Forever in Foster – Forever in Our Hearts
Many of you don’t see what goes on behind the scenes at Speaking of Dogs Rescue, particularly with regards to the senior dogs in our care. As some of you know, our rescue focuses on compassionate care for senior dogs. When these beloved dogs come into our rescue, they often have needs that are beyond the scope of adoption. Still others are up for adoption for months without finding a forever home, and they eventually become attached to their foster parents. At that point we often feel that it is not in the best interest of the dog to be uprooted and put into a new home, given their age. And so, we keep some of our senior dogs in our Forever in Foster program, which has been running for over ten years and has seen many dogs live out their last chapter in a loving, caring foster home, cherished until they cross over to the Rainbow Bridge. Speaking of Dogs Rescue cares for these dogs financially for the rest of their lives, covering their vetting, food, and grooming costs.
We have had some exceptional challenges in terms of health-care costs, but we cannot let these dogs down. If you would like to make a donation to our Forever in Foster program and help us continue to give our senior dogs the care they deserve, please visit Canada Helps. You will immediately receive a tax receipt, and all funds will go toward Speaking of Dogs Rescue. Consider a monthly donation to enable us to continuously assist dogs in need.
We salute our Forever Foster parents and the dogs who are being embraced by the commitment and love of these special volunteers. As well, our fundraising volunteers are an incredible group of doggone dedicated folks, and without their help we would not be able to assist the many dogs who have blessed our lives and touched our hearts.
Meet Our Forever Fosters
Bailey
Bailey, an 8-9-year-old collie/shepherd mix, came to us from a Northern Manitoba rescue organization. She is a sweet, kind dog who needed ongoing medical care and treatment so was transferred to us in the spring of 2024. She had tested for Lyme disease and had issues with her kidneys. After numerous diagnostic tests and a thorough ultrasound, we learned that Bailey’s kidneys and liver had been damaged from untreated Lyme disease. She is now on daily medication and a special diet to keep her kidneys functioning as well as possible. She needs continued rechecks every couple of months to monitor any changes. If you would like to help support Bailey with her medication, special diet and vet visits please go to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/speaking-of-dogs-rescue/ (a tax receipt will be provided for you).
Bongo
Bongo, a 9-year-old Pomeranian mix, came to us when his owner could no longer care for him. His foster family is devoted to him and have taken him to many vet visits for his skin issues and also for an untreated mass on his leg. Sadly, when the mass was removed and sent to the lab, it came back as malignant. He is now in our Forever in Foster program so we can oversee his treatments, medications and ongoing tests, and rechecks. His skin issues did not resolve (in the new environment) but are now well managed with baths, and meds. “All he ever wants is to just be cuddled and surrounded by his family. He loves to run around, play and explore. Always curious and up for adventure. However, he needs to have open space to bark which he loves to do. If you’re excited, he joins right in and if you’re down in the dumps he will lay on you until you feel better. It took Bongo some time to get used to us, but he has become a member of our family now. He has forever changed our lives!” wrote his foster parents. If you would like to help support Bongo with his vetting, skin and cancer medication and grooming costs please go to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/speaking-of-dogs-rescue/ (a tax receipt will be issued to you).
Dot
Dot, a 10-year-old Catahoula/shepherd mix, originally came from Texas where she was shot with a BB gun and abandoned. The rescue who brought her to Ontario then abandoned her at a kennel where she spent the next 15 months before being transferred to Speaking of Dogs July 15th, 2025. Dot is in the Forever in Foster program because she leaks feces and urine when asleep or resting. A veterinary specialist was consulted and concluded that she most likely has permanent nerve damage due to prior trauma to her hind end, and nothing can be done except managing pain and inflammation. Despite all that she has been through, Dot is the sweetest dog you could imagine and loves all people and other dogs. She is active, agile and strong, loves her daily walks, romps around the yard, and is obsessed with flushing bunnies out of bushes! If you would like to help support Dot with her vet visits, incontinence supplies and medications, please go to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/speaking-of-dogs-rescue/ (a tax receipt will be provided for you).
Emma
Emma, an approximately 10-year-old Old English Sheepdog, was found as a stray in the Toronto area. She was badly matted, her mammary chains hung heavy with large masses and her breath was dreadful due to infection and decay of her teeth and gums. She also had trouble with her mobility. Despite her neglected, horrific condition, she was kind, patient and sweet to everyone at the shelter and veterinary clinic. Once we had her to our veterinarian and surgeries were performed, we decided that the Forever in Foster program was the best place for her. Ongoing care and attention will be needed for the masses that showed concern. She will also need monitoring for spondylosis. She is now living her best life with her foster family on a rural property north of Newmarket. If you would like to help support Emma with her vetting, grooming, and medication costs please go to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/speaking-of-dogs-rescue/ (a tax receipt will be issued to you).
