LMAS Dog Observations
Compiled from volunteer field trip and potty break notes. Observations only, no opinions included.
🐾 At Shelter
Source: Field trip note
- Attempted to jump into the trunk of the car when it was opened. Redirected to backseat successfully.
- Rode calmly in the backseat; liked poking his head between the front seats and looking out the window.
- No fussing or issues during car ride.
- At Des Pres Park: walked and rested in shade due to heat.
- Encountered a few leashed dogs, wagged tail and barked at one; redirected fine with the other.
- Sat at an outdoor restaurant (Taco City), got excited when food arrived but settled quickly.
- Remained settled and calm while people walked by during the meal.
Source: Field trip note, Sunday 5/24. Has been at shelter since late March.
- Insisted on bringing a toy out of the kennel.
- Loaded into the vehicle easily (SUV).
- Caught chicken nuggets tossed to her; ate them and cookies willingly.
- LOVES toys, balls, and antlers.
- Loves to snuggle and give kisses.
- Knows: sit, "toy," and appeared to know "lie down."
- At the foster home: appeared excited and anxious, panted (no drool), but lay down frequently; not restless.
- Went outside in the backyard multiple times; marked frequently.
- Settled on the couch and watched TV.
Source: Multiple potty break notes (5/20, 5/22, 5/24)
- 5/20: Easy out of kennel; peed immediately. Pretty laid-back on leash; sneezing a bit. Seemed to enjoy the walk.
- 5/22: Easy out/in kennel. Pulls a little; redirects well. Skin on top of rump looking better than previous week. Good with treats. Cool and friendly demeanor.
- 5/24: Strong on leash at first due to needing to potty. Settled down well after exercise. Did not want to return to kennel; needed extra time, treats, and reassurance before going back in.
Multiple volunteers have noted he could really benefit from a field trip or foster decompression time.
Source: Potty break note 5/24
- Very chill and mild-mannered.
- Barks at kennel door (appears to be signaling she wants out, not aggression).
- Calm and easy on walks; described as the type that would be happy relaxing on a couch or hiking all day.
Source: Potty break note 5/24. Kenneled with Woodharver Duke.
- House-broken. Easy out/in kennel. Easy on leash.
- Stopped about six times to poop.
- Very chill and affectionate.
- Preferred to keep Woodharver Duke in sight during the walk.
Source: Potty break note 5/24. Kenneled with Tassey.
- House-broken; younger male, roughly double Tassey's size but similar in appearance.
- Goofy and playful; not the dominant one between the two dogs.
- Initially shy about getting the leash over his head, kept backing up; responded to a trick with the door and walked right through.
- Preferred to keep Tassey in sight during the walk.
Source: Potty break note 5/24
- Wears an e-collar. Easy out/in kennel.
- Got excited after a few leg lifts and began jumping and using the handler as a springboard; redirected after a few corrections and returned focus to walking.
- Likes treats.
Source: Potty break note 5/24
- Wears an e-collar; right shoulder shaved. Easy out/in kennel.
- Extremely calm demeanor. Had a long, steady urination; urine color was dark/concentrated. Volunteer flagged this.
Source: Potty break notes 5/16, 5/22, 5/24
- 5/16: Easy out/in kennel. Peed immediately. Sweet and chill. Good on leash.
- 5/22: Was jumping and barking at barrier but very sweet and gentle when brought out. Went back inside when it started pouring rain. Just wanted to be petted; did not take enrichment treat from hand. Waited until it was placed in the bowl.
- 5/24: Easy out of kennel. Peed immediately outside. Great on leash. Walked slowly, no pulling. Very sweet and loved attention and pets. Knows sit and took treats gently. Saw a cat through a fence and had no reaction. Has a small cough.
Source: Potty break notes 5/16, 5/22, 5/24
- 5/16: Easy out/in kennel. Peed immediately. Pooped. Looked at a distant dog. No reaction. Several long squats with diarrhea. Good on leash. Not interested in handler. Seemed to enjoy the walk.
- 5/22 (voice-to-text): Thick, low-built dog. Peed when outside. Leash fluctuated from easy to strong depending on direction and scent trails. Not interested in handler or treats. Wanted to smell, pee on, and occasionally roll in things.
- 5/24: Easy out of kennel. Walked great on leash until a groundhog ran in front. Pulled hard but settled back down quickly. Peed and pooped multiple times. Not responsive to handler sounds. Took treats gently. Pulled toward another dog. Very wiggly passing shelter staff. Stocky, short-and-long body.
Source: Potty break notes 5/21, 5/24
- 5/21: Easy out of kennel. Excited and eager. Decent on leash; pulls when seeing other dogs ahead. Sniffed around play yard. Tried to greet dogs through fence. Peed and pooped. Did scratches and rolls on the ground. Visible skin allergies noted on chest area. Easy back in kennel.
- 5/24: Easy out of kennel. Easy on leash. Pouring rain. Peed right away on grass. Rain on roof startled her briefly. Loved attention, very wiggly wanting pets. Pooped after a few minutes. Pulled strongly at times. Appeared to want to run. Greeted people with a big wiggle-butt.
Source: Potty break notes 5/21, 5/24
- 5/21: Easy out of kennel. Peed immediately on rocks. Lots of sniffing and sneezing. Good on leash. Had a couple of long squats with loose stool. Not interested in handler or treats. Content to walk and sniff. Easy back in kennel.
- 5/24: Easy out of kennel. Peed as soon as outside. Peed for a very long time. Peed and pooped. Marked as potty trained. Sneezes a lot. Not interested in handler or treats. Very easy and gentle overall. Slow walker, no pulling.
Source: Potty break note 5/21
- Eager to get out of kennel. Easy out/in. Good on leash. Did not sit for a treat but stood at attention for it. Does not seem bothered by rain.
Source: Potty break note 5/21
- Easy out of kennel. Excited for the walk. Tried to do zoomies but leash prevented it.
- In the play yard she ran around; would run after a toy but did not bring it back.
- Good on leash. Does not seem bothered by rain. Lots of tail wags. Sits for treats. Very playful and affectionate.
Source: Potty break notes 5/21, 5/24
- 5/21: Easy out/in kennel. Excited to be outside and sniff. Affectionate. Good on leash. Peed and pooped. Loose stool noted.
- 5/24: Jumpy at kennel door until it was actually opened, then stopped and came right out. Great on leash, very gentle. Peed and pooped on the grass. Loves to sniff. Took sniffing very seriously. Knows sit and took treats gently. Gave handler a muddy kiss. Walked right through a flooded path without hesitation.
Source: Potty break note 5/23
- Easy on leash. Knows sit. Held the sit while handler fumbled for treats. Had a roll in the grass. Checked in while walking. Calm and chill.
Source: Potty break note 5/23
- Went potty immediately on reaching the grass. Peed for a long time. Peed and pooped. Easy on leash.
- A groundhog ran in front of them. She tried to chase it.
- Knows sit, but did not want the treat offered. Calm and chill otherwise. Very friendly with people encountered in hallways.
Source: Potty break note 5/23
- Medium to strong on leash; mostly interested in smelling.
- A groundhog ran across in front of them. Pulled the handler at full strength behind it ("water skiing").
- Very interested in sounds from critters in bushes at the back corner of the yard.
- Easy to get back in kennel.
Source: Potty break note 5/23
- Pushy coming out of kennel.
- Started strong/medium on leash; calmed to medium after urinating a couple of times.
- Sits on cue, but jumped on handler when offered a treat.
- Tried to bite the extra leash. Thought it was a toy.
- Attempted to chase the groundhog.
- Can jump to handler face height (handler is 5'10").
- Needed a shorter leash to prevent wrapping around legs.
Source: Potty break notes 5/16, 5/17, 5/22
- 5/16: Easy out; possibly his first walk. Peed on reaching rocks. Good on leash with lots of sniffing. Comfortable with thunder and rain. Pooped. Personality emerged. Started prancing and being playful. Would go after toys but not retrieve. Looked at a dog outside the fence. No reaction. Appeared to know commands; sat for a treat and took it gently. Easy back in kennel. Barked at handler after being returned.
- 5/17: Easy out of kennel. Pulled a bit on leash. Peed 3 times and pooped immediately. Very goofy and playful. Chased toys and actually retrieved them. Knows sit and took treats gently. Two groundhogs. Pulled hard toward them. Completely ignored another dog walking by.
- 5/22: Medium on leash. Cone present. Impeded sniffing. Peed multiple times, all long streams; urine was dark brown. Vet request submitted. Did not want treats. Did not sit on cue. Avoided puddles. Threw a tantrum in the kennel after being returned.
Source: Potty break note 5/22
- Went potty as soon as outside. Has a cough. Walks reasonably well on leash. Saw another dog. Interested but no reaction. Knows sit; sniffed treat but did not take it.
- Pushy out of kennel; hesitant to return. Later noted coughing and vomiting. Vet was notified.
Source: Potty break notes 5/17, 5/22
- 5/17: Easy out of kennel. Wiggles while waiting. Pulled a bit initially but improved. Peed several times right away. Pulled toward a dog in the play yard but moved on quickly. Very playful. Loved chasing toys and tossing them. Not interested in treats. Very friendly with shelter staff.
- 5/22: Sat in kennel with excellent manners while being prepared. Peed immediately on grass. Saw another leashed dog. Polite. Easy on leash. Easy to return to kennel. Did not sit on cue.
Source: Potty break note 5/22
- Walked directly next to handler. Practically glued to the leg, to the point of almost tripping handler.
- Appeared to be slightly nervous. May have been his first walk. Did not sit on cue.
Source: Potty break note 5/22
- Excited straight out of the kennel. Did not sit on cue. Got excited about treat and jumped on handler.
- Walks in a zigzag with abrupt stops. Slightly jumpy. Leash fluctuates from easy to medium.
- Occasional zoomies.
- Grabbed his own enrichment treat out of the freezer.
Source: Potty break note 5/17
- Easy out of kennel. Did cute little hops down the hall; pawed at the door to get outside.
- Very easy on leash. Timid at first, tail slightly tucked; became more comfortable over time.
- Was very interested in observing what the microchip team was doing; kept stopping to stare.
- Once given treats, began seeking attention and put paws on handler's lap for kisses.
- Walked slowly along the fence, taking in all the smells.
- Tail wagged big when given the enrichment treat.
Source: Potty break notes 5/16, 5/17
- 5/16: Questioned the leash at first, then easy out. Good on leash; slight pulling when interested in something ahead. Lots of sniffing. Looked at handler like she knew commands but wasn't going to perform them. Prefers walking to the play yard. Looks back at handler. Not interested in treats. Accepts pets with smiles and tail wags.
- 5/17: Did play bows when handler reached out to put the leash on. Came out easily once leashed. Walked well. Came over for pets a couple of times but not very engaged otherwise. Kept standing by the play yard gate and pawing to get out. No reaction to other dogs. Not interested in treats.
Source: Potty break note 5/17
- Jumpy and barky in kennel wanting out, but completely different once outside.
- Peed immediately on reaching grass; pooped shortly after.
- Walked great on leash. Loved pets and attention. Would put paws on handler's lap and lean in.
- Knows sit and took treats gently.
- Pulled briefly toward a cat. Did not fixate and moved on quickly.
- Ate enrichment ice cream cone in 2 bites.
Source: Potty break note 5/17
- Eager to come out of kennel despite wearing a cone; walked right into a big loop in the lead.
- A little jumpy at first for attention; improved as the walk continued.
- Walked great on leash.
- Wanted to sniff everything but the cone kept getting in the way.
- Sat once when asked. May know sit or may have been coincidence.
- Took treats very gently.
Source: Potty break note 5/22
- Friendly with some hearing concerns. Slightly pulls on leash, especially when needing to potty.
- Went potty immediately once on grass. Loves toys, attention, and being rubbed.
- Runny poop noted. Takes treats gently. Knows "sit" and "wait" for treats.
Source: Potty break note 5/20
- Easy out of kennel. Jumped up slightly at first but stopped once walking began. Knows sit, likes treats. Very sweet. Got better on leash as the walk continued. Easy back in kennel.
Source: Potty break note 5/20 and additional note
- 5/20: Peed and pooped immediately. Very easy out of kennel. Very good on leash; checks back in while walking. Soulful eyes noted. Described as gentle overall.
- Additional: Very interested in smelling handler. Peed outside. Stayed right next to or under handler's feet. Kept jumping on handler and whining. Appeared to want to be carried. Knows sit but did not want the treat.
Source: Staff observation note
- Previously listed as staff-only due to leash biting and being mouthy.
- Switched to a chain leash. Stopped biting the leash.
- Learned that carrying a toy in his mouth redirects mouthiness.
- Has "sit" mastered. Very treat motivated.
- LOVES playing fetch with any type of toy. Did well in playgroups.
- Now officially adoptable and yellow-tagged.
- Kids 8+ recommended.
Source: General note. Came in February 2026, adopted early April, returned as stray 4/27.
- Playgroup superstar. Never seems to meet a stranger.
- Described as affectionate, playful, and independent.
- Has one field trip note and three volunteer walker notes on file.
Source: Foster takeover — Day 6 update
- Arrived very scared. Kept in a separate room with enclosed kennel, puppy pads, water, and food.
- Night 1: Came out of the kennel and lay on the floor with foster.
- Days 2–3: Allowed petting and small treats; growled on day 1 only; accepted touch after that.
- Day 5: Got out for a walk and loose time on an enclosed porch. Approached the male foster for pets. Did not growl when the kennel was closed and other dogs were visible through a door crack.
- Day 6: Bolted out of bedroom and went straight to where the dog pack was. Did great with all dogs. Went up to male foster and gave kisses. Started wagging tail. Rolled onto her side and offered her belly. Spent the rest of the day on the couch, napping, and going outside with the pack.
- Still described as timid and learning household dynamics. Foster is allowing her to set the pace.
- Foster family gave her the name Sophia (meaning Wisdom and Knowledge).
Source: Advocacy/profile note
- Keeps her space spotless. Fully house trained and crate trained.
- Gentle, calm, and loving.
- Adores children. Enjoys peaceful walks.
- Has seizures; described as doing well on medication.
Source: Two field trip notes
- Field trip 1: Appeared timid when leaving the shelter. Foster picked her up. Settled well. Met the foster's son, grandson, and mother. Went on a walk/jog. Kept pace with a young child. Lay in a room while they played games. Went outside for a football game and participated. Gentle with treats. Loved a pup cup with treats mixed in.
- Field trip 2: When at the park, redirected handler to the grass via a loose leash; sat in the sun and accepted pets and treats. Went to Feeders Supply for a bath. Needed a boost into the tub but waited calmly; leaned in when scrubbed; tail wagging. Did not like the hair dryer. Allowed towel drying instead. Returned to shelter wagging her tail and strutting.
- Takes a moment to trust but becomes relaxed and warm with time. Accepted pets from strangers at the store and park.
- Did well with an older child; was interested in and watched every child she passed.
Source: Brief hallway observation 5/24
- Seen laying quietly in kennel when walked past. No interaction noted beyond visual observation.
Source: Brief note 5/24
- Cries and runs to the back of her kennel when people walk by. Described as a scared girl.
- Volunteer slid treats under the kennel door each pass; treats were always gone when the volunteer returned.
- Listed as yellow (not yet eligible for volunteer walks at the time of this note).
Source: Two Sunday potty break notes
- Easy out of kennel. Calm walker. Appears potty trained. Knows sit and paw. Takes treats gently.
- Interested in and friendly toward other dogs. Very calm overall.
- Impressed a bystander who thought he was a trainer dog.
Source: Two Sunday potty break notes (pre- and post-surgery)
- Appears potty trained. Easy out. Knows sit. Takes treats gently.
- Did not want to get into the dog wash sink either visit. Was hosed down outside. Did not love the hose but appeared cleaner afterward.
- Looks and appears more comfortable post-surgery (lumps and bumps removed).
Source: Potty break note. Court case — no photos.
- Easy out. Potty trained. Good leash walker. Very friendly with a pretty coat and light green eyes.
- Really liked other dogs and made it very clear he wanted to meet them.
- Loves zoomies, chasing balls, and playing with toys. Huge fan of treats; knew sit; took treats very gently.
- Described as a sweet little guy full of joy; would be a great candidate for a playgroup.
Source: Two volunteer notes
- Easy out. Great on leash. Clearly potty trained. Knows sit and paw. Takes treats gently.
- On the petite/thin side. Interested in and liked other dogs; no barking or aggressive body language at fence line.
- Not very interested in toys. Preferred walking and exploring or staying near the handler.
- When another small dog was visible with staff, she perked up significantly and was very sweet at the fence, obviously wanting to interact.
- Interacted nicely with visitors and staff.
Source: Two volunteer notes
- Petite female pitty. Very gentle and easy out of kennel. Very easy on leash.
- Peed right away; peed multiple times on walks. No pulling, no jumping, not mouthy.
- Sat on a bench and enjoyed treats. Takes treats gently. Very food motivated. Sniffed out every dropped treat in the play yard.
