Animal Profile

Christmas is at risk due to behavioral reasons. Currently in care Christmas has been observed to become mouthy with handlers hands when they attempt to clip his leash. During his previous stay in 2023, Christmas displayed this behavior and escalated to snapping and lunging towards handlers while on leash. Christmas also has a multiple bite history in his previous home. One bite was for resource guarding over his food bowl and one from touch sensitivity when his neck was being touched by owner. In care, Christmas is reportedly to be an easy walker outside and displaying neutral body language towards dogs and and people. Medically, Christmas is overweight.

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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 Christmas is at risk due to behavioral reasons. Currently in care Christmas has been observed to become mouthy with handlers hands when they attempt to clip his leash. During his previous stay in 2023, Christmas displayed this behavior and escalated to snapping and lunging towards handlers while on leash. Christmas also has a multiple bite history in his previous home. One bite was for resource guarding over his food bowl and one from touch sensitivity when his neck was being touched by owner. In care, Christmas is reportedly to be an easy walker outside and displaying neutral body language towards dogs and and people. Medically, Christmas is overweight. Christmas has displayed concerning levels of defensive aggression during previous stays in care as well as poor bite inhibition, he has mouthed handlers and escalated to snapping in the past as well as leash biting. Christmas also has a concerning bite history in his previous home due to resource guarding and handling sensitivity. Aside from this Christmas is reported to walk well outside on the street and does not show signs of reactivity during walks. 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.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 70 lbs

1/5/2023

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 1.5-2 years based on dentition Microchip noted on Intake? NO History: Owner surrender/DOH due to bite incident Subjective: Observed Behavior - BAR, tail wagging and loose body but occasionally will hard stare/whale eye. Muzzled for exam and tolerated. Evidence of Cruelty seen - NO Evidence of Trauma seen - NO Objective T = N/A P = 100 bpm R = 36 bpm BCS = 6/9 EENT: Eyes clear, no nasal or ocular discharge noted. Mild brown ceruminous debris AU. Oral Exam: MM pink and moist, all adult clean teeth PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Intact male, both testicles descended MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Externally WNL Assessment Healthy intact male Prognosis: Excellent Plan: Intake tasks performed Awaiting behavioral assessment SURGERY: Okay for surgery

1/10/2023

Hope to alleviate some of the FAS: Trazodone- 100mg (5 to 10 mg/kg po q 12 hrs) Sig: 2 tabs po q 12 hrs

1/19/2023

Hx: Previously found apparently healthy on exam SO: BAR, comes to kennel door, wagging tail when spoken to in soft voice eyes clear, clear nasal dc apparent eupneic, sneezing repeatedly during observation ambulatory x4 mentation alert and appropriate A: CIRDC P: move to isolation doxycycline 300mg 1 tablet PO SID x10d enrofloxacin 204mg 1 and 1/4 tablet PO SID x10d

1/19/2023

disregard

1/27/2023

S: Diagnosed with CIRDC 1/19/23, currently on treatment, last day of medications tomorrow 1/28/23. BAR in kennel, came to front, but visual exam performed due to bite history. O: EENT: Clean/bright, no ocular discharge/sneezing/coughing/congestion, but mild serous nasal discharge present H/L: Eupneic U/G: Intact male MSI: Ambulatory x4, healthy hair coat A: Recovering from CIRDC; ok for surgery P: Neuter today (last dog on large system)

1/27/2023

Was this dog a cryptorchid? No Pre-scrotal incision, closed castration Spermatic cords ligated with: 2-0 monocryl in one modified miller’s Sub Q and skin closure: 2-0 monocryl in modified Colorado Green linear tattoo placed lateral to prepuce

1/30/2023

Hx: has had CIRDC Q-BAR eent- no nasal discharge; no coughing or sneezing msi- amb x 4 A) No CIRDC-like signs P) monitor

1/30/2023

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 1-2 years based on dentition Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned positive, previously given on original intake date 1/5/23 History: Bite quarantine- Bit on hand and arm after they had reclaimed on 1/27/23 Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - soft body, wagging tail, interacts with staff, food motivated, did well for tasks Evidence of Cruelty seen - NO Evidence of Trauma seen - NO Objective T = n/a P = 120 R = 32 BCS: 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Adult dentition, scant staining no evidence of tartar PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Externally normal neutered male MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Externally normal Assessment Apparently healthy Neutered male Prognosis: Great Plan: Complete intake tasks Await sort/hold SURGERY: Already neutered

