Animal Profile

Brownie Brittle is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. Brownie Brittle in care displays a high level of arousal during interactions and will begin to bite her leash, being unable to refocus consistently prohibiting her from receiving a handling assessment. Brownie Brittle is social with staff and has began to warm up to handlers, but is difficult to refocus when she becomes aroused. Medically, Brownie Brittle has a cervical mass.

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This pet needs emergency placement. Please click here to go to our emergency placement page for more information. Due to the detailed behavior issues, this animal is only available for foster/adoption through one of ACC's New Hope Partners. If you are interested in adopting or fostering, please fill out the pre-screener form. This animal is not directly available for adoption through ACC and is only available by completing the pre-screener form.Adoption inquiries sent directly to ACC will not receive a response. Pre-Screener Form Brownie Brittle is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. Brownie Brittle in care displays a high level of arousal during interactions and will begin to bite her leash, being unable to refocus consistently prohibiting her from receiving a handling assessment. Brownie Brittle is social with staff and has began to warm up to handlers, but is difficult to refocus when she becomes aroused. Medically, Brownie Brittle has a cervical mass. Brownie Brittle was surrendered due to her owner's lack of time to care for her. Her family described her as a very active, playful, and vocal dog. She spends most of her time lounging in the garage but does not enjoy grooming such as being bathed or brushed. On walks, she's reported to pull moderately to hard and was walked one to two times a day. Her owner reported that she has never been crate-trained but does love to go on car rides. She enjoys eating bones and Milk-Bone treats. Brownie brittle is reported to try and escape the yard or house, jumps up often, has destructive Tendencies, and is anxious when left alone. During her stay at the Care Centers, Brownie Brittle initially displayed fearfulness and mostly avoided interaction with handlers and staff. Over time, she began to consistently present a loose and wiggly body, seeking attention and leaning into touch. However, Brownie has started leash biting, making it difficult for handlers to walk her. Due to her fearfulness and avoidance of interaction, we recommend that she to be placed in an adult-only home through a New Hope Rescue partner

My medical notes are...

Weight: 63 lbs

Medical Notes

1/10/2025

[DVM Intake] DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 2y Microchip noted on Intake? No History: Stray Subjective: BARH. No csvd Observed Behavior - Nervous, slow to warm up but allowed handling Is there evidence of Cruelty? no Is there evidence of Neglect? no Is there evidence of Trauma? no Objective P = wnl R = wnl BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted. ~3-4cm in diameter semi-firm. movable mass noted on cervical portion of neck Oral Exam: Mild tartar PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: normal externally Assessment Cervical mass- r/o benign (mass, abscess, sialocele) vs less likely metastatic Prognosis: fair Plan: recommend aspirating mass to start, may need BW and Rads SURGERY: Okay for surgery

1/11/2025

Young dog with mass at ventral neck S/O: BAR, active in kennel Eating well, no c/s/v/d noted Mass noted at left ventral cervical region Ambulatory x 4 Appropriate mentation A: Mass P: Scheduled for bloodwork to start Recommend x-ray, FNA, etc with placement CTM closely while at QACC

1/12/2025

CBC/CHEM/T4/UA to Idexx (free catch urine okay) Blood collected and sent to Idexx but urine was not available.

1/14/2025

CBC: wnl CHEM: phosphorus H 6.9 (2.5-6.1) T4: L 0.6 (1.0-4.0) Interpretation: Low T4 - ro hypothyroid vs euthyroid sick Plan: Added free T4 and cTSH to lab

1/16/2025

Free T4 L <0.3 Interpretation - rule out primary hypothryoidism vs secondary to cervical mass Plan: Scheduled recheck and FNA of mass

1/18/2025

Progress Exam and FNA S/O: BAR, energetic, readily taking treats. No c/s/v/d noted. SQ mass: 6cm round, slightly firm non-adhered, moveable SQ mass on left aspect of submandibular/neck region. Very slight superficial ulceration on lateral aspect of mass. A: Cervical SQ mass r/o abscess, sialocele, cyst, mucocele; other P: -Cleaned mass with dilute chlorhex solution -FNA samples taken - fluid appears acellular; 1 aspirate contains hemorrhagic fluid. Submit to Idexx for testing, 1 site *Check Idexx results daily

