Meet AJ

Did you ever wonder what a real life teddy bear would look like? Look no further than AJ!

AJ is a lovely 9yo boy with a lot of life in him! He has moderate energy needs and enjoys walks and games, but is also very happy to cuddle up and watch movies. During his trainer evaluation session he was a very quick study and picked up new skills like go to bed, and touch (when you present your hand and say touch he will boop it with his nose) two very useful skills for around the house for managing him when he’s feeling scared. But he could learn any number of new skills and tricks, the sky’s the limit for this bright Poodle! True to his poodle genes, and apparently “superior bloodlines” according to his AKC registration papers!

AJ is also a sensitive guy and will definitely need an understanding, and patient home. AJ struggles with anxiety in certain situations. This may have always been a part of his personality but it’s easy to understand how the upheaval in his life would have inflamed this issue. As well, there is a good chance that his diabetes and gradually diminishing eyesight is contributing. He’s unsure of new people, particularly those who might be loud or make a lot of sudden movements. He also tends to startle easily when tired or sleeping. In many situations he has simply responded by growling, which we do not mind, it is so much better for him to express his discomfort in certain situations with his words rather than escalate. Unfortunately, he’s also escalated and used his teeth on a number of occasions. It’s important to be transparent about this, but it’s also important to appreciate these instances in context. He has done this when he has felt scared, or threatened. When he is feeling safe he is a lovely, cuddly gent with a load of potential. Any prospective adopters will need to be prepared to be patient to earn his trust

Where he came from:

AJ was well taken care of all his life. He was surrendered to our rescue shortly after he was diagnosed with diabetes and his family was no longer able to care for him.

What he got in foster care:

When we first welcomed AJ into our foster care program, he was still in the early days of his diabetes diagnosis. We had to do some trial and errors to determine the right insulin dosage (3 units twice a day now) and to find his favourite diabetes-appropriate diet (raw). AJ was such a champ and a very brave boy to make this process easy and manageable.

How he is doing now:

We are happy to report that AJ is absolutely thriving in his foster home. He takes his insulin shots twice a day like a champ. He loves his walks in the neighbourhood, and despite having a bit of leash reactivity (which is very common in little pups) with a bit of experience and management he’s very easy and fun to walk. If you like going on long walks, he’s your guy!

AJ is a super smart boy. He listens, and he understands a lot. Burying his nose in a snuffle mat is his absolute favourite pass time activity.

The right home for AJ:

AJ needs a family who understands that he needs insulin injections twice a day at regular hours to make sure he stays healthy and happy. It’s also important to watch what he eats to make sure his blood glucose levels stay within the acceptable range.

AJ is not a fan of being left alone for too long, so a home where someone is with him most of the day is ideal. When he finds himself alone at home, he usually cries and scratches at the door for a bit but then he gives up and finds a cozy spot to chill until his people come back. So for that reason an environment where noise might be an issue (eg. an apartment) is likely not the right home for AJ.

As mentioned above, AJ is a sensitive guy. His ideal home need not be expert dog trainers, what he really needs is a calm place to land with understanding folks who are able to appreciate his sensitivities. At this point in time, the care he requires (beyond his injections) to become his best self needs to be based on preventative behaviour management, and de-escalation efforts should he get upset (as easy as walking away until he calms down). As you might have gathered by now, a home environment that is quiet and predictable will suit him best.

AJ’s adoptive home will be provided with all the behavioural support they need to help him land, and to foster a trusting relationship through which he can shine!

Other considerations:

It is important for AJ’s future family to understand that most diabetic dogs eventually lose their eye sight and go fully blind. This may happen in a few months, or a few years. But it’s important to be prepared that it may happen at some point. Luckily, dogs rely more on their nose and ears than their eyes, and blind dogs are usually fully functional and can live happy and fulfilling lives, especially the ones that lose their eye sight gradually (like in diabetic dogs).

If you are interested in welcoming AJ into your family, it is very important to educate yourself on taking care of diabetic dogs and blind dogs, and perhaps talk to your vet about it. Here is a great article to get you started.

AJ at a glance:

Breed: **Toy Poodle**
Gender: **Male, Neutered**
Age: **9yo**
Weight: **12 lbs**
Shedding: No
Exercise Needs: **Medium**
Barking: **Yes**
Housetrained? **Yes**
Good with:
Dogs: **Yes**
Cats: **Likes to chase and play and some cats don’t appreciate that**
Car Rides: **Yes**
Stairs: **Yes**
Kids: No

Adoption Fee: **$450**
Current foster location: **Toronto**.

Apply for AJ

AJ - R.I.P