Animal Profile

Piglet is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. In the care center, Piglet has shown fearful behavior, including trembling, avoiding the leash, growling, barking, and remaining tense around handlers and in his previous home noted to have separation anxiety. Piglet has shown improvement once out of his kennel, approaching handlers for attention, leaning into petting, and soliciting play with other dogs during playgroup, but still shows some reluctance with select staff when being removed in kennel and is generally still fearful. Medically, Piglet is apparently healthy.

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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 Piglet is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. In the care center, Piglet has shown fearful behavior, including trembling, avoiding the leash, growling, barking, and remaining tense around handlers and in his previous home noted to have separation anxiety. Piglet has shown improvement once out of his kennel, approaching handlers for attention, leaning into petting, and soliciting play with other dogs during playgroup, but still shows some reluctance with select staff when being removed in kennel and is generally still fearful. Medically, Piglet is apparently healthy. Piglet was surrendered by his previous owner due to destructive behaviors in the home. His family described him as a vocal, active, and playful dog who prefers contact on his own terms. He would spend the majority of his time in the living room of the home or wherever his people were; he is said to love car rides, running, going to the park, playing tug of war, and all forms of squeaky toys. Piglet allowed his family to bathe and brush him but does not have much experience on a leash because he previously had access to a yard. He is not picky with food or treats and will eat both wet and dry food diets. His previous owner reported that he has hard barked and growled at strangers, does resource guard items like toys, bones, and random objects, and becomes destructive when left alone in the home. During his intake, Piglet began growling at staff and thrashed lightly while on leash being walked to his kennel. He has allowed handling from Select Staff but has dodged leashing attempts when trying to remove him from the kennel. In calmer settings, Piglet has shown the potential to warm up and show sociable behaviors when approached slowly, allowing interaction at his own pace, with a slower approach and reward-based interactions. Due to the behavior concerns reported in the previous home and observed during his staying care, we recommend that Piglet be placed in an adult-only home through a New Hope Rescue partner that can address his potential challenges with the use of a certified professional trainer that uses positive reinforcement methods only.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 28 lbs

Medical Notes

10/22/2025

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 1-3 years Microchip noted on Intake? scanned neg History: stray Subjective: bar Observed Behavior -nervous, shaking but amenable to tasks Is there evidence of Cruelty? no Is there evidence of Neglect? no Is there evidence of Trauma? no Objective BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: dentition consistent with estimated age PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: intact male MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: grossly normal Assessment APH Prognosis: good Plan: DVM intake and tasks awaiting sort SURGERY: Okay for surgery

10/28/2025

Pre-surgical exam, anesthesia, and surgery performed by an offsite vet. Medical record uploaded to Vet Documents. Green linear tattoo placed lateral to incision. GIVE: 0.5 tablet of Rimadyl 100 mg by mouth for 2 days starting the day after surgery.

12/30/2025

Left shelter on 10/29 before post op observations could be completed.

7/31/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 4 years Microchip noted on Intake? Positive History: Owner Surrender; RTS Subjective: QAR-H, MM pink and moist Observed Behavior - Yellow; Very nervous, still, body tense, not taking treats except for slight lick/smell; warmed up slightly with going slow and giving time Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? No Objective: P = 130 hr R = 32 rr BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Clean dentition PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated 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: Apparently healthy *History of destruction and eating non-edible items* Prognosis: Good Plan: Standard intake tasks for dogs performed -CTM in shelter for destructive tendencies and consequences of ingestion of foreign materials -Canine Daily Monitoring Log placed -Gabapentin 300 mg PO BID indefinitely -Trazodone 100 mg PO BID indefinitely SURGERY: N/A - surgery not needed; already altered

8/4/2026

Appetite score 1 for last 3 days. BAR, no v/d/c/s. A: Anorexia/hyporexia P: Start mirtazapine 7.5mg SID x 3 days Medical feedings high value food x 3 days recheck appetite scheduled for 8/5

8/5/2026

DVM Progress Exam Brief Recheck -P is eating well starting today (appetite score 3/3 on log) -P is defecating and has no C/S/V/D reported -P otherwise appears WNL and is BAR -Continue treatments per schedule and allow to D/C per schedule -CTM via routine shelter operations

8/7/2026

Low AS noted, had AS 3 yesterday, but back to AS1 P: Extend mirtazapine x 3 additional days Recheck placed 8/8. Consider additional diagnostics or treatments as needed.

8/8/2026

Recheck appetite. AS 2 overnight. No c/s/v/d. BAR, fearful and does not want to interact. A: Anorexia - r/o due to high FAS P: Patient is starting to eat slightly more on mirtaz. Opted to hold on additional treatments (fluids/cerenia) for now due to patients high FAS. Continue with current plan, recheck when mirtazapine finishes to evaluate if need to extend. Continue to monitor on daily rounds.

8/10/2026

recheck appetite, mirtaz oral S/O BAR, A+A, at the front of the kennel, hard barking, noted to be eating 3s, 2 today med tray empty, no c/s/v/d appreciated EENT: no ocular or nasal dc HL: eupneic MSI: amb x 4 A. Hx of possible hyporexia- appears to be eating well aTT P. Okay to finish mirtaz today CTM- if inappetence reoccurs consider adding back in meds.

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 2. Blue

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Date of Intake: 7/30/2026

Spay/Neuter Status: Neutered

Basic Information:: MMB male dog who was surrendered to ACC

Previously lived with:: adults, children (12y & 15y)

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

How is this dog around children?: Playful

How is this dog around other dogs?: Is tolerant with familiar dogs as well as unfamiliar dogs on-leash. Has no off-leash experience with unfamiliar dogs

How is this dog around cats?: Shy and prefers contact on his own terms

Resource guarding:: Considers toys, bones, and random objects items of high value and is known to have a tense body or hover over the items before escalating to snapping or attempting to bite

Bite history:: No history

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: High

Other Notes:: Knows to relieve himself in a designated area of the home a very rarely has indoor accidents He pulls really hard on his leash, has destructive tendencies, and is anxious when left alone On walks he is known to lunge at strangers who approach his family, at other dogs (small & large), and at children; this is also seen when strangers approach his home or yard

Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No

Medical Notes: Has no known allergies or medical concerns

For a New Family to Know: He is described as a vocal, active, and playful dog who prefers contact on his own terms. He spends the majority of his time in the living room of the home or wherever his people are and he is said to love car rides, running, going to the park, playing tug of war and all squeaky toys. He also enjoys sitting in his people's lap and snuggling up with them. He allows his family to bathe and brush him, he is crate trained to remain in a standard metal crate for up 1hr, and he knows the cues sit, come, and go. He doesn't have much experience on a leash because he previously had access to a yard and did not go on many walks. He is not picky with food or treats and will eat both wet and dry food.

Date of intake:: 7/30/2026

Spay/Neuter status:: Yes

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

Previously lived with:: adults, children (12y & 15y)

Behavior toward strangers:: Hard barks or growls

Behavior toward children:: Playful

Behavior toward dogs:: Tolerant with familiar and unfamiliar dogs on leash; has no off leash experience

Behavior toward cats:: Shy, prefers contact on own terms

Resource guarding:: Piglet is reported to value toys, bones, and random objects and is known to become tense or hover over the items before escalating to snapping or attempting to bite.

Bite history:: None reported

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: Piglet is reported to have a high energy level

Other Notes:: July 2026: owner surrender, second stay Knows to relieve himself in a designated area of the home a very rarely has indoor accidents He pulls really hard on his leash, has destructive tendencies, and is anxious when left alone On walks he is known to lunge at strangers who approach his family, at other dogs (small & large), and at children; this is also seen when strangers approach his home or yard October 2025: first stay, surrendered as a stray - history unknown

Date of assessment:: 8/3/2026

Summary:: 8/3/26: Piglet has not acclimated well to the shelter environment, allowing for handling only by Select Staff. He has been observed to growl, with his tail tucked when approached. During his intake, he lightly thrashed while on leash and has remained avoidant of leashing, dodging handlers' attempts when removing him from the kennel. Piglet has been observed to warm up slowly to handlers, taking some time to acclimate before seeking attention or displaying social behaviors. When introduced to unfamiliar staff or novel stimuli, Piglet reverts back to being tense and avoidant and continues to move away. Due to these concerns and handling assessment has not been conducted. 10/24/25: Previous handling assessment available upon request 10/23/25: When taken to the office for a handling assessment, Piglet displayed a low body and tucked tail and hid behind the helper. He was given more time to decompress.

Summary:: Due to entering the facility as a stray, there is no prior dog-to-dog history recorded. 8/8/26: Piglet is reintroduced to a novel male dog off leash. Both dogs immediately display loose, bouncy body language and readily engage in reciprocal chase play after a short on leash greet since they have met already. Piglet remains highly social throughout the interaction, appropriately taking breaks and reengaging with the novel male. Both dogs continue to engage in mutual play with natural pauses and are able to comfortably share the yard. 8/6/26: Piglet greets a novel male dog off leash. Piglet initially displays tense body language with pinned ears while greeting the novel male, who remains loose and repeatedly solicits play through play bows, gentle neck nipping, and appropriate social gestures. A consent check is performed, after which Piglet chooses to follow the novel male, demonstrating continued social interest. When the novel male offers a paw slap to solicit further play, Piglet briefly disengages. Despite the initial uncertainty, both dogs continue to show interest in one another, and a future introduction is planned now that the novelty of the interaction has diminished. 8/5/26: Piglet is introduced to a novel intact female and approaches the fence with a tense lowered body and low tail. She loosens once at the fence and has high wags while toe tapping. She is let into the yard and engages in mutual sniffing remaining loose. He is tolerant when the other dog is doing chin overs and places her paw on his back, but when she begins to attempt to force him down, Piglet displacement toe taps and retreats. The other dog continues to pursue him and Piglet continues to increase distance, redirecting his attention to sniffing the yard. He is then introduced to a novel intact female and approaches the fence with a neutral body and high wags. He begins whining and following the other dog along the fence line. He is let into the yard and approaches the other dog with mid-high level wags and begins play bowing. He leaps on the other dog and attempts to mount at one point, but redirects on his own. He continues to pursue the other dog as they walk away from him. The meet is ended due to the other dog's discomfort.

Summary (6):: 8/8/26: Piglet is standing standing in his kennel as handler approaches. He begins to have a loose and wiggly body and is bale to clipped to his collar with no issues. He is then taken to the play yard for play group. In the yard, he he has tense body as he greets the other dog and then begins to have a loose and wiggly body. He is then able to play and interact with the other dog. Please see dog to dog notes for more details. He is able to return back to his kennel with no issues. 8/8/26: Piglet was at front of kennel, when handler opened kennel door he ran to the other side but came back as handler motioned for him. He was easily leashed and taken for a street walk. While walking Piglet moderately pulled and walked slightly ahead of handler. He stopped at several spots to sniff and investigate the environment. He was aloof thru his walk. He was returned to his kennel with no issue. 8/6/26: Piglet is standing in his kennel with a loose and wiggly body as handler approaches. He would back away and walk through his transfer door when the handler attempts to leash him. He then approaches the front again when the handler closes the door and allows the handler to clip his collar with a loose and wiggly body. He is then taken outside for a walk. On the walk, he has a loose body and jump up on the handler to receive treats and pets. He has no reactions to dogs or people and is able to return back to his kennel with no issues. 08/05/26(dog to dog note): Piglet is vocalizing in his kennel while the handler prepares to leash him. He will then be brought to the play yard to meet a female playmate. Once inside the yard, a drag leash will be placed on him, and he will immediately begin displacement sniffing throughout the yard. Although he can clearly see the other dog on the opposite side of the gate, he will slowly approach for a nose to nose greeting while wagging his tail. Once the gate is opened, Piglet will resume displacement sniffing around the yard until the other dog approaches him. He will display a loose, wiggly body, the other dog will become uncomfortable, hovering over him, baring teeth, and growling. The interaction will be ended, and Piglet will remain in the yard to meet a second playmate. When the second playmate arrives, Piglet will remain beside the handler until she approaches close enough for him to investigate. He will circle around her while sniffing and will solicit play by offering a play bow. He will then begin jumping on her and repeatedly attempting to mount her as she displays signs of discomfort. The dogs will be separated, and once this session is concluded, Piglet will be brought back to his kennel safely without any issues. For more information, see Dog to Dog Assessment.

Summary (7):: 8/6/26 (D2D): Piglet was lying down in kennel as handler approached. When handler opened kennel door he ran over to the other side and started barking. Handler lowered the transfer door and he continued barking at handler and growled a few times. Handler was able to get leash on him and he came immediately out and was taken to the backyard for playgroup (please see dog to dog notes for details). When returning to kennel Piglet did head whip when handler clipped the leash but then continued on his way to kennel with no issue. 08/01/2026 (Trainer Note): Piglet is laying down in the back of his kennel with a tense body as handler approaches. He does not come to the front using teats, squeakers, or coaxing. Handler slowly presents the leash and tries to gently lasso him. After a few attempts, handler successfully leashes him and brings him to the behavior office. He remains tense bodied throughout, but will approach handler often. Piglet will place his front paws on handler legs, soliciting pets. He leans in for pets and will attempt to lick handlers face. He walks around the room, slowly approaching other handlers and accepting pets from some. He is returned to kennel without issue. 7/31/26: Piglet is laying down at the back of his kennel with a tense body as handler approaches. He has no interest in treats that the handler tosses inside. He begins to tremble as the handler unlocks the door and speaks to him. When the handler slowly presents their leash, he would dodge his head away and shake it off. After a few attempts, he is able to be slowly leashed but he still remains laying down. When the handler opens the door wide open and steps to the side, he then slowly steps out of kennel and is then able to be taken outside for a walk. On the walk, he has a tense body and tucked tail as he walks ahead of the handler. He would stare at dogs and people that were nearby and has no interest in treats or toys. He is comfortable sniffing around the yard and has no reaction to a person that passed by. He is then taken back to his kennel with no issues.

Date of intake:: 7/30/2026

Summary:: Ducktail, brows at staff, easily leashed but lightly thrashed being walked to kennel

Date of initial:: 7/31/2026

Summary:: very nervous, still, body tense, not taking treats except for slight lick/smell; warmed up slightly

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only

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

Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): We recommend Piglet be placed in an adult-only home) due to the behavior concerns reported in the previous home and observed during his stay in care. Place with a New Hope partner: Due to the behavior concerns reported in the previous home and observed during his stay in care, we recommend Piglet be placed with a New Hope Rescue partner that can address his behavior concerns with the use of a certified professional trainer that uses only positive reinforcement methods.

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

Potential challenges comments:: Destructive behavior | Separation anxiety |Resource guarding: Piglet is reported to become anxious when left alone. His owner noted that he will take and chew on anything in the home and described the destructive Tendencies as severe. Piglet was noted to have chewed on a weight and would not allow his previous owner to remove it from him. Other items he was noted to two /destroy were plastic, has two do his bed, and any random item he can obtain. He is reported to consider toys, bones, and random objects valuable and is reported to become tense or hover over the items before escalating to snapping or attempting to bite. Please see handout on destructive behavior, separation anxiety, and resource guarding. Handling/touch sensitivity: During his intake, Piglet began thrashing while being walked on a leash. During his day care, he has intermittently dodged leashing attempts when handlers tried to remove him from his kennel. This displays discomfort with handling, and he should always be allowed to walk away from a situation that makes him uncomfortable. It is important to always go slow, and Piglet should never be forced to approach anything that he is uncomfortable with or to submit to handling. Please see handout on handling /touch sensitivity. Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: Piglet is reported to hard bark or growl at strangers. During his intake, he began growling at staff. He has been fearful with unfamiliar handlers, but does show the potential to display sociable behaviors when given time, approached slowly, with reward-based interactions. His warning should always be respected and build positive associations while allowing the piglet to initiate interactions with new people or novel stimuli. Please see handout on fearful/potential for defensive aggression. On-leash reactivity /barrier frustration: Piglet is reported to lunch at strangOn-leash reactivity/barrier frustrationers who approach, other dogs, and children during walks. Please see handout on On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration.