Periwinkle

Background: Brought in stray by finder on 10/14/26. Finder noted dog was approachable and easy to handle and sat with a second person while riding in the car. Given Yellow dot on intake. Staff were able to handle dog for all intake procedures, including vaccination. Noted that dog was bx00a bit timidbx00 and did not walk well on leash. Handling evaluation on 10/16/26. Two handlers present (both had handled dog at least once prior to evaluation).

O: At the front of the kennel with neutral posture. Retreated slightly with the door open. Walked out slowly into the leash loop with lowered head. Put paws up on handler, making soft contact. Got down when handler moved leash to continue walking. Kept distance from barking dogs in the ward. Walked next to handler along the hallway with head pressed against handlerbx00s legs. Would jump up unless handler was also touching and petting his head while walking. Urinated and defecated immediately in the yard. Dropped leash in the yard. Dog walked around sniffing the ground then sniffing the air. Slow movements and closed mouth. With two handlers in the yard, dog approached both with neutral posture, pricked ears, and soft face. Leaned against pets around head, neck, chest, and back. Nudged hands after consent check. Sniffed, but did not take offered high value treats. Looked at toys with pricked ears and head tilt. Followed tossed toys but did not pick up. Walked just beside handler on leash back to kennel. Paused at kennel threshold. Followed handler into kennel. Relaxed while handling around head and neck for removal of slip leash.Observations are consistent with other staff, Crew, and Yellow volunteer notes to date. Staff also report that dog can be mildly mouthy with some interactions.

A: Dog is somewhat anxious and observant of surroundings. Engages readily with handlers, continually seeking reassurance and physical touch during outings. Shows enjoyment with pets. Unknown if dog has any basic training as dog is generally focused on being physically close to handlers while outside. Showed minimal interest in toys and treats at this time. Possibly house trained (eliminates immediately in the yard). Yellow: dog is tall and immediately puts paws up on handlers when exiting the kennel and often exhibits the same behavior in the yard; some reported mild mouthy behavior. Consider for Green if recommended by volunteers.

P: Make available for adoption by appointment. 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. Disclose that dog is somewhat anxious in the shelter. Behavior exhibited in the shelter may not be predictive of future behavior in a home. Expect behavior to change as dog becomes more comfortable.

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. Inside the yard, dog approached the male tester. Stopped briefly, wagged tail, then walked away. Followed the male around sniffing at his rear, tail wagging softly. Approached the female, put his paw on her back and followed her when she moved away. Dog started playing with both testers, using his front paws frequently. Body language was relaxed for the duration.B

A: Gentle, Medium Energy, Medium Contact, Neutral Social Dynamic, no Corrections or Conflict observed, Playgroup Size 2-3.

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

Meet Periwinkle, a sweet young Malinois mix who loves being close to his people! This 1-year-old, 67-pound boy may be a little unsure of his surroundings at first, but he quickly seeks out affection and reassurance from the people walking with him. He enjoys leaning into pets, nudging hands for more attention, and sticking close by your side. He's still figuring out treats and toys, but he's already shown that companionship is a pretty great reward!

Periwinkle also has a playful side. During introductions, he enjoyed interacting and playing with other dogs, using his paws to invite them into the fun. He may enjoy a well-matched canine companion or be happy as your one-and-only with opportunities to make dog friends.

As a young dog, Periwinkle is still learning his manners and can get excited about greeting people by putting his paws up on them. He'll benefit from a patient adopter who can help him build confidence, practice leash skills, and learn new things through positive reinforcement. If you're looking for an affectionate sidekick who wants to be close to his favorite people, Periwinkle could be your guy!