Animal Profile

DeGrom is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. DeGrom is shut down in the care center allowing minimum handing. In the care center, DeGrom has shown extreme behaviors during handling, including intense thrashing, screaming, vocalizing, alligator rolling, defecating, and refusing to walk when leash pressure is applied. In his previous home his family reported DeGrom when comfortable was playful, a couch potato, and enjoyed chewing on durable toys. They also reported DeGrom struggled with general anxiety and showed destructive tendencies when left alone. Medically, DeGrom recently underwent a aural hematoma repair. DeGrom has a history of ear infections but is otherwise healthy at the time.

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. 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 DeGrom is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. DeGrom is shut down in the care center allowing minimum handing. In the care center, DeGrom has shown extreme behaviors during handling, including intense thrashing, screaming, vocalizing, alligator rolling, defecating, and refusing to walk when leash pressure is applied. In his previous home his family reported DeGrom when comfortable was playful, a couch potato, and enjoyed chewing on durable toys. They also reported DeGrom struggled with general anxiety and showed destructive tendencies when left alone. Medically, DeGrom recently underwent a aural hematoma repair. DeGrom has a history of ear infections but is otherwise healthy at the time. Degrom was surrendered to the care center by his previous owner, due to barking when left alone. His previous owners describe Degrom as an affectionate dog who is a fun mix of high energy and couch potato, and thinks he is a lap dog. He loves spending time with his family, chewing on bones, and relaxing in sunny spots. Degrom has not acclimated well to the care center environment, and has shown intensely stressed and fearful behavior when handlers have attempted to move him on leash, vocalizing, thrashing, and rolling. His previous owners report that he may escalate to hard barking and growling when startled or approached by unfamiliar people. Due to all noted concerns in the home and care center environment, we recommend placement with a New Hope partner who can allow for decompression, 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: 93 lbs

Medical Notes

11/6/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: ~3-6 years based on dentition / condition, consistent with reported age of 4 Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative History: owner surrender Subjective: BARH, pink moist mm, CRT <2s Observed Behavior - Fearful; tail tucked in exam room, looking for exit, whale eye during exam and urinated during auscultation. Able to complete exam and tasks by going very slow. at end of tasks was able to shake off and seemed more comfortable, did not lean into pets Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? No Objective: P = WNL R = WNL BCS 8/9 EENT: Eyes clear, no nasal or ocular discharge noted. AS aural hematoma, significant erythema, moderately stenotic, moderate-severe malodorous yellow-orange ceruminous debris. AD erythematous w/ moderate ceruminous debris. Otoscopic exam not performed Oral Exam: scant tartar, overall clean dentition PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2s, Lungs clear, eupneic, negative ITC ABD: tense, not overtly painful, no masses palpated U/G: Male neutered, no palpable testicles in scrotum MSI: Ambulatory x 4, full orthopedic exam not performed INT: no masses noted, no ectoparasites seen. diffuse erythematous papules on ventrum, mild-mod pododermatitis x4. focal areas of alopecia and erythema along hind distal limbs CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Normal externally Wood's Lamp Exam: Not performed Assessment: MN mature adult mixed breed - aural hematoma AS - otitis externa AU - pyoderma - pododermatitis x4 - distal limb areas of focal alopecia and erythema r/o allergic vs. contact dermatitis vs. autoimmune vs. other Prognosis: fair-good Plan: - OK for appropriate intake tasks - Start trazodone 300 mg (~7mg/kg) PO BID indefinetly - Sedated ear treatment: at time of sedation; clean ears, repair aural hematoma, apply simplera AU, vetrisseb mousse to abdomen, and anything else deemed necessary - start gabapentin 600mg (~15mg/kg) PO BID indefinetly - start cephalexin 1000mg (23mg/kg) PO BID x28d SURGERY: Already altered

11/6/2026

Aural Hematoma Repair S: Presented for surgical repair of left aural hematoma. O: Left ear: Aural hematoma present. Bilateral ears: -Marked pinna erythema and inflammation. - Significant yellow-orange, thick, waxy ceruminous debris surrounding and extending into the accessible external ear canals. - Ear canals patent without significant stenosis. A: Assessment 1. Left aural hematoma 2. Bilateral otitis externa 3. Superficial pyoderma P: Sedation and Anesthesia * Sedation calculated using estimated lean body weight of 75 lb (34 kg) * - Dexmedetomidine (0.5 mg/mL): 0.8 mL + Butorphanol (10 mg/mL): 0.8 mL IM - sedation not achieved - Elected to add additional 0.2ml of both dexmedetomidine and butorphanol IM. P sedate and able to be transported on table, ADD Ketamine 1mg/kg (100mg/ml) 1ml IV and adequate sedation achieved Total Dexmedetomidine: 0.5 ml (14.7 mcg/kg). Total Butorphanol: 1ml (0.29 mg/kg). ~15min into procedure, sedation began wearing off, isoflurane administered via face mask when patient began regaining consciousness during procedure. Procedure AD: cleaned throroughly using ear cleaner, CTAs and dry gauze and instilled Simplera AS: Left ear canal cleaned as thoroughly as possible using the same technique as right ear Left Aural Hematoma Repair - Left pinna clipped and aseptically prepared with chlorhexidine - S-shaped incision made in pinna using a #10 scalpel blade - Large volume of blood and approximately 2 cm fibrin clot evacuated - flushed thoroughly with sterile saline - Parallel tacking sutures placed throughout pinna using 3-0 PDS to eliminate dead space Bandaging - Telfa pad placed between left ear and head. - Head wrap applied: Two layers cast padding, one layer kling, one layer Vet Wrap - E-collar placed. Postoperative Medication - Vetrisseb mousse applied to chest, abdomen, and caudal thighs - Carprofen (50 mg/mL) 2mg/kg: 1.85 mL SQ - start carprofen 100mg (2.4mg/kg) PO BID x4d - Antisedan 1ml IM Initial Recovery - During transport to kennel on gurney, patient became awake and began thrashing, moved to the floor and attempted to walk back, and refused to ambulate - Patient appeared dysphoric; developed loud vocalization and marked thrashing/flailing when leash assistance was attempted, urination and defecation occurred Resedation for safe kennel transport via gurney: - Methadone (10 mg/mL): 0.84 mL for probable pain - Dexmedetomidine (0.5 mg/mL): 1 mL IM + Butorphanol (10 mg/mL): 1 mL IM Head wrap and E-collar removed prior to reversal. Reversal performed in kennel using equal volume antisedan, monitored until sternal

11/7/2026

Brief cageside progress exam S: BARH - at front of kennel with head low and whale eyes, low growling. pink moist mm at distance. small amount of blood droplets observed at front of cage no c/s/v/d reported appears to be eating well O: EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge, corneas clear, aural hematoma site appears intact LUNG: Eupneic at distance MSK: Ambulatory x4 INT: Healthy haircoat at distance CNS: Appropriate mentation A/P: OK to continue rechecks as scheduled and monitor through standard sheltering operations

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 2. Blue

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Upon intake, dog was tolerant and approached staff in a friendly/curious manner. He was easily leashed, walked, scanned, and placed in kennel. Was not collared due to FAS.

Date of Intake: 11/5/2026

Spay/Neuter Status: Neutered

Basic Information:: Name: Degrom Age: 3-6 years old Color: white with black on ears and eye Sex: Male Altered: Yes Size: Large/ Grande Surrender Reason: Behavior Length of time owned: 2-5 years Where the previous owner got this dog: Shelter or rescue

Previously lived with:: 2 adults, 1 child- 2 years old

How is this dog around strangers?: Hard barks and/or growls, Alert barks

How is this dog around children?: Friendly & Outgoing, Playful

How is this dog around other dogs?: Familiar dogs: Playful, Alert barks Unfamiliar dogs - on leash: Hard barks and/or growls Unfamiliar dogs - off leash: No experience

How is this dog around cats?: Cats: No experience Other Animals: No experience

Resource guarding:: None reported

Bite history:: No history

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: Medium

Other Notes:: Goes potty on: Outside on walks (grass, cement, dirt, etc.), Wee-wee pads Accident frequency: Very rarely Additional info: When he gets overly excited he may have an accident Behavior concerns: Jumps up often or non-stop, General anxiety (paces, whines, unable to settle), Pulls hard on leash, Anxious when left alone, Destructive tendencies (furniture, walls, shoes, household items, etc.), Barks a lot Reacts to on walks: Strangers that approach you/family members, Small animals (squirrels, birds, rats, etc.), Large dogs, Small dogs Reaction type: Growling/Hard barking, Lunging How this dog reacts when... - Held/restrained: Fearful - Disturbed while resting/sleeping: Isn't bothered - Startled: Barks/Growls - Pushed/pulled off furniture: Isn't bothered - Paws are touched: Isn't bothered - Collar grabbed/touched: Isn't bothered Pulls moderate to hard on leash durign walks

Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: Yes

Medical Notes: Medical info: He tends to get ear infections, mostly in the left ear. He recently rubbed his ear too hard and it became very inflamed. It is now full of fluid and looks like a balloon. Allergies: Unsure Allergy info: Not reported Veterinarian: Great Neck Animal Hospital Last vet check: 5/26/2023

For a New Family to Know: Degrom is a social, affectionate dog who has a fun mix of high energy and couch-potato. He enjoys being around people and loves attention, cuddling, and spending time with his family. He is very sweet and thinks he is a lap dog, often wanting to sit with you and cuddle all day. He has been wonderful with his previous owner's 2yo daughter, allowing her to hug him, play dress-up, and crawl all over him. He follows her around the house and even sits by her crib while she naps, as if guarding her. Degrom loves bath time and water and allows his owner or family to bathe and brush him, but he does not tolerate nail trimming well due to fear or discomfort. He typically goes on 1–2 walks per day, lasting approximately 20–30 mins each. He is crate trained, does well in his XL crate, and can comfortably stay crated for up to 5hrs. Although he gets in and out of the car independently without any issues, he becomes very nervous during car rides, often panting, drooling, and shedding excessively. He may also growl at people he sees while in the car and will try to jump between seats if he is not wearing a car harness. Degrom knows several cues, including “sit,” “down,” “stay” (for short periods), “paw,” and “drop” when he has something in his mouth. He loves bones and is a big chewer, so he needs durable toys that can withstand heavy chewing. He also enjoys treats of all kinds, lounging on the couch, cuddling, and relaxing in sunny spots. He eats dry food, specifically Chewy Complete Nutrition.

Date of intake:: 11/5/2026

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner surrender (2-5 years)

Previously lived with:: 2 adults, 1 child (2 years)

Behavior toward strangers:: Hard barks or growls, alert barks

Behavior toward children:: Friendly, outgoing, playful

Behavior toward dogs:: Playful with familiar dogs, hard barks or growls at unfamiliar dogs on leash

Behavior toward cats:: No experience

Resource guarding:: No resource guarding reported

Bite history:: No bite history

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: Degrom's previous owners describe him as medium energy

Other Notes:: Degrom's previous owners report that he: Goes potty on: Outside on walks (grass, cement, dirt, etc.), Wee-wee pads Accident frequency: Very rarely Additional info: When he gets overly excited he may have an accident Behavior concerns: Jumps up often or non-stop, General anxiety (paces, whines, unable to settle), Pulls hard on leash, Anxious when left alone, Destructive tendencies (furniture, walls, shoes, household items, etc.), Barks a lot Reacts to on walks: Strangers that approach you/family members, Small animals (squirrels, birds, rats, etc.), Large dogs, Small dogs Reaction type: Growling/Hard barking, Lunging How this dog reacts when... - Held/restrained: Fearful - Disturbed while resting/sleeping: Isn't bothered - Startled: Barks/Growls - Pushed/pulled off furniture: Isn't bothered - Paws are touched: Isn't bothered - Collar grabbed/touched: Isn't bothered Pulls moderate to hard on leash during walks

Date of assessment:: 11/7/2026

Summary:: Degrom has shown significant fearful behavior while in care. During medical handling, he began to thrash on leash when staff attempted to move him, escalating to intense vocalizing, thrashing alligator rolling, and defecating even with minimal stimulus, requiring sedation to alleviate his distress. Due to his very high stress and fear levels, a handling assessment is not conducted.

Summary (7):: 11/07/26: Degrom is reported to no want to move over for cleaning, growling at staff at the front of his kennel and backing away when approached. 11/06/26: Behavior staff are called over the walkie by the Medical team due to DeGrom intensely thrashing on leash. Upon arrival, DeGrom is sitting on the floor, panting heavily. Medical staff report that he has been unwilling to walk on leash, instead thrashing and vocalizing when attempts are made to move him. Behavior staff take over handling and discuss a plan to safely return DeGrom to his kennel. When staff attempt to walk him forward, even minimal leash pressure causes DeGrom to begin screaming, alligator rolling, defecating, and attempting to remove his cone. During this episode, the bandage covering his head shifts over his eyes, obstructing his vision and further intensifying his response. DeGrom remains highly sensitive to nearby movement and physical contact, immediately resuming these behaviors whenever someone walks past or brushes against him and will begin the very intense vocalizations, screaming and alligator rolling. . Due to his continued distress and inability to safely walk, the Medical team administers an additional sedative, which does not appear to reduce his behavior. DeGrom thrashes intensely during administration, prompting the team to administer a different sedative. After an extended period, DeGrom appears to fall asleep but repeatedly wakes and vocalizes when the veterinarian attempts to remove the bandage obstructing his vision. Once the bandage is removed, DeGrom suddenly stands, begins walking around, and shakes off. Both Medical and Behavior staff agree to return him to his kennel while he is ambulatory. DeGrom walks slowly through the care center while double leashed and is successfully returned to his kennel, where both leashes are removed using a hook.

Date of intake:: 11/5/2026

Summary:: Tolerant and approached staff in a friendly/curious manner, not collared due to FAS

Date of initial:: 11/6/2026

Summary:: Fearful; tail tucked, looking for exit, whale eye, urinated, but tolerated with slow approach

ENERGY LEVEL:: Degrom's previous owners describe him as medium energy and he will need daily mental and physical activity to keep him engaged and exercised. We recommend long-lasting chews, food puzzles, and hide-and-seek games, in additional to physical exercise, to positively direct his energy and enthusiasm.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only

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

Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to Degrom's fearful and defensive behavior, we recommend an adult only home. No cats: As Degrom is reported to bark, growl, and lunge at small animals on walks, a home with no cats or small animals is recommended. Place with a New Hope partner: Degrom has not acclimated well to the kennel environment and has shown significant fear and stress around handling. We recommend placement with a New Hope partner who can allow for decompression, 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: : Destructive behavior,Basic manners/poor impulse control,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,Separation anxiety,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration,Strength/leash pulling

Potential challenges comments:: Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: Degrom has not acclimated well to the care center environment and has shown extremely fearful behavior, including intense vocalizing, thrashing, and defecating on leash when handlers have attempted to move him. His previous owners report that he may hard bark and growl at unfamiliar people, or when startled. His signs of discomfort must be respected; Degrom should never be forced to interact, and he should always be given the opportunity to walk away from situations or people he finds uncomfortable. We recommend a slow approach and we recommend ONLY force-free, reward-based training methods for Degrom. More aversive techniques are likely to increase fear, increase the risk of aggression, and decrease his quality of life. Guidance from a professional trainer/behaviorist is recommended to assess behavior after decompression in a new home environment. Please see handout on Fearful and Defensive Aggression. Basic manners/poor impulse control: Degrom's previous owners report that he jumps up a lot. It is recommended that default behaviors such as "Leave it", "Sit/Stay", "Down" are reinforced to substitute any frustration and teach him to control his impulses instead of simply reacting; proper management is also advised. Force-free, reward based training only is recommended. Please see handout on Basic Manners/Impulse Control. Separation anxiety | Destructive behavior | Anxiety: Degrom was surrendered to the care center due to reports of barking when left alone by the previous owner's landlord. His previous owner also reports that he is an anxious dog who can show destructive tendencies, chewing on household items. We recommend that potential adopters feel comfortable with separation anxiety behaviors and prepared to manage and positively modify them should they appear in a home environment. Degrom may do best in a home where a person is at home for a large part of the day or with a plan so he is not alone for long periods of time. On-leash reactivity | Strength/leash pulling: Degrom's previous owners report that he may bark, growl, and lunge at other dogs or small animals on leash, and that he pulls moderately to hard on walks. He may need positive reinforcement, reward based training to teach him to look at you rather than other dogs, and not to pull on leash. We recommend a front clip harness or head halter to help manage this behavior. Please see handouts on On-Leash Reactivity/Barrier Frustration and Leash Manners.