Hello everyone! Welcome to this issue of Mighty Mutts! Hope you are all well and enjoying summer with your doggos!

This week we’re continuing the “Summer Safety” series; each week, with tips on how to travel safely with your dog, and how to make sure they stay safe and protected in hotel settings (and don’t scare off the other guests!)

Looking for a rescue? We’ve got some tips on how to choose the right fit for you and your family, and we’ve listed some (reputable) shelters in the Grey-Bruce and Southern Ontario areas.

And of course, Pablo has some things to tell his furry friends.

-Enjoy!

Don’t keep us a secret – share this with another large breed dog owner: mightymutts.beehiiv.com

Pablo’s Ponderings

Hello to all my furry friends (and the humans who feed them!)

It's been a busy summer around my house. Every morning, I head out into the backyard to check on things. By "check on things," I mean making sure Kevin the Squirrel hasn't taken over my backyard overnight.

Kevin seems to think the fence belongs to him. He runs along the top of it, flicks his tail at me, and chatters like he's telling all his squirrel buddies that he has the neighbourhood's biggest dog completely fooled. Personally, I think he's lucky fences exist.

Dad and I have been going on lots of walks lately, and I've discovered that every tree has an important message left by another dog. Dad doesn't seem nearly as interested in reading them as I am. Humans are funny that way.

The barbecue has been very busy too, dad fires it up almost every night. The smell is incredible! I've been doing my part by supervising from a safe distance... usually about six inches from his feet. You never know when a sausage or pork chop might accidentally make a break for freedom.

I hope you're all having your own summer adventures. Stay cool, drink lots of water, and if you happen to see a squirrel named Kevin... tell him I'm still watching.

Until next time...

Woofs and wags,

Pablo

Summer road trips are one of life's greatest pleasures. Windows down, favourite playlist on, snacks within reach... and 80 pounds of enthusiastic Labrador trying to "help" navigate from the front seat.

Travelling with a large breed dog is a little different than travelling with a Chihuahua. Your dog probably isn't fitting into a designer handbag, and chances are they'll need more than a lap to curl up on.

With a little planning, however, your next adventure can be enjoyable for everyone—including the other hotel guests.

Before you leave, make a checklist.

Don't forget:

A familiar blanket or dog bed can make an unfamiliar hotel room feel much more like home.

As tempting as it is to let your dog ride with their head out the window looking like they're filming a car commercial, it's much safer to use a crash-tested harness, travel crate, or vehicle barrier.

Not only is it safer in an accident, but it also prevents your co-pilot from deciding your lap is the perfect place to sit while you're doing 100 km/h.

Large dogs may have large bladders, but even they appreciate regular breaks.

Aim to stop every couple of hours for a bathroom break, fresh water, and a chance to stretch those long legs.

It's also a great opportunity for everyone to burn off a little energy—especially the human who's been listening to the GPS say "recalculating" for the last 45 minutes.

Just because a hotel is dog-friendly doesn't mean every guest is.

Some people are nervous around large dogs. Others simply aren't expecting to share an elevator with what appears to be a small horse.

Help your dog make a great first impression.

Keep them on a short leash in common areas and ask for a sit before entering the lobby or elevator. A calm dog quietly walking beside you is far less intimidating than one enthusiastically introducing themselves to every person they meet.

And if your dog believes everyone exists solely to admire them? A cheerful "He's friendly, but we'll give you some space," goes a long way toward making other guests feel comfortable.

Even the most relaxed dog can become anxious in a strange room.

Barking, whining, scratching at the door, or pacing can quickly turn your relaxing getaway into an unhappy conversation with the front desk.

If your plans involve activities where dogs aren't welcome, consider whether someone can stay behind with your pup or whether doggy daycare is available nearby.

Every well-behaved dog helps make hotels more willing to welcome dogs in the future.

Clean up after your dog, prevent unnecessary barking, keep muddy paws off the furniture (if possible!), and always follow the hotel's pet policies.

Remember, your dog may be representing every large breed that checks in after you.

Dogs don't care whether you're staying at a luxury resort or a cozy roadside motel.

They're simply thrilled to be with their favourite people.

So pack the treats, grab the leash, remember the poop bags (seriously... remember the poop bags), and enjoy making new memories together.

After all, every great road trip deserves one loyal co-pilot with a wagging tail—and maybe just a little drool on the passenger window.

Few things are more rewarding than giving a rescue dog a second chance.

Whether you're adopting a senior whose owner could no longer care for them or a young stray looking for a forever home, you'll be changing a life. But bringing home a rescue dog also comes with a few unknowns, and it's important to go into the process with realistic expectations.

One of the biggest differences between adopting a rescue dog and purchasing a puppy from a responsible breeder is that you may not know much about the dog's past.

Some dogs arrive at rescues as strays. Others are surrendered with very little information. In many cases, the rescue organization only knows what previous owners have shared—or what they've observed while the dog has been in foster care or at the shelter.

That doesn't mean anyone is hiding information. Often, the history simply doesn't exist.

A reputable rescue should welcome your questions.

Some good ones include:

Remember that behaviour in a shelter isn't always the same as behaviour in a home. Even the friendliest dog can be stressed in a kennel environment.

It's easy to fall in love with an adorable face.

Instead, fall in love with the right match.

A high-energy Border Collie may not be the best choice for someone wanting a quiet couch companion. Likewise, a timid dog may struggle in a busy household with young children.

Be honest about your lifestyle, experience, and the amount of time you can devote to training and exercise.

The goal isn't simply to rescue a dog—it's to create a successful, lifelong match.

Most rescue organizations genuinely care about placing dogs in suitable homes, and a good rescue will often ask as many questions as you do.

Look for organizations that:

Be cautious of organizations that pressure you to adopt immediately or seem unwilling to answer reasonable questions.

International rescue dogs can make wonderful companions, but they also come with additional considerations.

Depending on their background, they may have experienced life as street dogs, travelled long distances, or had limited exposure to typical family life.

Before adopting internationally, ask about:

It's also worth considering the many wonderful dogs waiting in local shelters and rescues right here in Ontario.

No matter where your rescue dog comes from, remember one important thing:

They've likely experienced significant change.

New people. New smells. New rules. New routines.

Give them time to settle in. Many trainers talk about the "3-3-3 Rule": roughly three days to decompress, three weeks to begin learning the household routine, and about three months to truly feel at home. Every dog is different, but patience, consistency, and kindness go a long way.

Adopting a rescue dog isn't just about saving a life.

It's about building one together.

If you’re looking for your perfect new companion, here are some reputable rescue centers in the Grey-Bruce/Southern Ontario areas:

(519) 372-1911

A respected, independent, volunteer-run, no-kill shelter serving Grey and Bruce Counties. They focus on carefully matching dogs with adopters, require meet-and-greets, and encourage the whole family (including resident dogs) to participate in the adoption process.

(519) 372-1123

A municipal no-kill shelter that receives positive feedback for being honest about dogs' personalities and helping families find a good match.

A foster-home-based rescue in the Owen Sound area. Dogs live in foster homes rather than kennels, giving adopters a better idea of how they'll behave in a home environment.

(519) 270-2859

Located near Wiarton, this home-based rescue combines adoption with boarding and daycare services. They rehabilitate dogs before placing them in permanent homes.

One of Ontario's best-known foster-based rescues. Volunteers are spread throughout Southern Ontario, and dogs are fostered in homes before adoption. They place a strong emphasis on ethical adoption practices.

A long-running Southern Ontario rescue that works with dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes. They also provide rehabilitation for dogs needing extra medical or behavioural support.

Although best known for rescuing senior dogs and special-needs animals, they are highly respected throughout Southern Ontario for their transparency and detailed adoption profiles.

So what makes a reputable rescue organization? Here are some things to look for:

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That’s it for this issue. See you next week! Feel free to share this with other dog owners!

--Maryanne and the Mighty Mutts team