Unfortunately, Sam is also one of our long-term residents at the SOS Animal shelter in Calvià. Sam, who is now nine years old, has been with us since the end of 2022—that’s over two and a half years. Of course there is a reason for that.

Sam was not kept in a species-appropriate manner and was not treated very well in his previous life – and that naturally had an impact on his behavior. Sam has a very hard time with people he doesn’t know. He has a general distrust of them and signals this very strongly – and if strangers don’t respect that and give him the space he needs, he will bite. He clearly has behavioral issues, and that needs to be communicated very clearly.

Sam has a few people here that he knows well and really trusts – so we can see that there is a possibility if you engage with his history and give him the time and opportunities. However, this person would definitely need to be experienced with dogs (preferably with this breed) and have a lot of time and patience to build trust – here at our shelter. We clearly couldn’t just let Sam go anywhere.

There should definitely be no children around.

We have already done muzzle training with Sam here on site – and he is now coping very well with it. We consider this absolutely necessary, especially in cases like this.

Sam has no problem with other dogs—he even likes most of them very much and seeks contact with them. Another Border Collie (or other confident dog) would certainly be a great addition for him. Sam has become who he is now due to inappropriate care – because proper care is essential, especially for these breeds. He himself has done nothing wrong.

Of course, we are still hoping to find that one person who will give him a chance in life and embrace him and his story.

Our experience with him here shows that this is definitely possible if a few things are taken into account.

Sam is fully vaccinated, neutered, and tested negative for leishmaniasis.