BENNY – 21051
Safe - 3-3-2018 Manhattan Rescue: Amsterdog Rescue Please honor your pledges:
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SAFE 03/03/18
Benny
Hello, my name is Benny. My animal id is #21051. I am a desexed male chocolate dog at the Manhattan Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 4 years 1 weeks old.
I came into the shelter as a owner surrender on 18-Feb-2018, with the surrender reason stated as person circumstance- homeless.
**A private donor has graciously offered to pay $500 to the New Hope partner that pulls Benny**
Benny is at risk for behavior reasons. Benny has been sociable whilst at the care center, but is obviously not comfortable in this environment. Benny does have a reported bite history, likely related to guarding issues, and for this reason we seeking placement only with a New Hope partner. Medically, Benny is overweight, has a small dermal nodule on his back which should be further investigated, and also has mild tartar.
Let’s get to know each other a bit more…
A volunteer writes: I’m truly, madly, deeply in love with every inch of Benny, from his soft, soulful eyes to his wagging tail that spins into helicopter mode the moment he sees I’ve come to take him for a walk. On our way out the door, everyone we pass stops to ask just who this chunky hunk is, and with a gentle approach, Benny’s thrilled to make their acquaintance, too. A discerning dog for a discerning adopter, he’s an enchanting combination of easy walking, sweet lap snuggling, cat friendly manners all wrapped up in a velveteen chocolate package–simply irresistible! His former owner liked how affectionate he is, and told us Benny would often lay his head on their lap. But I got even luckier during our date when he climbed his whole front half onto mine for cuddles and people-watching in the park. Benny’s described as playful and happy to share his toys, but his main hobby was napping. He even slept in bed with his owner every night. Imagine the adorable Instagram possibilities when you welcome this snoozy sweetheart into your life and onto your sofa! Sociable with respectful dogs and relaxed around his feline friends, Benny would fit like a snuggly glove into a quiet, adult only home where he can build his confidence and keep on doing what he does best–love love loving on his family. Fall for Benny at our Manhattan Care Center today and that helicopter tail could soon be whirling its way out the front door and into a perfect forever home…with you!
My medical notes are…
Weight: 67.2 lbs
18/02/2018
DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: Reported 4 years – exam consistent with this Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative – MC placed during exam Microchip Number (If Applicable): 981020021553779 History : Surrendered, no health problems reported Subjective: Walks well on leash, crouches to the ground when nervous Observed Behavior – Tail tucked between legs, allows all handling but crouches to the ground and flinches when any sudden movements are made Evidence of Cruelty seen – None Evidence of Trauma seen – None Objective BAR-H, MMs pink and moist, BCS 9/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Mild tartar PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Male neutered MSI: Small alopecic dermal nodule on the dorsal thorax. Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate – no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Normal externally Assessment: 1. Obese 2. Small dermal nodule 3. Mild tartar Prognosis: Good Plan: 1. Recommend weight loss of 20-30 lbs 2. Recommend daily tooth brushing and regular dental cleanings 3. Monitor mass on back; consider FNA 1088
Details on my behavior are…
Behavior Condition: 2. Blue
Upon intake, Benny had a loose and wiggly body. Benny was wagging his tail and very excited. Benny approached the Counselor to be petted. Benny allowed all handling.
Spay/Neuter Status: Neutered
Basic Information:: Benny is a 4 year old neutered large breed dog that the owner got from a couple about a year ago. The owner is surrendering due to landlord issues. Benny’s last vet visit was 6 months ago for vaccines.
Previously lived with:: adults
How is this dog around strangers?: Benny is described as friendly and sometimes shy around strangers.
How is this dog around children?: Benny has never been around children.
How is this dog around other dogs?: Benny is respectful around other dogs.
How is this dog around cats?: Benny is relaxed and tolerant with cats.
Resource guarding:: Benny is not bothered when a treat or toy is taken from him or when his food bowl is touched while he eats.
Bite history:: Benny has never bitten an animal. Benny bit a person a little over a month ago and drew blood.
Housetrained:: No
Energy level/descriptors:: medium
Other Notes:: Benny is not bothered when he is restrained, bathed, or brushed. Benny growls and snaps when he is taken off furniture. The owner has never disturbed Benny while he sleeps or trimmed his nails. Benny barks when the doorbell rings.
Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No
For a New Family to Know: Benny is described as friendly, affectionate, and playful. The owner’s favorite thing about Benny is how overly affectionate he is and how he puts his head in the owner’s lap. Benny’s favorite thing to do is sleep. Benny has been kept indoors for the most part and he sleeps in the bed with the owner. Benny is fed 1 bowl of any kind of dry food and 1 can of any wet food a day. Benny is not house trained and will eliminate indoors. Benny does not know how to go out on walks and eliminate nor does he know how to use a wee-wee pad. On a leash, Benny pulls lightly.
Date of intake:: 2/18/2018
Spay/Neuter status:: Yes
Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner Surrender (In home for 1 year)
Previously lived with:: Adults
Behavior toward strangers:: Friendly and sometimes shy
Behavior toward dogs:: Respectful
Behavior toward cats:: Relaxed and tolerant
Resource guarding:: None reported
Bite history:: Yes, a month ago Benny bit the owner’s landlord. The landlord walked into the owner’s apartment unannounced and Benny bit him on his right ankle, breaking skin.
Housetrained:: No
Energy level/descriptors:: Benny is described as friendly, affectionate, and playful with a medium level of activity.
Other Notes:: Benny growls and snaps when he is taken off furniture.
Date of assessment:: 2/20/2018
Look:: 1. Dog’s eyes are averted, with tail wagging and ears back. Allows head to be held loosely in Assessor’s cupped hands.
Sensitivity:: 1. Dog stands still and accepts the touch, eyes are averted, and tail is in neutral position with a relaxed body posture. Dog’s mouth is likely closed for at least a portion of the assessment item.
Tag:: 1. Dog assumes play position and joins the game. Or dog indicates play with huffing, soft ‘popping’ of the body, etc. Dog might jump on Assessor once play begins.
Paw squeeze 1:: 1. Dog gently pulls back his/her paw.
Paw squeeze 2:: 1. Dog gently pulls back his/her paw.
Flank squeeze 1:: Item not conducted
Flank squeeze 2:: Item not conducted
Toy:: 1. Minimal interest in toy, dog may smell or lick, then turns away.
Summary:: Benny approached the assessor in the assessment room with a soft body. He was social throughout the assessment, allowed all handling, and displayed no concerning behaviors.
Summary:: Based on history and behavior observed in our care, Benny may be most compatible with dogs who are respectful and calm. Slow introductions are recommended between Benny and unfamiliar dogs.
Summary (1):: 2/20: When introduced off leash to dogs, Benny is soft and polite when greeting. He offers correction when jumped on playfully.
Summary (2):: 2/21: Benny greets female dogs politely.
Summary (3):: 2/23: Benny greets female dogs politely and engages in bouncy play with select dogs. He may also attempt to mount.
Summary (4):: 2/24: Benny greets female dogs politely. He offers correction when a female dog mounts him.
Summary (5):: 2/26: Benny keeps to himself and corrects play.
Date of intake:: 2/18/2018
Summary:: Upon intake, Benny had a loose and wiggly body.
Date of initial:: 2/18/2018
Summary:: Benny had a tucked tail, was crouched low, and flinched with sudden movements.
ENERGY LEVEL:: Benny’s previous owner described him as having a medium level of activity.
IN SHELTER OBSERVATIONS:: Benny consistently displays highly social behavior with his human caretakers outside of his kennel. He maintains a loose wiggly body throughout interactions and solicits attention from handlers. 3/1/2018 Benny’s behavior has begun to deteriorate in the shelter environment.
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: NEW HOPE ONLY
Behavior Asilomar: TM – Treatable-Manageable
Recommendations:: Place with a New Hope partner
Recommendations comments:: No children: Due to Benny’s bite history, we recommend an adult only home. New Hope Only: Though he has been observed to be human social, Benny appears to startle easily when frightened. Based on our observations, in addition to our known history of Benny escalating to biting when startled (see bite history), the behavior department believes Benny would be best set up to succeed through a rescue partner. Benny has displayed clear warning signals when uncomfortable (tense, whale-eyed); force-free, reward based training is advised when introducing or exposing Benny to new and unfamiliar situations.
Potential challenges: : House soiling,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,Kennel presence,Other
Potential challenges comments:: House soiling: Benny is noted to have accidents in the house, and will likely need guidance with house training. We recommend positive reinforcement, reward-based training only. Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: Benny is reported to sometimes be shy with new people. He bit the owner’s landlord when the landlord entered the home unannounced. New people should always go slowly when interacting with Benny. He should have the option to walk away from any social interaction. Guidance from a positive reinforcement, force-free trainer/behaviorist is recommended if this behavior presents in a future home. Other: Benny is reported to growl and snap when moved off furniture. We recommend training an “off” cue with treat rewards to manage this behavior, should it appear in a future home.
You may know me from such films as…
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