Silas

Background: Brought in stray by finder on 10/15/26. Finder noted that they called the dog over, he rolled over for belly rubs and they leashed him. Dog jumped right in the car and was calm/relaxed and friendly while riding in the car. Also noted that he was bx00very sweetbx00 and bx00loves attention and belly rubs.bx00 Given Yellow dot on intake. Staff were able to handle for full intake procedure, including vaccines. Dog was slightly nervous with handling but tolerated everything. Handling evaluation on 10/19/26.

O: Standing at the front of the kennel with neutral posture and loose wagging tail. Easy to leash. Passed by barking neighbors with no engagement. Intermittent strong pulling in the hallway. Urinated immediately in the yard. Pulled to sniff the ground in the yard. Dropped leash in the yard. Dog walked and sniffed the perimeter, with high stiff tail at back height. Defecated. Stopped to sniff unfamiliar objects. Approached seated handler. Did not take offered treats. Wagged tail softly and looked at handler with soft face when spoken to with baby talk. Rested head on hands when pet around the chin. Stepped closer after pause for consent check. Did not follow tossed toys. Walked away sniffing the ground and continued walking at some distance from handler. Handler crouched and baby talked. Approached with soft face and soft wagging tail held at back height. Tolerant of touch all over side, back and legs. Became loose and wiggly for a few moments, following handler when handler walked backwards and spoke to him. Intermittent strong pulling back to kennel. Entered kennel ahead of handler. Soft face and neutral posture as handler removed slip by hand.Observations are consistent with Crew volunteer notes.

A: Dog appears somewhat shut down when interacting with handlers. Shows enjoyment with pets after several interactions and when encouraged to approach. Has not shown interest in treats or toys to date. Unknown if dog knows any commands. Intermittent hard pulling on leash in the shelter. Possibly house trained (dog eliminates immediately in the yard). Yellow for volunteer handling: dog can pull hard and appears somewhat shut down. Dog may need some time and repeated interactions to feel comfortable interacting.

P: Make available for adoption. Adopters should be aware that this dog may be fearful and sensitive to environmental stimuli in some situations. This behavior may be shelter-specific and may be completely unrelated to behavior outside of the shelter. Expect behavior to change as the dog gets more comfortable. Adopters should 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.

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 testers and all 3 dogs sniffed each other. Dog moved away, testers followed. Dog turned to face them and followed briefly as they walked away. Wandered around the yard, generally independent but on occasion would stop to sniff a tester. Tail high and wagging fast, ears back but overall loose body language.B

A: Independent (possibly 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 Silas, a sweet 3-year-old pup who loves a little affection once he gets to know you! This handsome boy was found as a stray, and his finder shared that he happily rolled over for belly rubs before hopping into the car for a ride. At the shelter, Silas has shown that he may need a little time to warm up, but gentle encouragement and a kind approach bring out his softer side. He enjoys being petted and has even rested his head in a handler’s hands for some chin scratches.

Silas enjoys exploring at his own pace and has been calm and non-reactive around other dogs. During introductions, he mostly did his own thing, occasionally stopping to sniff his canine companions. He may do well with a compatible dog friend or as a solo pup with opportunities to socialize.

Silas is still getting comfortable with the shelter environment, so he’ll benefit from a patient adopter who can give him time to settle in and help him build confidence. He can pull strongly on leash, so continued practice with positive reinforcement will help him develop good walking skills. If you’re willing to let a shy guy come out of his shell at his own pace, Silas could be a rewarding companion!