19/11/2025
Rouge is a spayed, 8-year-old Australian Shepherd mix. She has no medical issues and is up to date on her vaccinations, flea, tick and heartworm medications. She arrived overweight and is now 63 lbs and losing, and is in great shape. Being an older dog, the vet recommends daily fish oil (1 tsp) and a joint supplement for maintenance. Rouge is affectionate, smart and sensitive to the world around her. She knows basic commands and has good recall when off leash - she's learned to recall with a whistle! She is polite at mealtime and appreciates the occasional treat, including kangaroo, watermelon and raw carrot.
Rouge is a great walker, has excellent leash manners and paces herself to her companion. When on-leash, she appreciates slow respectful greetings from other dogs, and prefers to keep walking rather than socializing. Once she gets to her local leash-free park, she enjoys the company of other dogs as they run and play together. She is a true herding dog and likes to have her people and other dogs stick together during walks. She currently does 2.5 km in the morning and 6.5 km at night. She’s not a swimmer but she will wade into the pool, rivers and creeks. Playtime includes fetching balls, chasing sticks or apples, water from a sprinkler or hose, and pull toys.
Rouge likes people and gets along with the foster cats but is most comfortable with women. She's happy to meet everyone outside but can be protective of her space and of her foster mum with new visitors inside, especially with men. Slow introductions to new visitors is best; she needs to be managed with visitors in the house until she's certain that everyone is welcome. She prefers to choose who comes close to her, but when she's decided, her championship cuddling skills will take over. She took a few weeks to warm up to her previous foster dad, but soon was always at his side while he was watching sports on tv.
She’s a very loving and affectionate dog. Unlike most of her breed, Rouge is very calm and enjoys her quiet time as much as her playtime. She likes to be combed as long as you are gentle with her back end. She likes to cuddle on the couch and get all the belly rubs, kisses and hugs you’re willing to give her but when she’s done, she’ll let you know. When she really likes you, bedtime snuggles will happen.
Rouge is completely house trained. She will bark at doorbells and odd noises but will calm down very fast once she's reassured everything's ok ("good job! thank you!" seems to work well). She’s fine when left alone for a few hours and sleeps through the night (a girl needs her beauty sleep)!
Rouge would do well with another large dog in the home, having grown up in a multiple dog household. A large fenced in yard or a leash free park nearby for her to run and explore would be ideal. No apartments or young children due to her size. Rouge would make a great work-from-home companion. She'd love to be with an active single person or couple, so if you are looking for a walking/hiking companion and enjoy quiet cuddles in the evening, Rouge is your girl.
Rouge is located in Oakville, ON. If you have any questions or are interested in adopting Rouge, please email Joyce Clark at [email protected]