1/22/2023

Administered rabies vx RHL SQ

1/27/2023

Canine neuter performed by Vet: 2110 Patient anesthesia form uploaded to Shelter Buddy in Vet Documents. Start the following pain managements: Rimadyl 100 mg Tablets, Give 1 tablet, orally, once a day for 2 days beginning the day after surgery. -- Dispensed meds are located in the white meds box in client care.—

11/24/2025

[DVM Intake] DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 4.5 years Microchip noted on Intake? Yes History: Left in an apt after owners were evicted- 2nd time coming into ACC. Subjective: BARH Observed Behavior - Hunched with head down and stiff tail but did not react during full exam or services. Panting and looking around room when left alone. Nervous and timid. Is there evidence of Cruelty? No Is there evidence of Neglect? No Is there evidence of Trauma? No Objective P =wnl R =wnl BCS 7/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: mild tartar on canines, rest of mouth clean PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Neutered male MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat-shedding CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: NE Wood's Lamp Exam: NE Assessment 1. Overweight Prognosis: Good Plan: 1. Intake tasks completed

11/28/2025

Behavior team requesting medication adjustment due to becoming mouthy on walks P: Trazodone 275mg PO BID indefinitely Clonidine 0.4 mg PO BID indefinitely

11/29/2025

Collapse episode noted in PM on 11/28. BAR this morning while cage side, wagging tail + ate entirety of food o/n. A: Collapse episode, pet had just been started on increased behavior medications so possible too sedate P: D/c clonidine and monitor

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 2. Blue

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Date of intake:: 11/24/2025

Spay/Neuter status:: Yes

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Stray (brought in on behalf of owner)

Bite history:: Yes. Christmas bit the previous owner on the hand when they reached into his bowl while eating. Christmas returned to MACC after a bite incident in the home. The owner grabbed Christmas by the collar and attempted to pull him into another room. The collar came over his head and he bit the owner on the wrist, releasing and leaving two shallow punctures. A few minutes later, they went to pick him up to put him into the same room. When the owner picked him up, he bit them on the hand, holding on a short amount of time before releasing and running away. This bite left 5-6 deep punctures. The owner sought medical care and did not need stitches.

Other Notes:: First stay 1/4/23: Stray (brought in on behalf of owner) **Previous assessment available upon request**

Date of assessment:: 11/28/2025

Summary:: 11/2/25: Christmas has allowed minimal handling since arriving at the care centers, he has been observed to mouth handlers and in the past has escalated to leash biting and snapping at handlers. Christmas also has multiple bites reported by his previous owners which have resulted in broken skin. Due to his touch sensitivity and poor bite inhibition, he is not a candidate for a handling assessment at this time.

Summary:: 1/11/23, gate greeting: Christmas greets the helper dog with a neutral body.

Summary (6):: 12/1/25: Christmas displays the same behaviors as of (11/30). Please refer to those notes. 11/30/25: Christmas is standing at the front of his kennel as handler approaches. He begins barking at the door as the handler approaches. He is able to be leashed with ease and he pulls on the way outside for a walk. On the walk, he would slightly pull ahead with heavy panting. He would sniff around to explore and approach the handler with a loose body, heavy panting and whimpering. He would stare at dogs as they assed by and has to be taken away due to treats an toys not being able to distract him. He is able to return back to his kennel with no issues. 11/28/25: Christmas is at the front of his kennel demand barking as handler approaches, when attempting to leash him he begins mouthing the leash mildly. He allows leashing after a moment and walks with handler out to the street for his walk, while outside he pulls mildly and walks slightly in front of handler. He passes people and dogs without issue and stops to relieve himself during his walk. Christmas is taken on a long walk and after a while he is brought back inside, when attempting to clip his leash Christmas begins nibbling and mouthing handlers hand mildly, after a moment he stops and allows handler to clip his leash. He is returned to kennel without issue and interaction is ended shortly after. 11/26/25: Christmas is at the front of his kennel as handler approaches, he is offered a treat but does not accept it. He is leashed without issue and taken to the street for his walk. While outside he pulls moderately and stops rarely to sniff, he walks in front of handler and pants heavily throughout walk. He ignores people and dogs he sees on the street and remains aloof while outside. After a while he is brought back inside and returned to kennel without issue. Notes from previous stay at ACC: 2/8/23 When approaching Christmas in kennel, he is at the front neutral, barking incessantly and hypersalivating. Treats and toys are offered though he remains at the front hard barking. 2/4/23: Christmas is at the front of the kennel with a loose wiggly body when approached. He is easily leashed and removed from kennel. Once removed from kennel Christmas begins to jump towards handler and snaps at them repeatedly as handler keep him away. In the hall a second handler gets a second leash on Christmas as he continues to snap at first handler. Once in the yard Christmas lunges and hard barks at the second handler. He bites and tugs on the leash and then barks and lunges at handler again. Treats are tossed and a squeaky toy is used but he does not respond to either. He is brought back to his kennel without further issue.

