Shepherd - Coco

Hi, my name is Coco. I am agorgeous  9 yr old female  Belgian Shepherd with a very sad story to tell. My owners decided to move into a new apartment where dogs weren't allowed. So rather than try to find me a new home (I guess that was too much trouble) they just took me to a vet and told him to put me down. After examining me and determining that I am in perfect health the vet refused. The owners then tried a second vet who, thankfully, also refused. This vet suggested my owners contact A Better Life to see if they would be willing to take me in. Knowing that eventually my owner's would find a vet who would agree to have me destroyed because I was no longer convenient, A Better Life agreed. My owners told the people at ABL that I was fine with most dogs so I was taken to a foster home with another dog. Well I was quite fear aggressive with the foster mom's dog. And it appears I am fearful with almost every dog I meet. I bar my teeth and snap at them. The truth is that I have never been socialized with other dogs and have spent most of my life never leaving my home. (Apparently it was also too much trouble to take me out for walks or to the dog park).

 Now I am in a kennel which is very scary for me because there are lots of dogs here and I am frightened of all of them. I need a foster or adoptive home without other pets (I am not good with cats or other small animals either) who will be willing to work with me and gradually expose me to other dogs so I learn I can trust them and am safe around them. I am wonderful with people and am very loving and affectionate. In fact people can do just about nything to me and I never react aggressively. I sure could use a second chance at a better and life and home than I have had so far. There is no cost to fostering me and it is only $100 to adopt me (A Better Life believes that no dogs should not be given away for free because all dogs, even ones like me with behavioural problems, have value) I hope someone soon will open their heart and home to me so I can get out of the kennel and into the first kind and caring home I have ever had.

Thank you to my generous sponsor, Cohiba Communications!

Coco Facts:

• Breed: Belgian Laekenois
• Sex: Female
• Age: Senior
• Size: Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
• Color: Black 
• Adoption fee: $100

Coco is:

• Housetrained
• Already spayed
• Up to date with shots
• Good with kids
• Not good with cats
• Not good with dogs
• Has special needs
• Purebred

If you are interested in meeting this rescue dog you must go A Better Life Dog Rescue to submit an Adoption Application.

Note: We regret that we cannot respond to general inquiries about our dogs unless accompanied by an an Adoption Application.

Shih Tzu/Yorkie - Amber

Hi my name is Amber. I am a 2 yr old Shih Tzu/Yorkie Cross with a shy but very affectionate nature. I was rescued from a puppy mill that fortunately went out of the breeding business so have spent most of my life in a kennel, but I am adjusting very well in my new foster home. I have bonded very strongly to the dad in the home and am a bit shy with the mom but I am very eager to please everyone, that is why I am learning so quickly – all I need to know is what you want from me and I am happy to do it.

I am a very gentle and loving dog, great with other dogs, cats.  I tend to be suspicious of human ‘movements’  and if I don’t know what you’re doing…I will attempt to bite so being in a family without young children would definitely be an asset.  I do walk well on a leash, however the current least is more of a show leash so that if I get frightened, I can’t slip out of the collar.  I do get frightened when I meet other people or pass vehicles, even if they are parked.  I will get over this though – as my family is working with me on this issue.  I sleep in my kennel and if my Mom and Dad are up late, I do put myself to bed. My adoption fee is $300.

Cyrus Facts:

• Breed: Shih Tzu / Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier Mix
• Sex: Female
• Age: Adult
• Size: Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less 
• Color: Red/Golden/Orange/Chestnut 
• Adoption fee: $300

Cyrus is:

• Housetrained
• Up to date with shots
• Already spayed
• Good with dogs
• Good with cats
• Good with kids

If you are interested in meeting this rescue dog you must go A Better Life Dog Rescue to submit an Adoption Application.

Note: We regret that we cannot respond to general inquiries about our dogs unless accompanied by an an Adoption Application.

