Animal Profile

Sullivan is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Sullivan has recently begun to bite at leashes, which is making it increasingly difficult to walk safely due to his fluctuating intensity. At times, he accepts treats, but he jumps up and grabs at the leash, climbing up the lead. On one occasion, during a walk, a handler needed to use an air interrupter due to Sullivan's intensity. Sullivan has been easy to remove from kennel, will briefly lean in for short bouts of petting, engages in snuffle and licki mats, but has been noted to be fearful with novel stimuli and people. Medically, Sullivan 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 Sullivan is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Sullivan has recently begun to bite at leashes, which is making it increasingly difficult to walk safely due to his fluctuating intensity. At times, he accepts treats, but he jumps up and grabs at the leash, climbing up the lead. On one occasion, during a walk, a handler needed to use an air interrupter due to Sullivan's intensity. Sullivan has been easy to remove from kennel, will briefly lean in for short bouts of petting, engages in snuffle and licki mats, but has been noted to be fearful with novel stimuli and people. Medically, Sullivan is apparently healthy. Sullivan was surrendered as a stray, so his past behavior in a home enviornment is unknown. Sullivan intially presented as easily leashed, pulled hard on walks, and accepted treats. He was noted to stare hard at other dogs and would persistently jump on handlers intermittently. Occasionally, he would lean into brief bouts of petting. As his stay has progressed, Sullivan has leash intensely on walks. He can be difficult to refocus, and on one occasion a hadnler needed to use an air interrupter as he could not be redirected from his intense leash biting. Due to these concerns, we recomend for Sullivan be placed in an adult-only home through a New Hope rescue partner that can address his challenges with the use of a certified professional trainer that utilizes positive reinforcement methods only. What my friends at ACC say about me: I will need appropriate toys and positive outlets for my energy. I will need daily physical activity to keep me healthy and happy!

My medical notes are...

Weight: 49.125 lbs

Medical Notes

5/24/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 2 years based on overall appearance and dentition Microchip noted on Intake? N History: Stray; intake notes not entered at time of exam Subjective: Observed Behavior - Face-shy, flinches when approached. No aggression. Sedated for exam due to injuries. Is there evidence of Cruelty? N Is there evidence of Neglect? N Is there evidence of Trauma? Y- wound, limping RFL Objective BCS 4-5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, no nasal or ocular discharge noted; AD: severe pus, pinna moderately to severely erythematous and thickened, tympanic membrane intact; AS: no pus noted, moderate brown, waxy debris with yeasty odor, tympanic membrane intact Oral Exam: Mild tartar on caudal dentition H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: No distension, no masses palpated U/G: MI, two scrotal testes MSI: Skin free of parasites, no masses noted, NWB to toe-touching lame RFL. Severe swelling R carpus with ruptured abscess on lateral aspect- pus, mild pocketing present. Small superficial wound R medial carpus CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Externally normal Sedated for exam with dexdomitor (500 mcg/ml): 0.5 ml and butorphanol (10 m/ml): 0.5 ml IM. After, reversed with antisedan equal volume to dex. RFL radiographs- soft tissue swelling, unable to obtain adequate dorsopalmar view but no fractures suspected Assessment Lameness RFL Otitis externa AU, R >>> L Prognosis: Good Plan: Sedated for rads- see above Flushed R carpus abscess Cleaned ears Claro 1 tube AU Gave carprofen 4.4 mg/kg SQ Start carprofen 4.4 mg/kg PO q24 x 5 days Start Clavamox 13.75 mg/kg PO q12 x 5 days Short walks only Recheck in 2 days SURGERY: Temporary waiver due to injury

5/24/2026

[Spay/Neuter Waiver - Temporary] Your newly adopted pet has been diagnosed with WOUNDS and the staff veterinarians are issuing a TEMPORARY waiver from the spay/neuter requirements of the City of NY. Follow up care at your regular veterinarian is recommended to ensure continued treatment through to the resolution of the issue. At the time of a full recovery you may choose to have your veterinarian perform the spay/neuter surgery, or make provisions to return the pet to ACC for sterilization.