1/24/2025

Recheck neck mass, cytology preliminary results S/O: BAR, very active, allows all handling SQ mass, approx 6cm diameter, fluctuant with scabbing and hairloss at distal aspect. When pressure applied - large amount of serosanguinous fluid expressed from single draining tract. Firm SQ mass palpable deep to fluctuant part of mass, feels slightly nodular A: Cystic mass ventrolateral neck, left side - ro abscess vs cyst, ro foreign body vs sialocele vs other Nodular mass deep to cyst - ro lymph node enlargement vs other FNA cytology (preliminary report) - neutrophillic to mixed cell inflammation P: Start rimadyl 4.4 mg/kg PO SID x 7 days Recheck mass in 7 days Keep an eye out for finalized cytology report CTM while at QACC

1/24/2025

Cytology Source: SKINSQ_MASS Clinical History: 6 cm. slightly firm fluid fill non adhere mass on left aspect of submandibular neck. Pathologist's Report INTERPRETATION: (PRELIMINARY): Marked neutrophilic to mixed cell inflammation, please see comments COMMENTS: This is a preliminary report. In order to further evaluate my concern over the presence or absence of bacteria, the slide(s) need to be reviewed in finer detail. An addendum will follow, typically within 1-2 business days for the majority of cases. In the meantime, and if especially if there is high clinical concern for infection, consider bacterial culture and sensitivity if not already requested. Given the location of the lesion and young age of the patient, ruling out the presence of a foreign body/puncture/trauma is indicated. Rare mast cells can be part of the generalized inflammatory response. The cytologic findings do not exclude underlying poorly exfoliative neoplasia as the cause of inflammation. If a cause for the inflammation cannot be found, and/or the inflammation cannot be resolved, biopsy with histopathology may also be considered for further evaluation. CYTOPATHOLOGIC DESCRIPTION: 6 slides are received from a 6 cm slightly firm fluid filled nonadherent mass on the left aspect of the submandibular neck. These slides reveal high nucleated cellularity predominated by neutrophils that are sometimes karyorrhectic, admixed with fewer macrophages and lymphocytes are primarily small. Some neutrophils contains small intracytoplasmic inclusions that are pale basophilic in color. Occasional eosinophils and mast cells are found. The background contains red blood cells and pale basophilic proteinaceous fluid.

1/26/2025

Finalized cytology report results: ADDITIONAL CYTOPATHOLOGIC FINDINGS AND COMMENTS: Additional pathologist review of the glass slide does not find obvious extracellular or intracellular bacteria. Bacterial culture and susceptibility may still be beneficial. A: SQ mass r/o abscess, localized rxn to FB/debris P. No change to tx plan needed, CTM, recheck scheduled in 5 days

1/28/2025

Behavior team reports leash biting. Start clonidine 0.02 mg/kg PO BID and CTM.

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 2. Blue

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Upon intake the dog allowed staff to do all handling with ease.

Basic Information:: Brownie is a 2-year-old LMB dog. Her fur coat is a brown brindle.

Previously lived with:: 3 adults, 2 children (6-12)

How is this dog around strangers?: Brownie is friendly, outgoing, playful, and tolerant of strangers.

How is this dog around children?: Brownie will hide at first, but after some time will be friendly, outgoing, playful, and tolerant of children.

How is this dog around other dogs?: Brownie is friendly, outgoing, playful, and tolerant of familiar dogs. Brownie is friendly, outgoing, playful, and tolerant with unfamiliar dogs on leash. She can hard bark and lunge at smaller dogs. She is friendly, outgoing, and playful with unfamiliar dogs off leash.

How is this dog around cats?: Brownie is shy/timid, avoids, and prefers contact on her own terms with cats.

Resource guarding:: Brownie will have a tense body, growl, and hard bark when her food, toys, or treats are touched.

Bite history:: No bite history.

Housetrained:: Partially

Energy level/descriptors:: Very high

Other Notes:: Brownie will try to escape the yard/house, jumps up often, pulls hard on leash, has destructive tendencies, and is anxious when left alone. On walks She will lunge at small dogs. She is unbothered when held/restrained, disturbed while sleeping, startled, pushed off furniture, or when paw/collar is touched.

Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No

For a New Family to Know: Brownie inside her previous home was very active, playful, and vocal. She spent most of her time in the garage. She doesn't like to be bathed or brushed. She does moderate to hard pulling on walks. She got walked 1-2 times a day. She has never been crate trained. She loves to go on car rides. She knows the cues sit, stay, laydown, paw, and wait. Her previous owner's favorite things about her are that she is very attentive and friendly. She loves bones and milk bones.

Date of intake:: 1/8/2025

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

Previously lived with:: 3 adults, 2 children (6-12)

Behavior toward strangers:: friendly, outgoing, playful, and tolerant of strangers

Behavior toward children:: hide at first, but after some time will be friendly, outgoing, playful, and tolerant of children.

Behavior toward dogs:: friendly, outgoing, and playful but will lunge at smaller dogs

Behavior toward cats:: shy/timid, avoids, and prefers contact on her own terms with cats.

Resource guarding:: Brownie will have a tense body, growl, and hard bark when her food, toys, or treats are touched.

Bite history:: No known Reports of a bite history.

Housetrained:: Partially

Energy level/descriptors:: Brownie Brittle is reported to have a very high energy level.

Other Notes:: Brownie will try to escape the yard/house, jumps up often, pulls hard on leash, has destructive tendencies, and is anxious when left alone. She doesn't like to be bathed or brushed. On walks She will lunge at small dogs. She is unbothered when held/restrained, disturbed while sleeping, startled, pushed off furniture, or when paw/collar is touched.

Date of assessment:: 1/13/2025

Summary:: 1/22/25: Brownie Brittle is taken to the behavior office for a rehandling assessment. Brownie Brittle displayed social behavior seeking attention and a loose and wiggly body. In the room, she began to mouth on the handlers and display a high level of jumping. When the handler went to grab the leash she began to leash bite not being able to refocus. Due to this a handling assessment can not be conducted at this time and she will remain New hope Only. *1/13/25: Brownie Brittle has been fearful and uncomfortable with handling. When attempting to collar her before conducting a handling assessment, Brownie would back away, tail low, with whale eyes and pinned ears before thrashing in an attempt to flee from handlers. Out of concern for her stress levels, a handling assessment was not conducted at this time.*

Summary:: According to Brownie Brittles previous owners, Brownie is friendly, outgoing, playful, and tolerant of familiar dogs. Brownie is friendly, outgoing, playful, and tolerant with unfamiliar dogs on leash. She can hard bark and lunge at smaller dogs. She is friendly, outgoing, and playful with unfamiliar dogs off leash. 01/23/25 Brownie Brittle is introduced to a female greeter dog while off leash at the care center. Brownie Brittle will approach the gate with a soft, loose, wiggly frame. She scents the greeter dog offering play bows and bounces. She vocalizes at the greeter dog, bouncing back and forth soliciting attention from her. Brownie is returned to kennel, concluding the interaction.

Summary (7):: 01/26/25: Brownie Brittle is standing at the front of her kennel with a neutral frame and will be leashed with ease before being escorted to the live room for enrichment. Once inside, Brownie will be dressed with a drag leash and allowed to roam freely. She will eagerly engage with the snuffle mat, finding all the hidden treats beneath it. Afterward, she will approach the handler, leaning in to be petted. Brownie will be brought back to her kennel safely with no issues. 1/22/25: Brownie Brittle is in front of her kennel when the handler approaches, she displays a loose body and is easily leashed and taken to the behavior office for a handling assessment. Brownie Bretter displays social behavior leaning into touch and displaying a loose and wiggly body. Brownie Brittle displays high-level of jumping and begins to mouth the drag lead and doesn't allow the handler to pick it up. Brownie Brittle displays heavy panting and jumps off the handler's body. Brownie Brittle is taken back to her kennel with issue. 1/19/25 Brownie Brittle is standing on her kennel door panting with a loose frame. Brownie drops down to all fours and has her harness clipped. She is taken outside for a walk. Brownie will exuberantly hop her way out of the kennel room, prancing with a loose body. Brownie will maintain a soft, loose frame as she slightly pulls on leash. Brownie will pull towards other dogs remaining soft and wiggly. Brownie will take treats moderately when administered. Brownie is returned to the facility where she enters the building as well as her kennel with no issue. 1/18/25: Brownie Brittle is taken to the behavior office where she allows the handler to collar and attach a harness to her due to a leaking mass under her neck. In the behavior room Brownie brittle displays social behavior seeking attention from the handler and engaging in different enrichment games. Brownie brittle begins to jump on the office tables he is easily taken off when tossed some treats. when going back into her kennel Brownie brittle begins to leash bite. 01/13/25: Brownie Brittle is standing at the front of kennel with a neutral body as handler approaches. He begins demand barking and jumping up at the kennel door. Hander leashes him with ease and pulls mildly to the Canine Behavior Office for assessment (see Behavior Assessment for further details). After assessment, Brownie Brittle is leashed with ease and returns to kennel safely.

