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Big Foot

Hello, my name is Big Foot. My animal id is #249362. I am a desexed male white dog at the Manhattan Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 5 years 2 months 3 weeks old.

I came into the shelter as a agency on 3/10/2026.

Sorry, this pet is for new hope partners only.

Pre-Screener Form

Big Foot is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Big Foot was returned to the shelter due to behavior reported by his recent adopter. Big Foot was reported to be highly reactive to people when on leash; noted to growl, bark, and lunge when seeing people on walks. In shelter, Big Foot is noted to have brief, low level reactivity towards unfamiliar people and visually fixate on dogs. During his previous and current stay, Big Foot is often described as 'easy walk' for the majority of his interactions. He continues to be very social with staff, and allows all contact with a soft body, including medical exams. Medically, Big Foot is noted to have otitis externa due to suspected allergies but is otherwise healthy.

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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 Big Foot is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Big Foot was returned to the shelter due to behavior reported by his recent adopter. Big Foot was reported to be highly reactive to people when on leash; noted to growl, bark, and lunge when seeing people on walks. In shelter, Big Foot is noted to have brief, low level reactivity towards unfamiliar people and visually fixate on dogs. During his previous and current stay, Big Foot is often described as 'easy walk' for the majority of his interactions. He continues to be very social with staff, and allows all contact with a soft body, including medical exams. Medically, Big Foot is noted to have otitis externa due to suspected allergies but is otherwise healthy. Big Foot was returned to the shelter due to behavior reported by his recent adopter. Big Foot was reported to be highly reactive to people when on leash; noted to growl, bark, and lunge when seeing people on walks. In shelter, Big Foot is noted to have brief, low level reactivity towards unfamiliar people and visually fixate on dogs. During his previous and current stay, Big Foot is often described as 'easy walk', very social with staff, and allows all contact with a soft body. We recommend placement with an experienced New Hope Partner that can carefully manage his behaviors. My foster writes: He is very calm, gentle, and affectionate. He just wants to be near you and spend time together. He is very good companion. He is a truly great dog. My Boroughbreaker writes: Big Foot is the ultimate 'leaner' he has this precious habit of leaning his weight against your legs when he's standing next to you just to be close. He is incredibly well-behaved; he walks beautifully on a leash and is a total pro at 'sit' and 'down' on command. He's a gentle soul who perfectly balances being an active walking partner with being a world-class cuddler. Safe to say if i was in a position to adopt, I would have submitted my application then and there. My Boroughbreak buddy writes: Big Foot is the sweetest, most well-behaved, goofy pup! I was so impressed with his manners! He was so polite while waiting for breakfast and dinner, sitting and watching, waiting to eat until I gave him the go ahead. Potty-trained and did not even attempt to chew on anything that wasn't his toy. He did not jump on any counters or scratch any doors. He knew how to sit and lay down. He did great sleeping in his crate at night. He walked great on a leash and was happy and excited to meet new people, greeting them with a wagging tail! He was the most flexible and loving guy. He was so excited to go for walks and play, but also more than happy to chill and take some naps in his crate. He enjoyed tug of war and chasing after his squeaky ball. He also liked to chew on his bone before he got too sleepy and would fall asleep. If I sat on the floor, he would come over and either sit in my lap or lay down with his head in my lap. He just wants to cuddle up and be with you. He was overall just a happy boy and just wanted to be around you, regardless of whether that was on a walk, cuddling, or just in your presence. He's got the biggest heart and is so easy to love! My Boroughbreaker writes : Walked over to Central Park and spent some time sniffing around the grass while waiting for a friend to arrive. Big Foot enjoyed all of the smells and getting to observe the birds and dogs, but he never once lunged or jumped at any of them. We practiced redirecting attention from other dogs with treats and he did very well. He knows how to sit and lay down and I guarantee he would become a star with commands if he had a consistent person around! He loves treats as a reward! We did not have toys but he eyed all the soccer balls at the park so I'm sure he would love some of his own! After our ~10 block walk through upper Central Park we stopped at a cafe and sat outside. He did well standing/sitting or laying down next to our table and would either watch people walking by or watch for food crumbs. But he never begged for food but enjoyed getting some treats tossed. He also needed a couple water breaks. He was great at walking on a leash and loved to get cuddles and belly rubs when we sat down. He truly was the calmest most UNreactive dog ever! My Boroughbreaker writes: We walked around Central Park and went for a treat at Petco! He is such a sweetheart and is truly a gentle giant! He was happy exploring and walking around and loved to plop down on some soft grass for belly rubs. This pup is a true gem and shouldn't be spending his time in a shelter! If anyone has been thinking of getting a pup, Big foot is ready for his forever home and would make an amazing addition to a loving household! Volunteers Note: Big Foot is a wonderful, 74-pound gentle giant who is incredibly affectionate, confident, and a breeze to walk on a loose leash. He is highly responsive to handlers, loves treats, and shows plenty of potential with training. Big Foot is a happy boy and full of life. He will make a fantastic, loving companion for an active family with older children. What my friends at ACC say about me: My history is a mystery and my friends here do not know much about me yet! It is unknown if I have ever lived with other animals or children. I would do best in a home without very tiny humans, although I could be open to older human children once I meet them. I will need daily physical activity to keep m

My medical notes are...

