Bella
Hello, my name is Bella. My animal id is #226305. I am a desexed female black dog at the Manhattan Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 12 years 8 months old.
I came into the shelter as a owner surrender on 1/2/2026, with the surrender reason stated as animal behavior - aggressive to other animals.
Sorry, this pet is for new hope partners only.
Pre-Screener FormBella is at risk due to behavioral reasons. Bella was returned to the care center due to a bite incident and behavioral reasons. Her previous owner states that there have been multiple altercations between Bella and the resident dog. During the bite incident when the owner attempted to break up the fight, Bella redirected onto the owner. During her previous stay in the care center Bella was obsvered to be highly dog reactive noted to cage fight with the other dogs in the kennel room. Her previous foster describes her as playful and well mannered. Medically, Bella has a bite wound, dental disease, a mass, and periodontal disease.
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 Bella is at risk due to behavioral reasons. Bella was returned to the care center due to a bite incident and behavioral reasons. Her previous owner states that there have been multiple altercations between Bella and the resident dog. During the bite incident when the owner attempted to break up the fight, Bella redirected onto the owner. During her previous stay in the care center Bella was observed to be highly dog reactive noted to cage fight with the other dogs in the kennel room. Her previous foster describes her as playful and well mannered. Medically, Bella has a bite wound, dental disease, a mass, and periodontal disease. Bella was returned to the care center due to a bite incident and behavioral reasons. Her previous owner states that there have been six previous altercations between Bella and the resident dog. During the bite incident when the owner attempted to break up the fight, Bella redirected onto them. During her previous stay in the care center Bella was observed to be highly dog reactive noted to cage fight with the other dogs in the kennel room. Due to the detailed behaviors we recommend an experienced adult only home.
My medical notes are...
Weight: 62 lbs
5/5/2025
DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 10 years Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned positive History: Owner surrender Subjective: QAR Observed Behavior - Soft body for exam. Is there evidence of Cruelty? No Is there evidence of Neglect? No Is there evidence of Trauma? No Objective P = 120 R = WNL BCS 5/9 EENT: Ears clean. Eyes clear, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Worn teeth. Moderate tartar. PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Female spayed. Green tattoo present. MSI: 1 cm wart dorsal neck. Approx 4.5 cm linear scar mid dorsum. Calluses on elbows. Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: WNL externally Assessment Periodontal disease stage 2/4 Wart on dorsal neck Scar on dorsum Prognosis: Fair to good Plan: Intake tasks SURGERY: Already spayed
5/7/2025
Reported experiencing kennel stress Trazodone 150mg PO BID indefinitely
5/7/2025
SO: When out on walk with animal care, noted limping on RF limb BAR, wiggly and seeking attention eent: eyes clear, no ocular or nasal dc apparent h/l: eupneic, no coughing or sneezing appreciated msi: ambulatory x4, mild RF lameness, on palmar aspect of RF limb small central ulcer in webbing with inflamed skin neuro: mentation alert and appropriate A: RF palmar ulcer P: recommend to decrease walks 0.9ml carprofen sc once soaked paw in dilute chlorhexidine
5/12/2025
FP emailed: Video and photo uploaded to vet docs. Pet did not eat breakfast or lunch today, not drinking water today, a little lethargic, but did enjoy her morning walk. FP notes coughing with mucous production, sneezing, nasal discharge visible in photo. Advised appt asap.