Fripette
Fripette is from Quebec where her owner was in long term care and could no longer care for her. Her foster mom says “she is a joy to live with, and I love her dearly. Although she is shy and easily frightened, Fripette has made big strides over the last few months. She now sniffs on our walks and enjoys her outside time, she even plays fetch in the house with me! She also gets excited at dinner time and jumps up and down on the way to the kitchen. She has Cushing’s disease, a heart problem and allergies all of which seem to be under control thanks to her medication and the Speaking of Dogs Rescue Forever in Foster program. If you would like to help support Fripette with her medications, grooming and vet visits please go to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/speaking-of-dogs-rescue/ (a tax receipt will be provided for you).
Jasmine
Tiny treasure Jasmine is not even 5 pounds but is a mighty little lady who loves life and her Forever in Foster family! At almost 16 years old, Jasmine found herself dropped off at the very shelter she was adopted from some 10 years earlier. She has now settled into a new family and is enjoying snuggling with her foster mom on the sofa, playing with their cat, and going on outings around the neighbourhood. Jasmine had a successful dental surgery with our vet and feels like a brand new woman! She’s on monthly shots for her arthritis which has brought a new spring to her step! If you would like to help support Jasmine with her medications, grooming and vet visits please go to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/speaking-of-dogs-rescue/ (a tax receipt will be provided for you).
Lady
Lady is a sweet lab/heeler mix who was originally rescued from a bad situation and has been in her current foster home since July 5th, 2025. She is estimated to be 10 years old but looks and acts much older: she has lumps and bumps all over, is completely deaf, has impaired mobility due to arthritis (which requires daily pain medication), and has spay incontinence (which is currently well managed with weekly medication). These age-related conditions are why she is in the Forever in Foster program. Lady spends a lot of her day sleeping but also loves hanging out in the yard, going for slow, sniffy walks, and she loves wading in the river. She also loves to eat! Lady is a happy, easygoing girl who loves all people and other dogs, and deserves to enjoy her golden years in a loving foster home. If you would like to help support Lady with her medications, vet visits and special diet, please go to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/speaking-of-dogs-rescue/ (a tax receipt will be provided for you).
Maverick
Maverick, a little senior shih tzu, came to us in early 2024 when he was found as a stray in the Kingston area. He was matted, thin and had an eye infection. Over the course of the year he’s had to have an eye enucleation, a cardiac ultrasound and multiple tests on his kidney function. Once we had a better idea of what was going on we made the decision to put him in the Forever in Foster program. We need to ensure his right eye is monitored frequently, and his heart murmur and kidney function are rechecked on a regular basis. If you would like to help support Maverick with his medications, grooming and vet visits please go to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/speaking-of-dogs-rescue/ (a tax receipt will be provided for you).
Phoebe
Phoebe, a 14-year-old Bichon/poodle mix, came to us when her owner passed away. She came in with Ollie, a poodle mix, who is her lifelong friend. They have been together since they were 8 weeks old. When we took them to the vet, Ollie’s health was tip top but there was something not quite right with Phoebe. We worked with our vet, and we approved several tests and diagnostics. Sadly, when the results came back, the news was not good. The lymphocyte count was still high, and it was confirmed that she had lymphocytic leukemia. As of now, she is not symptomatic and is doing well; she’ll need her CBC monitored every 3 months moving forward. Both Phoebe and Ollie are in a wonderful, caring, and dedicated home. Ollie was adopted outright, and Phoebe will stay in the rescue as a Forever in Foster so we can support her future medical needs. If you would like to help support Phoebe with her vetting, grooming and medications costs, please go to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/speaking-of-dogs-rescue/ (a tax receipt will be issued to you).
Piper
Piper is a 9-10 year old Yorkie mix who was found as a stray in the Pickering area in September 2025. Once she was placed in her foster home and vetted, we found that she had mammary masses that required surgery. Unfortunately, the surgery revealed malignancies. She was transferred into our Forever in Foster program where she can be monitored and treated for ongoing medical issues as they develop. We will ensure that she has a loving home and gets the medical treatment she needs for the rest of her days. If you would like to support Piper with her medication, special diet and vet visits please go to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/speaking-of-dogs-rescue/ a tax receipt will be provided for you.