5/26/2026

Brief exam Non weight bearing lameness RFL persists with moderate swelling, carpus abscess as prior Severe mucopururlent discharge caudal to R pinna base, lifted ear briefly and multiple draining tracts briefly visualized but P painful and did not tolerant in depth exam Since late in day recc NPO overnight for sedated clip clean and wound explore / flush 5/27 ADD Gabapentin 600mg (~25mg/kg) PO BID x14d --> 6/9 Continue clavamox and carprofen as RXd

5/27/2026

Recheck - RFL lameness, wound at right side of face S/O: BAR, good appetite, ate meds, no c/s/v/d noted; sedated for wound explore/rads/etc - dex/torb 0.5 ml IM of each. EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge, AU mild flaky debris AU LUNGS: Eupneic MSI: Ambulatory x 3 with non weight bearing lameness at RFL, carpus held in flexion; bloody discharge matted in fur at right side of face/neck caudal to AD, full thickness wounds visible CNS: Appropriate mentation Wounds at right side of face/neck - -Clipped and scrubbed around wounds with dilute chlorhex. -Two full thickness circular wounds approx 2-3 cm diameter with small band of tissue separating them; wounds communicate with mild-mod pocketing -Several superficial wounds appreciated at base of pinnae -Wounds flushed copiously with sterile saline, left open for drainage RFL carpus warm to the touch with significant swelling, reactive/painful to palpation even under sedation. Several superficial healing wounds <1cm, no notable fluctuant areas. Repeat rads of RFL: osteophytes visible on lateral views, some intraarticular, at distal radius and radiocarpal joint; soft tissue swelling notable A: Osteophytes at right carpus - ro chronic disease/injury Swelling, warmth, lameness - ro acute on chronic issue (injury vs wound vs infection vs other) Wound at right side of neck Otitis - treated at intake P: Scheduled bloodwork Continue carprofen, clavamox, gabapentin Recheck wound in 2 days

5/29/2026

Sedated for wound cleaning/repair and in-house bloodwork. // Completed

5/29/2026

Recheck wound and bloodwork - did not tolerate blood draw without sedation yesterday. Sedated for exam today - dex/torb 0.5 ml IM of each. S/O: QAR prior to sedation, no c/s/v/d noted MSI: Bearing weight on RFL in kennel, intermittently non-weight bearing on walk (bears weight more often than not), swelling significantly improved -Wound at right side of neck contracting with moderate tissue swelling and dried bloody discharge -Wound flushed copiously with sterile saline, edges freshened and wound bed debrided with #10 blade. Used 2-0 PDS to close wounds, left ventral aspect of wound open for draining. CBC: lymphocytes 0.65 (L), monocytes 1.69 (H) CHEM: sodium 143 (H), ALT 160 (H) T4: wnl A: Wound right side of neck RFL lameness and carpal swelling - improving Osteophytes at right carpus - ro chronic disease/injury Mild ALT elevation P: Full atipamezole reversal, smooth recovery Extend clavamox and carprofen, continue gabapentin Recheck wound/lameness in 2-3 days

6/1/2026

Recheck wound / lameness S/O: BARH - nervous, pink moist mm at distance no c/s/v/d noted MSI: Bearing weight on RFL in kennel, intermittently non-weight bearing on walk (bears weight more often than not), swelling significantly improved -- support staff report subjective improvement in how often P is weight bearing! -Wound at right side of neck contracting with minimal tissue swelling and dried bloody discharge, no active discharge appreciated A: Wound right side of neck RFL lameness and carpal swelling - improving Osteophytes at right carpus - ro chronic disease/injury HX Mild ALT elevation P: EXTEND Carprofen 100mg PO SID x7d -> 6/9 OK to finish clavamox course as intended Recheck wound/lameness in 2-3 days

6/4/2026

Brief recheck S/O: BAR, great appetite, no c/s/v/d noted EENT: no ocular or nasal discharge LUNGS: eupneic MSI: Wound at right side of neck healing with no notable swelling or discharge, bearing weight on RFL with significant improvement in swelling. A: Wound - healing RFL lameness and swelling - improving Osteophytes at right carpus - ro chronic disease/injury HX Mild ALT elevation P: Continue gabapentin and carprofen Scheduled sedated recheck with suture removal next week CTM while at QACC

6/10/2026

Sedate for SR Sedated with Dex/torb 0.5/0.5 ml IM Ears cleaned Sutures removed Antagonized with Antisedan 0.5 ml IM

