Valla

My story

Valla / Female / 1 Year / 70 lbs / Mastiff Mix / Dog Selective / Untested with Kids / Untested with Cats / From Hamilton / Fostered in Toronto **Follow Valla’s journey on Instagram: @pawparade.to Valla came into care from a local shelter and is currently decompressing in her foster home. While her transition has taken some time, her sweet, affectionate, and playful personality is emerging more each day. She's a gentle giant—70 lbs of love, loyalty, and cuddles—looking for a forever family that can help her continue to grow. Valla loves long walks (especially when she gets to choose the route), cuddling close, and enrichment games like snuffle mats or treat hunts. She’s known to steal your warm spot on the couch and then curl up right against you as if nothing happened. Belly rubs? Yes please. She’s happiest when she’s touching her people and is lovingly described by her fosters as a “duckling”—always close behind. She bonds deeply and quickly with familiar people and is incredibly affectionate. She’s still working on being comfortable alone, so a family with someone home often is ideal. She’s curious but cautious when meeting new people, sometimes barking if she feels unsure—especially on walks. At home, she warms up within an hour and hasn’t had any issues with visitors. Valla has not had close interactions with kids but has shown calm curiosity toward children on walks. Based on her personality, she would likely do well with respectful, dog-savvy kids who can help her feel safe and give her space to warm up. Her ideal home is a quiet house or townhouse with a fenced yard where she can walk in peaceful areas, decompress, and occasionally zoom. A suburban or rural setting would suit her best. She’s not suited to busy city life or high-rise living at this time. Valla’s experience with other dogs has been mixed. Some she approaches calmly; others cause her to become reactive. With slow, proper introductions, she may do well with a calm, respectful resident dog, though this will depend on her continued progress. She has not been cat tested, so we’re looking for a cat-free home. She has a moderate energy level—three walks per day (two around 30 minutes, one longer), along with enrichment games, keep her balanced. Indoors, she’s a couch napper and cuddle expert. She walks fairly well on leash but may pull or react when overwhelmed by loud sounds or unfamiliar sights. Busy streets can make her nervous, so quiet walking routes are preferred. Training-wise, Valla is smart and eager to please. She knows “sit,” “down,” and “paw,” and is learning recall and leash skills. She’s still potty training, but is making steady progress and responds well to high-value treats. She’s not yet crate trained but enjoys her crate and is learning to settle inside it. No destructive behavior has been noted—she’s respectful indoors and doesn’t counter surf or chew. Valla is not ready to be left alone for a full workday and is showing signs of mild separation anxiety. She whines if left alone or can’t see her people but is improving slowly. A good walk beforehand helps her settle. Valla sleeps through the night, usually cuddled in bed with her humans, and is great in the car. She has no known medical concerns. If you're patient, kind, and looking for a big-hearted cuddle buddy who just wants to be near her people, Valla could be your perfect match. She’ll repay your love with endless affection, gentle loyalty, and the softest snuggles you’ve ever had. If you’re interested in adopting Valla, please apply at https://www.fetchandreleash.ca/adoption-info#adoption-form Valla’s adoption fee is $850. To learn more about our adoption fees and the adoption process, please visit our FAQs at https://www.fetchandreleash.ca/about-us#about-faqs.

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Valla, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.