Benji
Hello, my name is Benji. My animal id is #220446. I am a male white dog at the Manhattan Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 9 years 1 months old.
I came into the shelter as a owner surrender on 2/19/2025, with the surrender reason stated as person health - allergies.
Sorry, this pet is for new hope partners only.
Pre-Screener FormBenji is at risk due to behavioral reasons. Benji was surrendered following a bite incident. In his previous home Benji had two bite incidents, the first one did break skin however but the second one did not. During his stay in the care center Benji has been observed to be aloof with handlers. When handlers attempt to interact with him, Benji is observed to begin seeking exit and thrash on leash. Medically Benji has conjunctivitis, dental disease, KCS, is underweight and has a wound.
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. Due to the detailed behavior issues, this animal is only available for foster/adoption through one of ACC's New Hope Partners. If you are interested in adopting or fostering, 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 Benji is at risk due to behavioral reasons. Benji was surrendered following a bite incident. In his previous home Benji had two bite incidents (one resulting in broken skin). During his stay in the care center Benji has been observed to be aloof with handlers. When handlers attempt to interact with him, Benji is observed to begin seeking exit and thrash on leash. Medically Benji has conjunctivitis, dental disease, KCS, is underweight and has a wound. Benji arrived at MACC as an owner surrender. His previous owner describes him as a quiet dog. Beji has a multiple bite history, in his previous home Benji was observed to have one bite to a child and one bite to an adult. During his stay in the care center Benji has been observed to be highly fearful, noted to have a tense and trembling body. Due to the detailed behaviors we recommend an experienced adult only home.
My medical notes are...
Weight: 8.9 lbs
2/20/2025
DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 8-10 years old Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative History: Owner surrender Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - trembling, very wiggly for restraint, head shy and cries when touched around face, sedated for exam Is there evidence of Cruelty? No Is there evidence of Neglect? No Is there evidence of Trauma? No Objective: T = P = 60 (sedated) R = 20 BCS 3/9 EENT: Marked dark brown crusting around eyes bilaterally, moderate blepharospasm and moderate purulent discharge OU, skin surrounding eyes ulcerated especially at medial canthus OU, ears clean, no nasal discharge noted Oral Exam: Moderate-severe dental disease PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Male, two scrotal testicles MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, full hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Externally normal Assessment: KCS OU Conjunctivitis OU Ulcerations around eyes OU Dental disease grade 3-4/4 Underweight Prognosis: Good Plan: Intake tasks Sedated with Butorphanol 0.4mg/kg IM + Dexmedetomidine 15mcg/kg IM Reversed with Antisedan 0.04 mL IM Cleaned and shaved crusting and discharge around eyes OU STT: 10mm OS, <5mm OD Fluorescein stain: Negative uptake OU, difficult to view ventromedial aspect of eye due to sedation Received Optimmune OU, continue BID indefinitely Received NeoPolyBac ointment OU, continue BID x 1 week Applied NeoPolyBac to ulcerations around eyes OU, continue BID x 1 week Start gabapentin 75mg PO BID x 1 week for pain E-collar x 1 week TID feedings Recheck eyes in 1 week SURGERY: Permanent waiver due to age
2/25/2025
[Spay/Neuter Waiver - Age] It is the policy of ACC not to perform surgery on any animal over the age of 8-10 years due to the higher risks incurred in a shelter setting. The veterinarian is hereby issuing a permanent spay/neuter waiver, from the spay/neuter requirements of the City of NY due to the estimated age of this animal. ACC does recommend you consult with your veterinarian to determine if surgical sterilization is appropriate.
2/26/2025
SO: Started on treatment for KCS and reported periocular ulceration BAR, standing at kennel door eent: eyes clear, no ocular or nasal dc apparent h/l: eupneic, no coughing or sneezing appreciated msi: ambulatory x4 neuro: mentation alert and appropriate A: KCS-on management periocular ulceration apparently resolved P: continue optimmune consider rechecking STT if requires sedation in future
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 3. Yellow
Spay/Neuter Status: Unknown
Basic Information:: Benji is a 4yr old smb dog. he was surrendered due to owner being developing allergies from dogs.
Previously lived with:: 4 adults & 1 child(3yrs old)
How is this dog around strangers?: No experience with strangers. Benji will hard bark at visitors.
How is this dog around children?: Benji is shy and prefersc contact own his own terms with children.
How is this dog around other dogs?: no experience
How is this dog around cats?: no experience
Resource guarding:: previous owner reported that Benji will resource guard food/treats & toys when in his possession. He will growl or hard bark when someone attempts remove those items from him.
Bite history:: It was reported that there have been 2 bite incidents in the home with benji. The most recent bite incident didn't break skin, the 1st incident did break skin. It was noted that on 2/10 while benji was eating from his food in the kitchen area, a 3y old child attempted to touch his food bowl while eating which caused benji to bite and release her on the left arm which didn't break skin but did swell up. Benji was resource guarding in that incident. The 1st bite incident occurred about 4months ago when an adult in the home was getting off his bed when benji suddenly without any warning signs who was under the bed, bit him in the ankle which did break skin but wasn't severe. both incidents were bite & release. Both seeked medical attention to make sure they were okay.