6/10/2026

Recheck with suture removal - sedated with dex/torb 0.5 ml IM of each; full antisedan reversal with smooth recovery. S/O: BAR, active, good appetite, no c/s/v/d noted, no ocular or nasal discharge, eupneic; no notable lameness, ambulatory x 4 (this AM, prior to sedation) -Wounds right side of neck/head - sutures removed, mild swelling/erythema from suture reaction, otherwise wounds healed. -Hx swelling at right carpus - not noted today, resolved -Ears midl waxy debris, no signs of inflammation A: Wounds - healed Otitis - resolved Right carpal swelling and lameness - apparently resolved P: Okay to move out of ICU CTM while at QACC Start trazodone 8 mg/kg PO BID

7/6/2026

OK to remove temporary waiver as WOUNDS have resolved. P OK for surgery.

7/10/2026

Pre-op Exam - Visual only initially, physically under sedation S/O) No c/s/v/d noted. BAR-H EENT: Eyes/ nose clr, no discharges. Oral Exam: MM pk H/L: NSR, NM. Eupneic, normal respiratory rate/ effort. Abd: No obvious distension, soft. UG: MI, 2 sst MSI: Amb x 4, no lameness noted. Good body condition + HC. Surgery site epidermis clean. CNS: Mentation appropriate. A) Okay for surgery. P) Surgery today - see report.

7/10/2026

[Surgery Template - Dog Neuter] Was this dog a cryptorchid? no If so describe - Pre scrotal Incision Spermatic Cord Ligation with: 2-0 Securocryl Miller's ligature then transfixed ligature Sub Q closure: 2-0 Securocryl cruciate sutures Skin closure? 2-0 Securocryl simple continuous Green Linear Tattoo Placed near Midline Surgeon: 0587 Additional Note:

9/18/2026

Behavior team reports low threshold for arousal, leash biting. Currently on trazodone ~8 mg/kg PO BID. PLAN: Add clonidine 0.025 mg/kg PO BID.

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 2. Blue

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Upon intake Sullivan was tolerant with staff but fearful. He had injuries that made it hard for staff to handle.

Date of intake:: 5/24/2026

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Stray (Unknown History)

Date of assessment:: 7/2/2026

Summary:: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: Loose Reactivity to humans: None Reactivity to dogs: None Leash walking comments: Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Timid warms up with slow approaches- allows light petting , lip licks Call over: Comes when coaxes- gently takes treats, lip licks Sociability comments: Handling Soft handling: Tolerant- looks back, whale eye,lip licks, sits Exuberant handling: Tolerant- looks back, whale eye,lip licks, sits Handling comments: Arousal Jog: Follow- displacement sniffs floor Arousal comments: Knock: No response Knock Comments: Toy: sniff, neutral body, grips toy walks away Toy comments: 6/4/26:Due to Sullivan medical concerns, a handling assessment will not be condcuted at this time . Sullivan has allowed miminal handling and is noted to become Face-shy, flinches when approached ANd is noted to growl during wound checks. He is noted to enjoy treats and is eager to go on walks.However, it’s unclear whether his behavior will remain consistent or if new behaviors may emerge once he is fully medically cleared. Positive reinforcement should be used when working with Sullivan.

Summary:: Due to entering the facility as a stray, there is no prior dog-to-dog history recorded. 05/30/26 Sullivan is introduced toa novel male while on a loose leash (not collared due to wounds). He approaches the gate with a high-flagged tail and begins to whine and toe-tap before play bowing. Due to his medical concerns, the interaction is left at a gate greet.