5/12/2025
In foster: Bella has CIRDC P) -offer high value foods and broths -suggest coming in for following: Doxycycline- 8-10 mg/kg (100 mg tabs) sig: 2 tabs po q 24 hrs x 10 d's SQ Fluids- 500 ml q 24 hrs B Vits- 1000microg/ml Sig: 0.8 ml sq
5/13/2025
Hx: has been in foster for short period and not doing well Issue List: - CIRDC with suspect pneumonia - coughing - anorexia - weight loss (lost 2 lbs) - masses as noted previously QAR H-DH EENT: nasal discharge noted H/L: coughing PLN: WNL ABD: relaxed U/G: FS MSI: Ambulatory x 4; masses noted CNS: Mentation quiet - no signs of neurologic abnormalities A) CIRDC with pneumonia P) SQ fluids- 500 ml LRS q 24 hrs Vit B12- 0.8 SQ Enrofloxacin- 100 mg/ml SIG: 2 ml (diluted to 6 ml) SQ q 24 hrs
5/14/2025
Issue List: - geriatric dog with pneumonia and CIRDC - anorexia - masses B-QAR not eating but barking a lot EENT: no nasal or ocular discharge noted H/L: eupneic U/G: FS MSI: Ambulatory x 4 CNS: NSF A) Pneumonia case prognosis guarded P) CWSC
5/15/2025
Hx: return from foster due to developing CIRDC signs S: BAR, barking in kennel, food bowls flipped over so difficult to determine if some was eaten. O: EEN- eyes clear, clear to grey nasal discharge H/L- Eupneic at rest, barking with periodic shallow cough MSK/i- Ambulatory x4 Neuro- alert/appropriate A: CIRDC Anorexia High kennel stress P: Move to Dog ISO for bigger kennel Continue with injectables as previously scheduled Once eating more readily ok to return to FP
5/16/2025
Attempted oral medication when giving fluids and ate well in spam. P: Follow up with FP and see if ok to take back
5/23/2025
Foster Exam Estimated age: 12 years Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned positive History: In foster, recovering from CIRDC. FP notes eating but finnicky, FP notes still coughing and dry nose Subjective: QAR Observed Behavior - tense but allows all handling, eats corned beef very well, eager for attention Objective T = P = 120 bpm R = WNL BCS: 4/9 EENT: Eyes clear OU, ears clean AU, dried nasal planum but no active nasal discharge noted Oral Exam: Worn adult dentition PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic but coughing when excited/walked on leash ABD: Non painful, relaxed U/G: Externally WNL, female MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, dermal mass on right side of neck noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Externally WNL Wood's Lamp Exam: not performed Assessment CIRDC, slow to resolve Eating Prognosis: Good Plan: Extend Enrofloxacin 10mg/kg PO SID 5 days LRS 200 mls SQ once Cerenia 10mg/ml 2ml SQ once Recommend FP apply light layer of vaseline to nasal planum to help with crusting Recommend FP continue to promote appetite with high value foods Recommend FP follow up if Bella declines
1/2/2026
DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 12 years Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned positive History: Owner surrender Subjective: QAR Observed Behavior - Allows all handling, likes baby food Is there evidence of Cruelty? No Is there evidence of Neglect? No Is there evidence of Trauma? Yes, wounds to face/muzzle Objective P = WNL R = WNL BCS 7/9 EENT: Eyes clear, missing portion of pinna AS with focal round lesion with purulent discharge, some dried blood/discharge on pinna AD. No nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Adult dentition, worn dentition. Moderate tartar. Swollen left side of lip/muzzle. PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Externally WNL spayed female MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, 2cm pink fleshy mass on dorsal neck. Approx 4-5 cm linear scar mid dorsum. Pinpoint and linear abrasions on face/muzzle, some consistent with bite wounds. Missing portion of external pinna AS> CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: WNL externally Assessment Pinpoint abrasions consistent with bite wounds to face/muzzle Linear abrasions to face/muzzle on left side of face Missing portion of ear pinna AS (photo in vet docs) Periodontal disease stage 2/4 Pink fleshy mass on dorsal aspect of neck Scar on dorsum Prognosis: Fair Plan: Update tasks + exam Rx: Carprofen 125mg PO SID x5d Rx: Cefpodoxime 200mg PO SID x10d Rx: Trazodone 250mg PO BID indefinitely due to TDO status Observe DOH-B hold SURGERY: Already spayed
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 1. Green
Basic Information:: Bella is a 10-year-old female dog who has been altered already. Owners are surrendering due to going into the shelter system.
Previously lived with:: 2 adults, 1 child (5) cats and rabbits.
How is this dog around strangers?: Around strangers and visitors, Bella is reported to be friendly, outgoing, playful, and tolerant.
How is this dog around children?: Around children, Bella is reported to be friendly, outgoing, playful, and tolerant.
How is this dog around other dogs?: With unfamiliar dogs, she can hard bark or growl at them. Has not spent time with familiar dogs.
How is this dog around cats?: Friendly and outgoing with cats.
Resource guarding:: No resource guarding
Bite history:: A bite incident has occurred between Bella and another resident dog.
Housetrained:: Partially
Energy level/descriptors:: Medium
Other Notes:: Is not bothered by... Held/restrained Disturbed when sleeping/resting Startled Pushed/pulled off furniture Feet/paws touched Collar grabbed/touched
Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: Yes
Medical Notes: Has a few abnormal growth around her body which may need removal.
