Animal Profile

Maxwell is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. In the prior home, Maxwell was reported to have bitten two people. In both incidents, he bit and immediately released after being approached and touched while asleep. Previous owner noted Maxwell is attentive, empathetic, and playful. Maxwell in the care center has been social and playful with staff. Medically, Maxwell is noted to be overweight and has recently recovered from CIRDC.

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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 Maxwell is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. In the prior home, Maxwell was reported to have bitten two people. In both incidents, he bit and immediately released after being approached and touched while asleep. Previous owner noted Maxwell is attentive, empathetic, and playful. Maxwell in the care center has been social and playful with staff. Medically, Maxwell is noted to be overweight and has recently recovered from CIRDC. Maxwell was surrendered by his previous owner due to them not being able to care for him any longer. His previous owner described him as a social, affectionate, active, playful, vocal, clingy dog. He would spend most of his time where people are, has been to the groomer, loves bath time/water, playing with balls, sitting in chairs, and loves boiled chicken. In his previous home, he would go on two 40-minute walks a day and had access to a patio. He is not crate trained. He sometimes enjoys car rides, and sometimes is very anxious in cars. Maxwell is noted to have a bite history. He escalated to biting his owner when they attempted to kiss him while he was asleep, and a neighbor who attempted to pet him while he was asleep. During his stay in care, Maxwell has been easy to remove from his crate and take on walks. He did show potential resource guarding of the toy during his handling assessment. Due to all noted concerns displayed in a home environment and in care, we recommend for Maxwell be placed with a New Hope placement partner who can provide an experienced adult-only foster home and provide any necessary behavior modification (force-free, positive reinforcement-based) and re-evaluate behavior in a stable home environment before placement into a permanent home. A volunteer writes: Some dogs' bios are so packed with glowing owner notes that they basically write themselves, and break our hearts in the process. Such is the case for Maxwell, who was loved - so loved - by his former guardian, who could sadly no longer care for him due to their health. "He is a very smart baby" is one of the last things Maxwell's former person told the shelter about their beloved dog. They described him as a social, affectionate, and playful dog who spends most of his time where people are, and as very attentive and empathetic. He loves bathtime (we love a water dog) and going on long walks, plus he knows a handful of commands, including "sit," "stay," "paws," and "ball." He even knows to wait to have his paws cleaned after walks! He is said to be tolerant, friendly, outgoing, and playful around both familiar and unfamiliar dogs. At the shelter, Maxwell has been friendly and social with staff, and though you can usually find him sitting calmly in his crate, he gets excited for walks. On my first walk with him, a passerby commented on how cute he was, and I wasn't surprised. With his floppy ears and chunky beagle-like physique, it's nearly impossible not to fall in love at first glance. He'd make an easygoing companion who appreciates the little things in life; a few of Maxwell's passions include playing with balls, sitting in chairs, and snacking on boiled chicken.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 65 lbs

Medical Notes

6/20/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 5 years Microchip noted on Intake? Negative History: Owner Surrender Subjective: BAR-H, MM pink and moist Observed Behavior - Blue; Able to examine, nervous, body tense, took treats readily, needed to move slow, warming up, muzzled as a precaution Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? No Objective: P = 110 hr R = pant rr BCS 8/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Limited exam d/t muzzle; NSF of anterior dentition - mild enamel discoloration and dental calculus on maxillary canines PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: MI, two testicles descended MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment: Apparently healthy, except for: Obese Prognosis: Good Plan: Standard intake tasks for dogs performed Weight loss recommended after placement SURGERY: Okay for surgery

6/24/2026

Progress exam: CIRDC signs noted on rounds Subjective: BAR, no S/V/D. Coughing present. Weak appetite noted took HVTS readily Objective: EYES: Clear LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: mild clear serous discharge MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4, no lameness or lesions NEURO: Appropriate mentation ASSESSMENT: Presumed CIRDC PLAN: Per standing orders -Move to iso, ppe sign & monitor log placed on kennel -Start doxycycline 10mg/kg PO q24h x10days & medical feedings PO BID x5days -CTM, recheck in 3 days

6/29/2026

Brief recheck: QAR in kennel BAR once out, constant coughing present. AS:1 per log ate HVTS , mod. mucopurulent nasal discharge with some blood present. -Start LRS SQ 500-600ml x3days -CTM, recheck as scheduled

7/1/2026

Recheck CIRDC, poor appetite noted S/O: QAR, log indicates not eating, meds uneaten in kennel, reported coughing, no v/d/s noted EENT: No ocular discharge, mild mucoserous nasal discharge LuNGS: Eupneic CNS: Appropriate mentation A: Anorexia CIRDC Obese P: D/c doxycycline as not eating it Start enrofloxacin 10 mg/kg SQ SID Start cerenia 1 mg/kg SQ SID Extend SQ LRS and medical feedings CTM closely on rounds and recheck in 2 days

7/2/2026

Progress exam: CIRDC day 7 recheck Subjective: QAR, no C/S/V/D present. AS:1 per log, untouched medical feeding Objective: EYES: Clear LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: clear serous discharge MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4, no lameness or lesions NEURO: Appropriate mentation ASSESSMENT: Presumed CIRDC PLAN: Per standing orders -DVM recheck tomorrow

7/3/2026

Recheck CIRDC, appetite S/O: BAR, standing at front of kennel this AM, eating HV foods well, occasional cough, no v/d/s noted EENT: Mild mucoserous to blood-tinged nasal discharge LUNGS: Eupneic MSI: Ambulatory x 4, overweight CNS: Appropriate mentation A: Anorexia - resolved CIRDC Obese P: Continue current treatment plan and recheck in 3 days CTM while at QACC

7/6/2026

Progress exam: CIRDC recheck Subjective: BAR, no C/S/V/D. AS:2 ate HVTS offered Objective: EYES: Clear LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: no discharge MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4, no lameness or lesions NEURO: Appropriate mentation ASSESSMENT: Presumed CIRDC improving! PLAN: Per standing orders -Okay to switch to oral enrofloxacin x4 days(will note to crush/use HVTs) -CTM, recheck as scheduled

7/13/2026

Progress exam: CIRDC recheck Subjective: BAR, no C/S/V/D. AS:2/3 Objective: EYES: Clear LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: no discharge MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4, no lameness or lesions NEURO: Appropriate mentation ASSESSMENT: Presumed CIRDC appears resolved PLAN: Per standing orders -CIRDC signage removed from kennel -CTM on daily rounds while in QACC

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 2. Blue

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Upon intake, Maxwell was friendly and social with staff. Staff were able to place slip leash, scan for m/c, and walk easily back to medical. Maxwell entered his pop-up crate on his own.

Basic Information:: Maxwell is a aprox. 6-year-old, large, male, dog. He came to ACC via owner surrender after they were unable to care for him due to having surgery.

Previously lived with:: 1 adult

How is this dog around strangers?: He is tolerant, friendly, and outgoing around strangers. He barks and growls at strangers when they knock on the door, but quickly calms down.

How is this dog around children?: He is tolerant, friendly, outgoing, playful around children.

How is this dog around other dogs?: He is tolerant, friendly, outgoing, and playful around familiar and unfamiliar dogs.

How is this dog around cats?: No experience.

Resource guarding:: He values toys, food, and treats. He guards these items by hovering with a tense body.

Bite history:: There is a bite history. Maxwell has bitten two people when they went to pet/kiss him while he was asleep.

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: Medium

Other Notes:: He uses the bathroom outside and inside on weewee pads. He pulls hard while on leash. While on walks he stares at other dogs, and occasionally growls. He is not bothered when held/restrained, or when his paws are touched. He lunges and bites when disturbed from sleep/startled. There have been no attempts to push/pull him off furniture, or to grab his collar.

Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No

For a New Family to Know: He is a social, affectionate, active, playful, vocal, clingy, dog. He spends most of his time where people are. He has been to the groomer, and loves bath time/water. He pulls while on leash. In his previous home he would go on two 40 minute walks a day, and had access to a patio. He is not crate trained. He sometimes enjoys car rides, and sometimes is very anxious in cars. He knows, "sit", "stay", "paws", "feet", "ball". He will wait to have his paws cleaned after walks, and will drink water when told to. He is a very smart baby. He is very attentive and empathetic. He loves playing with balls, and sitting in chairs. He loves boiled chicken.

Date of intake:: 6/17/2026

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

Previously lived with:: 1 adult

Behavior toward strangers:: tolerant, friendly, and outgoing; barks and growls when strangers knock on door, quickly calms down

Behavior toward children:: tolerant, friendly, outgoing, playful

Behavior toward dogs:: tolerant, friendly, outgoing, and playful

Behavior toward cats:: unknown

Resource guarding:: He values toys, food, and treats. He guards these items by hovering with a tense body.

Bite history:: Maxwell is reported to have 2 bite incidents - The first week they had Maxwell, he was sleeping, and they went to pet him and kiss his face. Maxwell woke up, bit the owner on the hand, and released. A few days later, their neighbor came over, and Maxwell was sleeping. The neighbor went to pet Maxwell, and was told not to. The neighbor ignored the owner, and Maxwell woke up, bit the neighbor on the arm, and released.

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: Maxwell is reported to have a medium energy level.

Other Notes:: He uses the bathroom outside and inside on weewee pads. He pulls hard while on leash. While on walks, he stares at other dogs and occasionally growls. He is not bothered when held/restrained or when his paws are touched. He lunges and bites when disturbed from sleep/startled. There have been no attempts to push/pull him off furniture or to grab his collar.

Date of assessment:: 6/22/2026

Summary:: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: mild pulling Reactivity to humans: did not pass Reactivity to dogs: did not pass Leash walking comments: Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): wanders room, pant heavily, soft body Call over: approaches with coaxing Sociability comments: distracted due to seeking treats Handling Soft handling: sits, tolerant, pants heavily Exuberant handling: sits, tolerant, pants heavily Handling comments: Arousal Jog: follows, pants, neutral Arousal comments: Knock: no response Knock Comments: Toy: grips, firm, stiffens, body blocks Toy comments:

Summary:: According to Maxwell's previous owner(s), he is tolerant, friendly, playful, and outgoing with familiar and unfamiliar dogs. 06/18/26 Maxwell is introduced to a novel female while off leash. He approaches the gate and will watch the female with a neutral frame. When she does not approach, he disengages to explore the yard.

Summary (7):: 07-14-26 :As the handler gets closer, Maxwell is lying down in his crate. When the handler puts treats inside, he gets up and takes them with ease. When the handler puts their leash around his head he backs away. Handler is able to leash him with help of treats and takes him to the playground with a snufflemat full of toys and snacks. He has a relaxed body and is at ease exploring the snufflemat for treats while wearing a drag leash in the yard. He discovers a toy in the yard and squeaks it while chewing on it. He can be petted, leashed back, have the drag lead unclipped, and return to his crate with the toy without any problems. 6/23/26: Maxwell is laying down at the back of the crate as the handler approaches. He is panting and needs some coaxing to get up. he eventually gets up and is leashed. He will then walk out of kennel slowly and maintains a slow labored pace throughout the walk. He is then returned to his kennel with no issue and secured safely. 6/22/26: Maxwell is standing in his crate as handler approaches. He is able to be slowly leashed and he is then taken to the behavior room for his assessment. In the room, he has a neutral body frame and would become tense being petted. He would refuse to go the toy as the handler uses the assessment hand. Please see behavior assessment notes for more details. He is able to return back to his crate with the toy with no issues. 6/19/26: Maxwell is standing in his crate as handler approaches. He is able to be quickly leashed and he is then taken outside for a walk. On the walk, he has a loose body as he walks ahead. He has no reactions to dogs or people and is comfortable approaching the handler to receive treats. He is able to return back to his crate with no issues and he grabs a toy that was left for him inside. 6/18/26: Maxwell is laying down in his crate as handler approaches. He stands up and is comfortable taking treats that the handler tosses inside. He backs away as the handler gets their leash around his head and he is then taken to the behavior room. In the room, he has a loose body and is comfortable searching around for treats. He would jump up on the couch and look for toys. He grabs a toy that he finds and would squeak it as he chewed on it. He is able to return back to his crate wit the toy with no issues.

Date of intake:: 6/17/2026

Summary:: friendly and social with staff, allowed all intake tasks

Date of initial:: 6/20/2026

Summary:: Able to examine, nervous, body tense, took treats readily, needed to move slow, warming up, muzzled

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only

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

Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to the concerns reported in the previous home in conjunction with his guarding during the toy portion of his assessment, we recommend an adult only home. Place with a New Hope partner: Due to all noted concerns displayed in a home environment, the behavior department recommends that Maxwell be placed with a New Hope placement partner who is able to provide an experienced adult-only foster home. A period of decompression is recommended to allow him to acclimate comfortably to his new environment; force-free, reward based training only is advised when introducing Maxwell to new and unfamiliar situations. Consultation with a professional trainer/behaviorist is highly recommended for guidance to safely manage/modify any behavior he presents with outside of the care centers.

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

Potential challenges comments:: Resource guarding: Potential resource guarding was during the toy portion of Maxwell's assessment. He became stiff and body blocked when engaged with a toy when the prop hand was attempting to remove it. For this reason, we advise against ever removing items from Maxwell's possession without safely trading for an item or greater or equal value. Guidance from a professional trainer/behaviorist is highly recommended to aid in safely managing/modifying this behavior in a new home environment. Please see the handout on Resource guarding. Fearful/potential for defensive aggression | Bite history (human): Maxwell is reported to hard bark and growl when strangers knock on the door. He has escalated to lunging and biting when disturbed from sleep or startled. Maxwell bit his owner and a neighbor when they went to pet or kiss hom while he was asleep. Please see the handouts on Fearful/potential for defensive aggression. On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration: Maxwell is noted to occasionally growl and stare at dogs during walks. Please see the handout on On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration.