: Holland Landing

Sponsored in memory our special Lucy girl who taught us so much.

Meet Lucy!

Little Miss Lucy arrived from Tennessee in mid-June and needed a little extra TLC while a small ulcer removed from her eyelid healed. Although her US records estimate age as 9, a local vet, who confirmed her eye was 100% healed, felt her age was somewhere between 6-9 years.

Lucy is fully vetted and weighs approximately 20 pounds. She’s crate trained, spayed, microchipped, vaccinated and recently had a dental. She’s also up to date on her prevention medication.

Prior to coming into rescue, Lucy was diagnosed and treated for heartworm. She has subsequently had a negative heart worm test. As part of our protocol, post immiticide injections, Lucy was given an injection of Pro-Heart 12, which is a preventative that lasts for 12 months. A more comprehensive letter about her treatment will be provided to her adopter.

Although she can be shy and uncertain at times, this calm, happy girl’s tail is always wagging. Lucy is a perfect blend of snuggly playfulness and quiet independence. She loves being outside, rolling in the grass, sniffing, basking in the sun, belly rubs and meal time!! She also loves playing in the yard with her foster-sister Lulu.

During the workday, Lucy joins me on a dog bed in the office and we take frequent backyard breaks to stretch our legs. In off hours, Lucy either joins us on the couch for a snuggle, or she chooses a dog bed right beside the toy bin! Sometimes she does prefer watching us from the solitude and comfort of her crate, that’s just across the room. At bedtime, Lucy’s has no problem sleeping in her crate, or she’ll sometimes sleep beside us on the bed. We generally follow her lead, so whatever your house rules are, she’ll adjust. The only criteria is proximity to her humans.

Lucy is fully housetrained (with the exception of 2 accidents when she first arrived) and does well with a regular schedule. She’s still learning basic commands like sit, stay, leave-it, and will need ongoing training and reinforcement to master this.

Although she has limited leash experience, Lucy does enjoy walks where she can sniff and explore absolutely everything. At times her nose gets the better of her and she needs a reminder to stop pulling. More often than not, she needs encouragement to stop sniffing and keep moving! To date, Lucy hasn’t seemed too interested in meeting the neighbourhood dogs, so proper leash introductions are a work in progress and ongoing leash training will be important.

Lucy is best suited to a calm, quiet, low to medium paced home in the suburbs, without young children, where someone is often home. She’s cautious with stairs, so a home with fewer stairs (or carpeted stairs) would be ideal. Lucy will benefit from access to a yard, since she loves to be outside. She’d do well as the only dog in the home, or having another well mannered dog, with similar energy as a playmate.

Lucy’s ideal family will have no intention to visit dog parks since this doesn’t match her temperament. Although it goes without saying, it’s important to remember that Lucy’s crate is her safe space. Therefore, it’s imperative her crate would never used as punishment, or to keep her confined for extraordinarily long stretches of time.

This sweet girl can’t wait to meet you and join her forever family!

For more information, you may contact Robin (foster parent) at [email protected]

To fill out an adoption application for Lucy, please visit our website: http://www.savemedogrescue.ca

**Adoptions within the province of Ontario only

Happy Canada Day! We can’t think of a dog more Canadian than a husky dog named Winter! Winter is from Northern Ontario a...
07/01/2025

Happy Canada Day!

We can’t think of a dog more Canadian than a husky dog named Winter! Winter is from Northern Ontario and has been recovering nicely from an injury he received before coming into our care. Stay tuned as this great Canadian boy will be available soon!

SAVE ME REMEMBERS GOLDIEIt’s was a very sad day yesterday at Save Me as we said goodbye to Goldie. When Goldie arrived l...
06/30/2025

SAVE ME REMEMBERS GOLDIE

It’s was a very sad day yesterday at Save Me as we said goodbye to Goldie. When Goldie arrived last October, we did not anticipate that she would become a palliative dog. Once that become apparent, Goldie’s foster mom Angela, embraced the idea with an open heart and gave Goldie the most blessed life and loving care.

Despite many diagnostics and how hard Dr. Montgomery from Kingsdale Animal Hospital worked, we never got a definitive diagnosis on what caused Goldie’s breathing struggles. Many different medications and combinations were tried and gave Goldie extra months to be cherished. These last weeks Goldie’s bad days were getting worse, and the not-as-bad days were getting further apart. She received the final act of love today and had the peaceful end she deserved.

Thank you to Kingsdale for the wonderful care Goldie received. Thank you, Angela for loving Goldie and making so much possible for her. You were her Angel, and now she will be yours.

