About Alison (Ally) Fodero – Founder of Soulmutts Toronto

Ally is a passionate dog lover, certified in rescue rehabilitation training, canine first aid, CPR, and a variety of specialized dog care courses. Her journey began with a chance encounter in Roatan, Honduras, where she rescued two abandoned puppies—Calypso and Timon—sparking a lifelong commitment to helping dogs in need.

With a natural talent for understanding and rehabilitating dogs with behavioral challenges, Ally has spent years honing her skills. She took on some of the most difficult cases, working with aggressive and anxious dogs, and built her expertise through hands-on experience. Her dedication and patience led to the successful rehabilitation of many dogs, earning her a reputation as a trusted dog care expert in Toronto.

Ally’s passion for dog welfare goes beyond training. Over the years, she’s taken numerous educational courses in agility, trauma recovery, body language reading, and safe handling of dog fights. Her knowledge and skills are at the core of Soulmutts Toronto’s training program, where she ensures every pack leader is shadow trained before taking on full responsibilities.

A hands-on leader, Ally believes in creating a safe, stimulating, and loving environment for every dog that comes to Soulmutts.

Soulmutts was born from a journey I never expected to take but one that has shaped my life in the most beautiful way. It all started on a tiny island off the coast of Honduras, Roatan. I had just finished a semester at university and traveled to Roatan to complete my master scuba diver certification. What was supposed to be a three-week trip turned into something life-changing when I came across a litter of abandoned puppies. Their mother had been killed, and these little souls were left all alone. We managed to find homes for most of the puppies, but the smallest one, the runt, stole my heart. I named her Calypso, and from that moment, she was part of my life.

A few months later, after another semester back home, I returned to Roatan, not expecting that I’d find another surprise waiting for me. One of the dogs we had adopted out was spending more time on the streets than in his new home. I recognized him immediately, a beautiful dog who I had named Timon. After speaking with his owners, they agreed to let me bring him home to Canada. Seeing Timon and Calypso reunited in the Pearson Airport parking lot was one of the most emotional moments of my life. Brother and sister together again.

But Timon wasn’t used to city life. After living on an island, he struggled with territorial behavior, food aggression, and fear of loud noises. It was a challenge, but I was determined to help him adjust. I became certified in rescue rehabilitation training, and together we worked through his issues. It was hard, but seeing Timon thrive made it all worth it.

That experience opened the door to what would become Soulmutts. A friend asked if I could help with her friend’s German Shepherd, Sally, who was having behavioral issues. Sally’s owner, who happened to be a judge in Toronto, had tried everything. After a few months of working with Sally, word spread, and soon friends of friends started calling. It began with me helping with their dogs’ behavior, which naturally turned into watching them for a day, then keeping them overnight. Before I knew it, Soulmutts had started taking shape.

We began small—in a condo, then moved to a house, and eventually grew into our first commercial space. Today, Soulmutts is proud to offer a flagship indoor-outdoor, off-leash play space that has become a second home for so many dogs.

What makes Soulmutts special is the team and the passion we share for caring for dogs. Every pack leader goes through shadow training in our program before taking on full shifts. We’ve all become certified in canine first aid and CPR, and we participate in dog fairs, charity events, and fundraisers to give back to the community. Over the years, I’ve taken courses in agility, trauma recovery, body language reading, and safely handling dog fights. All these experiences have helped shape the way we care for our packs at Soulmutts.

What started with one little puppy named Calypso has grown into something far bigger than I could have imagined. My heart has always been with the dogs, and Soulmutts is an extension of that love. Every dog here is family, and that’s how I’ve always wanted it to be.

I’ve always believed that dogs deserve to run, play, and just be dogs—free from cages and constraints. That’s why Soulmutts is kennel-free. Here, your dog isn’t just “taken care of”—they’re loved, just like you’d love them at home. Whether your dog is with us for Daycare or Overnight Boarding services, we offer a space where dogs can play safely, socialize, and get the exercise they need. I’ve seen how much happier dogs are when they’re in a natural, open environment, and I want every dog that comes to Soulmutts to have that experience.

As a member of Pet Sitters International and trained in Canine First Aid and CPR, I make it my mission to ensure the well-being of every dog in my care.

Before Soulmutts was even an idea, I was passionate about rescuing dogs. For years, I’ve been bringing dogs from Central America back to Canada, helping them find homes, and working with dogs that have behavioral issues—especially aggression. There’s something so fulfilling about seeing a dog that once struggled now thriving in a loving home. This mission to help dogs in need continues to be at the core of Soulmutts. Every dog deserves a chance, and I’m proud to say that we’ve helped countless dogs find their way to happier lives.

Now I know what you’re thinking, “With so many services available, what’s so special about Soulmutts?” We’re not just your typical doggy daycare. When I created Soulmutts, I wanted it to be something special—somewhere that feels like home for your dog. From our custom dog shuttles that safely transport dogs, to our private forest park, and our huge off-leash play areas, every part of Soulmutts is designed with your dog in mind. We even send you pictures of your pup during the day, just in case you’re missing them. I know how much peace of mind that brings because I’m a dog mom too.

At the end of the day, Soulmutts is what it is because of the incredible team I’ve built. Every person who works here loves dogs as much as I do. We’re a family, and we treat your dogs like they’re part of it. Our team is here to make sure your dog is safe, happy, and having the best time possible—whether they’re here for a few hours of daycare or an overnight stay.

So, if you’re looking for a place where your dog can run, play, and feel completely at home, Soulmutts is the place. We can’t wait to meet you and your pup!