Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
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Story
04/14/26Meet cute girl Dottie!This love bug has been at the shelter since mid October 2025. She loves to go on calm car rides and fun sniffy walks. She charms everyone she comes across and she is waiting to win your heart. Dottie is a great walker here at the shelter and is always eager to leave her kennel. This smart girl even knows sit! Dottie has shown some dog reactivity when in her kennel or behind the fence in the yards, but she does great on her walks. She is even one of out walk super stars, having been on at least 3 doggie day outs! Come in today to meet Dottie! She has been practicing her moves to win you over.01/28/26Dottie is a 5-year-old spayed female Pit Bull–type dog who is sweet, calm, and affectionate. She enjoys cuddles, walks nicely on leash, rides well in the car, and loves exploring on sniffy adventures. She completed a 4-mile Tails & Trails walk with ease and remained friendly and composed around people, bikes, joggers, and other dogs in public settings. Dottie has four chronically broken canine teeth that may require future dental care. She also had three mammary nodules removed at the time of her spay; histopathology was not performed, so future monitoring is recommended.Dottie is easy to leash, very people-affectionate, and enjoys belly rubs. She does display dog reactivity in some settings, and management strategies (including kennel divider adjustments) are recommended. Dottie would do best with a committed adopter who can provide ongoing veterinary care and continue positive behavior management in a loving home.03/30/26What did we do on today’s adventure:I walked a sweet dog named Dottie, and we enjoyed a relaxed 4-mile walk full of sniffing and exploring at her pace. She was nervous at first and needed help getting into the car, but she trusted me enough to be picked up and calmly buckled in. Dottie was cautious about taking treats initially, preferring to observe and settle in. After about two hours, she truly came out of her shell and showed her loving, curious personality. Once comfortable, she clearly enjoyed the outdoors and being a gentle, affectionate companion.What should potential adopters know about me:Potential adopters should knowthat Dottie is a gentle, sensitive dog who may need a little extra time to feel comfortable in new situations. She can be nervous at first and benefits from calm reassurance,especially during transitions like getting into the car. Once she builds trust, she is very loving, curious, and eager to engage with her surroundings. Dottie enjoys long walks with plenty of sniffing and exploring at her own pace. With patience and a steady routine, she blossoms into a wonderful outdoor companion.Three words to describe me:Shy, Quiet, Sweet02/11/26What did we do on today’s adventure:When Dottie and her buddy arrived at Almaden Lake, she immediately went into safari mode, taking in all the smells and sounds around her. She was especially excited about the little creatures rustling in the bushes and moving through the lake and along the trail. She took a few breaks to roll in the grass and enjoythe beautiful warm day. Halfway through their morning adventure, they were joined by Domino, another pup from the San Jose Animal Care Center who was also out for his morning outing. They decided the more the merrier, so they teamed up for a nice pack walk. Dottie remained calm and mostly ignored Domino, who is much younger and more energetic. By the end of the walk, though, they had settled into a comfortable rhythm side by side. They even took water breaks together—taking turns drinking from the same bowl (at different times)—and both sat nicely for treats. They also spent time relaxingin the grass while their buddies focused on giving them plenty of love and pets. Overall, Dottie walked 3½ miles and wasn’ t reactive toward other dogs, bikes, joggers, walkers, strollers, or even an electric wheelchair that passed her on the trail.What potential adopters should know:Dottie is a spunky, 5-year-old lady weighing about 49 lbs. She’s a calm and easy passenger in the car, usually settling right in and relaxing in the back seat. She isn’ t especially treat-motivated, though she does enjoy the occasional snack—string cheese is her clear favorite over hot dogs. In the shelter environment, Dottie has shown a bit of reactivity towards other dogs while leaving her kennel, but she’s made steady progress, and it’s been wonderful to see her confidence grow each day. Once she’s outside, Dottie absolutely blossoms. Her personality really shines, where she’s relaxed, social, and beautifullywell-behaved. Dottie did especially well with her buddy Domino, a respectful younger pup who gave her space when she needed it. With slow introductions and the freedom to warm up at her own pace, Dottie could likely coexist comfortably with another dog. Overall, Dottie is a sweetheart just waiting for a family who will give her all the love and cuddles she deserves.Three words to describe me:Friendly , Inquisitive and Sweetheart12/03/25What did we do on today’s adventure:Dottie was shy but very sweet when her adventure buddy picked her up. On the way to Hellyer County Park, she was calm and rode beautifully in the car, lying down in the back seat and patiently awaiting her morning adventure. Once they arrived, Dottie immediately began to explore, curious about all the different sounds around her. What really caught her attention were the squirrels! She walks beautifully on a leash, but when she spotted a squirrel, her buddy had to hold on a little tighter—she was captivated! Although Dottie enjoyed the occasional treat during her adventure. She preferred to keep exploring and listening to all the amazing sounds. She wasn’ t fazed by bike riders (even electric ones),fishermen, joggers, or walkers along the way. When she saw other dogs, she was excited in a friendly way but maintained a cool, calm demeanor the entire morning. Dottie completed a 4-mile walk all around Hellyer Park. Afterward, she was super cuddly and wanted all the love and pets from her buddy—an absolute sweetheart! On the way back, she was treated to a well-deserved pup cup from Starbucks. Dottie did excellent on her first Tails & Trails adventure!What potential adopters should know:Dottie is the perfect mix of sweet and adventurous. She loves cuddles and attention, making her an affectionate companion. Curious and inquisitive, Dottie enjoys exploring new environments and listening to all the fascinating sounds around her. She’s calm and well-mannered—rides beautifully in the car andwalks nicely on a leash. Dottie is also friendly with others, handling encounters with joggers, bikers, and other dogs like a pro while staying cool and composed. If you’ re looking for a loving, active pup who’s ready for adventures and snuggles, Dottie is your girl.Three words to describe me:Curious, Calm and Sweet
