Let me introduce myself: I’m Samwise ( Sam or Sammy or silly boy (#4233)), a one-year-old neutered Goldendoodle. I was deceptively dumped at a local shelter with my brother as a stray by our owner/breeder. The shelter people were really nice, but have you ever been in a shelter? It is very scary for any dog, but real scary for a young puppy without a lot of coping skills yet. All the barking, and noises and people and kennels are a lot. Fortunately, our shelter human has good connections and was able to make contact to get us out of there. With that behind me, I am so happy to have a warm comfy home that is quiet. I’ve been enjoying long walks, consistent meals, fun new toys. My favorites are balls that make noise or light up and chew bone. I really love humans; I will be a lap dog if you let me, but I am also fine if you prefer, I just lay at your feet. I’m very silly sometimes and will play run outside, bounce around the yard like a deer and run back in the house with my bone, it’s like playing catch by myself. This makes my foster mom laugh.
I’ve gotten braver with noises, new people and dogs. Speaking of brave, I’m working on knowing I’m safe, on walks I’ve learned to not react if dogs bark or make eye contact with me. I really like people but I need them to let me come to them, if they come right at me, it scares me a little bit. I like dogs and humans but I need slow introductions so I’m sure I’m safe, but once I make friends, I am completely fine. I just need to trust them first. Foster mom says I improve every day and says that I am a really smart boy. I would love to find my forever home so I can feel safe and know I will be loved forever. It would be nice to have some home more than not, but it isn’t a deal breaker if it’s the right situation. I can be an only dog with doting humans who will let me be part of activities and teach me things (remember I am very smart). I also would probably like a well-balanced canine friend to play with and learn from. I haven’t been face-to-face tested with cats, but I see them on walks I’m pretty curious. I might like to chase them, but just in fun. I’m such a gentle soul I don’t think I’d hurt anyone or anything. I’ve also met a bunch of kids; they were dog savvy and let me come to them, but they were so fun, and I was not scared at all.
Foster mom says I am such a good boy and a quick learner. I am an excellent leash walker; I just need help working on bravery when approaching other dogs and humans. Mostly my reaction is just becoming hyper aware and fixated, but I’m not barking. My reaction is maybe a mix of excited because I’d love to make friends, and terrified because I don’t know if they are friends. I sleep quietly through the night, I’m house trained, and can be left alone without issues. I can be crated, but I am really not a fan of it if it can be avoided. We are working on car rides now; they scare me a little since I’ve not had good experiences with them but like all other things, I’m learning really quickly and should be a good car rider in the future.
Oh, and foster mom says I should tell you that sometimes I sleep with my eyes open, and sometimes snore. Pffffttt…. she does weird things sometimes too.
Overall, as a 1-year-old without a lot of socialization and training, foster mom says I’m doing a great job and am a wonderful boy. I really want to find a family of my very own, so if you think I might fit into your family hit me up. I’m accepting applicants.
