Animal Profile

Blaze is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. In the care center, Blaze has shown fearful behavior in his time at the care center, including collaring, backing away, and head whipping when handlers attempted to place it. He has also displayed hard barking with a tense, forward body toward an unfamiliar staff members and is generally shutdown in the care center. Blaze has additionally been observed heavily panting and pacing in his kennel, suggesting difficulty settling in his kennel. Outside of these situations, Blaze walks well, accepts treats, and has shown no reactions to dogs or people on walks. Medically, Blaze has an ear infection and suspected chronic dermatitis.

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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 Blaze is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. In the care center, Blaze has shown fearful behavior in his time at the care center, including collaring, backing away, and head whipping when handlers attempted to place it. He has also displayed hard barking with a tense, forward body toward an unfamiliar staff members and is generally shutdown in the care center. Blaze has additionally been observed heavily panting and pacing in his kennel, suggesting difficulty settling in his kennel. Outside of these situations, Blaze walks well, accepts treats, and has shown no reactions to dogs or people on walks. Medically, Blaze has an ear infection and suspected chronic dermatitis. Blaze was surrendered by his previous owner due to moving into a building that didn't allow animals. His previous family described him as a dog with a medium energy level, is not picky, and will eat most foods or treats. He enjoyed cuddling with his people and seeking attention; he can be very affectionate and prefers to spend his time around people. He is noted to hard bark at new people and takes time to settle. On walks, he is reported to hard bark and lunge at other dogs and strangers. During his intake, Blaze escalated to hard barking and hard staring at staff and would not settle. After being placed in his kennel, he began growling and snapping at the hook that was used to remove the leash. Blaze has not acclimated well to the kennel environment and has allowed only minimal handling since intake. 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.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 77 lbs

10/30/2020

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 1-2y Microchip noted on Intake? scanned negative History: Owner evicted. Had diarrhea twice during intake. Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - Allowed handling for exam, but became tense and growling for injections. Evidence of Cruelty seen -no Evidence of Trauma seen -no Objective P =wnl R =wnl BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: clean adult dentition PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NR, NMA, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: male intact, 2 testes palpable in scrotum MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: normal external Assessment: diarrhea-r/o stress v other Prognosis: good Plan: -intake tasks -monitor for additional episodes of diarrhea -neuter SURGERY: Okay for surgery

11/8/2020

Hx: Diarrhea noted during intake exam - R/O stress. Diarrhea noted again on 11/4. Yesterday, pt was congested and had diarrhea. S: Quiet in kennel, chewing rawhide O: No nasal or ocular discharge. No coughing or sneezing. A: 1. Diarrhea - R/O stress vs. diet vs. other 2. Congestion reported - not seen. R/O early CIRDC vs. spurious vs. other. P: 1. Add fiber - 16 oz can sweet potato PO BID x7 days 2. Proviable 1 cap SID x10 days 1088

11/9/2020

S: BAR in kennel, normal stool and urine present. Very jumpy/mouthy when brought on leash; resisted restraint and muzzling. O: EENT: Clean/bright, no ocular/nasal discharge/sneezing/coughing/congestion Oral Exam: Not examined due to muzzle H/L: NMA, SSP, eupneic Abd: No hernias palpated U/G: Intact male; 2 testicles palpable in scrotum Rectal: Mild fecal staining A: Good anesthetic candidate P: Neuter today

11/9/2020

Was this dog a cryptorchid? No If so describe – n/a Pre-scrotal incision Spermatic cord ligation with: 2-0 monocryl in one modified miller’s and one circumferential surgeon's Sub Q and skin closure: 2-0 monocryl in modified Colorado Green linear tattoo placed lateral to prepuce

11/10/2020

Hx: 1 day post op neuter BAR H UG- no scrotal swelling; incision is CDI A) 1 day post op healing P) placement

11/9/2020

Neuter performed by VET: 1819 Patient Anesthesia form uploaded to Shelter Buddy in Vet documents. Start the following pain managements: 1 tablet of Rimadyl 100 mg by mouth for 2 days starting the day after surgery. For pain management.

6/26/2026

[DVM Intake] DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 6yrs based on conformation Microchip noted on intake? scans positive History: owner surrender Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - hard-barking in kennel, growls when approached, sedated for exam and tasks Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? no Objective: P = 90 (sedated) R = 24 BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears thickened canals with thick ceruminous debris AU with AD worse than AS, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: limited due to temperament/muzzle for exam PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: MN MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, alopecia on ventral neck and patches of scabbing and alopecia on both carpi and tarsi with pachydermatitis CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: externally normal Wood's Lamp Exam: not performed Assessment: Approx. 6yr MN canine Otitis AU Dermatitis with signs of chronicity (r/o infectious/inflammatory with underlying allergy/atopy) High FAS Prognosis: good Plan: sedated with dexdomitor 10mcg/kg + torb 0.2mg/kg + ketamine 2mg/kg IM and achieved moderate sedation intake tasks ear cleaning + apply simplera AU CBC/chem/t4 to idexx Convenia 8mg/kg SQ Applied duoxo-chlorhex mousse to all areas of alopecia and thickened/scabbed skin Reversed with equal volume antesedan Start trazadone 7mg/kg PO BID indefinitely Start gabapentin 15mg/kg PO BID indefinitely for pruritis and FAS Rec additional diagnostics and treatment for chronic dermatitis with placement SURGERY: neutered

6/27/2026

CBC: WBC 17.8 (H), neutrophils 15.664 (H) CHEM: total protein 7.6 (H), globulin 4.7 (H) T4: wnl Interpretation: -Findings consistent with inflammation - ro dermatitis

7/11/2026

Behavior team reports continued kennel stress despite current medications - heavy panting, pacing, bloodshot eyes. PLAN: Increase trazodone to 10 mg/kg PO BID

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 4. Orange

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Upon intake, Blaze hard barked/hard stared at staff the whole time in waiting room and did not settle down. Staff had the client leash him/walk down the hall to pass him off, and he was tolerant on the leash to medical. Once in his kennel he continued hard barking, growled, snapped biting hard on the hook multiple times while staff was removing the leash. Behavior Walks tag and black dot were placed with him.

Basic Information:: Blaze is a 6-year-old male dog that lived with his previous owner for 6 years.

Previously lived with:: adults and children

How is this dog around strangers?: Blaze will hard bark at new people and takes a while to settle down.

How is this dog around children?: Blaze is playful and gentle with children.

How is this dog around other dogs?: Blaze has no experience with other dogs.

How is this dog around cats?: Blaze has no experience with cats.

Resource guarding:: Blaze does not resource guard.

Bite history:: Blaze has no bite history.

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: Medium

Other Notes:: Blaze is known to lunge and hard bark at other dogs while on walks as well as hard barking at new people. He is also known to jump up on people when he is too excited. Blaze does not like having his nails trimmed and will run away when attempted to.

Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: Yes

Medical Notes: skin allergies

For a New Family to Know: Blaze knows commands "sit, stay, paw, and jump" and is food motivated. He is not picky and will eat most food/treats. Blaze is a cuddle dog and loved attention. He is very affectionate and prefers to spend his time around people. Blaze is a gentle giant once he gets to known people.

Date of intake:: 6/26/2026

Spay/Neuter status:: Yes

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner Surrender (6 years)

Previously lived with:: adults and children

Behavior toward strangers:: hard barks, takes a while to settle

Behavior toward children:: Playful and gentle

Behavior toward dogs:: Unknown

Behavior toward cats:: Unknown

Resource guarding:: None reported

Bite history:: None reported

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: Blaze is reported to have a medium energy level.

Other Notes:: June 2026: Second stay - owner surrender Blaze is known to lunge and hard bark at other dogs while on walks, as well as hard bark at new people. He is also known to jump up on people when he is too excited. Blaze does not like having his nails trimmed and will run away when attempted to. October 2020: First stay - surrendered as a stray; history unknown

Date of assessment:: 7/1/2026

Summary:: 7/12: Blaze would not allow handlers to collar him today. While he would accept treats, he would stiffen and back away during attempts. On one attempt, he huffs and whips his head out of the crag leash/collar combo. An ACS enters the room once handlers suspend their attempts to ask a question, and Blaze begins hard barking with a stiff, heightened posture and high flagging tail. Due to his behavior, he is returned to his kennel, and a handling assessment could not be conducted. 7/1/26: Blaze has not acclimated well to the shelter environment. He escalated to hard barking and hard staring at staff during his intake. He did not settle and continued hard barking, growling, and snapping at the hook when placed into his kennel and the leash was being removed. He remains fearful and uncomfortable with most interactions. Due to this, a behavior assessment has not been attempted. 2020: Previous handling assessment available upon request

