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Sunshine & Dogs ☀️ 🐶

@sunshineanddogs

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3 rescue dogs living in Toronto:
🖤DODGER loveable lab mix
💖BONI special needs fashionista
💝BELLA Ewok babe
🐶 FosterHome @justpawsanimalrescue
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We’re off to see the Wizard! There’s no place like home, especially when there’s a dog waiting at the door! Whether you’re feeling wicked, wonderful, or somewhere over the rainbow, we hope you have a howling good Halloween.

We’ve got our paws on the Yellow Brick Road, our tails are wagging, and we’re ready to follow the scent of treats all the way to Oz. Lions and tigers and bears? Oh my! We’ll take belly rubs and treats, thank you very much.

Just remember, there’s no place like a forever home, no spell stronger than doggie eyes, and no trick too Wicked to earn a treat!

Have a wickedly wonderful Halloween from all of us little munchkins. And if you happen to see Toto, tell him we said hi! #wickedforgood #oz #halloweendog #rescuedogsofinstagram #wizardofoz by @sunshineanddogs

Our latest foster dog Mitch is an 8-year-old Maltese mix, weighing about 12 lbs.

We don’t know a lot about Mitch’s past, but we understand that he was once very loved. When his owner was no longer able to care for him, Mitch was moved from place to place. After so much change, we are hoping to find him the soft landing he deserves and a family he can finally call his own.

Mitch is an incredibly sweet little guy, although he is shy when he first meets you. He needs someone who will give him a little time and let him come around at his own pace. With some patience and a gentle approach, he warms up quickly, and once he does, you have the most devoted little companion. He loves to follow his people around, looking up at you with his sweet teddy-bear little face.

Mitch is happiest exploring the outdoors in the sun, being curled up beside you on the couch or snuggled on your lap. And if you really want to make Mitch happy, give him a ball! He absolutely loves chasing them. He doesn’t always remember that he is supposed to bring it back, but he certainly enjoys the game! He also likes to walk around the house with his treasured ball (any ball will do!).

Mitch is good with other dogs, and he would likely be fine with a cat who is used to being around dogs. He is housetrained, and walks well on a leash. He loves people once he gets to know them and could live in a home with older respectful children who won’t rush the introduction.

Because of his history, we are looking for someone who has the time to dedicate to Mitch and won’t leave him alone for long periods. His new family should understand that he may need some extra reassurance as he settles in and gets used to having a place he knows is his.

More than anything, we want this to be Mitch’s last move. He has had enough uncertainty in his life. Now he deserves a comfortable couch, someone to throw his ball for him (even if he doesn’t bring it back), and a family who will make sure he knows he is loved. Apply through @justpawsanimalrescue

#rescuedog #fosterdog by @sunshineanddogs

Stop scrolling - Gilbert has been waiting for you. He’s available through @justpawsanimalrescue

At just 11 pounds, this tiny boy has lived a life far bigger (and harder) than he ever should have. Now safe in Toronto, Gilbert is finally learning what it means to be loved - and he is so ready to give that love right back.

About five years old, and likely a schnauzer–shih tzu mix, Gilbert has the sweetest little underbite and tiny crooked teeth that peek out when he looks up at you and trust us, when he does, it will melt you. His eyes say everything: you are my person.

Before coming into rescue, Gilbert was out there on his own - a little stray trying to navigate the world without anyone to care for him. He was very underweight, and the vets believe he may have been eating things like rocks to survive (which likely caused some erosion on his teeth). Gilbert’s hips are a bit out of alignment, but the vets have said it does not require any treatment and does not impact him- other than giving him the cutest little bunny hops when he walks.

Despite everything Gilbert has been through, he is nothing but soft, sweet love. He’s a gentle, calm boy who doesn’t ask for much. He’s a calm, quiet little soul. Sleeps through the night. Mostly housetrained (with one adorably quirky preference for a flat surface over grass - city boy energy). Good with other dogs, happy to coexist, and likely to ignore cats who ignore him.

