Zorro
Hello, my name is Zorro. My animal id is #219473. I am a desexed male white dog at the Queens Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 2 years 1 months 2 weeks old.
I came into the shelter as a owner surrender on 2/13/2025, with the surrender reason stated as person circumstance- moving - no pets allowed.
Zorro is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. Zorro in the care center has displayed a significant amount of reactivity on leash within the care center, lunging, hard barking and thrashing on leash when seeing another dog, and is difficult to refocus until the other dog is out of sight, making it difficult to walk him safely. Zorro is social with staff, but is struggling in the care center. Medically, Zorro is apparently healthy.
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. Zorro is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. Zorro in the care center has displayed a significant amount of reactivity on leash within the care center, lunging, hard barking and thrashing on leash when seeing another dog, and is difficult to refocus until the other dog is out of sight, making it difficult to walk him safely. Zorro is social with staff, but is struggling in the care center. Medically, Zorro is apparently healthy. Meet Zorro! Zorro is a 2-year-old medium mixed breed who is looking for a patient and understanding adopter to help him build confidence and feel safe in a loving home. With the right support, Zorro has the potential to be a wonderful companion! My Ideal Home: Zorro will thrive in a calm and structured environment with experienced adopters who can provide positive reinforcement training and help him navigate new experiences. Due to his handling sensitivity, Zorro is best suited for a home without young children. Good with Other Pets? Zorro has a history of being friendly and outgoing with other dogs but can sometimes get frustrated during interactions. Slow introductions to new dogs are recommended. His behavior with cats is unknown. Good with Children? Zorro previously lived with children and was described as friendly. However, due to his sensitivity to handling, he is best suited for a home with children over 13 who understand how to respect a dog's space and comfort level. How is My Health? Zorro is in good health! He has received all necessary vaccinations, flea/tick prevention, and deworming treatments. He is not yet neutered, but he is cleared for surgery. How Are My Leash Manners? Zorro is still learning to feel comfortable on a leash. He sometimes thrashes when pressure is applied but is making progress. With patience, positive reinforcement, and slow exposure, he will improve over time. What is My Behavior Assessment? Zorro has a Level 3 Behavior Determination, meaning he will benefit from an adopter who has experience working with dogs that need confidence building. He can be fearful in new situations but warms up with time and gentle handling. He enjoys treats, explores his surroundings, and has bursts of playful energy ("zoomies"). Why You'll Love Zorro: Zorro is a sweet and intelligent dog who just needs the right person to help him feel safe and secure. If you're looking for a pup to grow and learn with, Zorro could be the perfect match for you! Are you ready to help Zorro find his confidence and become the best version of himself? Come meet him today! 🐾
My medical notes are...
Weight: 45 lbs
2/14/2025
DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 1-3 years old Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative History: Owner surrender Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - Solicits attention and wags tail initially, tail tucked for exam but allowed all handling, thrashes with any leash pressure Is there evidence of Cruelty? No Is there evidence of Neglect? No Is there evidence of Trauma? No Objective: T = P = 120 R = 30 BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Minimal dental tartar PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Male, two scrotal testicles MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Externally normal Assessment: Apparently healthy Prognosis: Good Plan: Intake tasks SURGERY: Okay for surgery
2/21/2025
Pre-Op Exam S/O: BAR, no c/s/v/d noted EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge noted Lungs: Eupneic, normal respiratory rate/effort ABD: No obvious distention MSI: Ambulatory x 4, no notable lameness CNS: Mentation appropriate A: Apparently healthy P: Neuter SURGERY: Okay for surgery
2/21/2025
Routine Canine Neuter Scrotal Incision, sharp dissection to exteriorize each testicle Spermatic Cord Ligation with: 2-0 PDS miller's knots Sub Q closure: 2-0 PDS single simple interrupted knot Green linear tattoo placed Surgeon: 1438 Additional notes: Cold compress applied post op, smooth recovery
2/26/2025
Attitude/demeanor: BAR Appetite: eating well C/S/V/D: none Incision site: no swelling, bruising, or bleeding; sutures appear intact Pain level: appears comfortable Licking, chewing, or biting surgical site noted: no
2/28/2025
Progress exam: Inappetence noted on rounds Subjective: BAR, no C/S/V/D Objective: EYES: Clear, no discharge LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: no discharge MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4, no lameness or lesions NEURO: Appropriate mentation ASSESSMENT: Presumed inappetence PLAN: Per standing orders -Start medical feedings q12h x5days -Placed monitor log on kennel -CTM, recheck in 3 days
3/3/2025
Progress exam: Subjective: Appetite recheck Objective: 1/2 reported on monitor log ASSESSMENT: Presumed inappetence appears resolved PLAN: Per standing orders -CTM closely on daily rounds while in QACC
3/3/2025
Increased reactivity towards other dogs noted while on walks. Start clonidine .03 mg/kg PO q12h indefinitely, monitor for response
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 2. Blue
Upon intake the dog allowed staff to pet him after he sniffed them and allowed to be scan for MC. The dog had a harness on and once he was walked with a rope, he trashed the whole way. He allowed all handling.