Summary:: Blaze arrived as an owner surrender, and his behavior is noted to be unknown with other dogs but dog hard bark and lunge at them on walks. 7/17/26: Blaze greets a novel female dog on leash through a barrier. Blaze will approach the gate after sniffing and displacing around the yard for a bit, and when finally greets the female dog will begin to tense, close his mouth, stand on his tip toes and stare. The female dog is loose, but begins to walk away after Blaze begins to tense. Blaze also will walk away. 11/1/2020: Blaze displays a stiff body and hard stare when greeting the helper dog on leash.

Summary (7):: 7/17/26: Blaze is standing at the front of his kennel as handler approaches. He is able to be leashed with ease and is then taken to the play yard for playgroup. In the yard, he greets the other dog at the gate with a tense body and would constantly disengage. He would begin to whimper as he stares at the other handler on the other side of the gate. Please see dog to dog notes for more details. He pulls on the way back to his kennel and is able to enter with no issues. 7/12/26 (BA): Blaze is at the front of the kennel with a neutral frame as the handler approaches. He is leashed with ease and brought to the behavior office where the handlers will attempt to fit him with a collar as he eats some spray cheese off of the couch. Blaze is avoidant of the collar, backing away and whipping his head out of it as is touches his neck. After a few attempts they stop and a staff member enters the room. Blaze will begin to hard bark at the staff member with a forward frame and tense body. He is returned to his kennel with no further issue and secured safely. (see assessment for more information) 7/10/26: Blaze is observed in kennel, heavy panting, pacing, with bloodshot eyes. 6/28/26: Blaze is laying down in his kennel as handler approaches. He comes forward to the front as the handler unlocks the door and is able to be leashed with ease. He is then taken outside for a walk. On the walk, he has no reactions to dogs or people and is comfortable approaching the handler to receive treats. He is able to return back to his kennel with no issues. 6/27/26: Blaze is laying down at the back of his kennel as handler approaches. He remains laying down with a tense body until the handler opens the door. He then slowly approaches and would slowly back his head away as the handler leashes him. Once leashed, he is then taken outside for a walk. On the walk, he has a neutral body frame as he walks next to the handler. He has no reactions to dogs or people that were passing by. He is able to return back to his kennel with no issues.

Date of intake:: 6/26/2026

Summary:: Hard bark, hard stare, did not settle, once in kennel continued hard barking , growled, snapped

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only

Recommendations:: No children (under 13),Single-pet home,Recommend no dog parks,Place with a New Hope partner

Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to Blaze's fearful and potential for defensive behaviors, we recommend an adult-only home. Single-pet home/Recommend no dog parks: Due to Blaze's behavior in playgroup, we recommend he goes home as a single pet and does not visit dog parks, and should always be slowly and positively introduced to any novel dog in any home. Place with a New Hope partner: Blaze has not acclimated well to the kennel environment and has allowed only minimal handling since intake. 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: : Basic manners/poor impulse control,Handling/touch sensitivity,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration

Potential challenges comments:: Basic manners/poor impulse control: Blaze is reported to jump up a lot in a social manner when excited in his previous home. Please see handout on Basic Manners. Handling/touch sensitivity: Blaze is reported to dislike having his nails trimmed and will run away during attempts. It is important to avoid touching Blaze's paws at this time and to be cautious when touching him in other areas, as we do not know where he may have other sensitivities. Positive reinforcement, reward-based training should be used to pair touch with good things such as food rewards in order to teach Blaze to be more comfortable with this. Please see handout on handling /touch sensitivity. Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: Blaze is reported to hard bark at new people and takes a while to settle. Similar behaviors were displayed during his intake, where he escalated to hard staring and hard barking at staff during his intake. Once in kennel, he began growling and snapping at the hook that was used to remove the lead. Guidance from a professional trainer/behaviorist is recommended to assess behavior after decompression in a new home environment. Force-free, reward-based training is advised when introducing or exposing Blaze to new and unfamiliar situations. Please see handout on fearful /potential for defensive aggression. Onleash reactivity/barrier frustration: Blazers reported to Lunge and hard bark at other dogs and strangers while on walks. Please see handout on On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration.