Animal Profile


Gecko

Hello, my name is Gecko. My animal id is #224584. I am a desexed male gray dog at the Queens Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 1 years 7 months 2 weeks old.

I came into the shelter as a owner surrender on 4/30/2025, with the surrender reason stated as not a fit - too many animals already.

Gecko is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. Gecko is not acclimating well to the care center environment despite best efforts to keep him comfortable. Gecko when approached in kennel with bare teeth and lunge at his kennel glass, and begin to rebound off his kennel door repeatedly when approached. Gecko is social with staff, but struggling to acclimate to the care center environment. Medically, Gecko is Apparently healthy.

You may know me from such films as...

Let's get to know each other a bit more...

This pet needs emergency placement. Please click here to go to our emergency placement page for more information. Gecko is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. Gecko is not acclimating well to the care center environment despite best efforts to keep him comfortable. Gecko when approached in kennel with bare teeth and lunge at his kennel glass, and begin to rebound off his kennel door repeatedly when approached. Gecko is social with staff, but struggling to acclimate to the care center environment. Medically, Gecko is Apparently healthy. What my friends at ACC say about me: I would do best in a home with only adult humans. I prefer to call the shots and enjoy coming to you when I'm ready for pets. I would appreciate slow introductions to new people and places to help me feel safe. A volunteer writes: To know Gecko is to love Gecko! When I approach his kennel, he runs to the door and stands up wiggling and jiggling, his paws pressed up against the door, making for an irresistible sight. I go to leash him but - oh no!- he's forgotten something...the stuffy toy he left on his bed! Sooo....back he runs, quickly scooping it up, then running back to the door, now ready to be leashed. Happily trotting down the street with the toy in his mouth, he's gotten quite a few "awwww's" from passersby. But that's nothing compared to our interactions. He transforms into a 65-lb. wiggle-worm - dancing and jiggling into me as I rub his back and give him butt-scratches; and stretching his neck all the way up for chin-rubs, just to make sure I don't miss a spot. And all this while holding his toy...who says dogs can't multitask? Gecko's previous family tell us he's friendly and outgoing with children (including those in the home) and with other dogs (including others he's lived with), though he can be shy at first. They describe him as affectionate and playful; active; housebroken; a big fan of squeaky toys and bath time; and knows several cues (sit, down, paw). I think you'll find Gecko as charming and lovable as I have, so meet him today at our Queens shelter.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 65 lbs

4/30/2025

DVM Intake Estimated age: 1 year Microchip noted on Intake? No History: Owner surrender Subjective: BARH, no coughing/sneezing/vomiting/diarrhea Observed behavior: Whale eye, tucked tail, shaking. Looks back at examiner throughout exam, allowed handling when going slowly, light restraint. Needed squeeze gate for tasks Evidence of cruelty seen: No Evidence of trauma seen: No Evidence of neglect seen: No Objective: P: WNL R: WNL BCS: 5/9 OP: Mucous membranes pink and moist. No dental disease. EENT: Eyes, ears, and nares clear bilaterally, no discharge noted. PLN: Small/soft/symmetrical/nonpainful CV: No murmurs or arrhythmias, pulses strong and synchronous. RESP: Eupneic, no crackles/wheezes GI: Soft, nonpainful, no palpable masses. UG: male intact, two descended testicles, no discharge INT: Good hair coat, no areas of alopecia or pruritus, no ectoparasites or masses noted. MS: Ambulatory x4, no pain on palpation of epaxials NEURO: Mentation appropriate, cranial nerves intact, no deficits noted. Assessment: Clinically healthy Prognosis: Excellent Plan: -Start clonidine .02 mg/kg PO q12h indefinitely Surgery: Okay for surgery

5/3/2025

Behavior team unable to conduct handling assessment due to high level of fear - trembling, tucked tail, grumbling/growling. Currently on clonidine 0.02 mg/kg PO BID. Add trazodone 8 mg/kg PO BID.

5/23/2025

Progress exam: CIRDC noted on rounds Subjective: BAR, no S/V/D. C/Huffing noted Objective: EYES: Clear, no discharge LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: mild clear serous discharge MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4, no lameness or lesions NEURO: Appropriate mentation ASSESSMENT: Presumed CIRDC PLAN: Per standing orders -Move to iso, ppe sign & monitor log placed on kennel -Start doxy 10mg/kg PO q24h x10days & proviable 1 capsule PO q24h x10days -CTM, recheck in 3 days

5/30/2025

Progress exam: CIRDC day 7 Subjective: BAR, no C/S/V/D. Great appetite Objective: EYES: Clear, no discharge LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: no discharge noted MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4, no lameness or lesions NEURO: Appropriate mentation ASSESSMENT: Presumed CIRDC PLAN: Per standing orders -CTM, recheck in 3 days

6/2/2025

Progress exam: CIRDC day 10 Subjective: BAR, no C/S/V/D. Great appetite Objective: EYES: Clear, no discharge LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: no discharge present MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4, no lameness or lesions NEURO: Appropriate mentation ASSESSMENT: Presumed CIRDC appears resolved PLAN: Per standing orders -Move out of iso, monitor log removed from kennel -CTM on daily rounds while in QACC

6/17/2025

Pre-Op Exam S/O: BAR, no c/s/v/d noted EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge noted Lungs: Eupneic, normal respiratory rate/effort CNS: Mentation appropriate A: Apparently healthy P: Neuter SURGERY: Okay for surgery

6/17/2025

Routine Canine Neuter Scrotal Incision, sharp dissection to exteriorize each testicle Spermatic Cord Ligation with: 2-0 PDS miller's knots Sub Q closure: 2-0 PDS single simple interrupted knot Green linear tattoo placed Surgeon: 1438 Additional notes: Cold compress applied post op, smooth recovery

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 2. Blue

During intakes the dog was fearful. Minimum handling was done, he allowed to be walked to the kennel and a photo

Basic Information:: He is a LMB dog who arrived by owner surrender

Previously lived with:: 4 Adults, 3 Children, 8 Dogs

How is this dog around strangers?: He is friendly and outgoing, but he can be shy at first. He will alert bark but quickly start wiggling his butt

How is this dog around children?: He is friendly and outgoing, but he can be shy at first. He will alert bark but quickly start wiggling his butt

How is this dog around other dogs?: He is friendly and outgoing, but he can be shy at first. He will alert bark but quickly start wiggling his butt

How is this dog around cats?: No experience.

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: High

Other Notes:: He does pull a bit on the leash. He is unbothered by being held, disturbed while sleeping, startled, pushed off furniture, feet touched or collar grabbed.

Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No

For a New Family to Know: He is affectionate and playful. He likes to watch what is happening. He loves bath time. He knows the cues paw, come, potty, down, play. He loves squeak toys and running

Date of intake:: 4/30/2025

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner Surrender

Previously lived with:: 4 Adults, 3 Children, 8 Dogs

Behavior toward strangers:: friendly and outgoing, but he can be shy at first. He will alert bark but quickly start wiggling his

Behavior toward children:: friendly and outgoing, but he can be shy at first. He will alert bark but quickly start wiggling his

Behavior toward dogs:: friendly and outgoing, but he can be shy at first. He will alert bark but quickly start wiggling his

Behavior toward cats:: Unknown

Resource guarding:: No known reports of resource guarding.

Bite history:: No known reports of a bite history.

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: Gecko is noted in the prior home to have a high energy level.

Other Notes:: He does pull a bit on the leash. He is unbothered by being held, disturbed while sleeping, startled, pushed off furniture, feet touched or collar grabbed.

Date of assessment:: 6/11/2025

Summary:: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: Mild Reactivity to humans: N/A Reactivity to dogs: N/A Leash walking comments: Pulls toward a barking dog in the crate, neutral body Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Social- allows petting, seek attention Call over: Readily approaches- seeks attention, lip licks, allows petting Sociability comments: timid quickly warms up Handling Soft handling: Allowed- moves out of handling position, lip licks Exuberant handling: Allowed- moves out of handling position, lip licks Handling comments: Arousal Jog: Follow- Neutral body Arousal comments: Knock: No response Knock Comments: Toy: No response Toy comments: ***5/10/25: Please inquire for more details on prior handling assessment*** ***5/3/25: Gecko is taken to the behavior assessment room for a handling assessment. He displays very fearful, trembling as handlers touch him and displays lip licks. Gecko panics when the leash is removed and begins to huff and puff in response to handling. Gecko doesn't take treats offered to him but he allows petting, leaning into the assessor. He becomes conflicted and begins to lip lick and tremble. Gecko walks around the room and begins to growl at the helper with a tucked tail, and then starts to whine and grumble. He allows the handler to leash him and take him out of the office and into his kennel. A handling assessment will not be conducted at this time.*** ***5/1/25: Due to Gecko's fearfulness, a handling assessment is not conducted, and he is given more time to decompress.***

