Date of intake:: 8/12/2026

Spay/Neuter status:: No

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Stray, No known history

Date of assessment:: 8/17/2026

Summary:: Bubba has been observed to be highly fearful while in care. Noted to dart around while on leash and have a very low body. During intake, Bubba was observed to be frozen when handlers approached him. Due to the high level of fear, stress, and anxiety, Buddy is not a candidate for a handling assessment at this time.

Summary (5):: 8/17/26: As handler approaches Bubba's kennel he is at the back of the kennel with a low body and widened eyes. Handler gently tosses a treat towards the back and he would sniff, but wouldn't take. Handler then kneels down towards the front of the kennel, using a soft voice and he would watch the handler but would remain at the back of his kennel. Shortly after, handler presents the leash and he would attempt to retreat further towards the back, to where he's pushing himself in the corner. Handler slowly lasso's him and once the leash is secured, mild leash pressure is applied forward which he was relucent to exit. Handler slowly swings the kennel door open and steps to the side, Bubba would remain at the back of his kennel and would refuse to move forward. Handler decides to end the interaction due to high levels of FAS. A hook is then used to change his linen and retrieve the handlers leash, which he gave no issues towards. Interaction was then ceased.

Summary (6):: 8/16/26: Bubba is sitting at the back of his kennel with a crouched, lowered body as the handler approaches. Handler offers treats, but Bubba does not accept them. When the handler opens the kennel and presents the leash, Bubba retreats further toward the back and turns his body away from the handler, avoiding direct interaction. The handler is able to lasso him, but Bubba freezes in place again, lowers his body and remains unresponsive to handler’s attempts to coax him forward. The handler tosses more treats and uses a soft voice, but Bubba remains in the same position and avoiding eye contact. After several attempts, handler applies leash pressure and is eventually able to take Bubba out of the kennel with significant force. Upon exiting the room, Bubba immediately rushes forward with a very low body and pulls extremely hard on the leash. He does not react toward dogs in pop-up crates or passing staff members and remains focused on moving forward. Once outside, Bubba is highly hypervigilant and continues pulling forcefully and darting around. His movements are rapid and difficult to redirect. He does not respond to treats, recalls, or engagement from the handler and continues moving forward. Handler has to maintain a very short leash throughout the walk to keep Bubba closer and maintain control. Bubba’s body remains tense, with visible muscle tension. His eyes are wide and appear red, and he is actively panting with rapid breathing. As Bubba’s kennel still needs to be cleaned, handler brings him to the Canine Behavior office. Once inside the office, Bubba stays close to the handler with a tense body and tucked tail. When the handler sits on the couch, Bubba sits beside them. He appears visibly calmer in the quieter environment; he allows petting and leans against the handler’s leg, showing tolerance for physical contact. During the return to his kennel, the handler is able to pre-clip the leash. Bubba immediately pulls extremely hard toward the room and rushes back toward his kennel with significant leash tension. Handler is able to return Bubba to his kennel without further issues and get the leash back.

Summary (7):: 08/13/26: Bubba is at the back of his kennel as handler approaches, he lays near the back and looks up at handler frozen in place. He is offered a treat near the front of kennel but does not approach and continues to stare at handler from afar. Handler kneels down and begins tossing treats further into kenNel for Bubba which he begins accepting eventually. He remains near the back and does not approach for treats tossed near the front of kennel. Bubba is tense and moves as far back into kennel as possible when seeing handler stand. He eventually begins to settle and lays his head down, handler slowly and carefully lassoes the leash over Bubba while he stares tense and frozen at the leash. He is eventually leashed and handler waits a while at the side of the kennel allowing Bubba to exit on his own but he refuses to move from the back corner of the kennel. Handler has to muscle Bubba out of kennel with significant force, he baulks and pancakes but is eventually removed from kennel. He walks with handler out to the yard darting and scanning around nervously. He pulls forward hard at times and walks out to the yard with handler. Outside he remains nervous and sniffs around the play yard and attempts to try jumping over the yard fences, handler exits the play yard and walks around the perimeter of the yard, passing dogs without issue. He is then taken to the street and he seems to settle slightly in terms of pulling but remains vigilant and nervous. Bubba walks for a bit before being brought back inside and to the behavior office due to his kennel still needing to be cleaned. He sits in front of handler and remains aloof and avoidant of handlers. He baulks when being brought out the office but with leash pressure follows handler back to kennel. Bubba allows handler to clip his leash and he returns without issue, interaction is ended shortly after.

Date of intake:: 8/12/2026

Summary:: Frozen, panting, and avoiding staff

Date of initial:: 8/12/2026

Summary:: Tense and frozen in kennel, opted to sedate

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Bubba so we cannot be certain of their behavior in a home environment. However, they will need daily mental and physical activity to stay engaged and exercised. We recommend long-lasting chews, food puzzles, and hide-and-seek games, in addition to physical exercise, to positively direct their energy and enthusiasm.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only

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

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

Potential challenges comments:: Fearful: Bubba has been observed to be highly fearful while in care. Noted to dart around while on leash with a very low body. During intake he was observed to be frozen and avoidant of handlers. They should never be forced to approach anything that they are uncomfortable with or submit to petting or handling. It should always be their choice to approach a new person or thing. Bubba would do best in an initially calm and quiet home environment and should be given time to acclimate to their new surroundings. Please see handout on Decompression Period.