Canelo - Labrador Retriever and Shepherd Dog for Adoption in Sonoma, California

"I found Canelo on April 2nd in a small town in Jalisco, Mexico. He was skin and bones-every rib, every vertebra, every little bone in his body could be felt. He was suffering from bronchitis, covered in boogers, painfully weak, and would stumble and fall just trying to stand. I truly wasn't sure if he would make it.

At first, he was too weak to even wag his tail. It took a few days before I saw that tiny tail start moving, and it felt like the biggest victory in the world. Despite everything he had been through, Canelo never stopped fighting.

Because I live in San Francisco, my amazing parents cared for him in Mexico while he recovered. They took him to countless vet appointments, gave him his medications, spoiled him with love, and helped transform him from a sick little puppy into the happy, healthy boy he is today.

Now, at 7 months old and about 28 pounds, Canelo is officially living his new life in the United States. He arrived in San Francisco on June 23rd and is currently thriving in foster care. We estimate he'll grow into a medium-large dog, likely around 40-55 pounds fully grown.

Like many adolescent puppies, Canelo is still learning how to navigate the world. He's working on socializing appropriately with other dogs, learning not to pull on leash, and understanding that using his mouth on humans isn't the best way to play. He can be very mouthy when excited or overstimulated, so he'll do best with a family committed to providing structure, consistency, and ongoing training.

Canelo is absolutely full of personality. He wants to be involved in EVERYTHING. If you're cooking, cleaning, folding laundry, gardening, or just trying to relax, he'll be right there making sure he's included. He steals socks and flip-flops whenever he gets the chance, talks back with attitude, loves rolling in grass, carries around teddy bears, and somehow turns every ordinary moment into comedy.

One of Canelo's absolute favorite things is going for car rides. He loves sitting on the passenger's lap, looking out the window, and being part of the adventure. Once the excitement wears off, he'll usually curl up and fall asleep, making himself right at home with the sweetest little car naps. If you're looking for a road trip buddy, Canelo is ready for the job.

He's incredibly food motivated and eager to learn. He already knows sit, paw, high five, and twirl-all in Spanish. Because he's still learning proper dog manners, I believe he would greatly benefit from living with a confident, well-socialized larger dog who can help teach him the ropes. His ideal home would also have a large yard or an active adopter who enjoys walks, training, adventures, and keeping a growing puppy engaged.

Canelo also has prey drive and should not be placed in a home with cats or other small animals. Due to his mouthiness, puppy antics, and tendency to become overstimulated, he would do best in a home without young children. He is looking for a dog-savvy family that understands he is still very much a teenager and needs continued guidance, training, and patience.

The hardest part about puppies like Canelo is knowing how close they came to not making it. He should have never been that thin. Never been that sick. But despite everything, he chose to trust people, embrace life, and greet every day with joy.

After everything he's overcome, Canelo deserves a family that will laugh at his chaos, guide him through his teenage puppy phase, and love him for the incredible survivor he is. "

The Labrador Retriever is a popular and versatile dog breed known for its friendly demeanor and high intelligence. These dogs are often used as guide dogs for the visually impaired, search and rescue dogs, and excellent family pets. Labradors are known for their great sense of smell, strong build, and love of water, making them exceptional hunters and swimmers. With their loyal and loving nature, Labradors have rightfully earned their reputation as one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world.

The shepherd dog breed encompasses a versatile group known for their intelligence, loyalty, and strong work ethic. With a heritage deeply rooted in herding and protecting livestock, shepherds excel at various tasks ranging from obedience and agility competitions to search and rescue missions. Their protective nature makes them excellent family pets, offering unwavering devotion and a natural instinct to watch over and care for their loved ones. In addition to their remarkable abilities, shepherds are often characterized by their distinctive appearance, including a sturdy build, alert expression, and a signature double coat that provides insulation and protection in various climates.

From the underdogs of California's overcrowded municipal shelters to the street dogs of Mexico, Family Dog Rescue gives dogs in...