Samson

BACKGROUND: Brought in stray by finder on 10/7/26. Finder noted that they called him over to capture him and he was scared to get in the car. Given Yellow dot on intake. Dog tolerated intake procedures, including vaccines. On intake, staff noted that he was "easy to handle very sweet boy, leaned in for pets. Easily scared by barking dog, dog would pancake" and "would pancake any time the leash got tight but other wise very sweet." Handling evaluation includes summary of observations from staff handling during dog-dog evaluation and crew volunteer notes to date, 10/10/26.B

O: Dog has quiet and neutral kennel presentation with soft face and musculature. Easy to leash. Walks beside handlers exiting building, nudging against handler's body with neutral body language, head at shoulder height, slightly pulled back ears, tail at spine level, with some soft, loose side to side movement. Walks within proximity of handler on leash or off leash in the yard, with occasional whining. Observed to jump up at handler while standing and place paws gently on handlers chest. Volunteer observed that dog immediately approached them while seated and hopped front feet into their lap. Has been neutral, but relaxed with touch all over head, neck, chest, shoulders, and back. Has not been observed to eliminate outside. Responds to cue for sit and paw. Did not respond to down. Took treats with a soft mouth. Walks back to kennel on loose leash, close beside handlers. Pauses at kennel threshold but follows handlers inside. Relaxed while handling around head and neck for removal of slip leash.

A: Dog is anxious. Currently level of anxiety is likely shelter-related as dog is new intake. Approaches handlers readily for interaction, and appears to take comfort in close proximity, but is neutral to pets at this time. Treat motivated and takes treats gently. Knows some basic commands (sit, paw) and walks well beside handlers through the shelter. Yellow for volunteer handling: Dog is extra large (90lbs) and somewhat anxious at this time. Consider for Green if recommended by volunteers.B

P: Make available for adoption. Recommend adopters continue to work on basic manners (leash skills, recall, sit) using a patient, reward-based training approach. Unknown how this dog may behave around children. Adopters should be aware that dog was very anxious on shelter intake. Expect behavior to change as dog becomes more comfortable.B

S: Dog-dog evaluation during AM playgroups.

O: At the gate, dog was calm and non-reactive. Integrated into a group of 6 dogs during AM playgroups. Dog calmly wanders around the yard, generally ignoring the other dogs. Body language is relaxed and dog appears to stay close to the handlers. No issues over several days of playgroup.B

A: Independent, Low Energy, Low Contact, Neutral Social Dynamic, no Corrections or Conflict observed, Playgroup Size 5-10.

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

Samson – Smart, Engaging, and Lovably Oversized

Meet Samson, a 2-year-old, 80-pound German Shepherd mix with a big presence, a bright mind, and an endearing way of checking in with his people.

• Smart & Talented: Samson knows “sit,” “down,” and “paw,”  and can put his paws on patio furniture on cue. He may even know “crawl”! He pulls mildly on leash, takes treats gently and is eager to learn.
• Playful & Curious: He enjoys sniffing and exploring the yard, then gallops back when called. He loves engaging with his person and may hop onto a nearby lap for a closer connection.
• Connected Companion: Samson checks in frequently and often stays close to his handler, especially when the world feels busy.
• Dog Social: Samson plays well with other dogs in playgroup. He may pull mildly or whine softly when he spots a dog he wants to greet

Samson would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.