In meeting new people, Gilbert may take a few minutes to feel safe… but once he does, he’s all in. He’ll paw at you for snuggles, curl into your lap, and love you with a quiet, unwavering devotion that feels truly special.

So, if being adored unconditionally is appealing to you, then Gilbert is the dog for you.

Apply to adopt Gilbert and give this little survivor the forever he’s been waiting for. by @sunshineanddogs

Meet our latest foster dog NIKKI: available for adoption through @justpawsanimalrescue

At 13 years old and just 10 pounds, Nikki the Maltipoo is the definition of a little lap dog. She spent her whole life very loved, but sadly her mom became very sick and can no longer care for her. Now Nikki is hoping someone will open their heart and give her a soft, loving place to land for her golden years. Nikki is being fostered in Toronto.

Nikki is the sweetest girl and a true companion. She’s friendly, though it can take her a little time to fully trust new people. Once she feels safe, she bonds very deeply and will happily curl up beside you — or better yet, on your lap — whenever she gets the chance.

Because Nikki loves her people so much, she does have separation anxiety and will cry when you leave. She truly just wants to be near her people and doesn’t enjoy being alone for long. Nikki does get stressed when in new environments or places like the vet so our vets have recommended use of a mild anti-anxiety meds for those kind of occasions.

For a senior, Nikki is in good health with no red flags. She will be having a dental soon and we anticipate she may need several teeth removed, which is very common for little dogs her age. Like many white fluffy pups, she will also need regular grooming and a bit of care to keep her face free of tear stains.

Nikki walks nicely on leash and enjoys short strolls, but she’s also perfectly happy being a homebody. Nikki is housetrained and also pee pad trained. She previously lived in a condo and did well there, though she will bark if she hears noises.

Nikki is good with other dogs but isn’t interested in playing with them — she’d much rather spend her time with her people. She would likely also be fine with a dog-savvy cat.

What Nikki wants most is simple: a warm lap, and people who will spend lots of time with her and who will love her as much as she will love them. After 13 years of being someone’s cherished companion, she deserves a gentle, loving place to call home again. by @sunshineanddogs

Dear Furends,

Happy Valentine’s Day! We just wanted to paws for a moment because we know the world can feel ruff. Lots of noise, lots of worry, not enough belly rubs. But that’s when love really needs to fetch the spotlight.

So today, we hope you’ll give extra cuddles, be a little kinder, and remember that love doesn’t have to be fur-fect to be real. Love is letting someone know they’re not alone in this big, sometimes scary dog park of a world.

Whether you’re single, coupled, or happily committed to your couch — you are pawsitively worthy of love. Always.

Now go give someone a hug, scratch a chin, or tell someone you care.

With slobbery kisses and endless loyalty,
Dodger, Boni and Bella

#ilovemydog #rescuedog #rescuedismyfavouritebreed by @sunshineanddogs

T is for Terrific — and Ted is the very definition of it. Some dogs change your day. Senior dogs like Ted change your heart.

Ted is a 13-year-old, young-at-heart Yorkie weighing just 10 pounds. He’s fostered in Toronto @justpawsanimalrescue . Ted is one of those rare, truly special souls who makes everyone who meets him fall instantly in love.

Ted is pure sweetness. He is completely house trained, loves all people, and has lived with small children. He doesn’t ask for much — just the comfort of being near his humans, feeling included, feeling safe, feeling loved. If you sit down, he wants to be beside you. If you move rooms, he’ll follow. His greatest joy in life is simply being close to the people he loves.

Ted likes other dogs and is enjoying the 3 dogs in his foster home, though in classic Yorkie fashion he can be a tiny boss and may snap if another dog gets in his face — never out of meanness, just setting boundaries in his own little way. We don’t know how he is with cats but expect he may be ok with a dog savvy cat.

