Date of intake:: 3/9/2026

Spay/Neuter status:: No

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

Date of assessment:: 3/12/2026

Summary:: Ronnie has been observed to be highly fearful while in care. Noted to have a tense body, growl, and show whale eye towards handlers when approached. Due to the high levels of fear, stress, and anxiety Ronnie is not a candidate for a handling assessment at this time.

Summary:: 3/19/26- Ronnie gate greets another dog with a neutral body at first, when sniffing he becomes tense with a stiff tail.

Summary (6):: 3/22/26- It has been observed when the room is active Ronnie jumps on his door and hard barks at dogs passing his kennel. 3/21/26: Ronnie is at the front of his kennel barking and jumping on the kennel door. The handler feeds him a few treat and he settles. He is leashed and brought out the room. On the street, Ronnie walks ahead with mild leash tension; he doesn't react to dogs or passersby. He is social with the handler, by looking at them with soft eyes, allowing pets, and taking treats from them. Upon entry, the handler clips their leash and returns Ronnie to his kennel. As the handler closes the kennel door, Ronnie turns around and jumps on the kennel door, bites the lock, and barks repeatedly. As the handler takes out treats, Ronnie jumps down; the handler tosses treats into kennel and removes their leash. 3/20/26 (PM): It is noted on the whiteboard that Ronnie was "lunging at the handler in return to kennel". After following up, the ACS states that Ronnie entered the kennel fine, but he "spun around and jumped" towards the leash or their hand while baring teeth. The ACS was able to remove the leash and close the kennel door, but Ronnie began hard barking and fixating on their hand. 3/19/26: It is noted on the whiteboard that Ronnie was "lunging at door and growling when returning". 3/12/26 (pm walk): Ronnie is at the front of his kennel with a neutral body; the handler gives him a treat and he eats. Ronnie is easily leashed and brought out the room. While walking on the street, Ronnie walks slowly behind the handler; he doesn’t react to dogs or passersby. The handler continues to toss treats and Ronnie eats. Ronnie starts to walk next to the handler with a faster pace as they approach the shelter. Upon entry, the handler clips their leash and returns Ronnie to his kennel with ease.

Summary (7):: 3/12/26: Ronnie is laying in his kennel but stands when handler approaches. He is neutral bodied and remains in the center of his kennel. He will come forward for treats but retreat when handler attempts to leash. Handler tosses more treats to lure him forward but he will retreat when leash is presented. He is eventually leashed and removed from kennel. He walks slowly down the hallway and to the yard. He sniffs around and relieves himself. He stands tall with high wagging tail when he sees another dog in the adjacent pen. He is not easily called away and pressure needs to be placed on the leash. He returns to kennel without issue. 03/11/26: Ronnie is at the front of his kennel laying down as handler approaches. He is offered treats and slowly approaches the front to accept treats tossed by handler. Handler makes a few attempts to leash him but Ronnie drops the leash and begins backing away. Handler then grabs a pole leash and is able to successfully leash him and bring him to the yard for his walk. Outside he is neutral bodied and explores the yard for a bit. Ronnie uses the bathroom and once he relieves himself he walks with handler back inside and needs slight leash pressure to be returned to kennel. Once returned handler uses a hook to retrieve the leash from Ronnie, interaction is ended shortly after. 3/9/26- Handler went by Ronnie's kennel to check in, he was laying down at the middle of the kennel with a tense body and growling at handler while lip lifting. Handler tossed in treats and he ate them. Handler ended interaction.

Date of intake:: 3/9/2026

Summary:: Tense, growling, whale eye

Date of initial:: 3/10/2026

Summary:: Opted to sedate

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Ronnie 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 a home with no children. 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 for defensive aggression

Potential challenges comments:: Fearful Defensive: Ronnie has been observed to become tense, growl, and show whale eye at handlers. It is important to move slowly with DOG, to build positive associations (treats/toys/praise), and to allow them to initiate interactions with new people. They should never be forced to greet or to interact if they are not comfortable and soliciting attention. Please see handout on Fearful and Defensive Aggression.