MOBY – 8800

A volunteer writes: “Why does my heart feel so bad?” Probably because I’ve just met and left the beauty that is 1 year-old Moby. And while it’s possible that “we are all made of stars,” Moby? She’s a constellation. With her smart, silver coat and her big puppy eyes Moby steals your heart with just one look. And after she’s easily leashed, giving you one quick kiss on the palm of your hand, you two head out for some air and a walk in the leaves. Moby walks nicely on leash pulling only when there’s important business to attend to and eventually is happy to retire with you to the comfort of a cool and green, grassy pen. And here is where our sweet “honey” shines. You see Moby is a people pup and her favorite place to be is at the side of the one she loves. One she loves – that would be you. She snuggles in close, tucking herself underneath the crook of your arm, and though quietly strong and confident and sure, in that moment her heart is of “porcelain.” Moby was found as a stray so much of her history is unknown. We know she is a bit too thin, that her coat is shabby in patches like velvet that’s worn away, and that she carries a cut underneath her right eye, a sharp, red swipe across her delicate cheek. But some things we know for certain. We know Moby is affectionate, bright, calm, sensitive, gentle, beautiful, loving and kind. We know she is ready for her next chapter. Ready for a family to call her own. Ready for her life to begin. Moby is waiting in adoptions at Manhattan ACC.

Moby 8800 is at risk due to her dog reactivity becoming increasingly difficult to manage in the care center. Though social with human caretakers, Moby pulls hard towards other dogs; lunging, growling and hard barking. Moby has also been observed to muzzle punch and attempt to break through barriers when other dogs pass her kennel and during off-leash time in the yard.

Date of assessment: 5-Oct-2017 Look: 1. Dog leans forward or jumps up to lick the Assessor’s face with tail wagging, ears back and eyes averted. Sensitivity: 1. Dog leans into the Assessor, eyes soft or squinty, soft and loose body, open mouth. Tag: 1. Dog follows at the end of the leash, body low and a bit fearful. Paw squeeze 1: 1. Dog does not respond at all for three seconds. Eyes are averted and ears are relaxed or back. Paw squeeze 2: 1. Dog does not respond at all for three seconds. Eyes are averted and ears are relaxed or back. Flank squeeze 1: Item not conducted Flank squeeze 2: Item not conducted Toy: 1. Dog settles close, keeps a firm grip and is loose and wiggly. Dog does not place his/her body between you and the toy. Summary: Moby immediately approached the assessor in the assessment room with a soft body. She climbed into the assessor’s lap, soliciting attention. She was social throughout, allowing all handling and displaying no concerning behaviors. Summary (1): 10/4: When introduced off leash to the male greeter dog, Moby is highly anxious and seeks exit, does not approach or sniff. Date of intake: 3-Oct-2017 Summary: Upon intake, Moby allowed handling. ENERGY LEVEL: We have no history on Moby so we cannot be certain of his behavior in a home environment. However, she is a young, enthusiastic, social dog who will need daily mental and physical activity to keep her engaged and exercised. We recommend long-lasting chews, food puzzles, and hide-and-seek games, in additional to physical exercise, to positively direct her energy and enthusiasm. IN SHELTER OBSERVATIONS: Though social with human handlers, Moby has been observed to be highly reactive towards dogs during her stay in the care center; muzzle punching fences/kennel doors and making attempts to break through barriers. Moby will pull hard towards other dogs and displays high pitched vocalization in addition to lunging and growling towards them. BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: EXPERIENCE (suitable for an adopter with some previous dog experience, especially with the behaviors outlined below) Behavior Asilomar TM – Treatable-Manageable Potential challenges: Anxiety On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration Potential challenges comments: Moby has been observed to be reactive on leash in the care center; lunging and hard barking towards other dogs. Moby may need positive reinforcement, reward based training to teach her to look at you rather than other dogs and novel stimuli that may startle her. We recommend a front clip harness or head halter to help manage this behavior.