For a reason we can’t explain, brindle dogs don’t seem to get the same amount of attention as other dogs in our care. As...
06/29/2025

For a reason we can’t explain, brindle dogs don’t seem to get the same amount of attention as other dogs in our care. As you can see with Opal, we aren’t sure why. Her brindle coat is gorgeous and adds to her beauty.

Please share this sweet girl so she can find her forever home.

This girl is shy at first but once comfortable, she loves to snuggle up. She is currently being fostered in a home with a dog and cat and is very respectful.

Check out her bio at https://savemedogrescue.ca/dogs/opal/

Chili fell asleep while checking emails to see if an application has come in for her! This little girl is looking for he...
06/27/2025

Chili fell asleep while checking emails to see if an application has come in for her! This little girl is looking for her forever home.

For more information on Chili, visit: https://savemedogrescue.ca/dogs/chilli/

Tim, a forever foster, celebrated National Work From Home Day by “supervising” her foster family’s work! He is definitel...
06/26/2025

Tim, a forever foster, celebrated National Work From Home Day by “supervising” her foster family’s work! He is definitely the top runner for “Supervisor of the Year”.

Nino - RECEIVING EXTRA TLC - Not accepting applications Chihuahua- Male - 3 lbs - 8 yrs (approx.) Foster Location: Guelp...
06/25/2025

Nino - RECEIVING EXTRA TLC - Not accepting applications

Chihuahua- Male - 3 lbs - 8 yrs (approx.)

Foster Location: Guelph

Sponsored in memory of Bootsie and Brandi

Niño is the sweetest little chihuahua guy, but he is in very poor health right now. This little man is just under 3 lbs, and ideally he should be closer to 6lbz. Hes literally bones.

After several rounds of testing, we have finally determined what the problem is. Niño has Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI). Which means he is unable to produce sufficient pancreatic enzymes needed to digest fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Basically, he gets no value from the food he eats. Often due to damage to pancreas, likely a past severe infection.

Niño is starting on vitamin B12 and will be taking enzymes. Once this gets into his system, he should be able to properly process his food and begin to put on some much needed weight.

Once we get Niño up to a healthy weight, he will need to be neutered and a dental needs to be done.

Niño also has a heart murmur, 3/6, and luxating patella. Despite his medical issues, he's a super sweet guy who likes to give his foster mom kisses. He likes to follow her around and especially loves to be underfoot in the kitchen.. you never know when something might get dropped. (He has lightening reflexes when it comes to human food!)

We can't wait to get Niño feeling better. Stay tuned for updates.

Niño is a super quiet guy.

**Adoptions within the province of Ontario only

Rosie - NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Female - 22 lbs - 6 yrs (approx.)Location: Owen...
06/23/2025

Rosie - NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Female - 22 lbs - 6 yrs (approx.)

Location: Owen Sound

Sponsored in memory of Lady and Elliot.

Rosie is a 4-year-old cavalier king charles spaniel who spent the first portion of her life in a breeding facility having several litters. Although her start to life was less ideal it has in no way dampened her incredibly sweet personality. Typical to her breed, Rosie loves everyone she meets. Big, small, male, female, if you are willing to pet her, she will be your best friend.

Rosie takes her breeds history as a lap dog and companion very seriously and her ideal home is one where she can spend every waking moment doing exactly that. Rosie is not a fan of walks or really any physical activity (unless cuddling counts) but unfortunately for her she is a couple of pounds overweight and will need a home that is up for the challenge of keeping her moving. This is where another dog would come in handy as I find she is more likely to keep up on walks when following our dog. Rosie is completely neutral with all dogs. She has met a number while in our home and has done well with all of them.

Rosie is housetrained and crate trained although we have not used a crate beyond her first week in our care as she truly doesn’t need it. Overall, she is a very quiet dog but does bark for a short period when left on her own.

Rosie was spayed, had a dental with multiple extractions and full blood work completed when she came into care. Beyond some arthritic changes in her one hind knee, she was determined to be a very health girl. That being said cavaliers are prone to a number of hereditary health conditions so we will be prioritizing a home who has done their homework on the breed and has the ability to provide treatment should any issues arise in the future.

Over the last week we have started to see her quirky personality emerge. She does the most hilarious dance when we come home from work, has a tail that never stops wagging and is obsessed with sitting atop any raised surface like she is posing on a podium. She is one of the easiest and sweetest fosters we have ever had, and her new family is going to be incredibly lucky!

**Adoptions within the province of Ontario

I think it’s safe to say, Frederick didn’t mind his visit to the vet. As you can see, he is a great cuddler and he would...
06/23/2025

I think it’s safe to say, Frederick didn’t mind his visit to the vet. As you can see, he is a great cuddler and he would love to find his forever family/person to snuggle up with!

For more info on the adoptable Frederick, visit: https://savemedogrescue.ca/product/frederick/

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Hespeler, ON

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