Cayuga Dog Rescue

Cayuga Dog Rescue A nonprofit, fully volunteer dog rescue organization
based in Central New York State -- saving lives,

We place rescued dogs into foster homes where they receive needed veterinary care, and emotional, physical, and social rehabilitation on their way to carefully screened permanent adoptive homes. We provide ongoing consultation and support to foster homes and permanent adopters for the life of the rescued dog. We promote compassionate dog guardianship through our public education efforts.

Halley is settling into her foster home. She's 12 years old and super sweet, she came with some health issues we are sor...
09/01/2025

Halley is settling into her foster home. She's 12 years old and super sweet, she came with some health issues we are sorting out with the best specialists around. More info coming soon! Donations are being accepted to help this sweet senior pup live out her life pain free.

Introducing Amelia!Breed: Pitbull/German Shepard mixGender: Female, spayedAge: 6 months oldSize: 40+ poundsGood with…Dog...
08/29/2025

Introducing Amelia!

Breed: Pitbull/German Shepard mix
Gender: Female, spayed
Age: 6 months old
Size: 40+ pounds
Good with…
Dogs? Yes!
Cats? Yes!
Kids? 8+

Amelia is a sweet and spirited pup who’s been thriving with her foster family since mid-June. She is being fostered through Stay Wild Rescue out of Trumansburg. She is spayed and up to date on her vaccinations.

**Ameliia is not a CDR dog and he has not been evaluated by CDR. She is a courtesy posting for Stay Wild Rescue.**

Amelia is full of puppy energy and loves romping around with her foster brother and making new dog friends. She has good interactions with kids and has shown good signs around cats (not fostered in a home with cats).

Amelia lives for chew toys and tug; she is also a responsive listener when it’s time to move on to the next activity. When she’s not playing, Amelia enjoys cozy naps, cuddling with her people, and curling up in her crate at night. She is crate trained and potty trained. She’s got a talent for puppy dog eyes and uses them to get her favorite treats, ice cubes and cheese chews. Amelia loves taking long sniff walks and exploring areas where she suspects other dogs and animals have been!

Full profile and link to how to fill out an adoption application for this sweetie, go to:
https://www.staywildrescue.com/amelia
Contact Emily Ravet, [email protected], for any questions.

Gilly is the best girl!  https://www.youtube.com/shorts/z71tDJm37REI am a sweet, loving, affectionate, and cuddly, fuzzy...
08/20/2025

Gilly is the best girl! https://www.youtube.com/shorts/z71tDJm37RE

I am a sweet, loving, affectionate, and cuddly, fuzzy, wonderful companion! If you’re lounging in bed and you invite me up, I’m snuggling right up to you and probably resting my head on your chest. In the morning, I like to smell your breath (have you eaten anything good yet?) and give you morning kisses! I hear that it’s very cute, which is nice because I love to do it!

Sometimes you might find me laying on the floor belly up, which means, “please pet me”! If you are sitting on the floor, I’ll sit in your lap–all 96 pounds of me! And if you start petting me, I am likely to gently thwap you with my paw when you stop! Overall, I just love being around you and it doesn’t matter if we are doing something or nothing at all.

I am smart and well-mannered! I think that’s where being a mix is an advantage. I’m not too strong-minded (aka “stubborn!”) like a lot of Great Pyrenees are. I certainly have my own ideas sometimes, but I also very much like to please you and enjoy learning what you’d like from me. I completed a two-week board-and-train course when I was 7 months old, and know sit, place, and paw. I usually come when called, and I walk well on a leash! Of course, I am potty-trained and can hold it no problem if you work a normal 8-hour work day.

I do not need a crate because I am never destructive in the home. I am also quiet! I don’t bark unless someone is at the door or unless another dog nearby is barking or being walked. You’ll hardly even know I’m in the house most of the time unless I let out one of my grunt-grunt-grunt pleasure sounds of contentment/relaxation, when I am lounging around. I’m happy to sleep in my own bed or in yours, if you invite me. And I am happy to join you on the couch or stay on my bed on the floor, whichever you prefer. I am very patient about you wiping off my paws and belly on rainy, muddy, or snowy days, and I have impeccable table manners—I never beg or whine. I take treats so gently that you might not even realize it’s gone!

