Animal Profile

Gambit is at risk due to behavior concerns. Gambit has not acclimated well to the shelter environment and has been stressed despite best efforts to keep him comfortable. In his crate, Gambit has been reactive to a neighboring dog and has escalated to growling, snarling, and snapping at staff when approached. He was noted to briefly lean into petting from a handler, but remains mostly tense with most interactions. His previous owner did report that he does not get along with children, other dogs, and does resource guards food, and treats from other dogs. Medically, Gambit has dental disease, a wound, and is emaciated.

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This pet needs emergency placement. Please click here to go to our emergency placement page for more information. This pet is available only through ACC New Hope partners. To adopt or foster, please complete the pre-screener form below. Inquiries sent directly to ACC will not receive a response. Pre-Screener Form Gambit is at risk due to behavior concerns. Gambit has not acclimated well to the shelter environment and has been stressed despite best efforts to keep him comfortable. In his crate, Gambit has been reactive to a neighboring dog and has escalated to growling, snarling, and snapping at staff when approached. He was noted to briefly lean into petting from a handler, but remains mostly tense with most interactions. His previous owner did report that he does not get along with children, other dogs, and does resource guards food, and treats from other dogs. Medically, Gambit has dental disease, a wound, and is emaciated. Gambit came into the care center as an owner surrender due to him not getting along with the children in the home. In the prior home his owners noted that he is fearful and in the care center, he is noted to warm up with a slow approach and seeks attetion from the handler, allowing petting. Gambit has not acclimated well to the kennel environment. We recommend placement with a New Hope partner who can provide any necessary behavior modification (force-free, positive reinforcement-based) and re-evaluate behavior in a stable home environment before placement into a permanent home. A volunteer writes: The first time we meet Gambit, we're struck by how tiny he is: just over 30 pounds, a bony frame hungry to be filled out. He seems enticed by the idea of leaving his crate but he's hesitant and curls into himself, making him seem even smaller than he already is. But some treats do the trick, and he easily lets us swoop him up and loosely carry him in our arms when the sounds of barking dogs in neighboring crates seem to overwhelm him and he's too scared to pass. Once in a quieter area of the shelter, we place him down on the ground, and he is no sooner ready to saunter out of the building with a little gentle coaxing. Gambit yearns to show his affection, leaning into our hands for more cheek scratches once we've had a little time to get to know each other in the quietness of the play yard. His gentle, wary nature hints at a past that was perhaps not so tolerant of or kind to a young, shy pup learning how to navigate the world. He arrived at the shelter wearing a shock collar, underweight, shaking, with large sores pointing to prolonged time in a crate. But he's learning how to trust, and prefers to stay close to people when in the yard or hanging out in a room with staff in the shelter, and allows all handling. We hope he finds a soft, quiet place to call home, one where he never has to fear for his safety or basic needs ever again, where he has the space for his confidence to bloom and the pure sweetness we can see shining through to be fully realized.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 33 lbs

Medical Notes

4/8/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: approx 3-7 years based on dentition and conformation Microchip noted on Intake? scanned negative History: os, present with bark collar Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - enters with loose wiggly body, solicits pets, took treats, allowed for all handling, tasks, and procedure Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? Y Objective: T = np P = wnl R = wnl BCS 2/9 EENT: Eyes clear, mild light brown ceruminous debris AU, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: moderate- severe wear and staining visible, staining to enamel, gingivitis PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: MI, two scrotal testes, intermittent paraphimosis MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, thin coat, pressure sores scabbing over the pressure points, most prominent over ischium bilaterally, scarring and pressure sores with scabbing extending down the dorsal aspect of the tail, emaciated, slight muscle wasting over epaxials CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment: paraphimosis - reducible pressure sores- in various stages of healing emaciated Prognosis: fair pending bloodwork results Plan: intake exam and tasks sterile lube applied, paraphimosis easily reduced Refeeding plan x 2 weeks CBC/CHEM/T4 to lab- check for results tomorrow soft bedding - house in medical amoxi-clav 13.75mg/kg PO BID x 7 days brief comfort recheck in 2 days recheck weight in 6 days for next week of refeeding jotform/photos awaiting sort SURGERY: Okay for surgery: N Temporary waiver due to emaciation

4/8/2026

Your newly adopted pet has been diagnosed with being EMACIATED and the staff veterinarians are issuing a TEMPORARY waiver from the spay/neuter requirements of the City of NY. Follow up care at your regular veterinarian is recommended to ensure continued treatment through to the resolution of the issue. At the time of a full recovery you may choose to have your veterinarian perform the spay/neuter surgery, or make provisions to return the pet to ACC for sterilization.

