Date of intake:: 9/23/2026

Spay/Neuter status:: No

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Stray, No known history

Date of assessment:: 9/28/2026

Summary:: Rune has been observed to be highly fearful. Noted to be frozen and trembling while in kennel when handlers attempt to interact. Due to the fearful behavior, Rune is not a candidate for a handling assessment at this time.

Summary (6):: 10/2/26 - (KSV) when approaching Rune's kennel Rune this time is towards the front of the kennel with neutral body when handler approaches with treats, soft body, and avoiding direct eye contact and keeping their body to the side when they crouch down by the kennel door. Rune does take treats at the edge of the kennel door slowly, handler places spray cheese as well which she takes more eagerly than the nudge bites. Handler talks to her in a soft voice praising her in which Rune begins to take treats from the handler's hand through the kennel bars and handler is able to practice "touch," with her which she does slowly with handler. Handler ends interaction due to loud sounds nearby from cleaning a kennel that spooked her and caused Rune to retreat back in the kennel. 9/29/26 - (KSV) When approaching Rune's kennel Rune is towards the back of the kennel with timid body and laying down, handler tosses treats into kennel, she doesn't respond, handler decides to walk away giving her privacy and when handler returns she is towards the front of the kennel eating treats. Handler slowly approaches and sprays cheese onto kennel bars, she retreats a little back watching handler and handler steps back, this time Rune eats the spray cheese at the front of the kennel while Handler is still present and crouched at a distance from the kennel. Once Rune finishes the cheese she retreats a little but not completely towards the back of the kennel, handler sprays more cheese and she comes forward eating it, each time she finishes she would retreat a bit but then return back to the bars when handler sprays more cheese and moves/stays closer and closer to the kennel door. Overtime she begins to stay at the bars of the kennel even with handler right by the bars and not retreating immediately, handler is able to start practicing touch with her through the bars and she slowly begins to understand, handler is then able to hand treats vs tossing them through kennel bars and she takes them softly with no issues and no longer retreating, after some time she lays down to rest and handler ends interaction.

Summary (7):: 9/27/26 - When arriving to kennel Rune was laying towards the back of her kennel with a timid body, upon opening the kennel door she avoided the handler's leash and once the leash was placed over her she began to tremble frozen in place. Kennel door was opened and handler moved to the side to remain out of view in hopes it would coax her out, she remained in place not moving and continued to tremble, after some handler attempts to use treats and a soft voice to coax but she continued to remain in place. When shutting the door and using the hook slowly to retrieve the handler's leash she displayed some defensive behavior and nipped at the hook, and growled including vocalizing in small high pitched barks and retreating further into the kennel trying to avoid the object. Handler went even slower with the hook and she froze again no longer nipping, growling or barking. Once handler was able to get the leash off of her she went back to laying down towards the back of the kennel, handler ends interaction due to fear. 9/24/26 [late entry]: Rune is lying down at the back of her kennel when the handler approaches. She is watching handler while they are opening the door bur does not move. Handler offers some treats but she does not approach. When handler puts the leash on, Rune freezes, remaining lying at the same spot despite the open door. Handler uses a soft-voice coaxing, offers a high-value (chicken) and moves to the side of the kennel, giving her space to exit. Rune slowly approaches and takes piece of chicken but does not attempt to get up and come closer. When the handler starts getting the leash back with using a hook, Rune starts head-whipping and retreats back into the kennel; she growls and vocalizes after very handler's attempt to get the leash back. Handler giver her a minute and after slows down all movements giving her pauses. Rune freezes again but eventually allows handler to get the leash back. Once handler is able to remove the leash, Runa returns to a lying position toward the back of the kennel. Handler ends interaction to avoid possible escalation.

Date of intake:: 9/23/2026

Summary:: Balking, panting, whale eye

Date of initial:: 9/23/2026

Summary:: Tense in kennel, frozen. Opted to sedate

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Rune so we cannot be certain of their behavior in a home environment. However, they will need daily mental and physical activity to stay engaged and exercised. We recommend long-lasting chews, food puzzles, and hide-and-seek games, in addition to physical exercise, to positively direct their energy and enthusiasm.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only

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

Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to fearful behavior, we recommend an adult only home. We recommend placement with a New Hope rescue partner who is able to provide an experienced, adult-only foster home. Force-free, reward based training and/or consultation with a professional trainer/behaviorist is highly recommended.

Potential challenges: : Fearful/potential for defensive aggression

Potential challenges comments:: Fearful Defensive: Rune has been observed to be tense and frozen while in kennel. When a handler attempts to use a hook to remove her leash, Rune will growl, bark, and nip at the hook. It is important to move slowly with Rune, to build positive associations (treats/toys/praise), and to allow them to initiate interactions with new people. They should never be forced to greet or to interact if they are not comfortable and soliciting attention. Please see handout on Fearful and Defensive Aggression.