Weight: 69 lbs

3/11/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 3-5 years based on dentition Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative History: Stray Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior- easily leashed and brought into exam room, social with staff, exam is easily completed, distracted with food for remaining tasks and did well. Knows 'sit' and 'down' Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? No Objective: T = P = WNL R = WNL BCS: 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Adult dentition, mild tartar on canines-- limited exam performed PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Externally WNL, intact male, 2 scrotal testes MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat but focal pinpoint alopecia at tail base. CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Externally WNL Wood's Lamp Exam: not performed Assessment: Mild dental disease Otherwise apparently healthy Intact male Prognosis: Good Plan: Intake tasks + exam Await sort Gave Nexgard FAST TRACK CANDIDATE SURGERY: Okay for surgery

3/16/2026

Pre-surgical exam, anesthesia, and surgery performed by offsite vet. Medical record uploaded to Vet Documents. Green linear tattoo placed lateral to incision. Start 1.5 tab of carprofen 100mg sid po x2 days as pain management Per offsite vet: MILD GINGIVITIS & MODERATE DENTAL TARTAR MILD MUCOPURULENT NASAL D/C

3/17/2026

QAR No blood in cage. Apparently well post-op

3/25/2026

Second dose of Lepto vaccine completed.

3/26/2026

SO: Reported lethargic today on symptoms board QAR, laying on kuranda bed. Gets up when approached, slow wags tail, but does not come to kennel door eent: eyes clear, no ocular or nasal dc apparent h/l: eupneic, no coughing or sneezing appreciated msi: ambulatory x4 neuro: mentation alert and appropriate A: noted lethargy P: r/o vaccination reaction to lepto booster v early CIRDC v other monitor

4/10/2026

SO: Reported to have vomited Sleeping in kennel in quiet room during rounds eent: eyes clear, no ocular or nasal dc apparent h/l: eupneic, no coughing or sneezing appreciated msi: apparently normal musculature A: episode of vomiting P: monitor for further episodes

4/12/2026

Hx: observed to have loose BM and itchiness dog resting quietly appears stable may be developing allergies P) monitor and consider Apoquel therapy if needed

5/15/2026

SO: Returned from trial adoption and reported scratching ears and having intermittent diarrhea BAR, out on walk with staff member. Allows all handling for brief exam eent: eyes clear, ears no significant dc, but erythematous AU, no ocular or nasal dc apparent h/l: eupneic, no coughing or sneezing appreciated msi: ambulatory x4 neuro: mentation alert and appropriate A: otitis externa-suspect allergic P: Apoquel trial 16mg 1 tab PO BID x7d then 1 tab PO SID x7d Monitor for diarrhea while in shelter

5/27/2026

Reported shaking head. Had started Apoquel, but left for adoption and returned without restarting or continuing maintenance dose P: Restarting Apoquel 16mg PO BID x14d, then SID long term if helping

5/28/2026

SO: Reported having fecal score 7/7 diarrhea BAR, in kennel eent: eyes clear, no ocular or nasal dc apparent h/l: eupneic, no coughing or sneezing appreciated msi: ambulatory x4 neuro: mentation alert and appropriate A: diarrhea reported P: 7g fenbendazole PO SID x5d

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 1. Green

Date of intake:: 5/21/2026

Spay/Neuter status:: No

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Returned from adoption

Date of assessment:: 5/23/2026

Summary:: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: None Reactivity to humans: None Reactivity to dogs: None Leash walking comments: Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Moderately social Call over: Approaches with coaxing Sociability comments: Sniffing around the room, receptive to treats and the cue "sit" Soft handling: Accepts contact Exuberant handling: Accepts contact Comments: Neutral body, soft tail wag Arousal Jog comments: Follows handler, neutral body Knock Knock comments: Approaches handler readily Toy Toy comments: Sniffs and grips toy lightly, becomes tense and hovers over the toy when the assess-a-hand approaches but does not escalate further

Summary (4):: 06/01/26: Big Foot is at the front of his kennel as handler approaches. He is leashed while distracted with a treats and walks with handler out to the street for his walk. Outside Big Foot is neutral bodied and walks with handler pulling mildly. He accepts treats throughout the walk and passes people without issue. When seeing dogs Big Foot shows mild interest but is redirected with treats. He walks with handler for a while uneventfully besides a point where a MOP suddenly opened a door in front of Big Foot, stopping right in front of him. Big Foot was not startled and continued walking for a while before being brought back inside without issue.