Date of intake:: 1/8/2025

Summary:: llowed staff to do all handling with ease.

Date of initial:: 1/10/2025

Summary:: nervous, slow to warm up but tolerated medical exam

ENERGY LEVEL:: Brownie Brittle is described as a very high-energy dog. She will need daily mental and physical activity to keep her engaged and exercised. We recommend long-lasting chews, food puzzles, and hide-and-seek games, in addition to physical exercise, to positively direct her energy and enthusiasm. We recommend feeding with puzzle feeders and food-dispensing toys. We recommend only force-free, reward-based training techniques for Brownie Brittle.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only

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

Recommendations comments:: No Children (under 13): Brownie Brittle's previous owner reported that she initially hides from children and needs time to warm up. Simialr behaviors have been displayed in care, including thrashing and attempting to flee from interactions. We recommend an adult only home for her at this time. Place with a New Hope Partner: Brownie Brittle is taken to the behavior office for a rehandling assessment. Brownie Brittle displayed social behavior seeking attention and a loose and wiggly body. In the room, she began to mouth on the handlers and display a high level of jumping. When the handler went to grab the leash she began to leash bite not being able to refocus. Due to this a handling assessment can not be conducted at this time and she will remain New hope Only.

Potential challenges: : Resource guarding,Destructive behavior,Basic manners/poor impulse control,Social hyperarousal,Fearful,Separation anxiety,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration,Leash-biting,Strength/leash pulling

Potential challenges comments:: Resource guarding- Brownie will have a tense body, growl, and hard bark when her food, toys, or treats are touched. To address Brownie's resource guarding, the training plan will focus on creating positive associations with sharing and handling her possessions. Adopters will start by offering high-value treats in exchange for items Brownie guards, rewarding her for allowing access. Gradual desensitization will be used, beginning with low-value items and slowly progressing to higher-value ones. Please see the handout on Resource Guarding. Destructive behavior: Brownie Brittle is reported to be destructive in her previous home but details about this behavior was not provided. We are unaware of what, if any, attempts were made to remedy this behavior but we suggest to future adopters that Brownie will need to be provided with physical and mental stimulation and with a variety of appropriate and engaging chew toys so she can engage in necessary chewing behavior without damage to human objects. Please see handout on Destructive behavior. Basic manners/poor impulse control: Brownie's previous owner reported that she jumps up often. Consistent training to teach her to sit or stay when greeting people, using positive reinforcement and redirection, will help manage this behavior.Please see handout on basic manners/poor impulse control. Social hyperarousal- In dogs is a state of heightened excitement and alertness triggered by social interactions or environmental stimuli, leading to behaviors like excessive barking, restlessness, jumping, mouthing, and pacing. Managing this condition involves consistent training with positive reinforcement, maintaining a structured routine, minimizing exposure to triggers, ensuring ample physical exercise, and providing mental stimulation through puzzle toys and interactive games. For severe cases, consulting a veterinary behaviorist or professional dog trainer is recommended Fearful: Brownie has been fearful and avoidant of interaction. When attempting to collar her, she backs away and begins thrashing when she cannot flee from handlers. Please see handout on Decompresion Period. Separation anxiety: Brownie is reported to become anxious when left alone in her previous home. Please see handout on Seperation Anxiety. On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration- Brownie is reported to lunge at smaller dogs while on leash. Please see handout on On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration. Leash-biting- Brownie Brittle is reported to leash bite. When she starts to bite the leash, distract him with a toy or treat to redirect her attention. Reward her when she stops biting the leash and engages with the toy or focuses on you. Practice loose-leash walking techniques, and consider using a different type of leash or harness that might be less tempting for her to bite. Please see the handout on Leash-biting. Strength/leash pulling- Brownie Brittle is reported to hard pull while on lead.