JOY – A1100090

Little Joy is with us as her owner died. We know very little , understandably about her but we were told that she is very shy and hides from visitors… Separated from her beloved master and away from home, tiny Joy has been clutching to her kennel, her safe place and is extremely difficult to remove from it. Once out, she spots a person of confidence and rushes toward her, literally squeezing into her arms, accepting caresses and comforted by gentle talks. Our heart goes to Joy who in experienced and loving hands could make a new owner very happy to have her as a forever best friend. Joy is young, petite and pretty. Like most Chihuahuas, I know she will be very loving and loyal to her new family. Come and meet her at the Manhattan Care Center and take her home…

BEHAVIOR :

KNOWN HISTORY: N/A

Unaltered, Stray

Other notes: Upon intake Joy appeared very nervous and snapped when counselor attempted to collar her.

SAFER ASSESSMENT:

Look: 2. Dog’s eyes are averted. Her body posture is stiff and fearful; her tail is tucked. She allows head to be held loosely in Assessor’s cupped hands.

Sensitivity: 5. Dog tries to bite

Toy 1. Minimal interest, dog approaches toy but does not fully engage, sniffs toy with tail tucked, body low.

Summary: Joy remains difficult to remove from kennel, baring teeth and lunging forward towards fingers but does not break skin. Once out of the kennel Joy will climb in handler’s lap and try to stay close, anything that may startle her appears to result in a snap.

PLAYGROUP:

When introduced off leash to other dogs in the care center, Joy is nervous, trembling, and does not approach.

MEDICAL BEHAVIOR:

During her initial medical exam Joy growled and snapped.

ENERGY LEVEL:

RECOMMENDATIONS: New Hope Only

_X_No children (under 13)

_X_Place with a New Hope partner (Joy would benefit best from placement with a New Hope rescue group who can further assess this behavior in a stable environment)

Potential challenges:

_X_Fearful/potential for defensive aggression (Joy has been observed to snap when frightened/stressed. It is recommended that Joy be allowed a proper time to decompress to aid in acclimating him to a new environment. Force-free, reward based training is advised when introducing/exposing Joy to new and unfamiliar situations.)