Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
House-trained,
Spayed or Neutered,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Texas (aka Simba) / Liam(his old shelter name) Age: 1.5 years Breed: Labrador Retriever Location: Buffalo, NY Looking for: A calm, patient home with experience or willingness to support a shy, anxious dog
Texas, lovingly nicknamed Simba for his lion-like appearance, is a beautiful 1.5-year-old Lab who’s navigating the world with a cautious heart. After a long journey from Texas and being separated from his littermates, he’s been adjusting slowly and steadily in his foster home here in Buffalo. He’s not your typical energetic pup—he’s a quiet observer, still learning to feel safe and understood.
Temperament & PersonalityTexas is highly anxious and fearful of new people and environments. He is not yet comfortable being approached or touched by unfamiliar humans and will retreat or growl if approached too quickly—especially if someone looks him directly in the eye or reaches for his head. He thrives when given space and time, and slow, respectful introductions are a must.
Despite his hesitations with people, Texas is dog-friendly—but only in open spaces where he has the freedom to move away if needed. He does well at daycare with a small group of dogs, enjoying the occasional interaction before retreating to a quiet spot.
Food & RoutinesTexas is a total foodie! He absolutely loves home-cooked meals, especially chicken and rice, and will patiently wait while his food is prepared. Treats are a great way to start building trust, but they should be offered slowly and from a distance—gradually working toward closer contact over time.
Play & ActivityHe’s not a playful dog—at least not yet. He prefers calm surroundings and isn’t interested in toys or games with humans just yet. However, he loves car rides! So much so that if you head outside for a walk, he’ll guide you to the car instead. He may need some gentle redirection to stay on track for a walk.
Training & House HabitsTexas is mostly house-trained. He does all his business outside when taken regularly, but since he drinks a lot of water, he sometimes uses training pads for pee when indoors. He is crate-trained and finds a lot of comfort in that space.
He’s currently working on:
Building confidence with human interactions
Engaging with puzzle toys and calming activities
Walking confidently on a leash
Expanding his comfort zone with structured exposure
Important Notes for Potential AdoptersMultiple meet-and-greets are required, ideally over the course of a week, in calm, quiet areas or near his foster’s home.
Do not pet or approach him directly for the first week or more—give him time to observe and warm up.
A home without small children is necessary, due to his fear of fast movements and loud environments.
He does best in a quiet, structured home with someone who can offer consistency, routine, and lots of patience.
Texas is not for the average adopter—he needs someone special. Someone who sees past the fear and into his gentle soul. With time, understanding, and space to grow, this boy has the potential to feel safe, loved, and maybe even a little playful one day. (148)
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