Summary (7):: 2/3/23: Christmas is at the front and easily leashed. In the hallway, he leash bites, jumping up and grabbing the leash. He then will carry it in his mouth until we get outside. He then lets go and jumps up again. Treats are tossed which he will go for. He is walked around the yard and through the pens. When handler attempts to clip the leash he jumps on handler and makes moves to leash bite. The hook is used to retrieve the leash. 1/19/23: Christmas is at the front of the kennel when approached. He is easily leashed and taken out of the kennel. Once out, he is walked to the street. He pulls moderately and sniffs around and relieves himself. He is not reactive when passing dogs or people. When handler calls him over, he approaches with a loose body and allows petting. He is brought back to the kennel and returned without issue. 1/13/23: Christman is at the front of the kennel with a neutral body and is easily leashed. He is taken for a street walk where he relieves himself. Christmas is aloof with handler and shows no interest in treats. He is brought back to the building and placed in his kennel without issue. 1/11/23: Christmas is laying at the front but stands when handler opens the kennel door. He is easily leashed and removed from kennel. He is aloof outside, exploring and relieving himself. He pulls to approach the other dogs with neutral body. When he can not approach, he whines. He is easily returned to kennel. 1/10/23: Christmas was on a drag leash in the yard and staff member was attempting to leash him. Christmas would jump on handler and grab their leash. Christmas did not respond to treats or toys and continued to grab the leash and tug on it. A second staff member assisted in leashing him. Christmas was otherwise social with staff member. 1/8/23: Christmas is at the front of the kennel with a neutral body. He is easily leashed and taken to the yard where he relieves himself. Christmas is social with handler and allows petting. His body remains soft throughout the interaction. When Christmas is brought back to the kennel, he pancakes at the door and wont budge for treats or toys. Handler uses some pressure on the leash and is able to coax him back into his kennel. 1/5/23: Christmas is at the front of the kennel with a low body. He is leashed and taken outside. He sniffs around and relieves himself. After a few minutes, he starts to approach handlers with a soft body and wagging tail. He allows the leash to be clipped and is returned to the kennel without issue.

Date of intake:: 11/24/2025

Summary:: Allowed leashing and walks to kennel without issue.

Date of initial:: 11/24/2025

Summary:: Hunched with head down and stiff tail but did not react during full exam or services, Panting

ENERGY LEVEL:: HIGH

IN SHELTER OBSERVATIONS:: 2/9/23: In the care center during this recent stay, Christmas was initially easily handled, but more recently was involved in an incident of lunging, barking, and snapping at familiar handlers coming out of the kennel and being brought out for a walk. He is no longer able to be safely handled in the care center.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only

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

Recommendations comments:: No children: Due to bite history, a home with no children is recommended. Place with a New Hope partner The behavior department recommends Christmas be placed with a New Hope placement partner who is able to provide an experienced, adult-only foster home. Consultation with a professional trainer/behaviorist who uses force-free methods is highly recommended.

Potential challenges: : Resource guarding,Mouthiness/poor bite inhibition,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,Multiple-bite history/risk of future aggression,Leash-biting,Bite history (human)

Potential challenges comments:: Resource guarding: Christmas was reported to have bitten the previous owner when his food was reached for. See handout on Resource Guarding. Mouthiness: It is reported that Christmas mouths with light pressure during play. During his current stay Christmas will mouth the handler when they attempt to clip their leash. See handout on Mouthiness. Fearful Defensive: During his previous stay in the care center Christmas was obsvered to lunge, hard bark, and snap towards the handler while on leash. It is important to move slowly with Christmas, 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. Bite History (Human): Please see bite history above for more details. Please see handout on Bite History and Potential for Future Aggression. Leash-biting: During his previous stay Christmas was obsvered to jump up, bite, and tug on the leash. See handout on Leash Biting.