Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement-Kennel License #2617 Could he do well with kids? Yes, on a kid-by-kid basis. Could he do well with other dogs? Yes, on a dog-by-dog basis. Has this dog lived with cats? Unknown. [The Lycoming County SPCA does not "cat test" dogs per the Association of Shelter Veterinarian's Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters.] --- What volunteers have to say about this animal: Meet Sampson - Distinguished Gentleman, Attention Seeker, Softest Soul Sampson is a 10-year-old Labrador Retriever mix with wise eyes, a sugar-dusted muzzle, and the kind of steady presence that makes you exhale when he walks into the room. At 58 pounds, he's the perfect size for couch companionship, slow strolls, and quiet afternoons spent side by side. This amazing senior boy is gentle, people-oriented, and very clear about one thing: he loves attention. If he feels overlooked, he'll give you a polite-but-firm "ahem!" bark to remind you he exists because in his opinion, petting him is an excellent use of your time. What Sampson Is Like: - Affectionate and actively seeks out attention - Enjoys handling (and asks for more afterward!) - Walks nicely on leash with minimal pulling - Curious about other dogs and able to stay self-regulated - Not interested in toys much - he'd rather hang with you When meeting other dogs, Sampson was curious and composed. If the other dog became too pushy, he showed a little tension but remained manageable and regulated. That's the mark of a mature gentleman who knows himself. On walks, he's easygoing, though if he finds something interesting to investigate, he may politely resist being rushed along. After all, he's earned the right to stop and smell things thoroughly. Sampson's Ideal Home Looks Like: - Kids, on a case-by-case basis - Other dogs, pending meet-and-greets - A calm home that appreciates the beauty of senior dogs - People who want a loyal companion more than a playmate Sampson is past the chaos of puppyhood. He's steady. He's thoughtful. He's deeply content just being near his people. Senior dogs have a way of loving differently - softer, steadier, and without pretense. This sweet boy deserves a cozy bed, a predictable routine, and someone who will treasure his golden years as much as he will treasure them. --- Condensed Staff Assessment Notes: Sampson is an older gentleman with a gentle soul. He enjoys being around people and will demand bark to get attention if he feels ignored. He is curious about meeting other dogs; although he can become tense if the other dog is too pushy, he managed to stay self-regulated during both encounters. Sampson enjoyed husbandry handling and actively sought out attention afterward. On a leash, he walks well with minimal pulling. However, he can be more difficult to direct if he doesn't want to go in a certain direction or if he's still investigating something, but he remained manageable. While he showed little interest in play and only investigated the squeaky pig toy, he did not display any signs of resource guarding. Throughout the assessment, he demonstrated good stability and was able to easily recover when startled.