4/9/2026

Recheck emaciation with decubital ulcers, bw results S/O: BAR, active, no c/s/v/d noted - stool is soft FS 5 EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge LUNGS: Eupneic MSI: Ambulatory x 4 CNS: Appropriate mentation CBC: platelets 655 (H) CHEM: glucose 229 (H), phosphorus 1.6 (L), chloride 107 (L), protein 7.6 (H), globulin 4.1 (H) T4: wnl A: Emaciation Decubital ulcers Dental disease Electrolyte abnormalities - suspect dietary P: Continue refeeding plan and recheck as scheduled

4/12/2026

Cageside progress exam S/O: BAR - at front of kennel soliciting attention no c/s/v/d noted, D/U/D/E WNL EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge LUNGS: Eupneic MSI: Ambulatory x 4 CNS: Appropriate mentation A: HX Emaciation HX Decubital ulcers HX Dental disease HX Electrolyte abnormalities - suspect dietary P: Continue refeeding plan and recheck as scheduled. If space is limited OK to move out of ICU for more urgent cases

4/14/2026

Cageside progress exam S: BAR - at front of kennel soliciting attention no c/s/v/d reported great appetite, gaining weight O: EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge L: Eupneic at distance MS: Ambulatory x4 CNS: Appropriate mentation A: Emaciation - improving P: OK to move to adoptions, TID feedings x7d Recheck weight in 1 week

4/20/2026

Progress exam: CIRDC signs noted on rounds Subjective: BAR, no C/V/D. Sneezing present Objective: EYES: Clear 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 doxycycline 10mg/kg PO q24h x10days -CTM, recheck in 3 days

4/21/2026

P gaining weight appropriately OK to CWCP

4/28/2026

Progress exam: CIRDC day 7 recheck Subjective: BAR, no C/S/V/D present. AS:3 took treats & coughing noted on log Objective: EYES: Clear LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: no discharge MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4, no lameness or lesions NEURO: Appropriate mentation ASSESSMENT: Presumed CIRDC PLAN: Per standing orders -CTM, recheck as scheduled

4/29/2026

Behavior team reports lunging at front of kennel at handlers, biting bars of crate. Start trazodone 10 mg/kg PO BID and clonidine 0.015 mg/kg PO BID.

4/30/2026

Progress exam: CIRDC day 10 recheck Subjective: BAR, no C/S/V/D. AS:3 per log Objective: EYES: Clear 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 -CIRDC signage removed from kennel -CTM on daily rounds while in QACC

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 1. Green

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Upon intake dog was fearful but tolerant. Staff was easily able to leash, scan for MC, pet, walk, and place in kennel but opted not to collar due to FAS.

Date of Intake: 4/8/2026

Basic Information:: Gambit is a MMB gray and white male dog who was surrendered to ACC after spending four months with the surrendering owner.

Previously lived with:: adults, 7 children (ages 0-6), SMB

How is this dog around strangers?: Hard barks/growls and snaps.

How is this dog around children?: Hard barks/growls and snaps.

How is this dog around other dogs?: With familiar dogs he reportedly snaps. No experience with unfamiliar dogs.

How is this dog around cats?: No experience.

Resource guarding:: Considers food/treats items of value and will hover over the items, growl, hard bark, or snap if approached by another dog.

Bite history:: No history.

Housetrained:: Partially

Energy level/descriptors:: Medium

Other Notes:: Client never attempted to hold or restrain, disturb while sleeping, startle, move from furniture, or touch paws/collar.

Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No

For a New Family to Know: Gambit is a fearful and solitary dog who spends most of his time in the living room of his home. His previous caretakers never attempted to groom him or send him to a groomer and he has no experience being in a car. He pulls very little on his leash and is accustomed to going on 3-4 walks a day but does not have a schedule. He is crate trained to spend up to 8hrs in a standard crate.

Date of intake:: 4/8/2026

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

Previously lived with:: adults, 7 children (ages 0-6), SMB

Behavior toward strangers:: Hard barks/growls and snaps.

