Charlie

Charlie is finally home!

What a difference just two weeks makes!

Last we spoke, we had Charlie for only 7 days, and it was an adjustment for sure. We had our challenges with him being so afraid of everyone, including my in-laws, who would be walking him every day at lunchtime but couldn’t even get near him for the first week. It took two full weeks and many hours with him, but he just loves my in-laws now. He’s so good with them – as good as he is with us! We pick him up, hold him, and he likes to snuggle our faces and necks and kiss us, and follows us everywhere. He is loving his multiple walks per day and treats. Charlie and Kiwi (his new furry sibling) like to play-wrestle daily too! He plays with his toys for about an hour a day. He has lost more weight and is looking healthy.

Two weeks made a huge difference, and we have all settled in nicely.

Age:  1 year 2 months  (DOB March 23, 2025)
Weight:  11 lbs.
Location:  Oshawa, ON.
Adoption Donation:  $675

Meet Charlie

Charlie is a sweet, affectionate little guy who may take a bit longer to trust new people, but once he feels safe, he becomes a devoted companion. He loves being close to his people and will happily follow you from room to room throughout the day. His favorite place to be is curled up on your lap, soaking up all the attention he can get.

Charlie is a gentle dog with no signs of aggression. He loves giving kisses and enjoys being handled, including having his paws, ears, and body touched. While baths aren’t exactly his favorite activity, he tolerates them well and continues to gain confidence with new experiences.

This playful pup loves toys and is excellent at entertaining himself. Fetch is one of his favorite games, and he’ll happily bring the ball back for another throw—or toss it around himself when you’re busy. If you’re working from home, Charlie is content relaxing in his bed nearby, as long as he’s in the same room as you.

Charlie currently lives with a 4-year-old Chiweenie and enjoys playing with canine companions. He can sometimes be a little jealous when it comes to lap privileges and likes to be first in line for cuddles. Because of his adaptable nature, we believe he could thrive either as an only dog or in a multi-dog household.

Charlie has made tremendous progress in foster care. Loud noises, barking dogs, and unfamiliar sounds can still startle him, but his confidence continues to grow every day. He enjoys spending time in the backyard, running and exploring, and has become much braver than when he first arrived. A fenced yard where he can run and explore would be his dream. 

He is fully house-trained, sleeps through the night without accidents, and does not display any marking behaviors. He will also use a pee pad if his signals to go outside are missed. Charlie is comfortable with stairs, willingly enters and exits his crate, and sleeps happily either in his own bed or alongside his people.

Because Charlie can become anxious when left alone, he is crated when his foster family leaves the house to keep him safe. He may whine initially, but he has been steadily improving and is learning that his people always come back. Charlie is very food-motivated, though he can be somewhat selective about meals and appears to have a sensitivity to dairy products.

One of Charlie’s most charming traits is his expressive personality. He has an adorable little whine-bark that he uses to communicate, usually when he wants attention, a meal, or a coveted spot on your lap. He also enjoys watching the world from the window and may alert you when people pass by.

Charlie is currently learning about leash walks and is doing wonderfully. Since he startles easily, a secure double-harness setup is recommended while he continues building confidence outdoors. He patiently waits while his collar and harness are put on and is learning to walk nicely beside his handler.

Despite his small size, Charlie is full of personality, playfulness, and love. He is a fun-loving puppy at heart who will reward a patient adopter with endless affection, loyalty, and companionship.

Commands Charlie Knows

• His name
• Sit
• Off
• Down
• Bed / Bedtime
• Go Sleep
• Stop / Enough
• Go Pee
• Go Poop
• Walk
• Outside
• Ball
• Drop It
• Leave It
• Breakfast
• Supper
• Toys
• It’s OK

Medical & Care Notes

Charlie has been diagnosed with luxating patella’s in both rear legs (Grade 2 on the left and Grade 3 on the right). When he first arrived in foster care, he would occasionally limp or hold up his right rear leg after excessive activity.

Over the past several weeks, Charlie has lost weight, gained muscle through daily walks and lots of backyard fetch, and has also started a daily joint supplement as part of his routine. I have noticed a significant improvement in his strength and mobility. He rarely favours the leg now and happily runs, plays, uses stairs, and keeps up with my own rescue dog.

His future family should be aware of this condition and continue helping him maintain a healthy weight and good muscle tone, as these have made a noticeable difference in his mobility and overall comfort.

Charlie currently enjoys daily walks, playing fetch, running in the yard, climbing stairs, and all the normal activities of a happy, active little dog.

If you’re looking for a loving companion who wants to be part of everything you do, Charlie may be the perfect addition to your family.

Are you the right home for Charlie? If you are interested in adopting him, please fill out an adoption application.

You can also purchase a sweater and/or blanket for him or any of our foster dogs.  Please consider becoming a CCRT Sponsorship Angel for any of our foster dogs by making a donation.