Summary:: According to Gecko's previous owner(s), Drako has interacted with different dogs and is often described as friendly and outgoing, but he can be shy at first. He will alert bark but quickly start wiggling his butt 07/31/25 Gecko is introduced at the gate to both a novel female and male dog on two separate occasions. Gecko is soft and wiggly when introduced to the female dog at the gate, offering bounces and play bows. When introduced to the novel male dog, Gecko's posture is square, stiff and he displays high hackles. Gecko maintains a high stiff tail appearing conflicted as he follows the male dog back and forth along the gate line, maintaining a stiff posture. This concludes the interaction. 06/09/25 Gecko is introduced at the gate to a novel male dog while off leash at the care center. Gecko will approach the gate with a neutral frame, scenting the novel dog through the gate as does the novel dog. Gecko becomes conflicted as the novel dog becomes wigglier, lip licking and growing tense. The novel dog will offer bounces at the gate and Geckos hackles rise, proceeding to displace as he scents along the gate line. Gecko will display paw raises and continues to displace, scenting further away from the gate while the novel male dog loses interest and seeks attention from one of the handlers present. Gecko is returned to kennel, concluding the interaction. 05/01/25: When off leash at the Care Center Gecko is introduced to a novel female dog. At the gate Drako approaches with a slow and cautious frame. Both dogs will scent one another through the gate. The novel female will lick his muzzle. Gecko stands, conflicted, tail tucked. Panting, Gecko begins pacing back and forth along the gate line. The novel female will remain present at the gate with a high curved tail. Gecko walks away seeking an exit. This will conclude the interaction.

Summary (5):: 7/28/25: Gecko is observed to be baring teeth, and lunging at the kennel glass as the handler approaches, rebounding off his kennel door repeatedly. Gecko is refocused with a toy, and begins to chew it when thrown to him. 07/23/25 (Trainer Note): Gecko is standing at the front of his kennel panting heavily as the handler approaches. He is easily leashed and pulls hard to the canine live room. Handlers encourage him to jump up onto the slat mill and he does so after a few moments. He is fearful and unwilling to walk. The handlers attempt to encourage him forward, but he has no interest. He is removed and returned to kennel without issue. 07/23/25 (KSV): Gecko is standing on the glass of his kennel panting heavily as the handler approaches. The handler uses a treat to lure him to the ground and reinforces him for keeping his feet on the floor. Gecko repeatedly turns towards the handler and then away to retrieve the treat. Handler reinforces for keeping his feet on the ground. Handler throws a scatter and then walks away. 7/23 (AM): While a handler is setting up musical enrichment, Gecko is seen standing on his kennel door, hard barking. - 7/17/25: Gecko is observed to be put back into kennel holding a toy and when placed back into kennel starts to bark at the front of the door. Gecko begins to hard bark, lunge and bare teeth at the kennel glass when approached as his kennel car is being moved. Gecko continues to do so until the handler walks away. 7/2/2025: I've walked Gecko many times and he's a really sweet, friendly, social dog. I give him a toy when leashing him, which makes it quick & easy, & he's so happy & excited to have it. He carries it on the whole walk. Today, I sat on the steps down the block with him & he was a total wiggle-butt....wiggling into me & rubbing up against me as I gave him back & butt scratches...& he stretched his neck all the way up so I could rub under his chin while he wiggled his butt. What's also great is that, while he loved all the attention & interaction, he didn't get overaroused or didn't start jumping up on me. On our way back to the shelter, he walked really nicely on the leash...there was even some slack on it. It was like now that he got all these things he loves - human interaction; a toy; a walk (he seems to be very housebroken); & time out of the shelter - it made him feel more chill. Gecko is one of my favorites...I just love him!

