Animal Profile

Rocky Boat is at risk due to behavioral reasons. His previous owner states that he will resource guard and has a bite history pertaining to the resource guarding. The bite occurred when a person in the home attempted to remove his food. No further details were acquired. While in care, Rocky has been observed to be fearful. Initially, Rocky was noted to baulk on leash and required a sling to be returned to kennel, Rocky was noted to growl when the sling was used. Rocky has since shown improvement in returning to kennel. During one instance of being returned to kennel however, Rocky got tangled in the leash and snapped at a handler, making contact. Rocky's previous owner describes him as social, active, and playful. Medically, Rocky has diarrhea and is emaciated.

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. Rocky Boat is at risk due to behavioral reasons. His previous owner states that he will resource guard and has a bite history pertaining to the resource guarding. The bite occurred when a person in the home attempted to remove his food. No further details were acquired. While in care, Rocky has been observed to be fearful. Initially, Rocky was noted to baulk on leash and required a sling to be returned to kennel, Rocky was noted to growl when the sling was used. Rocky has since shown improvement in returning to kennel. During one instance of being returned to kennel however, Rocky got tangled in the leash and snapped at a handler, making contact. Rocky's previous owner describes him as social, active, and playful. Medically, Rocky has diarrhea and is emaciated. Meet Rocky Boat! This active, playful boy loves being close to his people and is happiest spending time with his family. Affectionate and social with those he knows and trusts, Rocky enjoys companionship and would love a home where he can be included in daily activities. Rocky can be an anxious dog, especially around unfamiliar people. He may bark or growl when startled or when strangers approach his family, so he is looking for an adopter who can help him feel secure while continuing positive, reward-based training. He can also be uncomfortable with handling such as grooming and may need patience and a gentle approach during care routines. Like many smart, energetic dogs, Rocky can become destructive when stressed or under-stimulated, so he will benefit from plenty of exercise, enrichment, and structure. With a consistent routine and an understanding home, Rocky has the potential to be a devoted and loving companion. Rocky Boat is searching for a patient adopter who will appreciate his loyal nature and help him build confidence at his own pace.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 46.5 lbs

Medical Notes

5/8/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 2-3 years based on dentition, consistent with owner reports. Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative History: Owner surrender. Reported no longer has time for and was solely keeping in small crate in home, not being walked. No vet history. Subjective: QAR Observed Behavior - tense body, wagging tail, vocalizing periodically, allows muzzling but remains tense and vocalizing Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? Yes Objective: T = P = WNL R = WNL BCS: 2/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Adult dentition, clean/white 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 patchy hair loss on tail and tail vertebrae easily visualized. CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Externally WNL Wood's Lamp Exam: not performed Assessment: Emaciated Intact male Prognosis: Fair Plan: Intake exam + tasks Photos for neglect Await sort/behavior assessment TID feedings Rx: Trazodone 125mg PO BID indefinitely SURGERY: Temporary waiver due to emaciation

5/8/2026

[Spay/Neuter Waiver - Temporary] Your newly adopted pet has been diagnosed with being emaciated and the staff veterinarians are issuing a TEMPORARY waiver from the spay/neuter requirements of the City of NY. Follow up care at your regular veterinarian is recommended to ensure continued treatment through to the resolution of the issue. At the time of a full recovery you may choose to have your veterinarian perform the spay/neuter surgery, or make provisions to return the pet to ACC for sterilization.

5/13/2026

Staff notes diarrhea S: QAR in kennel, eating well O: EEN- eyes clear, no nasal discharge H/L- eupneic MSK/i- BCS 2/9, healthy haircoat Neuro- alert/appropriate A: Emaciation Diarrhea P: Reweigh: 39 lbs (gained 7 lbs!) Sedate for radiographs using 0.5 ml Dexmedetomidine (500mcg/ml) + 0.5 ml Butorphanol (10mg/ml) IM 3-view abdominal radiographs: - distended stomach on right lateral, appears to be most consistent with food material/kibble, but foreign material cannot be ruled out - liver and spleen subjectively wnl - gas distended colon, likely consistent with diarrhea - some suspicious intestinal loops with gas distension, but no appreciable evidence of foreign body Send radiographs to radiographs LRS 500mls SQ once CBC/CHM in house Supportive care for diarrhea: Psyllium husk 2 teaspoons BID x7d Proviable 1 capsule PO SID x10d 0.5 ml antisedan IM

5/13/2026

CBC HCT 27.3% (37.3-61.7) Hgb 9.9 g/dL (13.1-20.5) WBC 15.4 K/uL - mild neutrophilia 12.5 K/uL - mild monocytosis 1.5 K/uL - mild basophilia 0.19 K/uL CHM Mild hypoglycemia 73 mg/dL (74-143) SDMA 10 ug/dL Creatinine 0.7 mg/dL BUN 10 mg/dL Lytes WNL ALT/ALP WNL A: Mild anemia, r/o pre-regenerative vs. non-regenerative Mild neutrophilia, basophilia, and monocytosis- r/o inflammatory vs. other Mild hypoglycemia, but does not appear clinical so suspect artifact P: Change to GI wet food for TID feedings, opting not to fast due to emaciation Recheck tomorrow

5/14/2026

Brief morning recheck S: QAR in kennel, no vomit or diarrhea noted. 1/2 of GI wet food eaten. O: EEN- eyes clear, no nasal or ocular discharge H/L- eupniec Neuro- alert/appropriate A: Diarrhea, appears to be resolving Underweight but gaining P: Radiology review: ABDOMEN may 13 2026: Lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs are provided, a total of 3 views. COMPARISON: None available. FINDINGS: • Stomach: The stomach is moderately distended with some heterogeneous soft tissue opacity material admixed with gas. The position of the stomach is normal. The pyloric antrum and proximal duodenum are filled with gas on the left lateral projection. • Small Intestine: The small intestines contain fluid and gas without dilation. • Cecum: The cecum is within normal limits. • Colon: The colon contains gas and is normal in position. • Liver: The liver is within normal limits in size and shape. • Spleen: The spleen is within normal limits in size and shape. • Kidneys: The kidneys are within normal limits in size, shape, and opacity. • Urinary Bladder: The urinary bladder is within normal limits in size, shape, and opacity. • Serosal Detail: The abdominal serosal detail is adequate for lean body condition. There is no free peritoneal gas. • Caudal Thorax: The caudal thorax is within normal limits. • Skeletal Structures: The skeletal structures are within normal limits. • Extra-abdominal Soft Tissues: The extra-abdominal soft tissues are within normal limits. CONCLUSIONS: The heterogeneous material in the stomach likely represents residual ingesta but some foreign body fragments could also have this appearance. These cannot be definitively differentiated based on a single set of survey radiographs. No radiographic evidence of small intestinal obstruction is identified. Consider chronic gastroenteritis, systemic disease, underlying enteropathy with malabsorption. RECOMMENDATIONS: An abdominal US would be ideal for further work-up of this patient. If this is not available and if considered clinically adequate, the patient may be managed symptomatically/supportively and recheck fasted abdominal radiographs could be performed to evaluate GI transit. CTM in care Consider fasted radiographs if diarrhea persists but since pet appears to be gaining weight, no evidence of FBO on rads, is eating, and diarrhea resolving will hold off at this time

5/15/2026

SO: Rechecking appetite. Food plates untouched in kennel. No vomiting or diarrhea reported. BAR, takes small amount of food placed in kennel, but then not interested in rest of food in plate 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: underweight hyporexia P: 0.6ml vitamin B12 1000mcg/ml sc weekly blood to lab for B12/folate, TLI and specCPL

5/17/2026

Hx: noted during rounds to have nasal discharge QAR eent- clear nasal discharge; no coughing on presentation hl-eupneic msi- underweight A) CIRDC P) Doxycycline- 8-10 mg/kg (300mg and 100 mg tabs) sig: 1 2 tabs po q 24 hrs x 10 d's SQ Fluids- 500 ml q 24 hrs B Vits- 1000microg/ml Sig: 0.6 ml SQ