Like many seniors, Ted has a few age-related issues - but who doesn’t? He is mostly deaf and has cataracts, but none of that stops him from enjoying life, being affectionate, gentle, and full of heart. Ted has a history of luxating patella and has a history of tracheal collapse, which is common in small breeds and just means he should not jump off the couch and needs to be walked on a harness (although Ted doesn’t really want to be walked on a leash anyway). Ted is used to doing his business in a yard so he will be happiest in a home with a fenced yard. He loves being outside exploring the yard with his family and enjoying the fresh air and companionship. He doesn’t even really mind the cold!

Ted is love in dog form. He is loyal, sweet, comforting, and endlessly grateful for kindness. Seniors like him don’t just make wonderful pets — they make deep, meaningful companions, the kind who bring calm, warmth, and quiet joy into a home.

We are searching for the very best home for Ted to spend his golden years, surrounded by love — because he deserves nothing less. #adoptme #fosterdog by @sunshineanddogs

Welcome to our first foster of 2026. Available for adoption from @justpawsanimalrescue

LUCAS is an 11-year-young gentleman with the soft curls of a poodle, the wisdom of a schnauzer, and just a dash of Yorkie charm. At around 15 lbs, he’s perfectly lap-sized — which is ideal, because that’s exactly where he loves to be. Lucas is being fostered in Toronto.

Lucas spent nearly a decade as a deeply loved family dog. As life changed and babies and toddlers entered the picture, it became clear that the unpredictability of very young kids were simply too much for this senior. With heavy hearts, his family made the decision to surrender him so he could find the calm, toddler-free home he truly needs.

Now in foster care, Lucas is calm and happy. He lives well with other dogs (cats unknown) and loves his foster family and everyone he meets. Lucas is sweet, gentle, and endlessly devoted to his people. He’ll happily follow you from room to room, and just be with you. Put a coat on him and he might show a little “spice,” but honestly — who doesn’t have opinions at 11?

Lucas loves leisurely strolls, the occasional run in the yard and playing with stuffed toys (the squeakier the better)! He’s fully housetrained and sleeps beautifully through the night in his dog bed (or on your bed).

For his age, Lucas is in great health. He may have some mild hearing loss, which makes predictable environments especially important — and also makes him all the more deserving of patience and understanding. Lucas does bark a little (to let you know he wants something) but is generally a quiet guy.

We know some people wonder why anyone would adopt an 11 year old dog like Lucas. We say, why wouldn’t everyone want to? Senior dogs know how to love deeply. They’re grateful beyond words. They don’t need chaos — just kindness, consistency, and a soft place to land. Lucas isn’t looking for a party. He’s looking for you — someone who wants a loyal shadow, a warm lap buddy, and a best friend for life.

If your heart has room for a gentle senior who will make every moment sweeter, Lucas just might be your perfect match.

#adoptme #rescuedog by @sunshineanddogs

Dear Santa Paws

It’s us. All three of us. We swear we’ve been mostly good this year… with only minor incidents involving wrapping paper, stolen snacks, and one very suspicious-looking stain on the carpet.

We’ve been busy decking the halls (and the couch, and the bed) with fur, supervising gift wrapping with our noses, and keeping the tree safe from absolutely nothing. Tough job, but we sleigh!

All we want for Christmas is:

🎁 Treats on treats on treats

🎁 Toys that squeak loudly

🎁 Extra walkies, even when it’s cold

🎁 And for every rescue dog to have a home!

Wishing you a paws-itively magical Christmas filled with love, laughter, and just a little bit of chaos.

Love, slobber, and jingle bell zoomies from your favourite three wise mutts!

#christmasdogs #rescuedogsofinstagram #happyholiday by @sunshineanddogs

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month and while November may be almost over, it’s still the perfect time to welcome a senior dog into your life — especially one as wonderful as our new foster CARLO. At 10 years old and 22lbs, this sweet poodle mix has all the best qualities that make senior dogs so special. Carlo is gentle, steady, and easy to love. He gets along well with other dogs - cats are unknown but we think he will be fine with his calm nature. He enjoys being outside, and walks nicely on a leash. He does reasonably well with stairs, and while he’s still getting used to housetraining, he’s eager to please and making progress. That said, as we age some of us have to go more often so Carlo may need support in that regard.