Summary (5):: 5/25: Volunteer Note - Big Foot walked slowly and gently by staff’s side with no pulling. Once in the backyard, he remained calm and chill throughout. However, he gave me a few alert watchful stares that staff also noticed, so he remained on leash as a precaution, given his “people reactive” tag. He may have also been uncomfortable with me taking video. 5/23/26: (AM walk) Big Foot is loose, wiggly body at front of kennel. Big Foot allows easy leashing, exits kennel with mild pull. Big foot is walked through hallways, he remains loose bodied passing multiple people (most of which are familiar). On sidewalk the leash is clipped to harness, he remains loose bodied during all contact. Big Foot passes by several people on sidewalk, shows no interest or change in body language. Big Foot maintains a loose leash, checks in visually with handler when verbally cued. Big Foot is walked back to MACC and re-enters kennel without issue. 5/22/26: Big Foot is standing at the front with a neutral body. He is easily leashed and removed from kennel. He is walked to the yard where he is neutral bodied throughout. When familiar handlers pass by he wags his tail. He explores his surrounding but does not seek handler attention. He is easily returned to kennel. 5/21/26: It was reported on the behavior board that there was no issues walking Big Foot past multiple groups of people, loose body.

Summary (6):: 5/15/26: Big foot is laying down behind x-pen is adoptions office when handler enters, he stands, becomes wiggly bodied, allows easy leashing. Big foot exits room and passes numerous kennels with barking dogs, he shows no interest. In hallway, Big Foot is loose bodied, but notably shakes his head several times. This continues on elevator as well. Big Foot is walked passed vet services, a medical staffer familiar to Big Foot does a quick check of his ears, he allows all handling for this check, is loose bodied and social. Big Foot is walked on sidewalk, he is treat receptive and walks with a loose leash. He sees a dog approach from 10-15 feet away. He slows is walking pace a bit, stares back the dog with neutral body. The other dog is hard-staring, somewhat tense bodied but Big Foot loses interest, disengages and begins sniff areas of interest. Big Foot passes by within 10 feet of the other dog without issue. Big Foot is walked back to MACC, he re-enters adoptions office and a drag-leash is attached to his collar. 4/18/26: Big Foot is reported to growl at an unfamiliar staffer in the driveway, and unknown stimuli on the street in the distance. 4/14/26: Big Foot is at the front of his kennel jumping up high on the kennel door. He is easily leashed and brought out the room. While walking to the street, Big Foot stops and stares at a dog with a slightly tense body, but the handler calls his name loudly and he goes back to the walk. Big Foot walks ahead with little to no leash tension; he engages with the handler by allowing pets and taking treats softly from them. Upon entering the driveway, Big Foot begins to fixate on a dog that is brought out of sight to the side; he slightly pulls in their direction, but the handler calls his name and gently pulls the leash for him to walk back to the building. The handler clips their leash and returns Big Foot to his kennel. 04/13/26: Volunteer Note - He took treats gently from me (he's picky for treats), followed the sit cue, and allowed head pets once he had warmed up a bit. 4/8: Volunteer Note - Such a handsome, happy, affectionate pup. Excellent leash manners, goofy playful nature. I love walking him: he is so friendly and joyful and always so happy to see you. Walking and spending time with Big Foot just brightens your day.

Summary (7):: 3/31/2026: Big Foot is at the front of his kennel with a loose body and wagging tail. He is easily leashed and brought to the street where he pulls lightly and relieves himself. He seems to enjoy petting and takes treats. He scavenges a bit. A bike and a loud truck go by and he ignores both. He pulls moderately-hard towards another dog but is easily redirected vocally. He is lead back to kennel where he hesitates so treats are tossed. 3/28/26: It is reported on the behavior board that Big Foot may be housetrained. 3/20/26: Big Foot is at front of kennel with loose body as handler approaches, he is easily leashed and exits kennel with mild pull. Big Kahuna walks with a loose leash once outside, shows no interest in dogs or people, but greets familiar staff with loose body as they approach him. Big Foot takes treats gently, allows all petting with soft body. Big Foot relieves himself, walks for a while and continues to check in with handler when verbally cued. Big Foot is walked back to kennel without issue, takes treats offered. 03/12/26: Big Foot is at the front of his kennel as handler approaches, he is offered treats and accepts them gently. While distracted with treats he is leashed and walked with handler out to the street. Once outside he sniffs around thoroughly, ignoring people and dogs he sees on the street. He does not pull while walking due to how frequently he stops to sniff and after a while is brought back inside for his assessment. Once complete he is returned to kennel and without issue and interaction is ended.

Date of intake:: 3/10/2026

Summary:: Loose body, allowed all handling

Date of initial:: 3/11/2026

Summary:: Social with handler

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Big Foot 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 young children: Due to resource guarding and reported reactivity we recommend a home with no young children. Place with NH Partner: Big Foot has been reported to be on-leash reactive to people by his most recent adopter. We recommend placement with an experienced New Hope Partner than carefully manage his potential triggers.

Potential challenges: : Resource guarding,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration

Potential challenges comments:: Resource Guarding: Big Food was observed to become tense and hover over a toy that was in his possession. Nothing should ever be taken directly out of Big Foot's mouth, and any time something is removed they should be rewarded with a high value treat or toy. Please see handout on Resource Guarding. On Leash Reactivity: Big Foot's previous adopter reported that he will react to people on leash, lunging towards them, barking and growling. While this has not been observed in the Care Center, this is a behavior that may need careful management. He may need positive reinforcement, reward based training to teach him to look at you rather than other people. We recommend a front clip harness or head halter to help manage this behavior. Please see hand-out for On-Leash Reactivity.