Let’s talk more about walking because I LOVE to go for leashed walks! The first time you take me to a new place, I will pull, because I am excited, and I want to sniff everything…and right now! So that first walk in a new place probably won’t be the most enjoyable for you, but I swear that the rest of our walks together will be wonderful! I don’t mind people walking by, I don’t mind bicycles or strollers or children running around. I will probably pull if there are other dogs nearby, especially if they are barking at me, and sometimes I will pull toward cars. When this happens my mom has me stop and look at her, and that helps immensely. Just remember to have treats with you to reward my good behavior! The rescue folks also suggest that if you walked me in a “Freedom harness” or a “Sensation harness” or “a Sensible harness” (all different brands of no-pull harnesses), it might help a lot for those situations in which I will pull.

I’m also a bit playful at times. When it snows, I love to find icicles and run around the yard with them in mouth! I love my toys (I never tear them up!), I like squeaky balls, squeaky stuffies and ropes! Sometimes, I will throw my toys in the air which is your cue to start playing too and throwing them for me! I will play a quick game of fetch with you (I lose interest after a few fetches), but I never tire of playing tug-of-rope. I am great in the car and love going with you for adventures!

http://cayugadogrescue.org/wp/2025/06/gilly/

Quick Facts:Breed: Great Pyrenees MixGender: Female, SpayedAge: 2 years and 5 monthsSize: 96 pounds o’ loveGood with…People? Yes, yes!!!Dogs in the home? Not...

Gilly is so cute!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHAGdeCjKokhttp://cayugadogrescue.org/wp/2025/06/gilly/Quick Facts:B...
08/15/2025

Gilly is so cute!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHAGdeCjKok

http://cayugadogrescue.org/wp/2025/06/gilly/

Quick Facts:

Breed: Great Pyrenees Mix
Gender: Female, Spayed
Age: 2 years and 5 months
Size: 96 pounds o’ love
Good with…
People? Yes, yes!!!
Dogs in the home? Not other female dogs! Should be only dog in the home
Dogs outside the home? No experience but would love the chance to learn!
Cats? Unknown
Kids? Yes, 8+

Hello! My name is Gilly, and I am an affectionate, cuddly, sweetheart of a girl!

Quick Facts:Breed: Great Pyrenees MixGender: Female, SpayedAge: 2 years and 5 monthsSize: 96 pounds o’ loveGood with…People? Yes, yes!!!Dogs in the home? Not...

Gilly says "I am SUCH A GEM–you’ll see once you meet me!! I would love to meet you if you like to enjoy lounging at home...
08/10/2025

Gilly says "I am SUCH A GEM–you’ll see once you meet me!! I would love to meet you if you like to enjoy lounging at home but also getting our exercise in with a 45-minute walk per day. A fence isn’t required, but sure would be a big plus because I love to run around, and I can’t do this unless you have a fence!

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."

http://cayugadogrescue.org/wp/2025/06/gilly/

08/07/2025
Today is the International Day of Friendship! Gilly is waiting to be your new bestie!https://www.youtube.com/shorts/z71t...
07/30/2025

Today is the International Day of Friendship! Gilly is waiting to be your new bestie!

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/z71tDJm37RE

I am a sweet, loving, affectionate, and cuddly, fuzzy, wonderful companion! If you’re lounging in bed and you invite me up, I’m snuggling right up to you and probably resting my head on your chest. In the morning, I like to smell your breath (have you eaten anything good yet?) and give you morning kisses! I hear that it’s very cute, which is nice because I love to do it!

Sometimes you might find me laying on the floor belly up, which means, “please pet me”! If you are sitting on the floor, I’ll sit in your lap–all 96 pounds of me! And if you start petting me, I am likely to gently thwap you with my paw when you stop! Overall, I just love being around you and it doesn’t matter if we are doing something or nothing at all.

I am smart and well-mannered! I think that’s where being a mix is an advantage. I’m not too strong-minded (aka “stubborn!”) like a lot of Great Pyrenees are. I certainly have my own ideas sometimes, but I also very much like to please you and enjoy learning what you’d like from me. I completed a two-week board-and-train course when I was 7 months old, and know sit, place, and paw. I usually come when called, and I walk well on a leash! Of course, I am potty-trained and can hold it no problem if you work a normal 8-hour work day.

