Rowan

Background: Found in the OAS parking lot with female sibling on 10/17/26. Given Yellow dot on intake. Dog was fearful on intake, but staff were able to handle for all intake procedures, including vaccines. Handling evaluation on 10/21/26.

O: Dog came to the front of the kennel with soft face, slightly lowered, but relaxed body language and low wagging tail. Easy to leash. Walked slightly ahead of handler down the hallway with prancy gait and wagging tail. Dropped leash in the yard. Dog approached seated handler and put front paws on lap. Leaned into pets all over head, neck, chest, back with relaxed musculature and wagging tail. Looked towards, but did not follow tossed ball or squeaky toys. Followed handler while walking throughout the yard. Did not respond to verbal cue for sit, but lured into a sit and repeated sit several times with treat reward. Took treats with a soft mouth, minimal teeth contact with skin. Walked with loose leash back to kennel. Walked into kennel ahead of handler. Relaxed for removal of slip leash by hand.B

A: Appears confident in initiating interactions with handler and shows enjoyment with pets. Treat motivated. Did not show interest in toys. Does not appear to know any commands, but walks well on leash and picked up hand signal cue for sit during one outing. Green for volunteer handling. No issues with leashing, handling, or kenneling.B 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.B

S: Dog-dog evaluation during AM playgroups.

O: At the gate, dog was calm and non-reactive. Integrated into a group of 7 during AM playgroups. Initially, dog stayed close to his sibling and away from the other dogs. Started coming to the center of the yard with the other dogs, tail wagging softly, body language relaxed. Some very gentle play observed with other gentle dogs. No issues over the 30 minute duration.B

A: Gentle, Medium-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.

Meet Rowan, a sweet young terrier mix with a gentle nature and a soft spot for affection! This handsome 11-month-old boy may have been a little shy when he first arrived at the shelter, but once he feels comfortable, he’s happy to lean in for pets and spend time with his people. He walks nicely on leash, takes treats gently, and is already showing that he can learn new things with a little encouragement.

Rowan enjoyed meeting other dogs during playgroup, where he started out sticking close to his sibling before gradually venturing out to explore and engage in some gentle play. He could be a good match for a well-suited canine companion or enjoy life as a solo dog with opportunities to make dog friends.

As a young pup, Rowan is still learning the basics and would love a family who can help him build his confidence and practice skills like sit, recall, and leash walking using positive reinforcement. If you’re looking for a gentle, affectionate companion to grow with, Rowan could be your guy!

Click here to learn how to adopt and submit your adoption questionnaire.