Loved for life - senior and special-needs dogs who stay in permanent foster care, supported by Before the Bridge and our community.
Some senior or special-needs dogs are best suited to remain in permanent foster care. They get all the love and comfort of a home while Before the Bridge continues to support their ongoing care. Your donations help cover veterinary care, medications, food, and other needs, giving these dogs the happy, comfortable lives they deserve.
Permanent FosterThis handsome (and slightly awkward) guy is Alvin, one of our permanent fosters. Alvin has been a work in progress for years, but the bite risk remains. He has his foster family perfectly trained to read his body language and know his limits. Alvin had a really hard start to life, so his fears are understandable.
Permanent FosterCrumb is a permanent foster due to his bite history and his wildly unpredictable personality. He can go from Mr. Adorable to lunging at the nearest human with absolutely no warning, no explanation, and no apology. There is no rhyme, no reason - only vibes.
Permanent FosterShe's great with puppies and tolerant but firm, because rules are rules. However, Porsha has a strong dislike of small children, which makes her unsafe around kids and the reason she's a permanent foster. She knows what she likes, what she doesn't, and she's not interested in negotiating.
Permanent FosterLucy is a permanent foster due to her bite history - and yes, she means business. She may only have one K9 and three molars, but please do not underestimate her. She has fewer teeth, not fewer opinions. Lucy likes other dogs just fine, but most people? Hard pass. She is the undisputed alpha, and any dog passing through quickly learns the rules, the hierarchy, and that Lucy is not open to discussion.
RIP 2026Permanent FosterGilly came into permanent foster care on October 4, 2025. Because of her complex medical needs, she wasn't eligible for a traditional adoption, but that never stopped her from being deeply loved. Permanent fosters are some of the most special dogs we care for - the ones who need extra compassion, extra patience, and someone willing to love them through their final chapter.
RIP 2026Permanent FosterFor the past nine years, she was cherished and adored by our director, Judy Smith-Hill, who gave her the beautiful life she deserved. Together, they showed us the power of compassion and second chances. Squeakers wasn't just a survivor-she was an inspiration. A reminder that even in the face of hardship, joy can still be found.
Permanent FosterWhile she's all sweetness with humans, Lacey has a strong prey drive with other animals and is a bit of an escape artist, which means she needs secure living arrangements and people who understand her limits. Because of this, she's a permanent foster, safely settled where she can be loved, managed, and admired without causing an international incident.
Permanent FosterCharles has OCD that causes compulsive behaviors, meaning when the world fails to meet his very specific expectations, he can accidentally hurt himself. Because of this, Charles is a permanent foster, living a carefully managed life where his routines are respected and his needs are understood.
Permanent FosterAt 13 years adorable, Pookie is living his best golden-years life with his permanent foster mom - who is, understandably, completely obsessed with him. Pookie is a permanent foster due to a giant hernia that puts him at risk of rupture, so he's safely settled where he can be closely monitored, endlessly spoiled, and deeply loved.
Permanent FosterSnoopy is a sweet senior dachshund who is giving life his all, even without his sight. Both of his eyes had to be removed, but he doesn't let that slow him down. He navigates his world with his nose, his ears, and an unshakable spirit, and he's doing his best every single day.
Permanent FosterDarma is 16 years old, blind, deaf, and living life on very low power mode. She's high-risk for glaucoma, but extremely high-skilled in the art of napping. If there were 25 hours in a day, Darma would sleep all of them - and still ask for a nap after. She doesn't see you, she doesn't hear you, but she feels snacks and cozy beds on a spiritual level.
Permanent FosterMeet Snoopy, who is 13 years of age. His breed is listed as Boston Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, and Bishop Poodle. Snoopy was relinquished as his owner was no longer able to look after him, and he's now safe and loved in permanent foster care.
Permanent FosterBorn without front legs, Hoppie has faced mobility challenges his entire life. When he first arrived, Hoppie had some reactivity issues with both humans and other dogs. At almost 16 years old, Hoppie does have some health challenges. He has severe arthritis (expected for a senior with his unique anatomy) and a collapsed trachea, but he thrives with regular arthritis shots, a personalized pain management plan, and, most importantly, a loving home.
Permanent FosterMs. Bailey is a Cocker Spaniel from up north, thought to be 12-13 years old. Ms. Bailey has had a lot of vetting since she arrived. First we dealt with an abscess on her neck, then removed cherry eyes, vaccines, dental, spay to name a few. Bailey has been diagnosed with a heart condition and is on Vetmedin medication for the same. She is super cute, as you can see. Ms. Bailey was a loved dog, and it shows.
Make a secure donation and receive a tax receipt. Every gift helps cover veterinary care, medications, food, and comfort for our permanent fosters.
Donate with CanadaHelpsOur senior dogs rely on the kindness of our community. Purchase much-needed supplies and have them delivered directly to our rescue.
See Our WishlistAdopt, foster, donate, or volunteer - every act of kindness makes a difference for a dog in need across Winnipeg and Manitoba.