Housetrained:: Partially
Energy level/descriptors:: medium energy
Other Notes:: Benji is fearful when held/restrained. he hasn't never been disturbed while sleeping/resting, startled or pulled/pulled from furniture. It was reported by previous family he is fearful when someone touches his paws/feet but did Allow one female family member to touch her paws/feet. he isn't bothered when collar is touched.
Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No
For a New Family to Know: Benji is described by previous family as a solitary, quiet dog. he spends most of his time where people are, bedroom. he also likes being under the bed. For grooming, he used to the groomers. Benji would only allow the previous owner daughter to bathe him at home or trim his nails(no one else). on the leash, he pulls very little ro mild pulling. for exercise he was used to 1-2 walks a day for about 30minutes. has never been in a car. he knows the cue come. Benkis favorite activities are playing with playing the ball. His favorite treats are chicken & Tuna.
Date of intake:: 2/19/2025
Spay/Neuter status:: No
Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner Surrender
Previously lived with:: 4 adults & 1 child(3yrs old)
Behavior toward strangers:: Benji will hard bark
Behavior toward children:: Benji is shy and prefers contact on his own terms
Behavior toward dogs:: No experience
Behavior toward cats:: No experience
Resource guarding:: Benji will resource guard food/treats & toys when in his possession. He will growl or hard bark when someone attempts remove those items from him.
Bite history:: It was reported that there have been 2 bite incidents in the home with benji. The most recent bite incident didn't break skin, the 1st incident did break skin. It was noted that on 2/10 while benji was eating from his food in the kitchen area, a 3y old child attempted to touch his food bowl while eating which caused benji to bite and release her on the left arm which didn't break skin but did swell up. Benji was resource guarding in that incident. The 1st bite incident occurred about 4 months ago when an adult in the home was getting off the bed when benji suddenly without any warning signs who was under the bed, bit him in the ankle which did break skin but wasn't severe. both incidents were bite & release. Both seeked medical attention to make sure they were okay.
Housetrained:: Partially
Energy level/descriptors:: Medium
Other Notes:: Benji is fearful when held/restrained. he hasn't never been disturbed while sleeping/resting, startled or pulled/pulled from furniture. It was reported by previous family he is fearful when someone touches his paws/feet but did Allow one female family member to touch her paws/feet. he isn't bothered when collar is touched. Benji's previous owner describes him as a quiet dog that prefers to spend time with his people. He may know the cue come
Date of assessment:: 2/20/2025
Summary:: When brought into the assessment room Benji remained tense and fearful. Noted to have a tense and trembling body. When handler attempted an interaction Benji began seeking exit and thrashing on leash. Benji was not receptive to treats or squeakie sounds. Due to the high levels of fear, stress, and anxiety displayed. Benji is not a candidate to receive a handling assessment at this time.
Summary (7):: 3/13/25: Benji is at the front of the kennel when handler approaches. He is easily leashed and then backs away from the handler, and attempts to back out of the leash. When reaching the ends of the leash Benji readily exits kennel. He is taken to the behavior office where he marks in the room. Benji is not receptive to treats. Benji will approach handlers and jump up on them and allows handlers to tentatively pet the top of his kennel. Benji then jumps off and shakes off. Benji is easily returned to kennel. 2/25/25: Benji is at the front of his kennel when handler approaches. He dodges the leash but is eventually leashed and walked outside with no issue. In the yard, he does not react to any nearby dogs and stands with a tense body. He sniffs both handlers but does not seek out attention. Handlers do not attempt petting/pickup as Benji seems aloof and uninterested. He is easily walked back to kennel without issue. 2/20/25: Benji is at the back of his kennel as handler approaches, he is laying down sleeping but is woken up by handler and leashed without issue. He exits kennel and is taken to the street for a walk, during which he baulks frequently and slowly walks forward with handler. He walks past people and dogs without issue and uses the bathroom outside. Once finished with his walk, Benji is taken to the behavior office for an assessment. During the assessment Benji is aloof and avoidant of handlers. He shakes violently and seeks exit throughout the majority of the interaction, food and toys are unsuccessful at coaxing him. He is successfully collared but his interaction is ended shortly after due to his clear fearfulness. He is brought back to kennel and returned without issue.
Date of initial:: 2/20/2025
Summary:: Trembling, very wiggly for restraint, head shy and cries when touched around face. Opted to sedate
ENERGY LEVEL:: Benji is described as medium energy. They will need daily mental and physical activity to keep them engaged and exercised. And we recommend using force-free, reward-based training techniques for them.
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only
Recommendations:: No children (under 13),Place with a New Hope partner
Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to his multiple bite history we recommend a home with no children. 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: : Resource guarding,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,Multiple-bite history/risk of future aggression,Bite history (human)
Potential challenges comments:: Resource Guarding: Benji's pervious owner state that he will resource guard food/treats & toys when in his possession. He will growl or hard bark when someone attempts remove those items from him. Fearful Defensive: Benji has been observed to be highly fearful during his stay in the care center. Noted to have a tense trembling body and begins seeking exit when handlers attempt to interact. Benji has also been observed to thrash while on leash. It is important to move slowly with Benji, 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. Multiple bite History/ Bite History (Human): Please see bite history above for more details. Escalating to biting is a behavior that Benji has rehearsed repeatedly over their life. This behavior is likely to continue as it has become part of Benji repertoire, and will need careful management to work toward reducing triggers for Benji and reducing the resulting bites. Please see handout on Bite History and Potential for Future Aggression.