Rocket

DOGGY DAY OUTINGSummary of volunteer notes from outing to Lake Temescal on 10/5/26Rocket showed gentle, affiliative behavior throughout the outings. He hesitated and sometimes needs to be lifted getting into and out of the car, and he traveled calmly with only mild panting. On the walk at Lake Temescal, Rocket began somewhat cautious with lowered body posture and frequent scanning, but this improved over time. He showed curiosity toward other dogs and wildlife without escalating or reacting. He responded well to verbal cues and gentle guidance. He was hesitant with unstable surfaces like the floating barge. In busy environments, especially around children, he appeared anxious and remained alert, with low interest in treats.Summary of volunteer notes from outing to Sibley Regional Park on 10/10/26Rocket exited his kennel easily and eliminated in the yard. He showed nervous shaking during harnessing. He entered the car with light assistance and began stress panting partway through the drive. At Sibley Regional Park, Rocket displayed relaxed, engaged behavior. He walked with a loose leash, maintained a high wagging tail, sniffed and marked frequently, and leaned into the handler for affection during breaks. He showed interest in other dogs without attempting to approach and was mildly startled by cyclists but recovered quickly. He was reluctant to re-enter the car and required lifting, which he tolerated. The return drive was calmer. Back at the shelter, he eliminated in the wood chip yard and returned to his kennel without issue.

Background: Found wandering in neighborhood with another dog and both brought into shelter., seemed scared of other dogs.Kennel presentation & leashing: Quiet and calm in kennel, slow to move to kennel door with mild avoidance of the leash.B Pulled moderately down the hall with some zig-zag movements and slipping on the floor.B Handling:In the yard, dog moved away to eliminate.B Walked around independently, generally avoidant of handler, sniffing and monitoring the activity outside the yard, seeking exits. When handler approached standing, dog was stiff but allowed petting. Crouching down dog would come to handler with gentle tail wags and allowed full body handling with loose body.B B Once comfortable with handler, took treats. No interest in toys.B B Overall: Timid and mildly uncomfortable with handling when handlers are standing upright. Will approach when handler is crouching. Go slow with interactions.B B

S: Dog-dog evaluation with a male and female tester dog. Tester dogs selected due to their ability to politely greet and not escalate conflict.

O: At the gate, dog was calm and non-reactive. Tail wagging softly as he sniffed the testers through the gate. Inside the yard, dog approached the testers. All 3 dogs sniffed each other, tail wagging softly. Male tester got into dog's face, dog showed teeth then male tester backed away. Wandered around the yard with the testers following, body language relaxed.

A: Independent, Medium Energy, Low Contact, Neutral Social Dynamic, Gives Corrections, may Self-Resolve Conflict, Playgroup Size 2-3.

P: Recommend placement with appropriately matched dogs, or placed as a solo dog with appropriate dog friends.

Rocket – Gentle, Sensitive, and Sweet

Rocket is an adult Pit Bull Terrier mix weighing 68 pounds. Despite his name, this handsome boy is a quiet, sensitive soul who prefers to take a wee bit of time getting comfortable with new people and surroundings.

• A gentle walking companion: Rocket trots along nicely beside you with very little pulling, making him a pleasant partner for relaxed walks.
• Sweet once he settles in: After getting comfortable, Rocket alternates between exploring and coming back to his person for treats and gentle pets, gradually revealing his affectionate side.
• Exceptionally gentle: He takes treats very politely and sometimes responds to “sit.” He enjoys quiet connection and seems happiest when given the time and space to build trust.
• Sensitive and observant: Rocket notices sounds and activity around him and may be startled by crowds or very barky dogs, but settles nicely with calm, reassuring vocal engagement.

Rocket would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with appropriate dog friends.