- Can see ribs. Could use more weight.
- Very sweet and affectionate. In the play yard, 90% wanted to stay near handler for pets; not very interested in toys.
- Enjoyed being brushed. Sat calmly and appeared to enjoy it.
- Calm and non-reactive when another dog was seen while leaving.
Source: Field trip note 5/17
- Fantastic car rider.
- Pretty good on leash; pulls for squirrels. Pulled a bit at first but settled. Just excited.
- Tongue out the whole time. Did not want the pup cup or treats.
- Young, strong, and athletic. Has been at the shelter a long time.
- Noted to love playmate friends.
🏠 In Foster
Source: Multiple potty break notes. Court case — no photos.
- Easy out of kennel in most notes; occasionally pushy/jumpy on exit but very happy to get out.
- Very friendly, calm, and sweet. Described as a "sweet doll baby."
- Easy on leash. Very likely house trained. Affectionate.
- Coat looks great; described as appearing healthy and well-filled-out in recent notes.
- Slight possible limp in back leg noted in one entry (5/16). Unclear if ongoing.
Source: Foster notes
- Stays quiet in his crate. Takes treats gently. Knows sit and will sit for a treat.
- Has played well with resident dog (Max). Likes squeaky balls.
- Has done well with 10-year-old and 13-year-old children. Did fine briefly with a 4-year-old.
- Barked when new people arrived. Described as an "alert bark"; calmed after sniffing and recognizing it was okay.
- Does not bother human belongings.
- Day 3–4 of foster: still getting comfortable. Unsure of hands being placed around him. Was fearful during first bath but sat and allowed it. Allowed nail trim.
- Walked around the block: slight pulling; also walks alongside handler at times.
- Off stray hold and adoptable as of the note.
💚 Adopted
Source: Foster note
- 100% house trained.
- Very affectionate. Follows person room to room and around the room.
- Knows sit and shake; working on more commands.
- Very treat and food motivated. Needs help determining if something is edible (e.g., tried to eat a geode). Does allow items to be taken away or traded.
- Two modes: very on/active or completely off/resting.
- Easily distracted.
Source: Two potty break notes
- Appears potty trained. Easy on leash. Takes treats gently. Loves to roll in the grass.
- Has a very sore-looking area on his privates. Urinates in a way that resulted in spraying upward. Vet monitoring. High pain tolerance observed.
- Super friendly and sweet.
Source: Field trip note
- Rides great in the car.
- Walked nicely on leash; got a little excited when he spotted a squirrel but did not follow through.
- Not interested in Happy Meal or pup cup.
- LOVES booty scratches. Arches back and leans in strongly when scratched near the rear.
- Runny poop. Tends to urinate and then pivot to defecate on the base of a tree (made cleanup very difficult).
Source: Potty break note
- Knows sit and holds the sit well. Takes treats gently. Hesitant to return to kennel.
Source: Potty break note
- Very nervous. Scanned environment constantly with ears going. Ran in circles around handler's legs. Leash had to be shortened.
- Playgroup superstar. Small tripping hazard on leash.
Source: Potty break note — at Animal House
- Tried to get into every car in the parking lot. Almost took handler's whole hand taking a treat, then corrected himself and took subsequent treats more nicely.
Source: Potty break note — at Animal House
- Older dog; limps in rear legs. Very sweet and friendly. Peed and pooped outside. Sat for a treat as best he could and took it gently.
🏥 Medical Foster Notes
Source: Foster observations
- Has arthritis in hindlimbs. Can get up and move on her own but sometimes needs help getting started.
- Has diabetes; requires insulin injections twice daily and a special diet.
- On two oral medications: one for pain, one for liver.
- After a good vet team day, attempted to bound up the stairs with unusual vigor. Did not make it but showed energy not previously seen.
- Happy to go for a walk. Went half a block and back; lay down twice during the walk but appeared happy to be out. Met neighbors and accepted pets.
- Tail thumps when spoken to nicely. Licks her nose or leaves snot trails on clothing.
- A paw pad peeled off a toe. Did not react or bleed; appeared to be hanging on.
- Allows spa-quality wipe-downs after urinating.
- Snubs her food but does not notice pills in the glyco-loaf; tries to eat around the kibble.
- Insulin was reduced by 2 units as a result of vet team care since arriving at LMAS.
- Now sleeping happily.