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
Anna
Anna, a now 13-year-old St. Bernard mix, came to us in November 2023 when her owner had to move into more affordable housing. A lovely gentle dog, Anna took many weeks to decompress in her foster home and struggled with the move. She was born and raised on a farm and was not used to walking on leash or being confined to a fenced yard. She made the transition in time and now enjoys sunning herself, barking at folks passing by and looking out for squirrels and rabbits. Anna has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia which requires a number of medications and supplements to keep her comfortable and pain free. After almost a year in foster, and with no applications for her, it was decided that she should stay with her foster family. If you would like to help support Anna with her medications and vet visits please visit https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/speaking-of-dogs-rescue/ (a tax receipt will be provided for you).
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).
Bella
Bella, an approximately 10-year-old shih tzu, came to us from a Toronto area shelter when her owner could no longer care for her or her buddy, Charlie also a shih tzu. When the dogs came into our rescue, we thought 13-year-old Charlie would have more medical issues than Bella, however that was not the case. Bella was diagnosed with a significant heart murmur and when we went ahead with the ultrasound, it was discovered she would need ongoing heart care. She will require medications, continued monitoring and multiple check-ins with the vet. Bella’s FOREVER IN FOSTER parents will ensure she gets the best possible health care, tons of TLC and OF COURSE her pal CHARLIE will be part of her life (the foster parents adopted Charlie!) for the remainder of time! If you would like to help support Bella with her vetting, heart medication, 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).
Dash
Dash came to us from a local Toronto shelter where he was found running along highway 427. A Good Samaritan saw him and tried to help him by pulling over to the side of the road. Here is Dash’s story as told by CTV News: https://bit.ly/3auuhmz When he first came into our foster program, he was frightened and stressed but given time to decompress he warmed up. At his veterinary exam they noted a worrisome sounding heart murmur and we approved ex-rays and then a cardiac ultrasound to have a better look at this heart. Sadly, little Dash has a significant heart murmur and needs meds and regular check-ins with our vet. His foster mom is dedicated to giving him a loving and caring home for as long as his little heart will keep beating. If you would like to help support Dash with his heart medications and vet visits 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).
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).
Leo
Leo, a 15-year-old Maltese/Poodle mix, came to us in July 2022 when his owner was diagnosed with a terminal illness and could no longer care for him. Such a happy, sweet little soul, he takes everything in stride and transitioned into his foster home seamlessly. He had a number of medical challenges and try as we may, we’d just get one issue resolved and another one would surface or flare up. When we finally got a diagnosis, it wasn’t what we were hoping for, but we also take things in stride and knew he could live a good quality of life, as per our veterinarian. With his diagnosis of an immunocompromised condition we asked his foster parents if they would be agreeable to be his Forever in Foster family as his medical needs would be ongoing. Thankfully, they said yes in a heartbeat, and he will stay with them for the rest of his days which will be happy and cherished days! If you would like to help support Leo 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).
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).
Sisi
Sisi, a lovely 10-year-old white schnauzer, came into our rescue in February 2022 with her friend Abbey, also a schnauzer. They were given up by their family when they could no longer care for them properly in a busy household rand with two small children. While Sisi and Abbey were good with the children and good-natured, the family only had so many pennies. Both dogs needed expensive medical care including dental surgeries, special urinary food, diagnostics and more urgently, Sisi needed tests to determine why she was drinking so much water. Once in our care, we had both dogs seen by the vet and tests run. We ran all the diagnostic tests recommended, ruled out various aliments and at the end of the day Sisi was diagnosed with Cushings. We see this condition quite frequently in older dogs and, when vets recommend treatment, we comply. If you would like to help support Sisi with her vetting and grooming costs please go to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/speaking-of-dogs-rescue/ (a tax receipt will be provided for 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 had 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 a stuffed toy in his mouth. He’s on a number of medications to help with his cancer and we check in with the veterinarian every month. We hope Thomas can make it until the snow falls, as he’ll surely love to roll around in the soft, white fluff” 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).
Tiny
Tiny, a 11 year old Bull Mastiff/Labrador mix, came to us as an owner surrender. She had been used for breeding, was never walked, not vetted, and had been confined to a dark, windowless basement for most of her life. When her owners were planning to move, they asked a neighbour to take Tiny. The neighbour was not able to take Tiny but said she might have someone for her and reached out to several rescue groups. We wasted no time getting Tiny into our rescue and getting her to a veterinarian. Tiny needed an immediate eye enucleation due to severe damage and pain. This was followed by dental surgery (with multiple extractions) several weeks later. Moving forward, she requires ongoing baths, special food, supplements (for joints and kidney function) and monthly injections to relieve osteoarthritis pain. A recent seizure requires tests, diagnosis, and medication. She is now enjoying her one-on-one mom and dog relationship, going to work several times a week, napping and having a wonderful big window to enjoy the sun, the birds and people going about their day! If you would like to help support Tiny with her vetting, and medication costs please go to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/speaking-of-dogs-rescue/ (a tax receipt will be issued to you).
Toby
Tiny Toby is a 10-year-old Maltese mix who was surrendered to us in June 2024 from a family who could no longer care for Toby. Tragically for Toby, they waited many months before getting him the care and intervention he needed. The family was investigated for neglect and given orders. When he came to us, his skin was red with raw open lesions, and he was extremely itchy. We got him to the veterinarian right away and thankfully were fast-tracked to a dermatologist. It’s been quite a journey for Toby and his amazing, committed foster family. He’s been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis and we’re making headway, but his dermatologist told us he will need a lifetime of management and ongoing visits, medication, shampoos and sprays. If you would like to help support Toby with his vetting, dermatologist visits and skin medication costs 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).