Animal Profile

Baby Beluga is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Baby Beluga was returned by his previous adopter due to a bite incident. Baby Beluga had snapped at the child moments while they attempted to remove a bone from the wrapper. He escalated to biting and holding onto the adopter's hand when they attempted to take the bone that was still partially in the wrapper. In care, Baby Beluga is loose and wiggly with handlers, readily seeking pets and accepting of treats. But he has mounted their legs after becoming aroused with handling. Medically, Baby Beluga 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. 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 Baby Beluga is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Baby Beluga was returned by his previous adopter due to a bite incident. Baby Beluga had snapped at the child moments while they attempted to remove a bone from the wrapper. He escalated to biting and holding onto the adopter's hand when they attempted to take the bone that was still partially in the wrapper. In care, Baby Beluga is loose and wiggly with handlers, readily seeking pets and accepting of treats. But he has mounted their legs after becoming aroused with handling. Medically, Baby Beluga is apparently healthy. Baby Beluga was initially surrendered into care as a stray, so his past behavior in a home environment is unknown. Baby Beluga initially presented as easy to remove from the kennel, readily accepted treats, but would become aroused and mount the staff/handler's legs during handling. During interactions, he would readily seek petting from handlers. Baby Beluga was trially adopted, but returned due to a bite incident while in the adopter's care. He was reported to resource guard a bone and escalated to snapping at the adopter's child who attempted to take the bone due to the wrapper not being fully removed. When the previous adopter attempted, Baby Beluga bit and held onto their hand. The bite did break skin and draw blood, leaving a puncture. Due to these concerns, we recommend that Baby Beluga be placed in an adult-only home through a New Hope rescue partner who can 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. 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 with only adult humans. I'm sensitive and shy. I'll need extra help from you.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 65 lbs

Medical Notes

4/27/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: approx 3-7 years based on dentition and conformation Microchip noted on Intake? scanned negative History: agency- stray Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - initially timid, warmed up with handling and treats, allowed for exam and all tasks Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? N Objective: T = np P = wnl R = wnl BCS 5.5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: mild wear and staining to visible dentition, could not visualize PMs or molars, scant calculus over canines PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: MI, two scrotal testes MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment: APH Prognosis: good Plan: intake exam and tasks awaiting sort SURGERY: Okay for surgery: Y

4/30/2026

Behavior staff requesting behavior modification medication due to FAS (mounting, stress hyperemia, panting and heavy panting). P not currently on any behavior modification medications. ADD Trazodone 250mg (~8mg/kg) PO BID TFN

5/5/2026

Progress exam: CIRDC signs noted on rounds Subjective: BAR, no S/V/D. Coughing & occasional hacking present 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 PLAN: Per standing orders -Move to iso, ppe sign & monitor log placed on kennel -Start doxycycline 10mg/kg PO q24h x10days -CTM, recheck in 3 days

5/12/2026

Progress exam: CIRDC day 7 recheck Subjective: BAR, no S/V/D. Coughing present. AS:3 per log 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 PLAN: Per standing orders -CTM, recheck in 3 days

5/15/2026

Progress exam: CIRDC day 10 Subjective: BAR, no C/S/V/D present. AS:3 per log 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

5/19/2026

Was this dog a cryptorchid? No If so describe - Scrotal Incision Spermatic Cord Ligation with: 0 PDS modified miller's knot Sub Q closure: 0 PDS cruciate suture Skin closure? glue Green Linear Tattoo Placed near Midline Surgeon: 2565

5/24/2026

[Post Surgical Exam] Attitude/demeanor: BAR Appetite: eating well C/S/V/D: none Incision site: unable to view Pain level: appears comfortable Licking, chewing, or biting surgical site noted: no Additional notes: n/a

5/27/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: ~5 y/o consistent with history Microchip noted on Intake? scanned positive History: DOH-B Subjective: BARH Observed Behavior - very loose and wiggly during exam; sitting and taking treats, seeking interaction and attention Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? N Objective: P = wnl R = wnl BCS 5.5/9 VISUAL EXAM ONLY EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted H/L: Eupneic ABD: No abdominal distention U/G: MN MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment: ~5 y/o MN LMB Apparently healthy Prognosis: Good Plan: Ok for intake tasks SURGERY: Already neutered

6/2/2026

DOH release from observation S: BARH - at front of kennel with ears back and furrowed brow pink moist mm at distance no c/s/v/d reported O: EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge, corneas clear. Visually tracking with no nystagmus Oral: No ptyalism, pink moist mm at distance MSK: Ambulatory x4 NEURO: Normal mentation, no ataxia A/P: P is not showing any neurologic symptoms or signs of rabies at this time and is released from rabies observation.

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 2. Blue

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Date of intake:: 4/27/2026

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Stray (Limited History; in adopter's home for 5 days)

Previously lived with:: Atleast 1 adult, 1 child

Bite history:: The previous adopter and their child were driving to go on a hike with Baby Beluga when they gave him a treat bone without fully removing the plastic wrapping on it. The child took the bone and was attempting to remove the plastic, at which point Baby Beluga snapped towards the son, which prompted him to toss the bone to the back of the van. Baby Beluga went after the bone, and the adopter pulled over and attempted to take the bone from him again to remove the plastic, which caused Baby Beluga to snap again, this time making contact and biting the adopter's hand. The bite was a bite-and-hold, which left behind one puncture wound on the right hand and drew blood. Medical attention was sought after the incident.