5/18/2026

Pet is QAR and eating. Plan d/c sqf

5/19/2026

Spec cPL 51 WNL (0 - 200 µg/L) Trypsin-like Immuno-reactivity (TLI) 15.0 WNL (10.9 - 50.0 ug/L) This TLI concentration indicates normal exocrine pancreatic function. Cobalamin (B-12) >2,000 High (284 - 836 ng/L) Folate 8.9 WNL (4.8 - 19.0 µg/L) A: There is no known significance to an increased cobalamin. Plan Monitor

5/26/2026

S: recheck CIRDC O: EENT: no nasal or ocular discharge. No C/S reported. A: resolved CIRDC P: OK to move out of isolation

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 3. Yellow

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Upon intake, Rocky had a waggy tail when approached. He appeared a bit fearful when leashed but allowed handling. Rocky was highly treat motivated and took treats strongly.

Spay/Neuter Status: Not Applicable

Basic Information:: Rocky is an approximately 3–4-year-old un-altered male LMB that was surrendered due to a newborn in the home and space.

Previously lived with:: 2 adults, 2 kids ages 13 and 4

How is this dog around strangers?: Reported to growl/bark

How is this dog around children?: Reported to be friendly, playful and tolerant

How is this dog around other dogs?: No experience

How is this dog around cats?: No experience

Resource guarding:: Yes, with food and treats if taken

Bite history:: Yes

Housetrained:: No

Energy level/descriptors:: Medium

Other Notes:: Diapers

Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No

For a New Family to Know: Rocky is described as an anxious dog. He is reported to be reactive if strangers approach family members and would hard bark or growl. He is reported to have destructive tendencies in the home. He is social, active, playful and affectionate. Rocky spends his time with people, in the bedroom and he barks and growls if groomed. Restrained: Fearful Startled while sleeping: Unbothered Startled: Barks/growls Touch paws: Unbothered Grab collar: Fearful

Date of intake:: 5/8/2026

Spay/Neuter status:: No

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner Surrender (approx 3 years)

Previously lived with:: 2 adults, 2 kids ages 13 and 4

Behavior toward strangers:: Rocky will growl and bark

Behavior toward children:: Rocky is friendly and playful

Behavior toward dogs:: No experience

Behavior toward cats:: No experience

Resource guarding:: Yes, with food and treats if taken

Bite history:: Yes "The client also stated that there was a bite incident over a month ago and it occurred due to them taking Rocky's food and he was resource guarding."

Housetrained:: No

Energy level/descriptors:: Medium

Other Notes:: Restrained: Fearful Startled while sleeping: Unbothered Startled: Barks/growls Touch paws: Unbothered Grab collar: Fearful Rocky is described as an anxious dog. He is reported to be reactive if strangers approach family members and would hard bark or growl. He is reported to have destructive tendencies in the home. Rocky will bark and growl if groomed. Rocky's previous owner describes Rocky as social, active, and playful.

Date of assessment:: 5/11/2026

Summary:: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: None Reactivity to humans: None Reactivity to dogs: None Leash walking comments: Thrashed and vocalized when exited out of doors Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Distracted Call over: No approach Sociability comments: Sniffing around the room, seeking treats Soft handling: Accepts contact Exuberant handling: Accepts contact Comments: Neutral Arousal Jog comments: Follows handler readily Knock Knock comments: Approaches handler readily Toy Toy comments: Sniffs, no reaction

Summary:: 5/15/26: Rocky greets another dog at the gate with a neutral body.

Summary (6):: 6/8/26: Rocky Boat is barking in his kennel. He takes treats and is leashed with a treat. He is brought to the yard where he fixates on the handler's treat pouch. He plays a game with treats and calms down. He relieves himself. He returns to kennel with ease. 6/3/26: Rocky Boat is at the front of the kennel barking repeatedly. He is easily leashed and taken to the backyard. Rocky walks around the yard, the handler practices clicker training with him. He takes treats gently. After sometime outside, he is walked back inside and is returned to kennel without issue. 5/26/26: It is reported that when the handler was returning Rocky to kennel he got stuck on the leash, and when the handler tried to take it off Rocky snapped at them. The handler stated that Rocky had their hand in their mouth but did not bite down. When the handler attempted to use the hook to remove the leash. Rocky began baring teeth, snapping, and biting the hook. They stated that the walk went well. 5/23/26: Rocky is at the front of the kennel with a soft body and wagging tail. He is easily leashed and pushes his way out of the kennel. Rocky pulls out of the room and is taken downstairs. Handler feed him treats which he takes eagerly. Handler has Rocky sit and he taps his paws eagerly and vocalizes. He has a soft body and a soft wagging tail during the interaction. Rocky walks a short distance with the handler on the street. He relieves himself and is then walked back to the shelter. He walks with mild pulling with the handler back upstairs. Handler leads him with treats back to kennel and he is returned without issue by tossing the treats into the kennel.

Summary (7):: 5/22/26: It is reported that Rocky has been mouthing the leash and vocalizing when in the elevator. 5/20/26: Rocky is reported to bite the leash and baulk when leash pressure is applied. 5/15/26 (PG): Rocky was lying down on his blankets towards back of kennel when handler approached. He was easily leashed and taken to backyard for playgroup. When the greeter dog approached he would sniff and slow tail wag. He carried a neutral body but didn’t show much interest. He was returned to kennel with no issue. 5/13/26: Rocky is reported to growl when the sling is used, however he is showing improvement with using stairs to exit to yard. 5/12/26: It is noted on the whiteboard that Rocky growls when the sling is used on him. 5/11/26: Rocky is at the front of his kennel with a neutral body, he is then easily leashed and removed from kennel. He slowly exits the kennel and would walk alongside the handler, handler would present a treat which Rocky would sniff and quickly take. While walking to the street for his walk, he would reach the door to the driveway and slightly thrash backwards while vocalizing. Handler pauses and calls his name with a soft voice while presenting a treat, he would quickly take and slowly would walk forward with the handler as they didn't apply any leash tension. When reaching the driveway gate, Rocky would repeat the same behavior but was easily coaxed forward again. Rocky is then able to complete a street walk, where he would not react towards any dogs or people and would relieve himself in multiple spots. He is then brought back inside where he would jump on a staff member with a soft body soliciting pets and shortly after would walk forward with the handler. After the assessment, he is easily returned to his kennel with no issue. 5/10/26: Reported via whiteboard that Rocky does not like being when a sling is used and dislikes stairs and thresholds 5/8/26: It is noted on the behavior board that Rocky is very fearful and needs a slow approach.

Date of intake:: 5/8/2026

Summary:: Fearful when leashed, allowed all handling

Date of initial:: 5/8/2026

Summary:: Tense body, wagging tail, vocalizing periodically, allows muzzling but remains tense and vocalizing

ENERGY LEVEL:: Rocky 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:: Level 4

Recommendations:: No children (under 13)

Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to fearful behavior and bite history, we recommend an adult only home.

Potential challenges: : Resource guarding,Destructive behavior,Handling/touch sensitivity,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration,Bite history (human)

Potential challenges comments:: Resource Guarding/Bite History (Human): Please see bite history above for more details. Please see handout on Bite History and Potential for Future Aggression. Destructive Behavior: Rocky's previous owner states that he is destructive in the home. We are unaware of what, if any, attempts were made to remedy this behavior but we suggest to future adopters that Rocky will need to be provided with physical and mental stimulation and with a variety of appropriate and engaging chew toys so they can engage in necessary chewing behavior without damage to human objects. Please see handout on Destructive Behavior. Handling Sensitivity: Rocky's previous owner states that he is fearful when restrained and when his collar is grabbed. They also state that he will bark or growl when groomed. Positive reinforcement, reward based training should be used to pair touch with good things such as food rewards in order to teach Rocky to be more comfortable with this. Please see handout on Handling and Touch Sensitivity. Fearful Defensive: Rocky's previous owner states that he will bark and growl when startled and towards strangers. Recently Rocky has been observed to escalate to snarling at handlers. It is important to move slowly with Rocky, 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. Bite History (Human): Please see bite history above for more details. Please see handout on Bite History and Potential for Future Aggression. On Leash Reactivity: Rocky's previous owner states that he will hard bark or growl at strangers that approach. Rocky 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.