Deku

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. Maneuvered around to sniff at the female's rear. Male approached and the two stood face-to-face. Body language tall, tail nub moving back and forth slowly. Disengaged and wandered around the yard, testers following. Male tester approached and the two stood face-to-face again. Tester play bowed, dog moved closer and tester gave him a correction. Dog jumped back and wandered off on his own. Kept following the male around, tail nub waging slowly.

A: Independent (possibly Gentle), Medium Energy, Medium Contact, Neutral-Forward Social Dynamic, may Take Corrections, no Conflict observed, Playgroup Size 2-3.

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

Background: Owner surrender on 10/16/26. Surrendered d/t housing. Staff noted that dog was like a Green dot and easy to handle for intake procedures. Given Yellow dot due to the dog being anxious and very strong on leash.Handling evaluation on 10/19/26.

O: Dog was at the front of the kennel, tapping feet and bouncing around, wagging nub. Easy to leash as he exited the kennel. Darted around in the ward and through the hallway with intermittent pulling. Walked with lowered body and fast moving, scrabbling feet on the floors. In the yard, dog urinated immediately. Dropped leash in the yard, dog walked and sniffed then defecated. Followed tossed squeaky toy and balls, picked up toys and pranced around the yard with loose, relaxed body language. Approached handler when called. Sat on verbal cue. Took treats with soft mouth, some light tooth contact with skin. Leaned full body weight against handler for pets all over head, neck, back, belly, and legs. Nudged hands after pause for consent check. Pulled and barked/growled towards another dog in the adjacent yard. Hard pulling on return to the kennel. Returned to kennel ahead of handler. Dog was relaxed while removing leash by hand.

A: Dog is somewhat anxious, but engages readily with handler and shows enjoyment with pets. Treat motivated and takes treats gently. Playful with toys, engages in independent play. Knows some basic commands (sit). Possibly house trained (eliminates immediately in the yard). Yellow: dog can pull very hard and pulls hard towards other dogs.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. 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.B B

Owner surrender d/t housing issues, unable to keep this pet anymore. Owner has had this dog for 4 years. Owner selected "no" for if this dog has bitten/broken skin on another person in the last 10 days. No other information given.

Diagnosis: Otitis

The animal you are adopting had an ear infection (otitis externa) that was found while at OAS. The ears have been treated with ear cleaning and specific prescription ear medication. Ear infections are rarely one time events in dogs and are at risk for recurrent infections. Animals with history of otitis externa require regular checkups, and may need periodic treatment for ear infection flare-ups in the future. There is often a component of underlying allergies that may need to be addressed. This animal should have a general health exam with a veterinarian as soon as possible after adoption. Your veterinarian can make further medical recommendations for testing and medical treatment if needed.

Diagnosis: Tumor, Skin

The animal you are adopting has recently had a skin mass removed. Due to the shelters limited resources additional testing on the mass was not performed. Any new growths or tumors should be evaluated by your regular veterinarian to determine the appropriate treatment course. Further evaluation and treatment will be the responsibility of the adopter. This animal should have a general health exam with a veterinarian as soon as possible after adoption. Your veterinarian can make further medical recommendations for testing and medical treatment if needed.

Meet Deku, a big, playful Doberman mix with a love for toys, treats, and affection! This 4-year-old boy enjoys exploring his surroundings, chasing after squeaky toys, and showing off his sit command. He’s also a fan of pets and will happily lean in for attention, nudging your hand when he’d like more. Deku has spent the last four years with his previous family and is now looking for a new home after a housing change.

Deku can be anxious in the shelter and is a strong puller on leash, especially when he sees other dogs. He has shown the ability to disengage and move on during dog introductions, and he may do well with a compatible canine friend after thoughtful introductions. He could also enjoy being the only dog in the home, with opportunities to socialize with suitable dog friends.

Deku would benefit from a family ready to help him build confidence and practice leash skills using patience and positive reinforcement. He has also received treatment for an ear infection and recently had a skin mass removed, so his adopter should review his medical disclosures and follow up with their veterinarian. If you’re looking for a fun, affectionate companion and are ready to help a big guy settle into his next chapter, Deku would love to meet you!