Animal Profile

Maximus is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. In the care center, Maximus has been reported to engage in leash biting and displays handling sensitivities, including head whipping when touched or handled. During medical restraint, Maximus was reported to growl and attempt to bite, resulting in a medical color designation of Red. Maximus is generally social, friendly, and displays a loose body posture outside of handling and restraint situations. Medically, Maximus has brachycephalic syndrome, recently recovered from CIDRC, treated for ear infection, and we confirmed via xrays the Maximus has a CCL tear. Further follow up is recommended to consider TTA or TPLO surgery after weight loss.

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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 Maximus is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. In the care center, Maximus has been reported to engage in leash biting and displays handling sensitivities, including head whipping when touched or handled. During medical restraint, Maximus was reported to growl and attempt to bite, resulting in a medical color designation of Red. Maximus is generally social, friendly, and displays a loose body posture outside of handling and restraint situations. Medically, Maximus has brachycephalic syndrome, recently recovered from CIDRC, treated for ear infection, and we confirmed via xrays the Maximus has a CCL tear. Further follow up is recommended to consider TTA or TPLO surgery after weight loss. Maximus came into the care center as an owner surrender due to his owner not being able to care for him anymore. In the prior home he is noted to love playing catch and is very playful, active, and protective of his family. Due to all noted concerns displayed in a home environment, the behavior department recommends Maximus 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 Maximus to acclimate comfortably to his new environment; force-free, reward based training only is advised when introducing Maximus to new and unfamiliar situations. Consultation with a professional trainer/behaviorist is highly recommended for guidance to safely manage/modify any behavior Maximus presents with outside of the care centers. A volunteer writes: Maximus is a sight to behold. His walrus body, piglet tail, and dramatic wrinkles are all so cute. When we rub his belly, he seems to attempt to roll onto his back but can't quite make it! While adorable, a body built like this also comes with challenges, and Maximus has some of them. In addition to brachycephalic syndrome, he's got a torn CCL, an ear infection, conjunctivitis, and allergies. And if that wasn't enough, he's seems to come down with kennel cough. 😩 All that aside, Maximus is big on personality. Each time we crouch to take a video of him lying with his toys, he thinks it's an invitation to come over. He waddles his low rider body over curiously and with surprising speed! Maximus seems to love toys above all, especially tennis balls, and gathers them all together in a pile to play. Maximus is five years old and was recently surrendered to the shelter due to his guardians health issues.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 65.2 lbs

Medical Notes

5/23/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 5 years Microchip noted on Intake? Negative History: Owner Surrender BAR MM pink, moist, CRT <2 sec Observed Behavior - Generally friendly and loose, but attempted to bite and growled with restraint. Medical color Red. Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? - No Objective: P = 110 hr R = 30 rr BCS 8/9 Wt = 65.2 lbs Brachycephalic EENT: Needs assessment and cleaning of ears, eyes, and facial skin folds. Oral Exam: NSF PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, no apparent murmur, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: MI (2 testicles descended) MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, thinning hair coat. Moderate weight-bearing lameness, left hind limb. CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities. *Unable to perform full orthopedic/neurologic exam d/t behavior* Assessment: -Brachycephalic syndrome -Obesity -Left hind limb lameness -Possible otitis externa, conjunctivitis and skin fold dermatitis Prognosis: Good Plan: Standard Intake Procedures for Dogs Performed -Limited chemistry panel (Glucose, creatinine, calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, TT4) WNL. -Significant weight loss recommended. SURGERY: Okay for surgery -Older -Brachycephalic -Recommend orthopedic exam of left hind limb under anesthesia. -Recommend assessment and cleaning of ears, eyes, and facial skin folds under anesthesia.

5/27/2026

Pre-Op Exam S/O: BAR, no c/s/v/d noted EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge noted, brachycephalic Lungs: Eupneic, normal respiratory rate/effort ABD: No obvious distention MSI: Ambulatory x 4, lameness as previously prescribed CNS: Mentation appropriate A: Appears to be suitable candidate for anesthesia, ASA status II P: Accepted for surgery - spay/neuter today Was this dog a cryptorchid? no Pre scrotal Incision Spermatic Cord Ligation with: 0-0 PDS transfixing Sub Q closure: 0-0 PDS cruciate Skin closure? 0-0 PDS intradermal Green Linear Tattoo Placed near Midline Surgeon: 990665 Additional Note: Otitis diagnosed, bilateral moderate-severe debris, erythema Simplera AU Ortho exam: Cranial drawer positive- CCL tear, medial buttress Stifle rads left- degenerative changes hips NSF on rads Consider CCL Repair (TTA or TPLO), lateral sutures likely to fail given size of dog vs. conservative management Advise weight loss Advise full bloodwork given age

5/28/2026

Bloodwork review, bloodwork sent out 5/27 DVM Interpretation: Hemogram: Mild lymphopenia (0.774K/uL) (ddx: stress vs. acute infection vs. other) Biochemistry: Appropriate and normal electrolytes, liver and kidney values; no significant abnormalities. T4: low normal (1.3); no significant abnormalities. Conclusion: There are no significant abnormalities in this bloodwork related to overt pathology. The mild lymphopenia could be related to the otitis, but this is already being managed. OK for placement/adoption

