Cayuga Dog Rescue

10/16/2026

It's TOT (Tongue out Tuesday) and we're shining the spotlight on Emmy! This goofball is a total catch - smart, athletic, and sweet as can be. She's looking for someone to be her partner in crime (and outdoor adventures 🏞️) for the rest of her days. If you're ready for a BFF who'll stick their tongue out with you, fill out that adoption app and get ready for a leashed-up good time!

Must be local to Ithaca, Syracuse, Binghamton, Rochester, or Elmira, and be prepared for a home visit from our squad.

Oh, and check out Emmy's highlight reel: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvCC6_Hx3tp3FanxEppd4H5zyS_2rx8w8&si=Jpii_kVelMQ5xrP_ and her profile: http://cayugadogrescue.org/wp/2025/10/emmy/

10/15/2026

Warning: this pup's awesomeness may cause excessive smiling and joy! My foster mom says, “Winston is the ultimate good boy! He's like a happiness bomb, exploding with joy, smarts, and forgiveness! All he wants is to feel safe, get belly rubs, and make his humans happy. He's a master of facial expressions and can howl like a rockstar!

He'll make you LOL daily and bring sunshine to your life. His ideal human is someone who's all about love, patience, and positive vibes. Oh, and they should be ready for a lifetime supply of slobbery kisses! 🐶💕 Winston's dream home is with a chill, loving crew who'll adore him unconditionally.

If that's you, fill out an adoption app and get ready for a lifetime of laughter and snuggles! (Must be near Ithaca, Syracuse, Binghamton, Rochester, or Elmira, and be ready for a home visit from our awesome volunteers!)

http://cayugadogrescue.org/wp/2026/07/winston-2/

10/13/2026

Hi! My name is Churro, and I am a super special, ADORABLE, 4 year-old, 68 pound, neutered male GoldenDoodle!

Breed: GoldenDoodle
Gender: Male, neutered
Age: 4 year old
Size: 68 pounds
Good with…
Dogs? Some
Cats? Unknown
Kids? Best with older, respectful children (12+)

History
I was surrendered to the TC SPCA because my owners are not able to provide care for me anymore. Very sad, as I had been with them for 3 years, but I understand that life can change and get hard and that they just weren’t able to keep me.

I want to say that the staff and volunteers here at TC SPCA are wonderful. Yet being here is really very stressful and quite confusing for me. I feel scared most of the time, and it is getting worse over time. Everyone is super motivated to find me either a foster or adoptive home as soon as is possible, to spare me more stress and upset in the shelter environment. Come and spring me please…I think you will be glad that you did!

So, here are things to know about me:
I am a good boy! And I love my human friends! I am cuddly and affectionate with the people that I know and trust. I enjoy cuddling up against you if you sit down on my dog bed after we come back from a walk! My favorite place to be scratched is my chest! And I also like long strokes along my body…when you stop, I might gently nudge your hand to ask for more!
I am smart! I know “sit” and “down” and am working on learning more cues. I like simple food-puzzle like Kongs stuffed with yummy food, and I like an easy slow-feeder bowl. When I want something, I will make eye contact with you and then perform a fabulous “sit!” in hopes that you will then give me the thing that I want. This spontaneous “sit” is the way I say, “please?” 😊 In general, I love positive reinforcement training…it’s fun to learn and to get treats and I love making you smile and you telling me what a smart and good boy I am!
While I love the people I know, I can be nervous when meeting new people–especially men. I need to take things at my own pace, and if you are patient and kind and don’t rush me, I will become your friend soon enough!
I am a great hiking and walking buddy! I walk politely on leash when in an Easy Walk harness, and I love going out for leashed walks and leashed hikes.
My former owners told the SPCA that I am housetrained and crate-trained!
I am good at the groomer’s! I was well-behaved there and very popular!
There were other dogs and cats in my former home. And while I was super happy for them to be there, they did not all feel the same about me. Some of them didn’t appreciate my enthusiasm, rambunctious interactions, and play- barking, and unfortunately, I am not very good at toning that down when another creature prefers to be left alone or to interact more gently. I would probably make a good buddy for another dog who also has a rough-and-tumble, energetic play style, but not for calmer or gentler or senior dogs (or cats). If you don’t have other dogs, that’s fine with me, but you will need to be the kind of folks will do fun mental and physical activites with me!
I am a No Go with little fuzzy critters like squirrels, bunnies, etc,
Since I have not lived with/been around kids, and given my enthusiastic personality, the appropriateness of me living with kids will be determined on a case by case basis!
I am in great health, and am neutered, microchipped, and fully vaccinated. I am currently on some anti-anxiety medication to help me cope with the stress of being in the shelter. The staff will make sure to help you figure out my medication plan when I move to a foster or adoptive home.
I am looking for an adopter or a foster family ASAP please! I need to get out of the shelter and into a home because it’s just so scary and stressful for me here. If you have a dog, the staff will help you introduce them here at the shelter to ensure your pup is comfortable with me and how I play and interact!

If you would like to foster Churro or other SPCA pets, visit: https://www.spcaonline.com/foster-family

Interested in adopting? Learn more here: https://www.spcaonline.com/adopting-pets or call 607-257-1822

10/12/2026

Laughter is the best medicine, right? 😂

10/08/2026

Marty is a total charmer - a German Shepherd/Husky mix with a heart of gold, a brain that's off the charts, and loyalty that's simply paw-some!

Marty is now at the SPCA of Tompkins County! contact them for more info.
At first, he might be a little shy, but trust us, with some TLC, he'll turn into your BFF (best furry friend, duh!) who'll stick by your side 24/7. Marty's looking for a chill, loving home that gets that sensitive dogs need a little extra love, and he'll reward your patience with a tail that'll wag for days! If you're ready for a smart, loyal sidekick who'll make you laugh and snuggle, Marty's your guy! 🐾

http://cayugadogrescue.org/wp/2026/08/marty/

10/06/2026

Winston, aka Winnie the Pooh, says " I am the MVP!" I'm a goofy, silly, loving goofball who's all about spreading joy and getting belly rubs!

Despite my rough start in life, I've learned to bond with my humans super quickly - as long as they're kind, gentle, and sweet, of course!

I'm a total attention seeker, love learning new tricks, and feeling safe and cared for is my ultimate happy place!

Oh, and did I mention I'm a total foodie?

I'm totally house-trained, crate-trained (with a cookie or two, please!), and I don't bother with shoes, clothes, or other non-edible items!

I'm also super trustworthy in the house, but I do have a weakness for sniffing out tasty treats on the counter... who doesn't, right?

I am great on leash! I walk nicely, rarely pull, and really enjoy going for walks. My “sniffy time” is important to me when we are outside, and I love to roll around in the grass! I am good at calmly passing people and other dogs (unless they bark at me first!). I love when you come outside with me, but get anxious and upset if you leave me outside alone, either tied out or in a fenced yard. Given my history of being left outside, you can understand why that would be upsetting and anxiety-producing.

I like car rides! I get adorably excited to go for car rides. This is all new to me, but I think I will gain confidence as I visit more places and understand I am always coming back home with my favorite human. I prefer going for walks or visiting calm places, I do not think I would enjoy going to hang out at a crowded restaurant or a bustling downtown. While I like my exercise and learning things, I am a low to moderate energy dog and need lots of chill time at home time to decompress and relax. My favorite place to nap is next to my human and I am adorable when I rest my chin on your lap or your arm to get your attention.

I had to fend for myself early in life, so I am still learning how to behave and how to learn things humans find important. I am learning very quickly, because I like to please my humans and I LOVE food! I already know sit, down, wait at the door to go outside, and am learning tricks like putting my paws on things, sitting in a box (haha, so funny!), and going over an agility jump! I need a human who is going to continue to use positive reinforcement training to help me keep learning and to help me build my confidence. It is so helpful if you can be kind, consistent, and know how to speak to me in my language!

There are a handful of things that still scare me like: shouting/loud voices (even if it’s happy shouting), being pulled by my collar or pushed from behind, if I feel trapped or confined or held, when I see people wrestling around or even hugging (I think someone is hurting the other) or if I see dogs jumping on people (I think the dog might be hurting the person). In these situations, when i get scared/upset, I might growl or bark or act out, and I really need someone who understands how to read my body language and vocalizations, and can then deescalate things, help me with my big feelings, and restore a feeling of safety. I move on, back to my happy self, very quickly once I am helped through a triggering situation!

http://cayugadogrescue.org/wp/2026/07/winston-2/

10/03/2026

Hey there, potential fam!

If you're ready for a furry bundle of joy to crash your pad, I'm your girl! Juno, at your service! I'm basically the ultimate social butterfly (but, you know, dog) - I love EVERYONE (humans and animals alike) and can't wait to give you all the snuggles and slobbery kisses! My current foster fam can't get enough of me, and I'm pretty sure you'll be hooked too! I'm a total people person (dog?), and I'll chat you up with my best

As long as I have sufficient exercise, I can be content to lay around – preferably with you or my sibling/s nearby. If I am left alone I will express my displeasure with some very clear husky calls. And, while I’m mentioning it… if I am feeling excluded (like I’m outside and everyone else is inside) I have perfected what my current caregivers call a “sad sad whale call”. While I don’t prefer being alone, I am also ok with it. I am comfortable in my crate with a couple chew toys for up to 4 hours. It is unknown if I can be left free roaming in the house while you’re away!

It did not take me long to settle into life with my foster family. I’ve been here since mid-August and I have adopted all new routines; I can do this with you too! I sleep in my own bed (crate). And, although I will usually step out just to p*e in the morning and then go straight back to bed for a bit, I would also love to go for a run or play in the yard or have a brisk walk instead!

A few things I believe to be ridiculously adorable and/or skillful things about myself are: 1) When you’re standing around, I’ll suddenly appear between your legs, looking up at you, 2) I often say hello by bringing a toy, 3) You’ll be busy doing your thing and then realize I am curled up just behind you (I like to be close!), 4) I am pretty awesome at fetching and returning the object right to your feet… and 5) I am also getting pretty good at catching things in the air!"

http://cayugadogrescue.org/wp/2025/10/juno/

10/01/2026

Can dogs eat bananas? The answer is yes! Bananas can be a healthy and tasty dog treat with many health benefits for your canine companion, but there are a few things to keep in mind when using bananas as one of your dog food ingredients or add-ons. We’ll discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of feeding your pup bananas and provide some tips on safely including them in your dog’s diet. So if you’ve been wondering what foods can dogs not eat, rest assured bananas are a safe option. Read on for more.

Can dogs eat bananas? Sure they can! Here's everything you need to know about sharing a 'nana with your pup.

09/30/2026

Winston is a star in his training class! He had a great time and showed off his skills as good as he does at home. He's got skills for days and can even do a 1-minute down stay - talk about a party trick!

Winstons top 9 facts.

Personality
All the amazing things about me!
1-- Despite the violence I endured, I am SO FULL OF LOVE AND JOY AND HAPPINESS!!! My past did not shut down my heart or my spirit one bit. I LOVE LIFE! I wake up each morning excited for what wonderful I might get to do today, and am over the moon to share my home with a kind, super fun, patient, loving foster mom human, and get to meet all of her awesome friends!
2—Despite the abuse, I bond deeply and with tremendous affection, with every kind, caring, happy person that I get to know. Even men! Of course, yes--I am nervous when meeting a strange new man, but as long as the man is kind and gentle, and lets me get to know him at my pace (which doesn’t take very long if he is soft-spoken and gentle), then I bond just as deeply with him.
3--I LOVE getting attention, learning new things, and feeling safe and cared about! I love playfully pouncing on my favorite duck toy, I love learning tricks that you teach me, and I love just simply being around you, sharing in all the normal day-to-day things, like going for walks, having our meals, watching TV, and telling each other about our days (I tell you with my smiles and tail wags, you tell me with your words). I love to rest my chin on your lap or on your arm when we sit on the couch together, and when I feel extra happy, I will give you my joyful appreciative scooby-doo howl, “Arrroooooooo!!!!”
4—I am smart!!! I love learning because I like to please my humans and I love food! I come running for a cookie when I hear my name, and I am pretty great at sit, down, come, stay, leave it, and wait at the door (to go outside)! I am also learning fun tricks like putting my paws on things, going around a cone, sitting in a box (haha, so funny!), and going over an agility jump! I am going to a group dog training class right now and love it! My foster mom gets me some extra space from all of the other dogs so I don’t feel overwhelmed by their energy, and am doing wonderfully!
5--I am trustworthy in the house! I am fully house trained and can be left free in the house—I do not bother things that aren’t mine. Since getting rescued and having regular meals, I am less interested in recycling, trash, and other good smelling items on counters, but…if you leave the house and leave food out on counters or tables, I might think you left them FOR ME…so maybe don’t do that!
6—I love car rides (fun, fun, fun!)!
7-- I love swimming in a pond!
8--I walk nicely on a leash! I know how to walk politely on your left side and am good at calmly passing by other people and dogs. I also love time to sniff-sniff-sniff and to roll around in the grass on our walks!
9—I am so resilient, full of love, and full of goofiness, happiness, and eager-to-pleaseness!

