Joined the shelter : 15-05-2023
Life in a city/apartment : NO
Home without an exterior : OK
Walk on leash :OK
Contact with other dogs : ?
Life with cats : ?**
Contact with children : ?*
Need for daily exercise : AVERAGE
Health : GOOD
Trauma : NO
Special needs : NO

This beautiful Mastiff and Malinois cross is one of the dogs that was rescued from the illegal farm in Calanda, along with 40 other dogs. Due to the deplorable conditions and almost nonexistent socialization he had in that place, Samma is still an insecure dog around humans. Poor thing is still shut down and doesn’t know whether to trust humans, but he’s making progress little by little.

His mistrust doesn’t make him aggressive, but rather cautious around humans, trying to keep his distance and avoid being touched. Our volunteers are working to gradually earn his trust, and he’s slowly realizing that we don’t intend to harm him. We’ve noticed that Samma seeks help, comfort, and human guidance, but he doesn’t quite know how to ask for it or receive it yet. Additionally, he seems to have discomfort in his hip or hind legs, and we believe this could be a reason why he doesn’t want us to approach him. He’ll soon have a visit to the vet to confirm if there’s a medical issue that might be hindering his progress in opening up to us more quickly.

Samma hasn’t shown problems with other dogs, and at the Calanda farm, he was with Sing, another dog under our care who has a very good nature and is well-balanced. We’re trying to integrate them into the same group, as we believe it would be very beneficial for their emotional and behavioral development.

Samma seeks silence and calmness, but with the stress and noise of the shelter, it’s challenging for him to find moments that allow him to feel secure, open up, and progress. Therefore, he needs an experienced and patient person with insecure dogs, as well as a loving and calm environment where he can gradually overcome his insecurities.

Samma isn’t a rambunctious dog, but rather a sensitive companion who observes and learns very carefully and attentively. While he still has a long way to go, his progress has already begun, and we believe that the right person can turn him into a peaceful, loyal, and confident companion.

* Until complete adaptation, adult supervision with small children is essential.

** This means we have tested the dog with cats in the shelter and has shown no reactive behaviour, but this does not guarantee 100% compatibility with cats. Therefore, we always advise that cats and dogs are together only under surveillance.