Poodle - Cyrus

Hi everyone. My name is Cyrus. I am a totally adorable 3 yr old miniature poodle mix who was recently rescued from a high kill shelter in California. Spending 24 hrs being transported from California to Vancouver was pretty stressful but I was a very quiet and well behaved boy through all of it. These pictures of me were taken just after I arrived in Canada and I was a bit scruffy and dirty. But I am going to a groomer in the next couple of days and my foster mom is going to send new pictures of me after I’m all cleaned up. I am a very playful, curious and adventurous dog. I adore being outside on walks and hikes or just to play and sniff and run around the back yard. A fenced back yard with another dog to play with would be perfect for me. I am great with kids and would love a home with older kids who would play with me. I am also good with cats - I know when to back off and when it's okay to play.

One of my favorite things to do is to burrow inside blankets and wiggle around under them. I am really quite a character. I am curious and adventurous and madly in love with life. Even though I am three much of my behaviour is quite puppy like right now, but that is likely because I just spent a month in puppy jail so have lots of playing to catch up on.

I think it is a lot of fun to play attack my foster parents feet as they walk around the house. I keep them laughing, that‘s for sure. I am a bit interested in cats but am not pushy or annoying and pretty much leave them alone, unless of course they want to play. I get very excited when I know I am going for a walk. My foster mom says I LOVED the snow we had this year - I threw myself into it, rolled around in it and everywhere I ran I was lick-lick-licking a tunnel. Dog parks are the best because I just love chasing and being chased by other dogs. I am a medium energy dog who would be best suited to a moderately active home with a fenced yard and hopefully another medium energy dog who will want to play with me. I am not yet housetrained but my foster mom is working on it. My adoption fee is $300

Cyrus Facts:

• Breed: Miniature Poodle
• Sex: Male
• Age: Adult
• Size: Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less 
• Color: White
• Adoption fee: $300

Cyrus is:

• Housetrained
• Up to date with shots
• Already neutered
• Good with dogs
• Good with cats
• Good with kids

If you are interested in meeting this rescue dog you must go A Better Life Dog Rescue to submit an Adoption Application.

Note: We regret that we cannot respond to general inquiries about our dogs unless accompanied by an an Adoption Application.

Cocker Spaniel - Chata

My name is Chata and I'm a very calm, and great natured 4 yr old Cocker Spaniel mix. I was recently rescued from being euthanized by an overfull high kill shelter in California. I wasn't a stray, I was given to the shelter by my owners who had lost their home and could no longer keep me. That was a very sad day for me. But I have a wonderfully affectionate and outgoing nature and I love everyone I meet. My fur is so soft and silky smooth that you will want to pet me as much as I want to be petted. I love having my fur brushed and even like baths. I am great with other dogs, cats and kids. I am just a laid back, very easy, low maintenance girl. I am great in a car as well. Something happened to my right eye, possibly an untreated injury, but I am blind in that eye. But this doesn't impede me in anyway. I love going for walks and then just lying by your side, but I also have a playful side and enjoy playing with my toys. I am every bit as adorable as my smiling face. My adoption fee is $250.

Chata Facts:

• Breed: Cocker Spaniel mix
• Sex: Female
• Age: Adult
• Size: Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less 
• Color: Red/Golden/Orange/Chestnut 
• Adoption fee: $250

Chata is:

• Housetrained
• Up to date with shots
• Purebred
• Good with dogs
• Good with cats
• Good with kids

If you are interested in meeting this rescue dog you must go A Better Life Dog Rescue to submit an Adoption Application.

Note: We regret that we cannot respond to general inquiries about our dogs unless accompanied by an an Adoption Application.

Rottweiler - Buddy

Hi, I'm Buddy, a male, neutered rottweiler, approximately 5 years old.  I'm very sweet and need a very special owner. I had a rough life before being rescued and unfortunately some behaviors that need to be worked on are the result.

