Samson the St. Bernard mix has lots of love to give. He needs a new family

This boy’s big.

Without a DNA test, however, no one can be sure of his breed.

It’s thought he’s a St. Bernard mix. Is he a Labernard? A Saint Bermastiff? A Great Bernard?

The only thing we know for certain is that Samson is affectionate and fun.

Being about 1 year old, Samson loves to run, be outdoors and play with balls.

He thrives on human affection, and especially appreciates massages.

Samson’s learning the commands “sit,” “down” and “shake.” And when wearing a harness, he generally remembers that the person at the other end of his leash is someone he’d like to please.

Squeaky toys are a passion and if he hears one, he’ll come investigate immediately. He likes to chomp on mouth-filling chew toys and balls, so extra hardy, large toys are best.

Samson doesn’t know he’s big and strong. But he does know he longs for a cat-free home where exercise and love is in abundance.

Basically, it appears this well-intentioned boy was raised in a rowdy frat house and longs for good parenting.

Animal Shelter Adoption Partners and Woods Humane Society are joining forces so Samson’s tuition for CHARM School training at Woods University is already paid. Woods University classes are held at Woods Humane Society in San Luis Obispo, where training is reward-based and fun for both dog and owner.

With a loving family and careful training, Samson’s new family will discover he’s a saintly dog at heart.

For more information about Samson (ID No. 239318), call the volunteer line at the San Luis Obispo County Animal Services shelter at 805-781-4400 or visit www.slocounty.ca.gov/aserv. The shelter is located at 885 Oklahoma Ave., off Highway 1, in San Luis Obispo.

The full-price adoption fee is $81 for cats and $115 for dogs, plus a $28 county license fee for dogs, if the adopters are San Luis Obispo County residents.

The adoption fee includes a new collar, a spay or neuter operation, basic vaccinations, a microchip and eligibility for a free veterinary check within San Luis Obispo County. Cats also are tested for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and adopters receive a carrier.