Date of intake:: 9/8/2025

Spay/Neuter status:: No

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

Date of assessment:: 9/11/2025

Summary:: Mars has been observed to be highly fearful during their stay in the care center noted to lip curl, snarl and growl when approached. Due to the high level of fear, stress, and anxiety Mars is not a candidate for a handling assessment at this time.

Summary (6):: 9/15/25: It was reported by ACS that Mars is reluctant to stand/get off her kuranda bed. Treats and squeakers were not effective. She slightly lip curled and handler ceased interaction to get K9 Behavior assistance. K9 behavior attempted to lasso her and as the leash gently touched her snout she lip curled, bared teeth, and let out a small snarl. Interaction was ended due to high FAS. 9/13/25: Mars is standing at the front of his kennel as handler approaches. He is comfortable taking treats and is able to be leashed with ease. He is then taken outside for a walk. On the walk, he has a neutral body frame as he walks ahead of the handler to sniff his surroundings and explore. He has no reactions to dogs or people. He is able to return back to his kennel with no issues. 09/11/25: Mars is at the front of her kennel as handler approaches. She is offered treats and sniffs them but does not accept any, handler unlocks the kennel door and she remains near the front but retreats when the leash is introduced. Mars begins walking back and forth in kennel, sniffing near the front and flinching away to the back when the leash touches her. Eventually she becomes desensitized to the leash and begins accepting the treats previously offered to her on the floor. She is leashed while distracted and taken to the yard for her walk. Mars walks around the yard for a bit but due to the large amount of dogs in the yard handler walks Mars to the driveway. While outside she sniffs around and uses the bathroom. She is then brought back to kennel and returned without issue.

Summary (7):: 9/10/25: Mars is at the back of the kennel sitting up as handlers approach. She is tense bodied with dilated eyes as the handler unlocks the kennel and presents the leash. They bring the leash closer to her head and she backs away. A second handler tosses some high value chicken which she eats slowly. Each time the leash is brought to her head she backs away and retreats further into the kennel. The handlers switch and the second handler leashes her by putting chicken on the in and outside of the leash. The leash is tightened and Mars flinches and gets onto the kuranda bed. She growls towards the handler and the kennel is opened. Mars comes out of the kennel and walks besides the handler to the back yard. She walks slowly into the first pen and relieves herself. She walks around the pen sniffing her surroundings and remaining aloof with the handler. Handler sits on the bench nearby and she slowly approaches sniffing them. She then walks away and sniffs around. Mars is walked around the perimeter of the pen pulling moderately and continues sniffing around. Handler makes an attempt to pre-clip her leash and she tenses up with her tail pressing to her body. Handler stops and gives her a minute before attemtping again slowly. Mars is then successfully pre-clipped and pulls hard back towards the building. She is then returned to the kennel where she stops and does not enter. Handler tosses treats and she is muscled into kennel without further issue. 9/10/25: Mars is laying at the back of her kennel on her bed. She is not interested in treats tossed and does not initially come forward when the door is opened. Handler kneels down with door slightly ajar and she comes forward tense body. She retreats when leashing is attempted. When leash is removed she will come forward. When distracted bya neighboring dog being returned to kennel, handler attempts leashing. She retreats and growls. Handler closed the door and kneels again. She comes forward again. Handler used vienna sausages to distract her but she only engages when leash is not present. Interaction is ceased due to stress levels. 9/08/2025: As handlers approached airline carrier, Mars began to lip curl, low growl, and snarl. She took high value treats through the bars. K9 behavior brought her into the behavior office to leash. A rod leash was first used, and a secondary kennel rope was then threaded through. She was removed from the carrier using a double leash. Her body was tense and her tail tucked but she did not escalate and gave no further issue going into kennel.

Date of intake:: 9/8/2025

Summary:: Lunge, hard bark, growl, and bare teeth

Date of initial:: 9/9/2025

Summary:: Whale eye, growling and lip curling. Growled when muzzle was attempted. Opted to sedate

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Mars 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 additional to physical exercise, to positively direct their energy and enthusiasm.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only

Recommendations:: No children (under 13)

Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to the fearful behavior we recommend a home with no children.

Potential challenges: : Fearful/potential for defensive aggression

Potential challenges comments:: Fearful Defensive: During intake Mars was observed to lunge, hard bark, growl, and bare teeth towards handlers. During her stay in the care center Mars has been observed to retreat from handlers and growl when they interact with her. It is important to move slowly with Mars, 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.