Meet Billy!

By: MMDR and Breanna C

Billy is ready for a walk any time!

Our Black Dog of the Day today is our sweet little guy, Billy! Billy is an 8 month old sable (light tan with black) Shepherd cross, and he is a "Busy Bee", which means he's a fun loving, very spunky guy! Billy is very clever and is already mostly crate and house trained, but he will require a family who wants to stay active with him and keep him entertained so that he can be a well behaved boy. Billy won't be a huge dog, and we imagine he will be around 50-60 pounds fully grown. 

Here is what his foster mom has to say about him:

Billy is a very active and playful dog. He loves to be around people, especially when they give him belly rubs. He is very cuddly and loves giving kisses. It still surprises us how smart his is and how quickly he picks up new training/tricks. He is also very talkative, and if he wants something he will be sure to let you know.  He is a huge sweet heart and just wants to be loved/love someone.

Billy will be happy to give you a
good cuddle at the end of the day!

While he has come a long way since we first got him, he could still benefit from some further manners. He has a tendency to come on strong and sometimes misplaces his manners when around new people or animals. This tendency has been a slight challenge when it comes to introducing him to older dogs and new people. However, once he calms down, everyone loves him!

We always have people telling us how cute he is when we take him on walks, which is nothing short of the truth cause he really is a beautiful dog.

Consider applying for Billy today and we promise that he will keep you active and well loved for all of his days!

Fit with Fido

By MMDR

Did you know that your dog can be a great motivator when trying to stay fit? Most dogs love to stay active, so they are fantastic workout partners. 

Kate knows that it's important to stay fit
(even though black coats are slimming!)

This week's Fit with Fido activity is brought to you by our Pounds for Parvo Fitness Challenge: sponsored by Revive Fitness! 

Skijoring

Skijoring is, basically, cross country skiing behind a harnessed dog that pulls you along. This activity is fantastic exercise for your dog, and not bad for you either, especially while you train your dog to do so! For more information on skijoring in Winnipeg, visit www.snowmotion.ca! 

MMDR Alumnus Stella learning how fun it is to skijor!

Meet Goldie!

By: MMDR

Goldie may have a black
coat, but she has a heart
of gold!

Meet Goldie, one of our beautiful adoptables featured for this weeks focus on black dogs. Goldie is a one-year-old black, long haired German Shepherd who has lots of love to share. She is a typical German Shepherd- smart, aware of everything around her, quiet, well mannered and above all loyal and confident. Her striking good looks are easily captured in her professional photos- she is a stunning example of her breed. She came in to care with her daughter Kate (named for the famous mother and daughter duo, Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson) a few months ago. 

Her foster mom Alisha has been taking Goldie for some special training at Oakwood Stables. Each and every Friday she participates in an agility class that challenges her physically but more importantly mentally. Many times active dogs can receive the exercise they need through mental stimulation such as a puzzle or game.

Goldie's ideal home is one without cats or small animals. 

Is it with you?

The stable is the perfect environment for new foster dogs to be introduced to new people and animals, build confidence and to learn to pay attention around distractions. Goldie loves her agility classes- she soars over the A-Frame with ease and races through the tunnel without a second glance.

Goldie would like a home that
challenges her with lots of
exercise and entertainment!

Goldie’s ideal home would be somewhere that she will get a calm but firm leadership approach. German Shepherds are a highly intelligent breed- once they bond to their family they are very people oriented and aim to please. She enjoys long walks with her foster mom, and when no one is around she finds ways to amuse herself by dropping her toys on the floor and chasing them around. She is a curious dog who loves learning new tricks and exploring new places.

Don’t overlook Goldie just because of the colour of her fur! She would make a wonderful addition to any family. If you are looking for a loyal and caring companion who will be your best friend for the rest of her life, look no further than Goldie. Apply to meet her today!

Still Wanted: Fun with Jellybean

By: MMDR

Of all of the Still Wanted dogs we’ve featured so far, Jellybean provides the biggest puzzle for many of MMDR’s team! She is such a unique beauty with one of the most fun-loving and gentle temperaments we’ve come across!

Jellybean as a young puppy,
when she first came into the
care of MMDR.

Jellybean does require a family who will be active with her, but we know that there has to be a family out there looking for a dog to join them on their adventures! Jellybean would love to go hiking, skijoring, jogging, biking; you name it, Jellybean would love it! She continues to settle down as she grows up in foster care, but Jellybean will always be a girl who loves to have a romping good time.

Jellybean also requires a home that can provide her with incredible cuddles. This girl loves to be loved! She adores her people and will give your family as much snuggle time as you’d like! She would do well in a family with other pets and older kids (or young kids used to bouncier dogs).

When we set out to write Jellybean’s Still Wanted blog, we received a few letters from those who love her. This one is from an MMDR team member:

She needs space where she can go run and play and get tired out. She's been in care she she was a little puppy and is now 9 months old. She is beautiful with the most loving soul. Her fun actually sparkles. She's been calming down nicely, too! She was so good at the fair, she big and bouncy but would be the most loyal loving dog in the world. I really want to find her the family she deserves. 

One of our all-time favourite foster descriptions, this letter is from Jellybean’s foster mom (who would love to keep her but already has her limit of doggies):

Jellybean today! What a stunning
dog with such a spark.

Are you looking for a friend who is happy all the time?

Will get you off the couch and into the great outdoors?

Consider Jellybean!

How would I describe her? Energetic, fun, loyal, sweet, playful, mischevious, curious, and cuddly.

She can be a little challenging at times but she is very smart and learns fast when given the right discipline. She really loves being with people and aims to please.

She's great with kids though older would be best, and she enjoys dogs and cats. She loves laying on feet if you are doing something at the counter, gets into the crook of your arm, crosses her paws and cuddles. Loves her cuddle time as much as playtime.

If you’re looking for love and a good time, look no further. Jellybean is your girl! To apply to meet and adopt Jellybean, please email an adoption application to adoptions@manitobamutts.org!

Fit with Fido

By: MMDR

Last night, MMDR had our kickoff workout for our Pounds for Parvo Fitness Challenge! The turnout was great, in spite of the oodles of snow we've had lately, and everyone had a fantastic time. One of the participants wrote this about last night's session:

Ainsley made sure to make the workout challenging, but not impossible. She was really positive. The best part was at the end when we were doing different cardio moves around the room and one wall was "skipping" which most of us turned into the lazy childhood skip to catch our breath! I hurt today, but it's going to be worth it in 6 weeks! She also took measurements and our weight so that by the end of the 6 weeks she can show us our progress. 

MMDR Alumnus Digby enjoying the snow!

For those who didn't get a chance to sign up for Pounds for Parvo, we will still be posting a weekly workout idea for you to stay active with your dogs! Keeping your dog in shape is one of the most important things you can do for their health, especially as they age. 

This week's activity isn't much fun for humans, but it's a great workout and most dogs love to "help" us with it.

Snow Shoveling! 

This winter, put away the snowblower and pull out a shovel! Shoveling snow for an hour burns an impressive 550 calories! Your dog will love chasing the big bunches of snow around and will burn off some energy along with you. Make sure that you shovel safely, and use your knees (not your back!) to lift and take care when walking on icy walkways. 

Resources and further reading: 

http://www.weightlossnote.com/top-10-winter-weight-loss-and-fitness-tips/