ORSON – A1065562

A volunteer writes:

Who could refuse that cute freckled face?!!! To know Orson is to adore him and this skinny smoocher stole my heart on our very first date. While his kennel presentation can be a bit grumbly and he takes some time to warm to strangers, by the end of our evening together my little lovebug was all kisses, cuddles and happy tail wags. Orson comes from a large family of several adults, two young children and a small dog (and was friendly with them all) and we’re told he likes to run and jump, play tug, chew on bones and even knows a command for shaking paw. He walks wonderfully on leash and appears to be house trained too, takes treats gently and greets other dogs with quiet good manners. While this all sounds like the perfect recipe for a happy pet, there were some important ingredients missing in Orson’s previous life. Food was scarce and he spent most of his time out in the garage, a lonely existence for a boy who loves to eat and socialize. He never truly ‘belonged’ to anyone and at last his Auntie made the decision to surrender him to the Care Center where he could find a new family with the TLC and resources to treat him like the Prince he is. Orson aced his behavior assessment and his fan club of staff and volunteers is growing by the day, why not join us? Give this shy boy a chance to settle in at his own pace and I promise he’ll repay your love ten times over. Say yes to Orson and his sweet sweet face today!

 Re-Exam (2/23/16)

bloody diarrhea seen on rounds, dog is BAR; start 5 day course of panacur and metronidazole

Profile

Basic information

Orson is a male 1 and a half year old American Pit bull terrier. Orson is on the skinny side but has no known medical conditions.  Orson was brought to the care center as a stray by a relative of the owner.

Socialization

Orson has lived with children ages 4 and 3 and got along well with them. Orson plays somewhat roughly with the children because he likes to jump up on them while excited. Around strangers Orson is friendly and outgoing.  Orson also plays the same way with adults as he does with children.  Orson has not been socialized with cat but has lived with another dog. Orson got along well with the smaller dog but tried to mount him often.

For the new family to know

Orson was described as friendly with a medium activity level. Orson enjoys playing with bones and ropes and loves to play tug. When left in the yard alone Orson will bark. Orson eats dry food and pulls lightly on the leash. Orson knows the commands sit and paw.

Behavior during intake

Orson was curious and wiggly during intake. Orson allowed counselor to scan and collar him with a loose body and allowed to have his picture taken. Orson enjoyed being pet by the counselor and was well behaved in the kennel and wagged lightly when counselors approached.

 Behavior

Orson walks calmly on leash. He was sociable toward the handler during the assessment – soft body. Orson was calm and relaxed during handling. He was distracted, focused on objects in the room rather than the handler during the tag test. Orson was not interested in toys.

Orson was brought to the care center as a stray by a relative of the owner. He was described as friendly with a medium activity level. Orson enjoys playing with bones and ropes and loves to play tug. Orson has lived with children ages 4 and 3 and got along well with them. Orson plays somewhat roughly with the children because he likes to jump up on them while excited. Around strangers Orson is friendly and outgoing.  Orson also plays the same way with adults as he does with children.  Orson has not been socialized with cat but has lived with another dog. Orson got along well with the smaller dog but tried to mount him often”. Orson did not show any concern during the behavior assessment. The behavior department feels that he can go to an Average home.

Look: 2. Dog pulls out of Assessor’s hands each time without settling during three repetitions.

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 likely closed for at least a portion of the assessment item.

Tag: 2. Dog is not fearful, but is unresponsive to the Assessor, and approaches the Assessor at the end of the game (may need coaxing to approach.) He is focused on stimuli other than the Assessor.

Squeeze 1: 1. Dog does not respond at all for three seconds.

Squeeze 2: 1. Dog does not respond at all for three seconds.

Toy: 1. No interest.

Group Behavior

When off leash with other dogs, Orson allows greeting but mostly ignores in favor of soliciting handler attention.

2/25 update: Orson is tense when approached and offers a low grow with repeated sniffing from the other dog.