I do not need a crate because I am never destructive in the home. I am also quiet! I don’t bark unless someone is at the door or unless another dog nearby is barking or being walked. You’ll hardly even know I’m in the house most of the time unless I let out one of my grunt-grunt-grunt pleasure sounds of contentment/relaxation, when I am lounging around. I’m happy to sleep in my own bed or in yours, if you invite me. And I am happy to join you on the couch or stay on my bed on the floor, whichever you prefer. I am very patient about you wiping off my paws and belly on rainy, muddy, or snowy days, and I have impeccable table manners—I never beg or whine. I take treats so gently that you might not even realize it’s gone!

Let’s talk more about walking because I LOVE to go for leashed walks! The first time you take me to a new place, I will pull, because I am excited, and I want to sniff everything…and right now! So that first walk in a new place probably won’t be the most enjoyable for you, but I swear that the rest of our walks together will be wonderful! I don’t mind people walking by, I don’t mind bicycles or strollers or children running around. I will probably pull if there are other dogs nearby, especially if they are barking at me, and sometimes I will pull toward cars. When this happens my mom has me stop and look at her, and that helps immensely. Just remember to have treats with you to reward my good behavior! The rescue folks also suggest that if you walked me in a “Freedom harness” or a “Sensation harness” or “a Sensible harness” (all different brands of no-pull harnesses), it might help a lot for those situations in which I will pull.

I’m also a bit playful at times. When it snows, I love to find icicles and run around the yard with them in mouth! I love my toys (I never tear them up!), I like squeaky balls, squeaky stuffies and ropes! Sometimes, I will throw my toys in the air which is your cue to start playing too and throwing them for me! I will play a quick game of fetch with you (I lose interest after a few fetches), but I never tire of playing tug-of-rope. I am great in the car and love going with you for adventures!

http://cayugadogrescue.org/wp/2025/06/gilly/

Quick Facts:Breed: Great Pyrenees MixGender: Female, SpayedAge: 2 years and 5 monthsSize: 96 pounds o’ loveGood with…People? Yes, yes!!!Dogs in the home? Not...

Check out Coppee Pup!https://youtu.be/SguzMDO2ZYs?si=-R-qIiz5Fz2xCwJII made my journey from Mount Elgin, Ontario, to the...
07/26/2025

Check out Coppee Pup!

https://youtu.be/SguzMDO2ZYs?si=-R-qIiz5Fz2xCwJI

I made my journey from Mount Elgin, Ontario, to the Finger Lakes in December 2020 and have been with my family ever since. I came from Narnia Kennels and am Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) certified. My parents trained me themselves, and I picked up commands quickly. I have an extremely high ball-drive, and playing fetch is my absolute favorite activity!

With my family, I am loving, affectionate, and always ready to play. I thrive on regular good exercise and mental stimulation. Without it, I find it hard to relax. Recently, I started taking anxiety medication, and it has helped me feel much more at ease. Before that, I would whine, pace, and sometimes even pull the hair off my tail when I got too anxious. Now, with daily exercise and my meds, I’m doing much better!

Unfortunately, as the little kid in my home has learned to walk and run and grab, I’ve become more anxious around him and we all believe I would be happiest in a kid-free home. Even though I love my family, they’ve made the difficult decision to find me a new home where I can feel completely comfortable and stress-free.

http://cayugadogrescue.org/wp/2025/02/cooperpupp/

Hi there! My name is Cooper Pupp, and I am an energetic, playful, and loving goofball who loves running and playing!Quick Facts:Breed: German Shepherd (Sable...

Hi there! My name is Cooper Pupp, and I am an energetic, playful, and loving goofball who loves running and playing!http...
07/23/2025

Hi there! My name is Cooper Pupp, and I am an energetic, playful, and loving goofball who loves running and playing!

http://cayugadogrescue.org/wp/2025/02/cooperpupp/

Quick Facts:
• Breed: German Shepherd (Sable)
• Gender: Male, neutered
• Age: 4 years old
• Size: 75 pounds
• Good with...
• Dogs? Not so much, see Cohabitation/My Ideal Home section below!
• Cats? Sorry, nope!
• Kids? Not little ones, too stressful for me!

I made my journey from Mount Elgin, Ontario, to the Finger Lakes in December 2020 and have been with my family ever since. I came from Narnia Kennels and am Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) certified. My parents trained me themselves, and I picked up commands quickly. I have an extremely high ball-drive, and playing fetch is my absolute favorite activity!

