This holiday season, a very special gift is waiting under the Christmas tree at the Toronto Humane Society. Lyle, a three-year-old mixed-breed dog, is searching for his forever home after a challenging journey that began with surviving a hurricane in North Carolina.
From Hurricane Survivor to Hopeful Companion
Lyle arrived in Toronto in October 2024 as part of a group of ten dogs transferred from North Carolina following a devastating hurricane. Now, after more than a year in the shelter, this resilient canine is ready to trade kennel life for a cozy home. Shelter staff describe him as a dog who needs time, patience, and a quieter lifestyle to truly thrive.
Lucas Solowey, a spokesman for the Toronto Humane Society, shared warm words about the mixed-breed. He is adorable, said Solowey. He's been with us for over a year and we're really looking to place him. He's a great dog. There are a couple of challenges but overall he's a sweetie who really is loving.
Personality and Training Progress
Lyle has shown remarkable progress during his time at the shelter. He is currently on anxiety medication, which can be conveniently administered with his food. According to shelter staff, he has excelled in training sessions, demonstrating that he is a quick learner.
He learns quickly, Solowey confirmed. He's affectionate, calm and respectful of space. He doesn't jump. He loves snuggling up and enjoys a calm environment. He's also been a star student in our canine-mentor training class.
The Ideal Home Environment
While Lyle has many wonderful qualities, he does face some challenges with overstimulation. The shelter notes that he experiences reactivity around other dogs and pigeons, and can become overwhelmed during walks in busy city environments.
He can have big feelings when it comes to the outside world, explained Solowey. So walking in the city can be overwhelming for Lyle. He gets overstimulated by dogs, pigeons and sometimes even people at a distance.
For this reason, the ideal home for Lyle would be:
- Pet-free with no other animals
- Located in a quiet neighborhood, suburban area, or country setting
- Preferably with older children rather than young ones
- With an owner who has access to quiet walking areas or can walk during off-peak hours
I would say he's not a dog park dog, Solowey advised. He's more of a, 'Let's go for an early morning jog and then cuddle at home kind of dog.' So if you've got access to quiet walking areas or a schedule that lets you avoid the dog rush hour, that is the best.
The Toronto Humane Society is committed to supporting Lyle's transition and will provide post-adoption training support to his new family. Anyone interested in adopting this special hurricane survivor can begin the process by visiting torontohumanesociety.com.
In related good news from the shelter, Rex, a three-month-old mixed-breed puppy featured in October's Forever Friend column, has since been successfully adopted.