5/28/2026

[Post Surgical Exam] 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 Additional notes: None

6/1/2026

Progress exam: Diarrhea & vomiting noted on rounds board Subjective: BAR, no C/S/V/D present Objective: EYES: Clear LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: mild mucoserous 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 & proviable PO SID x10 days -CTM, recheck in 3 days

6/8/2026

Progress exam: CIRDC day 7 Subjective: QBAR, no C/S/V/D present. Coughing/sneezing & AS:2 per log, untouched medications 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

6/11/2026

Progress exam: CIRDC day 10 recheck Subjective: BAR, no S/V/D. Coughing present. Sneezing & AS:3 noted on log, ate medications Objective: EYES: Clear LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: no discharge present MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4, no lameness or lesions NEURO: Appropriate mentation ASSESSMENT: Presumed CIRDC PLAN: Per standing orders -Extend doxycycline x4days -CTM, recheck as scheduled

6/16/2026

Progress exam: CIRDC recheck, day 14 of doxycycline course Subjective: BAR, no C/S/V/D present. AS:2/3 ate majority of wet/dry food mix. Coughing noted consistently on log Objective: EYES: Clear LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: no discharge present MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4, no lameness or lesions NEURO: Appropriate mentation ASSESSMENT: Presumed CIRDC improved PLAN: Per standing orders -No additional treat at this time. Keep in iso, recheck in 2 days

6/18/2026

Progress exam: CIRDC recheck Subjective: BAR, no C/S/V/D present. Sneezing noted on log but not appreciated at cage side. AS:3 ripped bowl 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 appears resolved PLAN: Per standing orders -Move out of iso, signage placed -CTM on daily rounds while in QACC

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 5. Red

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Upon intake he was friendly and was very active. He would come up to staff for pets. Staff were able to place Acc collar and place into kennel without issue.

Date of Intake: 5/21/2026

Basic Information:: Name: Max Age: 3-6 years old Color: Grey and white Sex: Male Altered: No Size: Large Surrender Reason: Owner health Length of time owned: 5 years Where the previous owner got this dog: Gift

Previously lived with:: 2 adults and 1 child age 13

How is this dog around strangers?: Hard barks and/or growls

How is this dog around children?: Playful

How is this dog around other dogs?: Familiar dogs: Playful Unfamiliar dogs - on leash: Actively avoids Unfamiliar dogs - off leash: Shy/Contact on their terms

How is this dog around cats?: Cats: No experience Other Animals: No experience

Resource guarding:: Valuable items: Toys Reaction: Snaps or attempts to bite, Growls or hard barks

Bite history:: No history

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: High (often playful/busy)

Other Notes:: Goes potty on: Outside on walks (grass, cement, dirt, etc.) Accident frequency: Never Behavior concerns: Fearful of loud noises (storms/thunder, fireworks, arguments, etc.), Barks a lot Reacts to on walks: Strangers that approach you/family members Reaction type: Growling/Hard barking How this dog reacts when... - Held/restrained: Barks/Growls, Snaps - Disturbed while resting/sleeping: Barks/Growls - Startled: Barks/Growls - Pushed/pulled off furniture: Snaps - Paws are touched: Isn't bothered - Collar grabbed/touched: Isn't bothered

Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No

Medical Notes: Allergies: Unsure Veterinarian: N/A Last vet check: 07/07/2024

For a New Family to Know: Description of this dog most of the time: Very active & Playful Where the dog spent most time: Where people are, Living room, In their crate For grooming, this dog: Allows owner/family to bathe and brush Walks on leash rating: 2 - Very little pulling Walk Frequency: 3-4 times per day Walk length of time: 10 minutes Crate trained: Yes, does well Hours in crate: 2 Type of crate: Regular dog crate During car rides, this dog: Unsure This dog knows the following cues: Sit, Stay, lay down, come here, go over there Previous owner's favorite things about the dog: Very protective very smart he knows when something is wrong with anyone in the house meaning sick or sad This dog's favorite activities/toys/food/snacks: Playing catch he loves balls he’s treats are begging strips and milk bones. Type of food the dog eats: Both wet and dry food Brand of food: Gravy train

Date of intake:: 5/21/2026

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

Previously lived with:: 2 adults and 1 child age 13

Behavior toward strangers:: Hard barks and/or growls

Behavior toward children:: Playful

Behavior toward dogs:: Familiar dogs:Playful,Unfamiliar dogs onleash: Actively avoids Unfamiliar dogs offleash: Shy/Contact

Behavior toward cats:: No experience

Resource guarding:: Valuable items: Toys Reaction: Snaps or attempts to bite, Growls or hard barks

Bite history:: No known reports of a bite hsitory.

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: Maximus is noted to have a High (often playful/busy) energy level in the prior home.

Other Notes:: Goes potty on: Outside on walks (grass, cement, dirt, etc.) Accident frequency: Never Behavior concerns: Fearful of loud noises (storms/thunder, fireworks, arguments, etc.), Barks a lot Reacts to on walks: Strangers that approach you/family members Reaction type: Growling/Hard barking How this dog reacts when... - Held/restrained: Barks/Growls, Snaps - Disturbed while resting/sleeping: Barks/Growls - Startled: Barks/Growls - Pushed/pulled off furniture: Snaps - Paws are touched: Isn't bothered - Collar grabbed/touched: Isn't bothered Description of this dog most of the time: Very active & Playful Where the dog spent most time: Where people are, Living room, In their crate For grooming, this dog: Allows owner/family to bathe and brush Walks on leash rating: 2 - Very little pulling Walk Frequency: 3-4 times per day Walk length of time: 10 minutes Crate trained: Yes, does well Hours in crate: 2 Type of crate: Regular dog crate During car rides, this dog: Unsure This dog knows the following cues: Sit, Stay, lay down, come here, go over there Previous owner's favorite things about the dog: Very protective very smart he knows when something is wrong with anyone in the house meaning sick or sad This dog's favorite activities/toys/food/snacks: Playing catch he loves balls he’s treats are begging strips and milk bones. Type of food the dog eats: Both wet and dry food Brand of food: Gravy train

Date of assessment:: 5/23/2026

Summary:: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: loose Reactivity to humans: None Reactivity to dogs: None Leash walking comments: Barking avoident to leashing Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Explores room-sniffing, panting Call over: Comes when approached with high-value treats, Sociability comments: headwhip when collaring, close mouth Handling Soft handling: Tolerant- headwhips, heavy panting Exuberant handling: Tolernat- headwhips, sits , looks back Handling comments: Arousal Jog: 1 pass, neutral body Arousal comments: Knock: No repsonse Knock Comments: Toy: Body block tense body Toy comments:

Summary:: Maximus arrived at the care center as an owner surrender, and is noted to be playful with familiar dogs and with unfamiliar dogs is shy and prefers contact on their terms. 5/31/26: Maximus greets a novel female on leash through a barrier. Maximus will walk up to the gate sniffing the female as she does the same, with her hackles raising along her rear and tapping her toes. Maximus remains loose bodied, wagging his tail and sniffing along the fence line. Both dogs remain at the gate for some time before being separated due to Maximus's reported handling sensitivity around his neck, and not allowing for his collar to be adjusted.

Summary (7):: 6/16/26: Maximus is at the back of his kennel as the handler approaches. He will get up and approach the door as they unlock it. He is leashed with ease and brought out to the play yard where he will walk around on a loose leash and sniff. The handler will attempt to coax him over for petting or treats but he is very focused on sniffing. He is later returned to hell where he is secured safely. 05/31/26 (dog to dog note): Maximus is standing at the front of his kennel and allows the handler to leash him with ease. He is then brought to the play yard to meet a female playmate. During the nose to nose greeting at the gate, Maximus displays a wagging tail but repeatedly disengages and re-approaches his playmate, suggesting conflicted social behavior. After the interaction, Maximus is returned to his kennel safely without any issues. For more information, see Dog to Dog Assessment. 5/26/26: It is reported that Maximus was leash biting 5/23/26 (Assessment): Maximus was at front of kennel barking as handler approached. While handler was attempting to leash Maximus slapped the leash off his head 3 times before handler successfully leashed him. He was taken to behavior room for an assessment. Maximus was social with handlers, picky about the treats he accepted. He was returned to kennel with no issue.

Date of intake:: 5/21/2026

Summary:: friendly and was very active. He would come up to staff for pets.

Date of initial:: 5/23/2026

Summary:: Generally friendly and loose, but attempted to bite and growled with restraint. Medical color Red.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only

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

Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): We reccomend Maximus be placed in an adult-only home at this time. Place with a New Hope partner: Due to all noted concerns displayed in a home environment, the behavior department recommends Maximus 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 Maximus to acclimate comfortably to his new environment; force-free, reward based training only is advised when introducing Maximus to new and unfamiliar situations. Consultation with a professional trainer/behaviorist is highly recommended for guidance to safely manage/modify any behavior Maximus presents with outside of the care centers.

Potential challenges: : Resource guarding,Handling/touch sensitivity,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration

Potential challenges comments:: Resource guarding: Valuable items: Maximus is noted to guard toys Reaction: Snaps or attempts to bite, Growls or hard barks.Careful management, including avoiding direct conflict over items and implementing structured training to build positive associations with human presence near valued resources. Please see the handout on Resource guarding. Handling/touch sensitivity/Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: In thep rior home maxiums is noted to beceomd Fearful of loud noises (storms/thunder, fireworks, arguments, etc.), Barks a lot.- Held/restrained: Barks/Growls, Snaps ,Disturbed while resting/sleeping: Barks/Growls,Startled: Barks/Growls, Pushed/pulled off furniture: Snaps.Support should focus on predictable interactions, minimizing triggers, and using low-stress handling approaches. Please see the handout on Handling/touch sensitivity and Fearful/potential for defensive aggression. On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration: Maxioums is noted when Strangers that approach you/family members he will Growl/Hard bark.Training should emphasize maintaining appropriate distance from triggers, reinforcing calm behaviors, and helping him build more positive associations with unfa.miliar people. Please see the handout on On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration