ISYS – A1080859

A volunteer writes:

Sweet Isys won me over right away with her sublime, delicate face, long, elegant limbs, and gorgeous tan and cream coat. But little was I to know what she was hiding. Her true ace in the hole, her piece de resistance, the cherry on the cake that revealed itself the moment she emerged from her kennel. Her walk! Yes, Isys is adorably bow-legged when she walks and when she picks up speed in front of you good luck a) keeping a straight face, and b) not falling madly in love. 3 year-old Isys was surrendered to our care and is said to have lived well with young children and small pups. Considering the sudden change in her circumstances, having lost her companions without warning, she is understandably a bit wary of me at first, keeping her distance after our walk and hugging the wall of our pen. However a few treats and some quiet coaxing quickly bring her out of her shell and in no time at all she’s by my side on a bench receiving and soliciting endless snuggles. Gorgeous Isys is the klutzy beauty queen, the head cheerleader unaware of her own charms, the debutante that snorts when she laughs and only gains more admirers because of it. I myself joined the throngs of Isys fans in mere moments. How long will it take you? Isys is waiting in adoptions at Manhattan’s ACC.

BEHAVIOR :

Isys was surrendered to the care center. She is noted to be shy with strangers, but to warm up quickly. She has interacted with children (newborn through 11 years old) and is noted to play exuberantly with children and adults. She is also playful with small dogs.

She was a bit timid at intake, but warmed up with treats and began approaching the counselor. She was a bit nervous during her initial medical examination, but allowed all handling. During her SAFER relief walk, Isys pulled a bit on the leash and flinched with quick movements. She allowed all handling items but was a bit tense and cautious between items. She did not engage with the toy. Off-leash with other dogs of her size, Isys avoids interaction and moves away from the helper dogs.

Isys is a timid dog, though she is food-motivated. We recommend an experienced adopter for Isys, who will allow her to warm up to her new home and new family at her own pace, and who will help build her confidence with positive experiences. We also recommend only reward-based training for Isys with lots of treats.

Look: 2. Dog’s eyes are averted. Her body posture is stiff and fearful, her tail is low and not moving. She allows head to be held loosely in Assessor’s cupped hands.

Sensitivity: 1. Dog stands still and accepts the touch, her eyes are averted, and her tail is in neutral position with relaxed body posture. Dog’s mouth is likely closed for at least a portion of the assessment item.

Tag: 1. Follows at end of leash, body soft.

Squeeze 1 & 2: 1. Dog does not respond at all for three seconds. Her eyes are averted and her ears are relaxed or back.

Toy: 1. Minimal interest in toy, dog may smell or lick, then turns away.

Dog-dog: When off leash with other dogs, Isys is fearful and tries to flee when approached.

7/12: When off leash with other dogs, Isys is fearful and tries to flee when approached.

7/14: Isys actively runs away from the helper dog.