Other Notes:: May 2026: Returned by trial adopter April 2026: First stay- surrendered as a stray

Date of assessment:: 6/9/2026

Summary:: 6/11: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: hard pulls Reactivity to humans: ignores Reactivity to dogs: did not pass Leash walking comments: Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Explores room briefly- flushed face, pacing, heavy panting, jumps up on assessor and assistant, mouth open Call over: Comes when coaxed- leans into touch, lip licks Sociability comments: Anxious Handling Soft handling: Allowed- leans into touch, heavy open mouth panting, seeks further contact Exuberant handling: Allowed- leans into touch, heavy open mouth panting Handling comments: Arousal Jog: Follow, distracted Arousal comments: heavy panting, flushed face Knock: Approaches- heavy panting Knock Comments: Toy: sniffs, walks away Toy comments: **Older handling assessment available upon request** 04/29/26: Baby Beluga is taken to the behavioral office for a behavioral assessment. In the office, he displays a flushed face, heavy open mouth panting and paces around the room. Baby Beluga seeks exit. Baby Beluga is given more time to decompress.

Summary:: Due to entering the facility as a stray, there is no prior dog-to-dog history recorded. 04/29/26 Baby Beluga is introduced to a novel female while off leash. He approaches and sniffs the female through the gate with a neutral frame. The gate is opened and Baby Beluga approaches, engaging in mutual genital sniffing. Handlers guide the female away when she gets a bit tense during sniffing and she will bounce in a playful manner so Baby Beluga is allowed to approach again. He sniffs near the female's ear, and she becomes tense and vocalizes while baring teeth. Baby Beluga is guided away and maintains a neutral frame, sniffing along the yard.

Summary (7):: 6/11/26 (Assessment): Baby Beluga was at front of kennel jumping and vocalizing as handler approached. He was easily leashed and pulled from kennel. He pulled moderately as he escorted to the behavior room for an assessment. In the room he was social with handlers. He took treats hard. During the resource guarding handler could feel vibrations that could have been growling thru the leash. He was returned to kennel with no issue. 5/24/26: Baby Beluga is barking at the front of his kennel as handler approaches. He is able to be leashed with ease and is then taken to the behavior room. In the room, he has a loose and wiggly body and would approach all the handlers to receive treats and pets. He would take treats from the handlers and had no reactions to other handlers entering the room. He is able to return back to his kennel with no issues. 4/30/26 (Assessment): Baby beluga pushed hard to get out of kennel while leashing and handler had to use treat lure to get him leashed. No issue returning to kennel. 4/29/28 (playgroup): Baby Beluga is at the front of the kennel with his front paws on the glass. He will eat treats off the ground as the handler leashes him and is then brought to the play yard where he is fitted with a collar. He is wiggly with the handler who placed the collar on him. Once on a drag leash, he is brought into the yard. (see dog-dog for more information) After meeting a dog on leash, he is re-leashed with the slip leash and will pull moderatly down the ramp. Once in the Care Center, Baby Beluga will turn towards the handler and quickly begin to mount their leg, gripping hard with his nails. The handler notices his face is slightly tense and they attempt to remove him with treats and a squeaker. The handler will try to remove him with just leash pressure but Baby Beluga is gripping onto their leg too hard so they squeak once more and he will loosen the grip momentarily. The handler will then pull him off and stiff arm him as he attempts to mount them again multiple times as they walk down the stairs. Another Behavior staff member will take Baby Beluga from the handler and return him to his kennel with ease.

Date of intake:: 4/27/2026

Summary:: Friendly and social.

Date of initial:: 4/27/2026

Summary:: initially timid, warmed up with handling and treats, allowed for exam and all tasks

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only

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

Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): We recommend Baby Beluga be placed in an adult-only home at this time due to his bite history, resource guarding, and low threshold for arousal. Place with a New Hope partner: Due to all noted concerns while in the previous adopter's care and his stay in the care center, the behavior department recommends Baby Beluga 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 Baby Beluga 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,Basic manners/poor impulse control,Anxiety,Strength/leash pulling,Low threshold for arousal,Bite history (human)

Potential challenges comments:: Resource guarding | Bite History (human): Baby Beluga was reported to escalate to snapping and biting when the previous adopter and the child attempted to take a bone from him. He bit the adopter's hand, holding on. This resulted in a puncture wound. Please see the handout on Resource guarding. Low threshold for arousal/Basic manners/poor impulse control: Baby Beluga is noted to mount a handler and grips their leg with their front paws with hard pressure.Training to help him manage his arousal levels and teaching him to remain calm in various situations will be essential for his well-being. Please see the handout on Low threshold for arousal/Basic manners/poor impulse control. Anxiety: Baby Beluga began to display heavy panting,panting and a flushed face during his assessment. Managing his anxiety will require creating a calm environment, providing enrichment activities, and using stress-reducing techniques like puzzle toys and regular exercise. Please see handout on generalized anxiety. Strength/leash pulling: Baby Beluga is noted to pull hard on the leash. Using tools like a no-pull harness and consistent leash training can help manage his pulling behavior. Please see the handout on Strength/leash pulling.