http://cayugadogrescue.org/wp/2026/07/winston-2/

09/29/2026

Do you know Marty?

http://cayugadogrescue.org/wp/2026/08/marty/

Breed: German Shepherd Dog/Husky Mix
Gender: Male, neutered
Age: 1 year old
Size: 55-65 pounds
Good with…
Dogs? Yes!
Cats? Unknown
Kids? Best with older, respectful children (12+)
Hello! My name is Marty, and while I may be a little shy at first, I’m a smart, sweet, and loyal boy who loves my people with my whole heart!

History
Marty was born in his current home and has spent his entire life growing up alongside his siblings. Being raised with his littermates has helped him develop strong social skills with other dogs, and he enjoys canine companionship. As he’s matured into adulthood, he’s continued to show what a gentle, intelligent, and loving dog he is.

Marty has always been on the shy side and tends to approach new people and situations cautiously (and sometimes with some barking!). While he may need some time to feel comfortable, once he realizes he’s safe, his sweet personality begins to shine. He is now looking for a forever home that can help him continue building confidence while giving him the love and stability he deserves.

Personality
Marty is a thoughtful, observant dog who likes to take his time getting to know new people and environments. He isn’t the type to rush right up to strangers, but that’s part of what makes earning his trust so special. Once he feels comfortable, he forms incredibly strong bonds and becomes a devoted companion.

Being a German Shepherd/Husky mix, Marty is very intelligent and learns quickly. He pays close attention to routines and enjoys positive reinforcement training. He’s eager to please, especially when treats and praise are involved, and he thrives when given opportunities to use his brain.

Although shy, Marty has a playful and goofy side that comes out when he’s relaxed. He loves playing with toys, zooming around the yard, and interacting with dogs he knows and trusts. Watching him let loose and have fun is one of the best parts of getting to know him.

Marty is also incredibly loyal. Once you’ve become part of his circle, he enjoys simply being near you. Whether he’s following you from room to room, quietly resting nearby, or checking in to see what you’re doing, he likes being close to the people he loves.

Because he’s naturally cautious, Marty would do best with adopters who understand that building trust takes time. He doesn’t need someone to “fix” him; he just needs someone willing to be patient and let him come out of his shell at his own pace. The reward is an amazingly faithful best friend.

Cohabitation
People: Shy with new people but very affectionate and loyal once he knows and trusts them.

Kids: Best suited for older children (12+) who understand how to respectfully interact with a sensitive dog.

Dogs: Does well with other dogs and enjoys their company, having grown up with his siblings.

Cats: Unknown. Slow, supervised introductions would be recommended.

Favorite Activities
Playing with his dog friends
Going for walks and exploring new smells
Learning new things and earning treats
Running and playing in a fenced yard
Relaxing near his favorite people
Playing with toys and enjoying chew treats
Why I Am Looking for a New Home
Marty deserves a home where he can continue building confidence and receive the time, patience, and consistency he needs to thrive. We want to find him a loving family that understands shy dogs and can provide the stability, encouragement, and commitment he deserves for the rest of his life.

Medical
Marty is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and in good overall health. No known medical concerns at this time.

Summary
Marty is a handsome young German Shepherd/Husky mix with a gentle heart, a sharp mind, and endless loyalty for the people he loves. While he may be reserved at first, given patience and understanding, he blossoms into a devoted companion who will happily spend his days by your side. Marty would thrive in a calm, loving home that appreciates sensitive dogs and is willing to let him build trust at his own pace. If you’re looking for a smart, loyal best friend who will reward your patience with unwavering devotion, Marty may be the perfect match.

If you are interested in adopting me, please fill out an online adoption application and live close to Ithaca, Syracuse, Binghamton, Rochester, or Elmira. We do home visits on every applicant, and can’t do home visits where we don’t have local volunteers.