I am a very worried dog, causing me to be fearful and dominant. This is the only behavior I had to protect himself in a scary environment.  I am extremely protective of my food bowl, treats or bones. Sometimes I won't even eat what is in front of me, I will just lay next to it and guard it. I will try to bite if you try to take it or try to pull me away from it. My foster mom uses something else to lure me away from whatever I have so that she can safely remove it. Trust has to be aquired with me before dominance can be properly asserted over me.
I am about 30 pounds overweight, so I need someone to work with me to help me get my svelte shape back. I need lots of exercise, and am wonderful off leash on trails or in the woods.

I am afraid to go into the backyard, and my foster mom thinks I was likely forced into areas where I was left alone for long periods of time before. She has been leashing me and taking me for short walks when it's time for pee or poop breaks at home.

I need a calm, assertive owner with lots of patience and time to spend with me.  I a very affectionate with people I know and quickly turn strangers into friends. I need to be watched at off-leash dog parks right now as I will mount certain people and children. I've been great with other dogs except for two, I took an immediate dislike to them, but I did show warning signs. I adore my foster brothers and sisters (the canine kind); I'm not good with cats, so I'll need to go to a feline-free home.

I love car rides, and really am playful, sometimes I get overly excited or possesive over toys.
There is definitely hope for me! I deserve someone special who can help me reach my full potential. My adoption fee is $200

Buddy Facts:

• Breed: Rottweiler
• Sex: Male
• Age: Adult
• Size: Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
• Color: Black - With Tan, Yellow Or Fawn 
• Adoption fee: $200

Buddy is:

• Housetrained
• Already neutered
• Up to date with shots
• Good with dogs
• Not good with cats
• Purebred

If you are interested in meeting this rescue dog you must go A Better Life Dog Rescue to submit an Adoption Application.

Note: We regret that we cannot respond to general inquiries about our dogs unless accompanied by an an Adoption Application.

Shepherd - Jesse

Hi my name is Jesse. I am a very friendly, very people loving 7 yr old shepherd cross who was dumped by my owners because they didn't want to continue to care for me in my older years. It seems they lost interest in me quite some time ago as I was very badly neglected when I came to A Better Life. My nails were so long that the fronts of my pads couldn't touch the ground. My fur was badly matted and filthy from never having been brushed or bathed in years. My ears were full of dirt and my teeth have been ground down because I spent my days chewing on rocks as that is all I had to entertain myself with. I am only 7 but my years of neglect make me seem older. 

When I first came to ABL I couldn't walk very well, especially on slippery floors. Now I am doing just fine on my foster parents hardwood floors. Two vet exams have confirmed I don't have hip dyslpasia or arthritis in my hips. But I do have some arthritis in my lumbar region so that is why I am a bit stiff when I first get up after sleeping for awhile. But my daily dose of Metacam along with glucosamine supplements have made me into a different dog. I enjoy people so much that on walks I will make a beeline for them and stand in front of them as if presenting myself to them so they can pet me. You see, I have had very little affection in my life and I am trying hard to catch up. Until I was rescued I forgot how wonderful it felt to be touched. Now I can’t get enough. And I am so happy to be out in the world that was denied me for so long - I am curious and interested in everything! I love going for long walks and hikes and have even started jogging. I am great with other dogs too and very much enjoy their company.

My foster parents have nothing but good things to say about me. They tell me all the time what a sweet, sensitive and very special dog I am. I am great in the car although I do need help getting in because I can‘t jump up. I also can’t climb more than a couple of stairs so I will need a home without them. I am a very easy going guy and am happy to just hang around with my people. I have a very cute habit of nibbling gently on your arm or even your bum when I get excited. I love squeaky toys and will sometimes empty out my toy box just to see if there are any new toys in there. I am quite hard of hearing but do occasionally respond to my name and can hear high pitch sounds (like my squeaky toys) and low rumbling sounds, although neither fireworks or thunder bother me. I walk very politely on the leash and am great off leash as well, although because I may not hear you call me I can only be off leash in safe areas away from traffic. You just couldn’t find a more gentle, loving, affectionate and adoring dog than me. My adoption fee is $100.