Summary (6):: 7/4/25 Gecko is standing at the front of his kennel, but when the handler opens the door to leash him, he will shy away to the back. The handler offers treats to guide him to the front, and Gecko will eat from the handler’s hand while being leashed. He is then escorted outside for an enrichment walk, where he maintains a neutral frame while exploring the environment. Gecko takes treats in exchange for responding to “sit” cues and remains engaged throughout the session. Once the session is complete, Gecko is escorted back to the care center and returned to his kennel safely without any issues. 7/3/25: Gecko will snap and bare teeth when passing his kennel 6/11: (reassessment) Gecko is draped across his bed when a handler approaches. He readily comes to the front of the kennel and is easily leashed, immediately picking up a toy to carry with him. Gecko is brought to the behavior office for his reassessment. He perks and then pulls toward other dogs when he sees/hears barking when passing them in crates, but his body remains neutral. The handler walks him into the office, but when they attempt to clip his collar, they see that its now too big. The handlers feed him spray cheese while swapping out the collars. Gecko shakes off and walks away after. Once his reassessment is complete, he returns to his kennel without issue. 6/09/25: Gecko is at the front of his kennel barking when the handler approaches. Gecko will grab a toy from his bed and allow the handler to leash him. Gecko is brought out for a dog-dog greet. Gecko is neutral bodied and does not to choose to interact but tolerates all handling. Gecko is brought back to his kennel with no issue. 06/06/25: Gecko is lying down in the back of his kennel upon the handler’s arrival. Once he notices the handler at the kennel door, he walks to the front and allows the handler to leash him with ease. He is then brought outside for an enrichment walk. While walking through the neighborhood, Gecko maintains a neutral frame and walks on a loose leash as he explores the trees and grass. When a dog across the street begins barking, Gecko responds by looking in the dog’s direction and begins to pull toward them. He is successfully redirected with treats and continues walking calmly with the handler. At the end of the session, Gecko is escorted back to the care center and returned to his kennel safely.

Summary (7):: 05/23/25: Gecko is lying down on his kuranda bed as handler approaches. He slowly raises his head to look up at handler before placing it back down on the bed. Handler exits the room and returns a few moments later with a frozen puzzle feeder enrichment. Gecko slowly rises from the bed and investigates the puzzle feeder before returning to lay down. 05/14/25: Gecko is lying down in the back of his kennel and will walk to the front, allowing the handler to leash him with ease. Gecko is then escorted outside, appearing fearful and easily startled by loud noises or sudden movements. He is brought back inside to the care center and returned to his kennel safely with no issues. 5/7/25: Gecko was laying on kuranda bed when handler approached. He approached front of kennel and was leashed withe ease. Gecko walked past the loud fan with his ears slicked back. Gecko ignored other dogs as they walked by in close proximity. He displayed some unease when being clipped to a drag leash by slightly leaning away with his ears slicked back. Gecko was aloof throughout interaction and approached handler on his own terms one time. Handler remained still and let him sniff them. Gecko stood neutrally in the sunshine several feet away from where handler was crouched. He ate chicken jerky cautiously and inconsistently. Gecko moved away when handler approached with slip leash. He tolerated a slow approach and exited the pen. Gecko walked past two dogs reacting to each other without issue. He was returned to kennel with ease. He stood neutrally at front of kennel and gently picked up a braided rope toy handler slid under the door. 05/02/25: (Assessment Note):Gecko is standing at the front of his kennel with a neutral body and will cower slightly but allows the handler to leash him. He is brought to the assessment room, where he appears very fearful, trembling as handlers touch him and displaying lip licks. Gecko panics when the leash is removed and begins to huff and puff in response to handling. Gecko will growl and begin whining in the room as he is free roaming, handler immediately places the lead over his head and he will be escorted back to his kennel safely with no further issues. 05/01/25: Gecko stands at the front of his kennel and allows the handler to leash him with ease. He will sprint up the hill to the play yard, hard pulling on the leash while walking ahead of the handler. Gecko displays fearful behavior in response of soft talk from handler, with his ears pinned back. Gecko will be escorted back to his kennel safely with no iss

Date of intake:: 4/30/2025

Summary:: Fearful Minimum handling was done,

Date of initial:: 4/30/2025

Summary:: Whale eye, tucked tail, shaking. Looks back at examiner throughout exam, allowed handling when going

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: Level 3

Recommendations:: No children (under 13)

Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to Gecko's high level of fearfulness, we recommend he be placed in an adult-only home at this time.

Potential challenges: : Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,Anxiety,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration,Kennel presence

Potential challenges comments:: Fearful/potential for defensive aggression | Anxiety: In the prior home Gecko is notred to alert bark at strangers, children and other dog but is noted to also warm up and display a wiggling body. In care, he has been conflicted during interaction but has escalated to growling at handlers. Please see the handout on Fearful/potential for defensive aggression & Generalized Anxiety. barrier frustration/Kennel presence: It is noted that when people pass his kennel that he will bare his teeth.