Basic Information:: Zorro is a 2-year-old male non-altered LMB dog. His fur coat is tan and white.
Previously lived with:: 2 adults, 2 children
How is this dog around strangers?: Zorro is friendly and outgoing with strangers.
How is this dog around children?: Zorro is friendly and outgoing with children.
How is this dog around other dogs?: Zorro is friendly, playful, and outgoing with familiar dogs. He has no experience with unfamiliar dogs on/off leash.
How is this dog around cats?: Has no experience.
Resource guarding:: No resource guarding reported.
Bite history:: No bite history.
Housetrained:: Yes
Energy level/descriptors:: medium
Other Notes:: It is unknown how Zorro reacts when held/restrained, disturbed while sleeping, startled, pushed off furniture, or when paws/collar is touched.
Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No
For a New Family to Know: Zorro inside his previous home was shy and fearful at times. He spent most of his time in his crate. He allows family to trim his nails and bathe him. he does no pulling the leash. He doesn't have a set schedule for walks. He loves car rides. He knows the cues sit and lay down. His favorite treat is bones.
Date of intake:: 2/13/2025
Spay/Neuter status:: No
Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner Surrender
Previously lived with:: 2 adults, 2 children
Behavior toward strangers:: Friendly and outgoing
Behavior toward children:: Friendly
Behavior toward dogs:: Friendly and outgoing
Behavior toward cats:: Unknown
Resource guarding:: None reported
Bite history:: None reported
Housetrained:: Yes
Energy level/descriptors:: Zorro is described to have medium energy level
Other Notes:: It is unknown how Zorro reacts when held/restrained, disturbed while sleeping, startled, pushed off furniture, or when paws/collar is touched.
Date of assessment:: 2/16/2025
Summary:: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: Mild pulling Reactivity to humans: Inconclusive – did not pass people on walk Reactivity to dogs: Inconclusive – did not pass dog on walk Leash walking comments: Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Fearful- tense, takes treats Call over: Approaches with coaxing Sociability comments: Explores, distracted, warms up Handling Soft handling: Tolerates contact-distracted, leans in, lip licks Exuberant handling: Tolerates contact-distracted, leans in, lip licks Handling comments: Shakes off and returns for contact Arousal Jog: Jumps up, loose body, flails a bit, has zoomies Arousal comments: Knock Knock Comments: No response Toy Toy comments: No interest 2/15- Zorro is taken to the behavioral office for a handling assessment he displays avoidant behavior and sniffs the room. A collar is placed on him which he end up getting his paw stuck he grows tense but removes the collar off himself. He is taken back to his crate and given more time to decompress.
Summary:: According to Zorro's previous owner(s), Zorro has interacted with different dogs and is often described as Friendly and outgoing. 02/19/25: When off leash at the Care Center Zorro is introduced to a novel female dog. At the gate approaches with hackles and a flagging tail. Zorro scents the novel female before chasing her along the gate line. The novel female becomes avoidant and creates distance. Zorro displays a clown mouth as he begins to paw at the gate. Zorro grows in frustration as he stands on the gate. The novel female takes no further interest in Zorro. Both dogs are separated thus ending the interaction.
Summary (6):: 3/9/25: Zorro was exiting the yard onto the sidewalk as handler walked another dog towards him up the ramp. He was observed to thrash and snarl on leash. 03/06/25: (1) Zorro is observed to hard bark, lunge and thrash on leash when he sees another dog. A staff member was able to move him past the dog, but would not stop until the dog was out of sight. (2) Zorro was easily leashed and brought to the behavior office to be refitted with a collar as he had chewed the original martingale off. He remains wiggly and readily seeks attention from the handlers present. He is easily collared and then begins racing around the room with zoomies. He stops when offered cheese; he throws cues at the handler with the cheese - laying down, spinning, paw - when cued to sit. He resumes his zoomies but stops to solicit attention from handlers, leaning hard into the contact before being returned to his kennel without issue. 3/5: Zorro was reported to attempt to kennel fight when leaving the room. While walking down the hallway, Zorro pulled moderately and was reported to be highly reactive to other dogs. When passing a person, he was reported to growl at them; this person did not have a dog. 03/04/25: Zorro's behavior remains consistent with the previous note dated on 02/25/25. Please refer to note for more details.
Summary (7):: 3/2: Zorro was reported to become highly reactive to other dogs during a walk - hard barking, lunging - causing a handler to trip and fall while they were walking him. Staff also report similar behaviors when walking him but they think Zorro's reactivity is becoming more pronounced. 02/25/25: Zorro greets the handler standing in front of his crate with a loose frame. Zorro is easily leashed and escorted out of the care center for street walks. When on leash Zorro will walk ahead of the handler mildly pulling with a soft frame as he looks at his environment and scenting what ever arouses his interest. Zorro will walk with his ears forward on his front toes. Zorro is returned back to his kennel where he is secured safely. - 02/19/25 (playgroup): Zorro is standing at the front of kennel with a neutral frame as handler approaches. He is leashed with ease and pulls mildly out to the yard for playgroup (see Dog-Dog Summary for further details). Zorro spends time scenting along the yard while waiting for the other dog. He becomes tense-bodied as he catches sight of the other dog approaching the yard. After the greet, Zorro is moved away from the gate and will thrash lightly as handler switches to their slip lead. He settles and is returned to kennel safely. 2/16/25: Zorro stood at front of kennel and dodged attempts to leash. Once leashed, he walked the short distance to the BA room for his assessment. Zorro appeared tense at times with hackles on his tail raised. Zorro resisted returning to kennel but was guided in using directional leash pressure. 02/15/25 (late entry): Zorro is standing at the front of kennel panting heavily as handler approaches. He avoids leashing and will dodge as the lead comes near him but will come back to the front of kennel. Once he is leashed, Zorro is walked to the Canine Behavior Office. He displays a slightly tense frame while being collared but allows. Once collared, Zorro begins pacing the room and gets his foot caught in the collar (handlers gave him a minute to decompress before they were to attempt to tighten it). Second handler slowly grabs the drag lead and Zorro pulls himself free from the collar. Due to his level of discomfort, Zorro is returned to kennel, and assessment will be attempted at another time. -
Date of intake:: 2/13/2025
Summary:: The dog had a harness on and once he was walked with a rope, he trashed the whole way
Date of initial:: 2/14/2025
Summary:: Solicits attention and wags tail initially, tail tucked for exam but allowed all handling, thrashes
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: Level 3
Recommendations:: No children (under 13)
Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to Zorro's handling sensitivity, Zorro should go to a home with older behavioral savvy children.
Potential challenges: : Basic manners/poor impulse control,Handling/touch sensitivity,Fearful
Potential challenges comments:: Basic manners/poor impulse control: Zorro is noted to jump on staff in a friendly manner. He should learn impulse control through positive reinforcement. Please see the handout on Basic manners/poor impulse control. Handling/touch sensitivity/Fearful: Zorro showed some handling sensitivity when it a slip lead was placed on him and was observed to thrash. Positive reinforcement should be used to help Zorro feel comfortable with some handling. Please see the handout on Handling/touch sensitivity and Decompression.