Jesse Facts:

• Breed: Shepherd (Unknown Type) / Labrador Retriever Mix
• Sex: Male
• Age: Adult
• Size: Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
• Color: Red/Golden/Orange/Chestnut 
• Adoption fee: $100

Jesse is:

• Housetrained
• Already neutered
• Up to date with shots
• Good with dogs
• Good with cats
• Good with kids

If you are interested in meeting this rescue dog you must go A Better Life Dog Rescue to submit an Adoption Application.

Note: We regret that we cannot respond to general inquiries about our dogs unless accompanied by an an Adoption Application.

Pomeranian - Ivy

Hi my name is Ivy. I am a 7-year old black Pomeranian who was surrendered by a backyard breeder who is fortunately getting out of the puppymill business. I have spent most of my life in a kennel so being out in the world is a new experience for me. I am still getting used to just being outside and the feel of grass under my feet.  Walking on a leash is a new experience for me as well but I am getting the hang of that very quickly, however, I don't like going for walks that much.  I'm a bit of a nervous Nellie so I feel a bit overwhelmed. Inside the house I am much more comfortable and love to spend as much time as you will allow me to in your lap.  I LOVE affection and being held - it is as if I am making up for all the time I haven't had any.

I am a very sweet and gentle dog and I am gaining confidence by the day. Already I am letting my foster mom know when someone comes to the door.  Because I bark when people come to the door, I'd be best suited to a one-person family - just the two of us would be wonderful! I am very afraid of loud noises: sirens, trucks, etc. so a quiet home with minimal activity would be perfect for me. I'm not house broken either so some special training in that area would be beneficial to me.  Small children will be a bit too much activity for me too deal with right now, but calmer, older children would be fine for me. I am good with other dogs and cats and will make anyone a very loving and loyal companion. My foster mom says I am so sweet and loving - do you have a warm lap for me? My adoption fee is $300.

Ivy Facts:

• Breed: Pomeranian
• Sex: Female
• Age: Adult
• Size: Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less 
• Color: Black

Ivy is:

• Housetrained
• Already spayed
• Up to date with shots
• Purebred
• Good with dogs
• Good with cats
• Good with kids

If you are interested in meeting this rescue dog you must go A Better Life Dog Rescue to submit an Adoption Application.

Note: We regret that we cannot respond to general inquiries about our dogs unless accompanied by an an Adoption Application.

Pointer/Catahoula - Blaze (Experienced foster needed)

Hi my name is Blaze. I am a three year old Pointer/Catahoula cross who has had a tough start in life. I was originally bought from a puppy store, but my family decided they didn’t want me after I got too big. So I was taken to a local shelter in Alberta where I have lived for the past year and a half. In fact I have spent more of my life at the Fort McMurray SPCA than in a home. I am not handling shelter life very well. I am a very intelligent boy and I display alpha behaviour. While I have never bitten anyone, it is feared I have the potential. When I am in the kennel I react aggressively with strangers. So it is no wonder no one has wanted to take me home. But when I was in a foster home for awhile I did amazingly well. I have wonderful house manners, leash manners, and great recall. I get along great with all canine companions that I encounter and I am even good with cats and other small animals with proper direction.

But because of my long stay at a shelter I have developed aggression problems so I need an experienced handler who would be willing to work with me and a trainer. I respond well to assertive individuals and he would do well with a strong alpha owner that will correct my unwanted behaviours in a firm yet kind manner. I am not an attention seeker with strangers but rather bond very strongly with one person. As a high energy and highly intelligent dog I would do well if involved in activities that would stimulate me physically and mentally such as tracking, agility or search and rescue. I love having a job and am a very willing worker. An acreage or large back yard where I have room to roam is essential for me. I just love to run, swim, hiking and playing with other dogs. I am also excellent on car rides. In fact I have a lot of great traits and if someone would be willing to work with me in a home environment, I know I would make an excellent companion.