With my family, I am loving, affectionate, and always ready to play. I thrive on regular good exercise and mental stimulation. Without it, I find it hard to relax. Recently, I started taking anxiety medication, and it has helped me feel much more at ease. Before that, I would whine, pace, and sometimes even pull the hair off my tail when I got too anxious. Now, with daily exercise and my meds, I’m doing much better!

Unfortunately, as the little kid in my home has learned to walk and run and grab, I’ve become more anxious around him and we all believe I would be happiest in a kid-free home. Even though I love my family, they’ve made the difficult decision to find me a new home where I can feel completely comfortable and stress-free.

A Bit About Me
I was named after my dad’s favorite football player, Cooper Kupp! Just like him, I’m energetic, strong, and love attention. My favorite thing in the world is chasing a toy in the backyard. I’m a pro at fetch—I usually bring the toy back, but sometimes I like to make you chase me for it! I also love belly rubs, following my humans from room to room, and playing hide and seek with my dad.
I need daily exercise and training to be my happiest self. About 30-45 minutes of playtime keeps me feeling great and good daily walks help too. My dad and I often play fetch when he gets home from work, and I love a quick game before bedtime too, even if it’s just tossing soft toys in the house. Training sessions are one of my favorite things, especially when treats are involved!

My Quirks and Needs
While I love attention, I don’t like to be smothered or trapped. I need my space when I’m getting affection—at least until I trust you. Brief hugs and kisses are fine, but if I feel too enclosed/encircled, I might let out a little warning growl to communicate, “Hey, I need some room.” When that happens, I usually take myself to my crate to relax. The best way to show me love is to let me come to you when I’m ready.

I’m also a protector of my family, so when I meet new people, I bark. A lot! It takes me 5-10 minutes to calm down, and I do best when my dad gives me treats and helps me refocus. If guests come over, I need to be in my crate at first. Once I’ve had time to settle, my dad lets me out with a muzzle on, and that’s a great time for visitors to toss me or offer me treats and earn my trust. It will take several visits for me to warm up to new people, but once I do, I am a loyal and loving friend forevermore.

I’ve learned a lot of commands, thanks to my dad! Here are some of the things I know:
Sit, Down, Stay, Shake, Speak, Boop (touch my nose to your fist), Spin (to my right), Reverse (to my left), Up, Kiss, Legs (sit between your legs and look up), Heel (sit on your left side), Leave it, Out (drop what’s in my mouth—most of the time!). Pretty good, right? I even know hand signals for almost all of these! The best way to train me is with treats, and I’m always eager to learn more.

Cohabitation and My Ideal Home
I would LOVE a home without kids or other animals. I get anxious around children and am very reactive to other animals. While I’ve lived peacefully with my dog sister, Molly, for years, it's hard for me to meet and learn to trust new dogs. Being your only dog would be awesome, but if you have a really nice and friendly female dog, who isn't reactive to my reactivity, and you are willing to do very slow and repeated proper introductions for me and her, we could see if it could work out well!

As for animals I don't know...If I see an unfamiliar dog or cat, my protective instincts kick in, and I will do everything I can to get to them. For this reason, I must always be on a secure leash or in a fenced yard.

I would love an active owner who understands my need for exercise and structure. A big fenced-in yard would be amazing, but I do just fine on a secure outdoor leash in an unfenced yard. My new owner should be strong enough to handle me on a leash—I’m 75 pounds of muscle! No-pull harnesses like the Freedom Harness, the PetSafe 3-In-One Harness, or the Gentle Leader can help!

Favorite Activities
• Running!
• Fun, treat-filled training sessions! Learning new tricks! Practicing what I know!
• Playing fetch!
• Chewing and ripping toys! (Makes me feel like a superhero!)
• Being outside with you (not by myself)!
• Hide and seek!
• Getting petted (but not smothered!)!

My Health
Aside from my anxiety, I’m a healthy boy! In the summer, I sometimes get hot spots on my belly and itchy paws, but regular baths and medication help manage that. Other than that, I’m in great shape.

Final Thoughts
I know I might not be the easiest dog in some way, but I promise I am one of the most special. I’m a loving, goofy, and incredibly smart boy who just needs the right home environment to help me thrive. With patience, structure, and daily exercise, I will be the happiest and most loyal companion you could ask for. If you think you’re the right person for me, I would love to meet you and start building our bond!
Love,
Cooper Pupp

Address

Ithaca, NY
14852

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