For a New Family to Know: Bella is social and affection. Very active and playful, vocal but quiet when she needs to be. Can be described as aloof. Bella knows commands such as sit, wait, kiss and eat. She loves to give kisses and play with kong toys. Shes not a pick eater but eats Science Hill Diet. She gets 3 45min walks a day.
Date of intake:: 1/2/2026
Spay/Neuter status:: Yes
Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Returned
Bite history:: Yes, please see behavior summary
Other Notes:: 05/4/25: Owner Surrender, First Stay Previously lived with: 2 adults, 1 child (5) cats and rabbits. Behavior toward strangers: Bella is friendly and outgoing Behavior toward children: Bella is friendly and outgoing Behavior toward dogs: Bella will growl and hard bark at unfamiliar dog Behavior toward cats: Bella is friendly and outgoing Resource guarding: None reported Bite history: None reported Housetrained: Partially Energy level/descriptors: Medium Other Notes: Is not bothered by... Held/restrained Disturbed when sleeping/resting Startled Pushed/pulled off furniture Feet/paws touched Collar grabbed/touched Bella's previous owner describes her as a social and affectionate dog. She may know the cue sit. Bella displayed reactivity during her first stay. ***Previous assessment available upon request***
Date of assessment:: 1/7/2026
Summary:: Bella was returned to the Care Centers following a severe altercation with a resident dog. Bella and the owner’s other adopted dog, Nala (ID 235810), were in the kitchen when Bella growled and then attacked Nala. A fight ensued, during which Nala bit and held onto Bella. When the owner attempted to break up the fight, Bella bit them on the arm. The owner reported a total of six previous altercations between the two dogs. During Bella’s previous stay in the Care Centers, she was noted to be on-leash reactive toward other dogs and her initial owner stated she will growl and hard bark at other dogs. While in foster care, she was observed to bark at other dogs but otherwise did well in the foster home. Due to the bite incident Bella is not a candidate for a handling assessment at this time.
Summary:: 5/17/25: Bella greets another dog at the gate with a neutral body. she then disengages.
Summary (7):: 1/5/26: Bella is laying near the front of the kennel with her back facing the door when the handler approaches. The handler speaks in a soft tone and Bella looks over her shoulder and hard stares at the handler. The handler tosses treats and crouches down. Bella is not receptive to the treat or the coaxing, she stays where she is and continues hard staring at the handler with a tense body. The handler tosses more treats and ends the interaction. 5/17/25: Bella was observed to cage fight when being returned to kennel. She pulls forward tense body while vocalizing. Handler needs to muscle her into the kennel as she is attempting to fight with the neighboring dog. 5/7/25: Bella has been observed to be licking her kennel bars and has covered her kennel in feces. 5/6/25: Bella is at the front of the kennel with a soft body. She is easily leashed and walks slowly out of the room. She walks besides the handler walking slowly. Bella is brought to the street where her tail is pressed against her body. She relieves herself and stops and sniffs her surroundings. She is brought to the assessment room where she greets the assessor with a soft body and wagging tail. She allows collaring. After her assessment she is returned to kennel without issue.
Date of intake:: 1/2/2026
Summary:: Barked and growled at the other dogs
Date of initial:: 1/2/2026
Summary:: Allowed handling
ENERGY LEVEL:: Bella is described as medium energy. They will need daily mental and physical activity to keep them engaged and exercised. And we recommend using force-free, reward-based training techniques for them.
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only
Recommendations:: No children (under 13),Single-pet home,Recommend no dog parks,Place with a New Hope partner
Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to the bite incidents we recommend an adult only home. Single Pet Home: Due to the multiple bite instances we recommend a single pet home. No Dog Parks: Due to hard barking and growling towards unfamiliar dogs we recommend no trips to the dog park. 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: : Multiple-bite history/risk of future aggression,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration,Bite history (human),Bite history (dog)
Potential challenges comments:: Multiple Bite History/ Bite History (Human)/ Bite History (Dog): Escalating to biting is a behavior that Bella has rehearsed repeatedly over their life. This behavior is likely to continue as it has become part of Bell's repertoire, and will need careful management to work toward reducing triggers for Bella and reducing the resulting bites. Please see handout on Bite History and Potential for Future Aggression. On Leash Reactivity: Bella's previous owner states that she will hard bark and growl towards unfamiliar dogs. During intake she was observed to growl when small animals appeared on the television. Bella will need positive reinforcement, reward based training to teach them to look at you rather than other dogs. We recommend a front clip harness to help manage this behavior. Please see handout on On Leash Reactivity and Barrier Frustration.