After a year and a half, the FMPSCA is out of options for me. They believe I will never be adopted as long as I stay in the shelter so my future is very uncertain. If you are interested in fostering or adopting Blaze, please contact the FMPSCA at 780-743-8997 and ask to speak with Catherine or Jacquie. They will take care of all transporting and other costs associated with adopting Blaze.

Blaze Facts:

• Breed: Pointer / Catahoula Leopard Dog Mix
• Sex: Male
• Age: Adult
• Size: Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
• Color: Black - With White 

Blaze is:

• Housetrained
• Already neutered
• Up to date with shots
• Good with dogs
• Good with cats
• Not good with kids
• Has special needs

If you are interested in meeting this rescue dog you must go A Better Life Dog Rescue to submit an Adoption Application.

Note: We regret that we cannot respond to general inquiries about our dogs unless accompanied by an an Adoption Application.

Shepherd - Seth

Hi my name is Seth. I am a beautiful and very affectionate 1 yr old male shepherd cross who was found as stray and ended up at a shelter where I was a great risk of being euthanized. I am a very sociable, outgoing pup with lots of energy and an infectious joy of life. It seems evident that I have lived outside my entire life so am still learning how to behave inside a home. I am a bit exuberant and want to play, play, play. A home with another dog and a back yard for us to romp together in would be perfect for me. I do like to chew - blankets, toilet paper rolls, you name it. So, I'll need someone who can give me lots of exercise and chew toys to keep me busy. I don't understand that the annoying thing I am chasing is my own tail! It makes my foster family smile.
I will need training so need a home who will enjoy going through training with me. I would really benefit from some obedience training, so I could learn not to play so rough with other dogs (like my foster brother!) I'm not being mean, I just love to play. Because I'm so active, I'd make a great agility training dog. I am very good on a leash and I love going on hikes and am athletic enough to come along mountain biking.

I am still acting very much like a puppy and am mouthy so would not be suited to very young children but older children would be fine. On walks I am very gentle and polite with other dogs and I love meeting new people. I will lie down on my bed or get in my crate without protest. I actually like to sleep alone - I will come and say night to you for about 30 seconds, then leave. But, I am very loving and sometimes like to jump in your lap for some petting and a nice belly rub. I like being hugged and will give you kisses. I also don't mind being brushed.

I will make a wonderful loving companion for a person or couple who love spending time outdoors, want an active dog and who are willing and have the time to train me. I am very smart and loving, and my foster family says I have grown in leaps and bounds since I arrived! My adoption fee is $300

Seth Facts:

• Breed: German Shepherd Dog / Labrador Retriever Mix
• Sex: Male
• Age: Young
• Size: Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
• Color: Black - With Tan, Yellow Or Fawn
• Adoption Fee is $300.00

Seth is:

• Housetrained
• Already neutered
• Up to date with shots
• Good with dogs
• Good with kids

If you are interested in meeting this rescue dog you must go A Better Life Dog Rescue to submit an Adoption Application.

Note: We regret that we cannot respond to general inquiries about our dogs unless accompanied by an an Adoption Application.

Lab - Bradley

Hi, I'm Bradley. I am a stunningly handsome 1 yr old purebred yellow lab who was recently rescued from a high kill shelter. A Better Life agreed to take me, having been told that I was a very high energy dog which was why they said I was having a problem being adopted. But once I arrived into my new foster home, it became evident that I am not really hyper at all, just normally energetic for a dog of my young age and breed. Being in a shelter for several months without getting any exercise no doubt contributed to my hyperness at the shelter. But now that I am getting regular exercise I am a much calmer dog. I am very friendly and affectionate and as is typical of my breed, I LOVE people. But I have been poorly socialized with other dogs an am fear aggressive with dogs I don't know. I have been with a couple of excellent trainers now and unfortunately my fear of other other dogs is so great that it doesn't look as if I will ever get over it.

