MR VALENTINE – A1103697

A volunteer writes:

Arriving at our door on the very day itself and so true to his name he seems born to it, Mr Valentine is the sweetest guy you’ll ever meet and chock full of love love LOVE! This smushy meatball has already snuggled and kissed his way into the hearts of all our staff and volunteers and now he’s looking to broaden his horizons and share that special brand of magic with his very own forever family. Valentine lived an extremely sheltered life before joining us at the Care Center and everything from exiting his den to passing barking dogs to stepping outdoors is a huge leap of faith, yet he’s trying so hard to be brave and every day brings new breakthroughs. Our first date involved much cuddling and very little actual walking as he pancaked to the ground in fear, overwhelmed by all the strange new sights and sounds. But as they say, the longest journey starts with a single step, and Valentine took it the very next day, hopping from his bed unaided and even going for a short walk in the street! The world is so much bigger, noisier and more crowded than Valentine ever imagined from the confines of his small apartment but I’m confident that with kindness and patience he’ll continue to thrive. Just imagine the leaps and bounds this amazing guy could make once he feels safe and secure in his new home. Valentine is simply the best, he’s gentle, affectionate and unbelievably adorable and he laps up attention like it was life-giving water. Meet him once and I guarantee you’ll never want to let him go again…

BEHAVIOR :

KNOWN HISTORY:None

Unaltered Male, Stray

ASSESSMENT:

Look: 1. Dog holds gaze with soft eyes, soft body. He allows head to be held loosely in Assessor’s cupped hands. Dog holds gaze for three full seconds.

Sensitivity: 1. Dog stands still and accepts the touch, his eyes are averted, and his tail is in neutral position with relaxed body posture. Dog’s mouth is closed.

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

Flank squeeze 1: 3. Dog head flips

Flank squeeze 1: 3. Dog head flips:

Toy: 1.  Minimal interest, dog sniffs toy.

Summary: Flank was used due to medical, Mr Valentine is very unsteady standing so picking up his front paw would be difficult for him.  He appeared uncomfortable with having his flank touched, head flipping.  He may have discomfort in this area.

DOG-DOG INTERACTION ASSESSMENT:

Social: These dogs truly enjoy the company of other dogs. They generally get along with all other dogs and can tolerate even very rude or inappropriate behavior.

PLAYGROUP:

Mr Valentine is soft and appropriate with male and female dogs of all sizes. He typically engages in bouts of bouncy play. He arrived to the care center as a stray, so any in-home behaviors with other dogs are unknown. The behavior department feels that Mr Valentine could go to a home with another social, polite dog.

2/15: When introduced off leash to another dog in the care center, Mr Valentine is interested in approaching and greeting.  He follows the greeter dog with a soft body when she attempts to solicit play.

2/16: Mr Valentine bounces around playfully with a group of small dogs.

2/17: Mr Valentine bounces around the yard with male and female dogs. He is tolerant when mounted and does not offer correction.

MEDICAL BEHAVIOR:

During his initial medical exam Mr Valentine allowed all handling but was reluctant to stand

ENERGY LEVEL:

RECOMMENDATIONS: Experience (suitable for an adopter with some previous dog experience, especially with behaviors outlined below)

_X_No young children (under 5): Due to the discomfort Mr Valentine appears to have with having his hind end handled, a home without young children is recommended at this time.

Potential challenges:

_X_Handling/touch sensitivity (Mr Valentine appeared to be uncomfortable when his hind end was handled on his assessment, flipping his head toward the assessor.   It is important to always go slow and give Mr Valentine the option to walk away from any social interaction.  Mr Valentine should never be forced to approach anything that he is uncomfortable with or to submit to petting or handling.  It should always be Mr Valentine’s choice to approach a new person or thing.)