Romeo
Romeo came to us from a Quebec shelter in January 2025. He is a sweet, tiny senior, who lives for love and snuggles. Sadly, while in foster care, it was discovered he has a large embedded, inoperable kidney stone. HIs veterinarian said we are to keep him comfortable, pain free and move him to our Forever in Foster palliative care program. Romeo will spend his golden years with his doting foster family – his days filled with TLC and top notch cuddles and massages. If you would like to help support Romeo with his vetting, and pain medications please go to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/speaking-of-dogs-rescue/ (a tax receipt will be issued to you).
Sadie
Sadie, a mill survivor was given the sad diagnosis of 2 types of mammary gland cancer – one quite aggressive. She also had several rotten teeth removed and suffers from allergies needing weekly medicated baths. Fortunately, this hasn’t stopped this sweet girl from embracing her new life with gusto. When she came to us she was afraid of everything and would run to her bed for security. But she quickly learned the ropes from our dog. Now she loves going for long walks taking time to sniff and explore. She snuggles on the couch, and at night she sleeps between us, sighing contentedly. Every morning she wakes us by jumping on our heads, tail wagging wildly, ready to see what wonderful things the new day will bring. It is amazing experience fostering Sadie and seeing her blossom. Her zest for life is a testament to how incredibly resilient she is, and it’s an honour to be on this journey with her. She has finally been given the chance for the life she deserves, and we will make whatever time she has the very best ever. While her prognosis is 1-2 years, her main concern is whether her next meal will be turkey with sweet potato or salmon with rice, and what new places she will get to explore. If you would like to help support Sadie with her vetting, medication and grooming costs please go to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/speaking-of-dogs-rescue/ (a tax receipt will be issued to you).
Thomas
Thomas, a senior bulldog mix, arrived at a Toronto area shelter as a stray in the spring of 2024. Examinations conducted by shelter veterinarians revealed that he has cancer. The extremely large tumour (the size of a cantaloupe) was removed but he has others that are more complicated. His incredible temperament and fun personality made him a staff favourite. They reached out to Speaking of Dogs rescue for FIF placement so he could live his best life for his remaining days.
His foster family says “Thomas greets everyone he meets like old friends, and usually with one of his squeaky toys in his mouth – his propeller tail wagging like crazy.
Thomas is a sweet soul with a gentle nature. He is making neighbourhood dog friends of all sizes and has the “Let’s play!” bow down pat. Thomas loves chasing his tennis ball and jumping to catch sticks in the backyard. When his energy is low, he is a champion napper, and loves to be tucked in under a blanket in his comfy dog bed.
He’s on a number of medications to help with his cancer and we check in with the veterinarian every month. If you would like to help support Thomas with his cancer medication and vet visits, please go to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/speaking-of-dogs-rescue/ (a tax receipt will be issued to you).
Valentino
Little Valentino came to us from an Ontario shelter when his owner could no longer care for him. A tiny treasure, this 11+ year old Maltese terrier makes friends wherever he goes. His foster family have had him since December 2023 and say he was “quick to fit” blending right into their home and lifestyle. Their other dogs accepted him readily. Medically and emotionally, he came with challenges which we were made aware of by the shelter. As time went on, our veterinarian recommended we place him in our Forever in Foster program due to ongoing healthcare issues. Valentino also suffers from separation anxiety. He has had successful surgeries for his skin masses and needs ongoing support for arthritis, a special GI diet, and anti-anxiety medications. Despite his deafness, he is able to communicate quite well, enjoys his meals, puzzle toys, tummy rubs and back scratches. From his foster family “Val is a truly gentle, sweet-hearted boy who is a joy to care for.” If you would like to help support Valentino with his vet visits, medication and/or grooming please go to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/speaking-of-dogs-rescue/ (a tax receipt will be provided for you).
Zazoo
Zazoo is an approximately 14-year-old shih tzu who came from a hoarding situation in Montreal. He’s been neutered, had an abdominal ultrasound and an extensive dental surgery. He tested positive for Lyme and has some kidney issues associated with that now. He has an old injury on his front leg that’s left him with some mobility challenges, but pain medications have helped significantly, and he can now get around much better. We put him into the Forever in Foster program due to his health and ongoing need for tests and medications. He has adjusted well to his forever foster family and enjoys his naps, his kidney food, strutting around the large, fenced backyard and vocalizing his request for treats. He’s quite a character and has a big personality. Zazoo is not fond of having his face touched and his groomer refers to him as “helicopter head” but he’s becoming more forgiving when he needs his face and eyes cleaned with a warm washcloth. If you would like to help support Zazoo with his medication, special diet, grooming and vet visits please go to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/speaking-of-dogs-rescue/ (a tax receipt will be provided for you).