But I am a hopelessly happy dog with people. I always have a smile on my face and a wag in my tail. I need a home on a farm, on a acreage or a home with a large fenced yard where all my exercise needs can be met by chasing a ball or playing with my people as I am not a dog that can be walked where other dogs will be around. I am a wonderful, loving dog and I know my aggression with other dogs limits my choices for a home. So I am hoping that someone very compassionate who with be comfortable with keeping me away from other dogs will apply to adopt me. My adoption fee is $250

Bradley Facts:

• Breed: Yellow Lab
• Sex: Male
• Age: Young
• Size: Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
• Color: Tan/Yellow/Fawn 
• Adoption Fee is $250.00

Bradley is:

• Housetrained
• Already neutered
• Purebred
• Not good with dogs
• Good with cats
• Good with kids

If you are interested in meeting this rescue dog you must go A Better Life Dog Rescue to submit an Adoption Application.

Note: We regret that we cannot respond to general inquiries about our dogs unless accompanied by an an Adoption Application.

Corgi/Terrier - Morgan

Hi, I'm Morgan, a 1-year-old Corgi/Terrier mix that's about 11 pounds. I'm a sweet, loving lap dog and will make a great companion for anyone. I like LOTS of cuddles! I'm great on a leash, and don't pull at all. I don't like to be left alone for too long, and start to fuss if I am. I will chew if I'm left alone too long and don't have toys to nibble on. I will bark and whine a bit if you leave me. I am housetrained but have had a few accidents. But, I haven't had much overall training yet, so be patient!

I will do best in a home where someone is home with me for a good part of the day. I'm a people person! I'm a bit needy and craving human attention! I really like to walk, and while I am good with short walks, I have the stamina in these little legs to go on long ones, too! It would be really great if there was another dog I could play with too. I would do well in an apartment or a house.

My adoption fee is $300.

Morgan Facts:

• Breed: Corgi/Terrier cross
• Sex: Male
• Age: Young
• Size: Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less 
• Color: Tan/Yellow/Fawn 
• Adoption Fee is $300.00

Morgan is:

• Housetrained
• Good with dogs
• Good with cats
• Good with kids

If you are interested in meeting this rescue dog you must go A Better Life Dog Rescue to submit an Adoption Application.

Note: We regret that we cannot respond to general inquiries about our dogs unless accompanied by an an Adoption Application.

Terrie/Chihuahua - Goldie

Hi, I'm Goldie, a 1 yr year old Spaniel cross. I'm about 10 pounds although my foster mom says I look like a mini golden retreiver. I came from a shelter in California, where I was scheduled to be euthanized simply due to overcrowding. Fortunately, I was spared in the nick of time and here I am, ready for love and companionship with a forever family! I'm spayed, up to date on my vaccinations and in excellent health. I get on great with cats and other dogs. I am an active dog and I adore running around a backyard and at going to dog parks so I would be best suited to an active fanily. But I am also calm and quiet in the home and love curling up on your lap. I am very well behaved and am a quick learner (I've already learned to sit and lay down). I am super affectionate and love to give out kisses!

My other great qualities are that I am playful, good in the car, I never beg for food, barely ever bark, I am well behaved, and I am friendly to everyone I meet on my walks. One of my favorite things is going to the dog beach and I play well with all the dogs I meet there. I am super affectionate and I love to curl up and snuggle on the couch beside you and I love to give out kisses.  When I get excited I tends to nip a little, but my foster mom is working to correct that behaviour. I am good on a leash, but do get tempted by sights and smells when off leash, so my recall isn't good yet. I am such a wonderful, friendly, outgoing little dog and I would be a great addition to any family. My adoption fee is $300.

Goldie Facts:

• Breed: Spaniel/Chihuahua cross
• Sex: Female
• Age: Young
• Size: Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less 
• Color: Red/Golden/Orange/Chestnut 
• Adoption Fee is $300.00

Goldie is:

• Already spayed
• Housetrained
• Good with dogs
• Good with cats
• Not good with kids
• Up to date with shots

If you are interested in meeting this rescue dog you must go A Better Life Dog Rescue to submit an Adoption Application.

Note: We regret that we cannot respond to general inquiries about our dogs unless accompanied by an an Adoption Application.