Sixty pounds of love, a splash of playfulness and one very big wish: a safe place to call home.

Meet Cassian, a sweet young dog waiting at Anderson County PAWS in Anderson, South Carolina.

At a little over a year old, this neutered, 60-pound boy has plenty of love to give, even if he needs a little time before showing it.

A shy hello can turn into a big cuddle

Cassian can be nervous and timid around new people.

But once he feels comfortable, his playful personality begins to shine.

He loves water, enjoys a good play session and has been tolerant of other dogs at the shelter.

And beneath all that youthful energy is a dog who would love nothing more than to be close to someone he trusts.

Yes, this 60-pound sweetheart is a lap dog at heart.

Don't judge Cassian by his kennel door

Shelter life has been hard on Cassian.

Staff report that his stress has started to show as barrier reactivity, meaning he may react differently when separated from people by his kennel door.

That behavior doesn't tell the whole story of who he is.

The Cassian you see behind the kennel barrier may look very different from the sweet, playful dog who comes out when he has space and time to relax.

Give him a chance to show you the real Cassian

If you visit Anderson County PAWS, please ask staff to introduce you to Cassian outside his kennel.

Let him get comfortable at his own pace and follow the shelter team's guidance.

A little patience may be all it takes to discover the affectionate companion waiting beneath that first nervous hello.

Come meet Cassian

Anderson County PAWS lists visiting hours as Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. in the information shared for this spotlight.

Check with the shelter before visiting in case hours or Cassian's availability have changed.

He isn't asking for much, just a chance to feel safe enough to be himself.

Maybe the next lap he curls up in could be yours.