Carlo is not super active, preferring a calmer pace and a cozy spot near his people. In fact, he’s a true Velcro dog who loves being close and soaking up every bit of affection. He has quickly developed a bond (aka obsession) with his foster mom but is friendly to others he meets. He seems to have a slight preference towards women but if approached in the right way by men, he is just fine.

Senior dogs bring a sense of calm, gratitude, and companionship that’s hard to match, and Carlo is ready to share all of that with a forever family. If you’ve been considering adopting a senior pup, Carlo is the perfect reminder that the best things in life only get better with time. Carlo is located i. Toronto and available through @justpawsanimalrescue

#novemberisseniordogmonth #seniordogsrule #rescuedog by @sunshineanddogs

Mom went to see Wicked: For Good and now apparently we’ve been changed for good…

We were just minding our own business, doing very important naps, and suddenly she’s humming, “because I knew you,” and grabbing accessories.

But honestly? We think we’re the real Glinda and Elphaba now.

One of us is good, one is wicked, and we’ll let you guess who stole whose treats.

If this is what happens when Mom sees a musical, we’re slightly concerned for when she watches Cats.

#DogsOfInstagram #rescuedog #wickedthemusical #glinda #elphaba #DogCostumes #Pawsome #NotSoWicked #GlindaAndElphaba #FurGood by @sunshineanddogs

🩸🐾 Pardon our barkness…This Halloween, we are the Vampire Trio — Count Dodger, Bella the Barkness Queen, and Baroness Boni von Bite!

We’ve traded our collars for capes and we’re out for a night of fang-tastic fun! From spooky strolls to late-night howls, we’re here to raise the woof and steal hearts (not necks).

No garlic bones, please — we prefer our snacks bloody delicious and our toys eternally squeaky.

Stay paw-sitive, stay spooky, and remember… every dog has its bite!

#HappyHowlOween #Fangtastic #VampireDogs #SpookySeason #Dogula #HowlOweenPups #justpawsanimalrescue by @sunshineanddogs

Say hello to GUS, the apricot-colored bundle of joy who’s ready to find his forever family! At just 1 year old, this mixed breed doodle has the perfect mix of puppy playfulness and big-hearted sweetness. Weighing about 25 lbs but standing tall, Gus is what we’d call a “larger medium” pup—plenty of dog to hug, but not too big to snuggle right beside you.

We don’t know exactly what his mix is, so we don’t consider him hypoallergenic. What we do know is that Gus is all heart. He came to us as a local owner surrender when his family’s life circumstances changed, and now he’s being fostered in Toronto while waiting for his forever home. Gus’s adoption fee is $850. He’s available through @justpawsanimalrescue

Gus loves everyone he meets—kids included (but he may be a lot for a young child)! He does get so excited to say hi that he may bounce up to greet you (he’s working on his manners!). Playtime is his love language, and he’d be thrilled to have a playful dog sibling to romp around with. We don’t know how Gus feels about cats but he’s very interested in chasing the squirrels in the yard!

Gus is almost housetrained but may have an accident here or there—nothing a good routine won’t fix. Regular grooming is a must for this handsome floof (and he’s overdue for his next spa day!).

Gus is hoping for an active family who can give him plenty of walks, playtime, and love. He’s not a fan of being left alone for long stretches—he’d much rather be curled up next to his favorite humans. In fact, Gus has made it clear: couches and beds are his happy places. If you’re looking for a no-furniture pup, Gus isn’t your guy. But if you dream of a loyal cuddle buddy who wants to snooze by your side, he’s perfect.

Gus is ready to bring joy, love, and snuggles to his forever family. Could that be you?

#rescuedog #doodle #doodlesofinstagram #fosterdog by @sunshineanddogs