Dipsy
Hello, my name is Dipsy. My animal id is #227647. I am a female gray brindle dog at the Queens Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 3 years 1 months 3 weeks old.
I came into the shelter as a agency on 5/22/2025.
Dispy is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. Dispy in the care center has been struggling to acclimate despite best efforts to keep her comfortable. Dipsy is a bit fearful in the care center with staff, and on walks will hard bark at unfamiliar staff/strangers while pulling towards them making it difficult to walk her safely at times. Dispy has warmed up to some staff members, and is social with them but struggling to acclimate. Medically, Dipsy is apparently healthy.
Let's get to know each other a bit more...
This pet needs emergency placement. Please click here to go to our emergency placement page for more information. Dispy is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. Dispy in the care center has been struggling to acclimate despite best efforts to keep her comfortable. Dipsy is a bit fearful in the care center with staff, and on walks will hard bark at unfamiliar staff/strangers while pulling towards them making it difficult to walk her safely at times. Dispy has warmed up to some staff members, and is social with them but struggling to acclimate. Medically, Dipsy is apparently healthy. What my friends at ACC say about me: My history is a mystery and my friends here do not know much about me yet! I am looking for a home with a patient person. I am finding the shelter a bit overwhelming. Outside one-on-one I am a great big cuddle bug. I would do best in a home with only adult humans. A volunteer writes: Dipsy has understandably been struggling in a shelter environment; but I see a whole other side of her when she's away from the stress and noise and constant barking of dogs. Sometimes we go to the play-yard, where she'll have a blast with her toy - galloping around with it and stopping by to show it off. She'll break out into zoomies, then eagerly wait for me to toss it again - and then she's off, resuming her zipping and zagging, with the toy bobbing around in her mouth and her tail flying in the air. It's like she's on Cloud 9, without a care in the care in the world. Other times, we go down the block where it's nice and quiet, and just sit together. She'll climb up next to me and lean in, which is her signal that I should start the back-scratches and ear-rubs. She looks so relaxed and serene that I could almost see the stress and anxiety just melting away. Dipsy came in as a stray, so we don't know her history, but someone seems to have housetrained her; taught her the cue for "sit"; and to take treats politely. When the shelter did a gate-greet with two different dogs, Dipsy generally exhibited avoidant behavior. While her current situation has left her feeling overwhelmed, I think this sweet, beautiful girl will totally blossom in a loving, patient home.
My medical notes are...
Weight: 55 lbs
5/22/2025
DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: approx 3-7 years based on dentition and conformation Microchip noted on Intake? scanned negative History: agency Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - enters with loose body, barking, low growls for medical handling, sedated as precaution Is there evidence of Cruelty? N Is there evidence of Neglect? N Is there evidence of Trauma? N Objective T = np P = wnl R = wnl BCS 4.5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, moderate erythema and dark brown ceruminous debris AU, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: mild wear and staining to visible dentition PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: F suspected intact, no OVH scar or tattoo MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment otitis externa AU Prognosis: good Plan: intake exam and tasks sedated with 0.55mL dex (0.5mg/mL) and 0.55mL torb (10mg/mL) IM clean ears TNT simplera applied AU reversed with equal vol antisedan awaiting sort SURGERY: Okay for surgery: Y
5/24/2025
Adding psychopharm due anxiety and in-kennel stress: -trazodone 200mg (8mg/kg) PO q12h -gabapentin 600mg PO q12
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 3. Yellow
Upon intake, dog was nervous, pacing and panting with the Officers. Dog allowed staff to scan for microchip and leash. In order to reduce FAS, staff was unable to collar.
Date of intake:: 5/24/2025
Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Stray, no prior history
Date of assessment:: 5/30/2025
Summary:: 5/30/25 Leash Walking Strength and pulling: Loose Reactivity to humans: None Reactivity to dogs: barks Leash walking comments: Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Social- seeks attention, leans into touch Call over: Readily approaches- leans into touch, soft body Sociability comments: Handling Soft handling: Allowed-Soft body, leans in, seeks attention Exuberant handling: Allowed-Soft body,leans in, seeks attention Handling comments: Arousal Jog: Follow- bouncy Arousal comments: Knock: Approaches- whining Knock Comments: Toy: Bouncy Toy comments: 5/25/25: Due to Dispy's fearfulness and avoidance displayed in care, a handling assessment will not be conducted at this time. ***5/23/25: Due to Dispy's fearfulness and seeking exit, she is given more time to decompress.***
Summary:: Due to Dipsy entering the facility as a stray, there is no prior dog-to-dog history recorded. 05/29/25: When handlers attempt to collar, Dipsy will practice avoidance, retreating from the handler. Not to stress her further Dipsy was not collared. When off leash at the Care Center Dispy is introduced to a novel female dog. At the gate Dispy approaches cautiously. Both females will scent one another at the gate. Dipsy will lick the novel female through the gate. Dipsy will walk away practicing avoidance. Dipsy will reapproach scenting again before practicing immediate avoidance, this time seeking exit. The novel female who is more interested in the handlers will walk away from the gate. Both dogs are separated concluding the interaction. 05/28/25 Due to stranger danger when being removed from kennel, Dipsy is returned, unable to attend play group. 05/24/25: When off leash at the Care Center Dipsy is introduced to a novel male dog. At the gate Dipsy approaches cautiously. Both dogs will scent one another through the gate. Dipsy is avoidant, immediately displacement scenting before walking away and seeking exit. The novel male will display play bows with a swaying tail before it becomes a flagging one. The novel male will display low hackles but will escalate in frustration, muzzle punching the gate. Both dogs are separated, concluding the interaction.
Summary (3):: 07/11/25: Dipsy is lying down in her kennel and will jump up and run to the front with excitement, allowing the handler to leash her with ease. She is then brought out for an enrichment walk, maintaining a neutral frame throughout most of the outing. While walking, Dipsy becomes reactive toward a stranger jogging past, but she is easily redirected with a squeaker followed by a sit cue and rewarded with a treat. She remains hypervigilant, taking in the variety of scents as she passes the cemetery with her handler. On the return to the Care Center, Dipsy maintains a calm and relaxed frame and is brought back to her kennel safely without any issues.
Summary (4):: 07/08/25 (trainer note): Dipsy was standing on her hind legs in her kennel with a loose tail wag as handler approached her. She was easily leashed and walked to the live room. She explored the room with a flushed face and loose tail wag. She engaged with the enrichment items provided and readily oriented towards the handler. She would sit when asked and was able to take multiple deep breaths between items. Handler practiced the 123 game and she was able to remain focused on handler throughout the pattern. She was easily leashed and returned to kennel without issue. 7/5: Dipsy was observed to hard bark and pull towards strangers on her way back to the center during her morning walk. She sees a handler exiting their car that is approaching the building over 5ft away. Dipsy stops walking and begins hard barking at the handler, refusing to follow the staff member walking her. The handler moves back to increase the distance more before Dipsy finally turns to follow the staff member who was already trying to move her away. 07/02/25 (trainer note): Dipsy was standing in her kennel panting as handler approached. She had a loose tail wag and allowed handler to leash her with ease. She walked to the live room strongly pulling on leash. She was placed on a drag leash in the live room and repeatedly jumped on the handler. Handler provided enrichment items to help her decompress and deter her from jumping. She engaged with the enrichment and was better able to focus, though her face remained flushed. She would often get distracted from outside noise and handler was able to redirect her attention easily with treats. She was easily leashed as the session ended. On the walk back to her kennel, she walked past a group of staff and her body remained neutral. She saw a staff member walking a dog down the hallway and let out a hard bark. Handler spoke to her and used directional leash pressure to keep her walking, and she was returned to her kennel without further issue. 06/23/25 (trainer note): Dipsy was standing at the back of her kennel as handler approached. She approached handler with a loose tail wag and was easily leashed. She walked to the live room and was placed on a drag leash. There were men working on ladders outside the room who were visible through the glass. Dipsy would intermittently look in their direction throughout the session and was reinforced for remaining calm and not having an outburst. She was able to engage with enrichment and orient towards the handler for the majority of the session despite the distractions. She was easily leashed and returned to kennel.
Summary (5):: 06/20/25 (Trainer Note): Dipsy is laying on her bed as the handler approaches. She stands and comes to the front of the kennel, jumping on the door. She is easily leashed and pulls hard outside. Dipsy barks at a stranger who moves close to her in the hallway but is easily redirected. She shows no interest in treats, but leans into contact. Dipsy has a soft body and wagging tail when she initially leans in, but stills as the handler pets her. Handler intermittently takes their hands off, but Dipsy re-initiates each time. She is returned to kennel without issue and walks past strangers without issue if the handler is speaking to her as they pass. Dipsy enters the kennel without issue. 06/16/25 (trainer note): Dipsy is standing at the front of her kennel barking at novel handler. She calmed down and loosened up as novel handler spoke softly to her and she allowed leashing. She walked to the live room and allowed handler to slowly attach a drag leash to her collar. She slowly explored the room and would wag her tail whenever handler spoke to her. She took treats from handler's hands softly, and oriented towards the handler between enrichment items. She would sit when asked and was able to work on breathwork. She was easily leashed and returned to kennel without issue. 06/11/25 (Trainer Note): Dipsy is standing neutrally in kennel as the handler approaches. She is easily leashed and pulls moderately to the canine training room. Dipsy approaches a novel handler with a loose body, sniffing, but tenses and gruffs once when she realizes she does not know the handler. The handler pulls her away and she shakes off, softening. The handler works with her on the 123 game and take a breath with spray cheese. A familiar handler enters the room and Dipsy hard barks at them with tense, forward body and hackles raised. The primary handler calls her name and she begins to play engage/ disengage, but intermittently turns and barks at the other handler. Dipsy pulls hard back to kennel and enters without issue. 06/03/25 (Trainer Note): Dipsy is standing neutrally in her kennel as the handler approaches. She is easily leashed and pulls moderately to the canine training room. Dipsy is initially not interested in treats but after the handler engages her with toys for a few moments she softens and starts to take treats. She engages readily in the various enrichment items, orienting towards the handler between each. Handler pulls her off to side and works with her on the 123 game and take a breath. Dipsy participates readily and is returned to kennel without issue. -
Summary (6):: 6/1/25: Dipsy is observed to be hard barking at staff entering the building on leash, and will continue to bark at several others when passing them in the hallways with hackles raised and a flushed face. 05/30/25 (Assessment Note): Dipsy is lying down in her kennel and will approach the front, allowing the handler to leash her with ease. She is then brought to the behavior room, where a drag leash is placed on her. Dipsy approaches handlers with a loose and wiggly body, socializing and allowing touch. She also engages in toy play with the handler. For more information, please see behavior assessment. Dipsy is brought back to her kennel safely with no issues 05/29/25: Dipsy is standing at the front of her kennel with a loose body and allows the handler to leash her with ease. She is then brought to the play yard to meet a playmate. An additional handler attempts to collar Dipsy, but she backs away and does not allow the collar to be placed around her neck. At the gate, Dipsy approaches for a nose-to-nose greeting with her playmate but quickly disengages, walks away, and begins seeking exit. Dipsy is brought back to her kennel safely with no issues. See Dog-to-Dog note for more information. 05/29/25 Dipsy is lying down in the back of her kennel in her karanda bed as the handler approaches. Dipsy will rise and alert bark at the handler before coming forward displaying a neutral frame and wagging tail. She will stand on her kennel door, looking at the handler displaying a soft face and still frame. The handler tosses her treats and she will collect them from the floor, waiting in front of the kennel door. The handler leashes her will ease and she will pull her way out of the kennel room. Dipsy displays a neutral frame as they exit the building, alert barking at staff in the hallway, barking once, remaining neutral in frame, maintaining a wagging tail. As they exit the facility, Dipsy will explore outside before proceeding up the ramp to the play yard. Dipsy will explore her way up the ramp as well as one of the play pens she and handler will enter. She is reluctant to taking treats outside, sniffing them and becoming aloof. She will pull towards the exit of the pen and check-in with the handler, signaling she would like to leave. The handler will commence the walk, taking her down the block where she will explore further. Dipsy will maintain a moderate pace and gradually pull less on the lead. She displays salivation as the walk commences, while slightly panting. She is returned to the facility where she will enter the building with no issue. Dipsy will allow the handler to pet the top of her head as well as her neck, clipping the ring of the lead in the process. Dipsy is returned to kennel, entering willingly with no issue.
Summary (7):: 5/28/25: Dipsy was laying on kuranda bed when handler approached. She did not eat a piece of beef jerky tossed over top of kennel. Dipsy was leashed with ease and exited kennel room. Dipsy encountered a staff member and a volunteer in the hallway. Dipsy displayed raised hackles and pulled hard on leash while hard barking. The staff member immediately moved out of sight but the volunteer continued to directly approach (seemingly unable to hear.) Handler repeated clear instruction to stop volunteer approaching and to move around the corner. Dipsy encountered another staff member walking towards them from a distance and displayed the same behavior toward them. As there were two additional staff at the end of the hall, handler opted to return Dipsy to kennel. She entered kennel without issue. Handler followed up with the volunteer who apologized for being unable to hear their instruction. Handler explained Dipsy's behavior toward them was not friendly and in future to please give as much space as possible. 05/24/25 (assessment): Dipsy is lying on her kuranda bed as handler approaches. She comes forward and is leashed with ease, walking on a loose lead to the Canine Behavior Office for assessment (due to Dipsy's discomfort with handling, an assessment in not able to be completed). Dipsy displays a tense, trembling frame and will back away whenever handlers attempt to collar her. Handler slowly clips their lead into a figure 8 and Dipsy is returned to kennel safely. 05/23/25 (Assessment Note): Dipsy is lying down in her kennel and allows handlers to leash her with ease. She is then escorted to the assessment room. While in the room, Dipsy displays signs of anxiousness and repeatedly seeks the exit. Due to her behavior, handlers opt to give her an additional day to acclimate to the environment. Dipsy is returned to her kennel safely with no issues. 5/23/25: Dipsy is at the front of her kennel after ACS staff try repeatedly to leash her, and she is hard barking, backing away and starting to lip curl at staff. Dipsy is given a moment to recover before behavior staff have to attempt to lasso her from the back of her kennel due to her stress from the interaction beforehand. Dipsy does not take any treats, and continues to hard bark at the handler and begins to muzzle punch the doorway when the handle attempts to put the leash in, and lunges once before lip licking and backing away. After a couple of attempts, Dipsy is leashed and brought out of her kennel where she hypersalivates, is aloof to the handler and pulls moderately on her walk. Dipsy is allowed to explore and sniff where she wants, and minimal interaction is made to help her relax. Dipsy is returned to kennel with no issue, and later in the day is visited where she displayed a loose body and fast circular tail when greeting the handler at the front.
Date of intake:: 5/22/2025
Summary:: dog was nervous, pacing and panting with the Officers
Date of initial:: 5/22/2025
Summary:: enters with loose body, barking, low growls for medical handling,
ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Dipsy 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 additional to physical exercise, to positively direct their energy and enthusiasm.
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: Level 4
Recommendations:: No children (under 13)
Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to Dispy's fearfulness in care, we recommend she goes to an adult only home.
Potential challenges: : Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,Anxiety,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration
Potential challenges comments:: Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: Dipsy gives clear warnings when she is uncomfortable and does seem to choose to avoid or retreat when given the opportunity, but if prevented from moving away, there is potential for escalation to higher-level warning behaviors and possible fear-based aggression. It is important to move slowly with Dipsy, to build positive associations (treats/toys/praise), and to allow Dipsy to initiate interactions with new people. She should never be forced to greet or interact if she is not comfortable and soliciting attention. Dipsy would do best in an initially calm and quiet home environment and should be given time to acclimate to her new surroundings. See handouts on Decompression Period and Fearful and Defensive Aggression. Anxiety: Dipsy appears anxious at the care center, seeking an exit during her assessment. If this behavior presents in a future home, we recommend providing enrichment through puzzle toys, long walks, and other engaging activities to help ease her anxiety. Only positive reinforcement and force-free training methods should be used. See handout on Generalized Anxiety.