Summary (6):: 9/18/26: Sullivan is standing at the front of his kennel as handler approaches. He begins to constantly jump up at the door as the handler unlocks it. He is able to be distracted when the handler tosses treats inside. He is able to be leashed while being distracted with treats and he then launches out of the kennel. He then would constantly jump up towards the handler with an open mouth and try to bite at their leash. He is able to be redirected when the handler tosses a treat trail. Once outside, he pulls ahead while heavy panting. He would pull towards trees to sniff and 9mark his territory. He would stare at dogs that were nearby and is able to be redirected with treats. He pulls hard on the way back to his kennel with no issues. 9/17/26: Sullivan is standing at the front of his kennel as handler approaches. He begins to constantly jump up at the door as the handler unlocks it. He is able to be distracted when the handler tosses treats inside. He is able to be leashed while being distracted with eating the treats and he then launches out of the kennel. He then would constantly jump up towards the handler with an open mouth and try to bite at their leash and their shirt. He is able to be redirected when the handler tosses treats on the ground, and is able to continue walking on the way outside as the handler tosses a treat trail. Once outside, he pulls ahead while heavy panting, and would constantly look up at the handler to receive more treats. He would pull towards trees and towards the fence to mark his territory. He would stare at dogs that were nearby and is able to be redirected with treats. He pulls hard on the way back to his kennel and is able to enter when the handler tosses treats inside with no issues. 9/16: Sullivan is seen barking and bouncing off his kennel walls. He takes a few seconds to catch his breath before he starts spinning off the kennel door when he sees handlers returning a dog to its kennel. 8/13/26: Sullivan is standing at front of his kennel as handler approaches. He is able to be leashed with ease and is then taken to the behavior room. In the room, he has a tense body as he walks around the room. He would engage in snuffle mats and licky mats. He would flinch when he heard sudden sounds. He would constantly stare at the door with a tense body and back away when people would enter the room. He is comfortable taking treats the handler would toss on the ground. He is able to return back to his kennel with no issues. 08/04/26: Sullivan is observed to be standing at the back of his kennel, jumping, and barking into the corner at the wall.

Summary (7):: 07/31/26: Sullivan is laying on his bed as the handler approaches. He stands up and jumps on his door as the handler opens it, but allows the handler to leash him with ease after. While exiting the room, Sullivan pulls towards and attempts to jump on other kennel doors. Once out of the room, he walks next to the handler. He is brought outside to the play yard where he explores and attempts to get into the handler's treat pouch. He responds to "sit". He leans in for pets and sits next to the handler. Eventually, he starts trying to keep his weight off of his front right paw and stops taking treats. The handler brings him back inside and he is returned to his kennel without issue. 7/24/26: Sullivan is jumping and barking at the front of his kennel as handler approaches. He is able to be leashed while being distracted with treats and he then pulls hard on the way outside for a walk. On the walk, he continues to pull hard ahead while hard staring at dogs that were nearby. He is able to be redirected with a squeaker and would approach the handler to receive treats. He pulls hard on the way back his kennel, and begins to pull on his hind legs to try to pull towards the dogs in their kennels before quickly being placed back into his kennel. 7/5/26: Sullivan is in the back of his kennel laying on his kuranda bed as the handler approaches, He is leashed with ease and brought out on a walk. Throughout the session, Sullivan is neutral bodied as he sniffs and observes other dogs from a distance. He remains aloof to the handler, not engaging with them when coaxed. He is then returned to kennel with no issue and secured safely. 6/15/26: Sullivan was standing up in kennel jumping and wagging his tail when handler approached. After he was leashed he ran forward spinning and jumping. He also attempted to jump on handler several times. He walked outside pulling hard and explored his surroundings. He ignored other dogs along the way. He took treats nicely and was returned to kennel with no issue. 6/9/2026: Sullivan was sitting up in the kennel when handler arrived. He was wagging his tail and was super easy to leash up. While outside he pulls very hard while exploring the area. He returned to his very easily. 6/1/26: Sullivan was laying in kennel when handler approached. He sat up with wagging tail and was leashed easily. He walked outside pulling slightly. He did not want to be pet and did not seek handlers' attention. But he did take treats. He returned to kennel easily afterward.

Date of intake:: 5/24/2026

Summary:: fearful

Date of initial:: 5/24/2026

Summary:: Face-shy, flinches when approached. No aggression. Sedated for exam due to injuries.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only

Recommendations:: No children (under 13),Recommend no dog parks,Place with a New Hope partner

Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to Sullivan fearfulness and low threshold for arousal, we recommend he is placed in an adult-only home at this time. Place with a New Hope partner: Due to the concerning behaviors displayed during his stay in care, we recommend for Sullivan to be placed with a New Hope partner.

Potential challenges: : Handling/touch sensitivity,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,Leash-biting,Low threshold for arousal

Potential challenges comments:: Handling/touch sensitivity/Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: Sullivan is noted to become face-shy, flinches when approached. He is reported to growl when his wounds are checked. Leash-biting | Low threshold for arousal: Sullivan has been observed to leash bite intensely when outside on walks. On one occasion, a handler had to use an air corrector on him due to him not being able to be refocused. Please see handout on Arousal.