Animal Profile
Grace
Hello, my name is Grace. My animal id is #129856. I am a desexed female brown dog at the . The shelter thinks I am about 3 years 1 months 1 weeks old.
I came into the shelter as a owner surrender on 11/6/2021, with the surrender reason stated as animal behavior - aggressive towards people.
Reserved
Someone has already placed a deposit on me. I'm no longer available.
Grace is described as a high energy dog who is at risk for fearful and defensive behavior exhibited in the care center initially at intake and continuing daily. While Grace has allowed selected staff to leash and handle her, she has for the most part been unreceptive to new people, has lunged, hard barked and growled when approached even in a fear free manner. Grace is reported to have resource guarding issues around food. Medically Grace has some potential allergies and is recommended to have a specialized hypoallergenic diet.
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Due to the need for extensive behavior modification, this animal is only available for foster/adoption through one of ACC's New Hope Partners. Please read the below information thoroughly about this dog and if you are interested in fostering or adopting, please fill out the pre-screener form. This animal is not directly available for adoption through ACC and is only available by completing the pre-screener form. Adoption inquiries sent directly to ACC will not receive a response. Pre-Screener Form Grace is a shy gal who takes some time to warm up to people. She has a playful side and loves her soft toys, but doesn't appreciate quick movements. Grace needs a quiet home with patient people who will give her the care and love she deserves. I need a home where there are no other dogs. I need a home without cats or small animals. I am looking for a home with a patient person. I can be slow to adjust to new environments. I prefer to take things at my own pace. I would appreciate slow introductions to new people and places to help me feel safe. I would do best in a home with only adult humans. I prefer to call the shots and enjoy coming to you when I'm ready for pets.
My medical notes are...
Weight: 75 lbs
11/6/2021
[LVT Intake Exam] Microchip Scan: Negative Evidence of Cruelty: no Observed Behavior: Nervous during first part of exam, became tense/started growling when near face. Unable to perform oral exam due to behavior Sex:F/I Estimated Age: 3yrs Subjective: O/S Eyes:wnl Ears: Mild otitis OU Oral Exam:n/a Nose:wnl Abdomen: wnl Musculoskeletal: bcs 6/9, wnl Integument: Mild dermatitis lumbar region/abdomen Mentation: barh, ambx4 Preliminary Assessment: dermatitis/otitis Plan: dvm intake, RV
11/12/2021
Cage exam BAR no nasal or ocular discharge AU- erythema and crusting seen mild erythema seen at ventral abdomen Assessment: possible otitis externa and dermatitis Plan: needs sedation for full DVM intake exam start cefpodoxime 250 mg PO SID x 3 weeks
11/19/2021
[DVM Intake] DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 3 years History: owner surrender Subjective: Observed Behavior - very tense, growled when administering ear medication Evidence of Cruelty seen - no Evidence of Trauma seen - no Objective BCS 7/9 EENT: Eyes clear, AU- erythema, swelling and tan debris, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: muzzled, no oral exam PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Female, no spay scar seen MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, epidermal collarettes throughout body CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment otitis externa dermatitis- R/O underlying atopy vs food allergy vs other Prognosis: good Plan: applied oti-pack AU continue cefpodoxime recommend a hypoallergenic diet trial SURGERY: Okay for surgery
12/10/2021
Subjective: pre-spay exam Objective BCS 7/9 EENT: Eyes clear, AU- mild erythema and tan debris, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: muzzled, no oral exam PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Female, no spay scar seen MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, epidermal collarettes along dorsum and limbs CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment otitis externa- improving but not resolved dermatitis- R/O underlying atopy vs food allergy vs other; improving but not resolved Plan: spay today applied oti-pack AU continue cefpodoxime recommend a hypoallergenic diet trial
12/10/2021
[Surgery Template - Dog Spay] Was this dog in heat, pregnant or have a pyometra? No Ventral Midline Incision Ovaries Ligated with: 0 PDS Uterine Body Ligated with: 0 PDS Abdominal Closure: 0 PDS Skin closure: 2-0 PDS intradermal Green Linear Tattoo Placed near Midline Surgeon: 1385
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 3. Yellow
Behavior during intake: Grace was muzzled and was hard barking at staff when the previous owners brought the dog to the shelter
Date of Intake: 11/13/2021
Spay/Neuter Status: Not Applicable
Basic Information:: Grace is a 3 year old female large breed dog. She was given to the previous owner by a friend when she was a puppy. However, due to moving to a new home that doesn't allow large dog she had to surrender.
Previously lived with:: adults, children
How is this dog around strangers?: Grace is shy at first but after she warms up she is friendly and outgoing.
How is this dog around children?: Grace lived with 4 children ages 12,10, 8, & 4 years old. Grace was relaxed, affectionate, and respectful with the children. She would play in a gentle to exuberant manner.
How is this dog around other dogs?: Grace did not really interact with other dogs except for a chihuahua of which she was tolerant. She did not play with the other dog.
How is this dog around cats?: N/A
Resource guarding:: Previous owners stated that Grace eliminates indoors. Grace isn’t bothered by storms/fireworks. Grace growls when any food is touched or toy is taken from her. Grace isn’t bothered when a treat is taken from her, when she is pushed or pulled off furniture, when held or restrained, or disturbed from sleep/rest. Grace isn’t bothered by having baths or having her coat brushed. Grace is afraid to have her nails trimmed. Grace barks when an unfamiliar person approaches the home, yard, previous owner, or a family member.
Bite history:: None
Housetrained:: Partially
Energy level/descriptors:: High
Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No
For a New Family to Know: Grace is described as friendly, affectionate, and playful. Grace’s favorite activities are playing with handballs, plastic bottles, and she enjoys getting attention and pets. When in the home, Grace is the type to follow you around, be in the same room, be in a favorite spot, or sit on you. Grace likes all kinds of toys and she likes to play fetch, tug, chase, & wrestling. Grace was kept indoors only and would sleep on one the children’s bed or in the owner’s bed. She was fed Purina One Smart Blend Lamb & Rice Adult dry dog food. According to previous owner, Grace seems to be house-trained. Grace usually goes to the bathroom on the newspaper or wee-wee pads. When left alone in the home, Grace would be well-behaved. Grace has never been left alone in the yard. Grace knows commands sit, come, down, stay, and heel. On the leash, Grace pulls very hard.
Date of intake:: 11/6/2021
Spay/Neuter status:: No
Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner surrender
Previously lived with:: adults and children, ages 12, 10, 8 and 4,
Behavior toward strangers:: in the i ntail home she was shy but in the second home she was aggressive and growled at strangers
Behavior toward children:: in the intial home grace was friendly and affectionate, but in the second home she growled and snap
Behavior toward dogs:: tolerant to a smb, but in a second home she is described as aggressive and will snap
Behavior toward cats:: unknown
Resource guarding:: Grace growls when any food is touched or toy is taken from her.
Bite history:: None
Housetrained:: Partially
Energy level/descriptors:: Grace is described to have a high energy level in the home
Date of assessment:: 11/18/2021
Summary:: Due to Graces behavior in the kennel it is not appropriate to do the handling portion of the assessment at this moment.
Date of intake:: 11/6/2021
Summary:: Muzzled and hard barking at staff
Date of initial:: 11/6/2021
Summary:: Nervous during first part of exam, became tense/started growling when near face. Unable to perform o
ENERGY LEVEL:: Grace is described as active and enthusiastic. She will need daily mental and physical activity to keep her engaged and exercised. We recommend long-lasting chews, food puzzles, and hide-and-seek games, in additional to physical exercise, to positively direct her energy and enthusiasm. We recommend feeding with puzzle feeders and food-dispensing toys. And we recommend only force-free, reward-based training techniques for Grace.
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only
Recommendations:: No children (under 13),Single-pet home,Recommend no dog parks,Place with a New Hope partner
Recommendations comments:: NO CHILDREN (UNDER 13) due to the fearful and defensive behavior exhibited in the care center we recommended an adult only home for grace at this time SINGLE-PET HOME: Due to the concerning behaviors that grace was reported to have in the second home we would recommend her go to a single pet home. PLACE WITH A NEW HOPE PARTNER Grace has not acclimated well to the kennel environment and has allowed only minimal handling since intake. We recommend placement with a New Hope partner who can provide any necessary behavior modification (force-free, positive reinforcement-based) and re-evaluate behavior in a stable home environment before placement into a permanent home.
Potential challenges: : Resource guarding,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,Kennel presence
Potential challenges comments:: RESOURCE GUARDING Grace's previous owner notes that she may growl when her food bowl is approached. We recommend that Grace be left alone while eating, and that food guarding behavior modification steps (available at ASPCApro.org) be utilized if this behavior is problematic in her future home. Nothing should ever be taken directly out of her mouth, and any time something is removed she should be rewarded with a high value treat or toy. Grace should be taught the "drop" cue and trade-up games. please see handout on resource guarding. FEARFUL/POTENTIAL FOR DEFENSIVE AGGRESSION Grace has escalated to growling and lunging on multiple occasions both at intake and during her time in the care center. Her signs of discomfort must be respected; Grace should never be forced to interact, she should always be given the opportunity to walk away from situations or people she finds uncomfortable. We recommend a slow approach and we recommend ONLY force-free, reward-based training methods for Grace. More aversive techniques are likely to increase fear, increase the risk of aggression, and decrease Grace's quality of life. Please see handout on Fearfulness/ potential for defensive aggression. KENNEL PRESENCE While we cannot be certain if this behavior will appear in any other contexts, in highly emotionally charged or stressful environments Grace may show behavior similar to what she is currently demonstrating in her kennel. We recommend potential adopters be comfortable managing this behavior and keeping themselves safe in any similar future situations.