Behavior toward children:: Hard barks/growls and snaps.

Behavior toward dogs:: With familiar dogs he reportedly snaps.

Behavior toward cats:: No experience.

Resource guarding:: Considers food/treats items of value and will hover over the items, growl, hard bark, or snap if approached by another dog.

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

Housetrained:: Partially

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

Other Notes:: Client never attempted to hold or restrain, disturb while sleeping, startle, move from furniture, or touch paws/collar Gambit is a fearful and solitary dog who spends most of his time in the living room of his home. His previous caretakers never attempted to groom him or send him to a groomer and he has no experience being in a car. He pulls very little on his leash and is accustomed to going on 3-4 walks a day but does not have a schedule. He is crate trained to spend up to 8hrs in a standard crate.

Date of assessment:: 4/29/2026

Summary:: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: Loose Reactivity to humans: None Reactivity to dogs: None Leash walking comments: Low tail wag, appeasement behavior Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Stay near- low body, allow petting, aloof Call over: Comes when coaxed- aloof, allows pwetting, neutral body Sociability comments: Handling Soft handling: Allowed - Neutral body, sits Exuberant handling: Allowed- Neutral Body, sits Handling comments: Arousal Jog: Follow-neutral body Arousal comments: Knock: No response Knock Comments: Toy: No response Toy comments:

Summary (7):: 4/30: Ops staff reported that when securing Gambit's crate, their knee is braced against the crate door. Ganbit was reported to be growling in the crate, and the staff member felt Gambit's teeth graze their knee through the bars. 4/29: A handler passes Gambit's crate to put tags on another dog's kennel. He is seen lying down. As the handler turns to exit the room, they hear growling. They turn to find the source and see Gambit standing at the front of his crate with his lips puckered as he growls at them across the room. He is stiff as he stands on his tiptoes, tail high and flagging. 4/28: Gambit is seen standing on the bars of his crate with his teeth bared as he hard barks at the dog in the kennel next to him. As a handler places a visual barrier between him and the other dog, Gambit begins snarling and snapping at towards the handler. 4/26/26: It is reported on the white board that Gambit will lean into pets. 4/14/26 (assessment): Gambit is at the front of his kennel as the handler approaches. As they open the door, Gambit will approach with ears pinned back, his tail tucked and a paw lifted. He is leashed with ease and will walk slowly, having to be coaxed through the hallway. Once in the behavior office, Gambit is fitted with a collar and a drag leash during which he is slightly tense. He is then free to walk around the office but he opts to stay close to the handlers. (see assessment for more information) He is leashed and unclipped after the assessment and is returned to his kennel with no issue.

Date of intake:: 4/8/2026

Summary:: fearful but tolerant.

Date of initial:: 4/8/2026

Summary:: enters with loose wiggly body, solicits pets, took treats, allowed for all handling, tasks, and proc

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only

Recommendations:: No children (under 13),Place with a New Hope partner

Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to Gambit's history in the prior home to snap at children, we recommend he be placed in an adult-only home at this time. Place with a New Hope partner: Gambit came into the care center as an owner surrender due to him not getting along with the children in the home. In the prior home his owners noted that he is fearful and in the care center, he is noted to warm up with a slow approach and seeks attetion from the handler, allowing petting. Gambit has not acclimated well to the kennel environment. We recommend placement with a New Hope partner who can provide any necessary behavior modification (force-free, positive reinforcement-based) and re-evaluate behavior in a stable home environment before placement into a permanent home.

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

Potential challenges comments:: Resource guarding: Gambit considers food/treats items of value and will hover over the items, growl, hard bark, or snap if approached by another dog. Training should focus on management strategies such as separating dogs during feeding, implementing trade-up exercises, and reinforcing calm behavior around valued resources to prevent escalation. Please see the handout on Resource guarding. Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: In the prior home, Gambit is noted to Hard barks/growls and growl at strangers, children, and snap at familiar dogs. Training should emphasize increasing distance from triggers, slow and controlled introductions, and reinforcing calm behavior to reduce fear-driven reactions. Please see the handout on Fearful/potential for defensive aggression. Kennel presence/barrier frustration: In the care center, gambit is noted to bare teeth,growl and lunge at peopel/dogs that approach or walk pass his kennel. . This indicates a need for desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques to help him remain calm and composed in situations where he is separated by barriers. Please see the handout on On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration.