THORAnimal ID: IEPA-A-19083

About THOR

Adoption Fee: $200
Pit Bull
Age: Adult
Sex: Male

THOR - THE QUIET TEDDY BEAR: Animal ID: IEPA-A-19083. Breed: American Pit Bull Terrier. Sex: Male - Not Neutered. Age: 7 years old. Location: Upland Animal Shelter, Upland, CA. Intake Date: May 19, 2026. There are dogs who introduce themselves immediately. Thor isn't one of them. Thor is the kind of dog you discover slowly. At first glance, he can look a little intimidating. His dark gray coat, cropped ears, strong build, and serious Pit Bull face can create quite an impression in his kennel. But spend some time with him, and that first impression begins to disappear. Imagine Thor with the soft, floppy ears he was born with, and suddenly the dog in front of you makes much more sense: Thor is an affectionate teddy bear disguised as a tough guy. One of the most rewarding experiences of spending time with Thor has been watching him discover affection. At first, Thor would explore the play yard by himself, seemingly indifferent to the volunteer with him. Then, little by little, he began coming closer. First, he would sit nearby without making contact, facing the opposite direction and quietly presenting his back as if to say: 'All right... let's see what this petting thing is about.' Apparently, Thor decided that petting was a very good idea. These days, his play-yard routine is approximately 10% exploring and 90% being petted. Stop before Thor considers the session finished and that serious head turns around: 'Excuse me. I don't believe I said we were done.' Recently, Thor rested his head in his volunteer's lap and discovered belly rubs. We don't know how much affection Thor received before coming to the shelter. But we do know what we want for his future: Thor deserves all the love, petting, belly rubs, and lap naps he could possibly want. A QUIET PRESENCE: Perhaps the most unusual thing about Thor is how quietly he moves through the world. He isn't much of a barker. He walks slowly, investigating his surroundings-a little sniff here, another sniff there-and somehow, almost without your noticing, he is suddenly lying peacefully beside you. He is calm. Observant. Unhurried. And then there is the way Thor looks at you. Always serious. Always studying you. Spend enough time with him and you might begin imagining his thoughts: 'So... you're the famous human animal all the dogs keep talking about. Interesting. Can you pet? Do you have treats? Can you take me to the park? Can you walk on four legs? Hmm... very interesting.' Being examined by Professor Thor is quite an experience. LIFE WITH THOR: Thor walks well on leash and enjoys calm walks where he can investigate the world at his own pace. He is treat motivated, takes treats gently, knows 'sit,' and is smart and eager to learn. He doesn't seem particularly interested in toys. Thor's favorite enrichment appears to be much simpler: Being with someone. Preferably someone with functioning hands available for petting. Thor's calm demeanor and gentle way of interacting with people suggest that he may do well in a family setting. Because he is a strong adult dog, children 13+ are recommended. For younger children, we highly recommend consultation with a qualified professional trainer. OTHER DOGS AND CATS: Thor has not yet undergone formal dog-to-dog compatibility testing, so we currently recommend him as the only dog in the home. On walks, Thor notices other dogs but generally continues walking without reacting. He also does not normally react to dogs from the play yard. However, if another dog approaches the fence behaving aggressively and challenges him, Thor will respond rather than retreat or ignore the challenge. Volunteers have not observed Thor initiating these fence confrontations. Any future introduction to another dog should therefore be handled carefully, ideally with a professional experienced in dog compatibility. Thor has not been tested with cats. WHY WE LOVE THOR: Thor has become a volunteer favorite for a simple reason: The longer you know him, the more there is to love. Behind that imposing face is a quiet, affectionate, wonderfully peculiar dog who seems to have discovered that humans aren't so bad after all. Especially when we come equipped with treats. And hands. Two hands are preferable. After seven years of philosophical investigation, Thor appears to have reached one important conclusion: There is no such thing as too much petting. Don't judge Thor from the other side of a kennel door. Spend some time with him. Sit beside him. Let him investigate you. And if, after a while, that big gray head quietly finds its way into your lap, you'll understand why his volunteers love him so much. ATTRIBUTES: Calm. Affectionate. Volunteer Favorite. Walks Well on Leash. Lap Dog. Treat Motivated. Takes Treats Gently. Knows 'Sit'. Smart and Eager to Learn. Great for First-Time Dog Owners. Breed Experience Preferred. Active Home. Recommended Kids 13+. Single-Dog Home Recommended Dog Testing Pending. No General Reactivity Observed. Not Tested with Cats.

Contact

Upland Animal Shelter
San Bernardino County
Upland, California

9099314185

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Compatibility

  • Good with Kids and Adults

Personality

  • Average Energy
  • Average Temperament

Health

  • Needs to be Neutered
  • Vaccinations Current

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