Animal Profile

Buster is at risk due to behavioral reasons. While in care, Buster has been observed to be highly fearful, noted to quickly escalate to growling, hard barking, and baring teeth when handlers attempt to interact. In kennel, he is noted to growl and lunge towards handlers when they approach. During intake, handlers were able to feed Buster treats. Medically, Buster 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 Buster is at risk due to behavioral reasons. While in care, Buster has been observed to be highly fearful, noted to quickly escalate to growling, hard barking, and baring teeth when handlers attempt to interact. In kennel, he is noted to growl and lunge towards handlers when they approach. During intake, handlers were able to feed Buster treats. Medically, Buster is apparently healthy. Buster arrived at MACC as a stray with no known history. While in care, Buster has been observed to be highly fearful. During intake Buster quickly escalated to growling, hard barking, and baring teeth while handlers interacted with him. In kennel, Buster is noted to growl and lunge towards handlers when they approach. Due to the detailed behavior we recommend an experienced adult-only home.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 47 lbs

Medical Notes

7/19/2026

[DVM Intake] DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 2-5 yo based on dentition Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned Negative History: Subjective: Was found tied up, was very reactive to leash and catch pole, needed behavior to bring into shelter; elected sedation for exam due to behavior history - estimated weight 55lb, splashed 0.5ml Dexdorm and 0.5ml Butorphanol, still awake; 0.5ml Dexdorm and 0.5ml Butorphanol IM, standing but wobbly after 10min; 0.25ml Dexdorm and 0.3ml Ketamine IM, provided adequate sedation Observed Behavior - BAR in kennel, bared teeth, hard stared, and barked when looking at him through kennel, reactive to pole when injecting sedation medication Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? No Objective: T = P = 72 sedated R = wnl BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, moderate waxy ear debris AU, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Mild dental tartar, adult dentition PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic, bradycardic - sedated ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Externally normal female, no spay scar or tattoo MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy, dirty hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Externally normal, mild fecal staining around anus Wood's Lamp Exam: Not performed Assessment: High FAS Apparently healthy otherwise Periodontal disease Stage 1 Prognosis: Good to Fair with behavior management/improve behavior Plan: Intake exam and tasks Clean ears Antisedan 0.7ml Trazodone 200mg PO BID - indefinitely Clonidine 0.2mg PO BID - indefinitely SURGERY: Okay for surgery

7/21/2026

S: behavior notes barring teeth and hard barking at handler Already on max dose of trazadone O: PE WNL A: FAS escalating P: Increase to near-max dose clonidine.

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 4. Orange

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Date of intake:: 7/18/2026

Spay/Neuter status:: No

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

Date of assessment:: 7/23/2026

Summary:: Buster has been observed to be highly fearful while in care. Noted to growl, bare teeth, and lunge towards the handler when they approach. Due to the high level of fear, stress, and anxiety observed, Buster is not a candidate for a handling assessment at this time.

Summary (7):: 7/23/26: Buster is standing at the front of the kennel, looking at handler sideways. Handler extends their hand to offer a treat. Buster sniffs it but does not take it. Handler moves their hand away then kneels down to toss the treat in through the food slot. Buster turns quickly in that direction, tense body, growling, head lowered over the food slot area. HE remains in that position as handler moves away. 7/21/26: As the handler approaches Buster, he is lying down in kennel and has his head turned towards the front. The handler tosses treats into his kennel, and he flinches when it makes contact. The handler slowly brings the leash into his kennel, and Buster begins to hard bark and low growl. He then stands up and fully faces the front. The handler attempts to lasso him, but Buster continues to growl and increase the volume of it. After a couple of attempts, the handler removes the leash and ends the interaction. 7/20/26: Buster is curled up in his kennel upon approach. Handler speaks to him and Buster begins to growl loudly towards the handler with tense eyes. Handler reaches out to touch the lock and Buster lunges forward baring teeth and growling louder towards the handler. The interaction is then ended. 7/18/26: (Intake behavior) Field staff requested assistance in removing Buster from the vehicle and being brought to his kennel. Canine Behavior approaches the van and Buster is in the back of the kennel with a tense body. He begins to growl and hard bark towards the handlers. The primary handler presents the leash and Buster lunges forward and growls. Baring teeth and barking at the handler. The secondary handler feeds Buster treats and guides his head through the slip leads. He is double leashed out of the crate and is taken towards his kennel. He attempts to thrash slightly but is able to be walked to his kennel. He enters the kennel and the leashes are removed with a hook.

Date of intake:: 7/18/2026

Summary:: Growling, hard barking, lunging, baring teeth

Date of initial:: 7/19/2026

Summary:: Bared teeth, hard stared, and barked when looking at him

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Buster 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 the fearful behavior observed while in care we recommend an adult only home. 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: Buster has been observed to growl, bare teeth, and hard bark towards handlers when they attempt to interact. It is important to move slowly with Buster, 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.