RAVEN – A1121515
Safe - 8-15-2017 Manhattan
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This dog is one of many animals in the NYC Animal Care Center and he/she became at risk the moment they entered the doors. Fosters/adopters save lives and this dog will soon be out of time! Do not wait for this animal to appear on the At Risk List! Start sharing and advocating now. If you are interested in fostering or adopting, message the Urgent help desk at [email protected] and they will help answer any questions you may have.
RAVEN – A1121515
**EXPERIENCED HOME / NO CHILDREN**
FEMALE, WHITE, AM PIT BULL TER MIX, 5 yrs
STRAY – EVALUATE, NO HOLD Reason STRAY
Intake condition EXAM REQ Intake Date 08/10/2017, From NY 10009, DueOut Date 08/13/2017
Medical Behavior Evaluation YELLOW
Medical Summary Estimated age: 3-5 Microchip noted on Intake? no. Stray, terrified. shaking. watches very movement. urinates and defecates when touched P = 60 R = wnl BCS 5/9 EENT: AS>AD stenotic canals, erythema, little to no dc Oral Exam: limited. front teeth wnl PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: appears intact MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: mentation appropriate – no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment: chronic ear irritation Plan; applied osurnia AU Prognosis: fair. addtional treatment will require muzzle SURGERY: Okay for surgery
Weight 58.0
A volunteer writes: A promise is a promise, and a promise to a scared dog is sacred in my book. I promised Raven I’d be back soon, and soon was the next day. Still trembling in her kennel, she remembered me from the day before and came forward softly and we head outside. Off leash she immediately came over to me, up on the bench and in my lap. What had taken 45 minutes the day before, now took a minute. Trust, patience,calm…it means something and dogs respond. Today she wagged her tail, even jumped for a few stand up hugs, followed me around the pen, and then up on the bench spreading herself out in my lap. When another dog came into an adjoining pen her tail started to wag, she play bowed and was a happy girl. In her first playgroup with a female, after some initial nervousness she warmed up and played softly. Raven seems housetrained, going potty right away each time we came outside. She needs time, patience, a soft voice, a gentle hand and her own timetable to warm up to trust and love. I can’t imagine a greater reward than the love and companionship of this beauty. She’s best friend/soul mate material and just waiting to meet that person.
A volunteer updates: Raven is the “It” girl, the one staff and volunteers go to for a hug, to steal a quiet moment, and to offer comfort to a still sometimes trembling, but always loving little girl. Raven has come so far, she can be up front and welcoming in her kennel, enjoys a walk to the park, and mostly, as always, enjoys a soft embrace. There is something so special about her, she’s the one I think about when I’m not with her. Who is going to be her hero?
KNOWN HISTORY: None
Unaltered Female, Stray
SAFER ASSESSMENT:
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: 2. Dog stands still and accepts the touch, her eyes are averted, her tail is between her legs, body stiff, mouth closed.
Tag: 2. Dog is fearful but unresponsive when touched. Approaches the Assessor when the game ends.
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. Minimal interest, dog sniffs toy.
Summary: Raven was fearful during her assessment, having a tense, trembling body. She chose to be close to the assessor and allowed all handling.
DOG-DOG INTERACTION ASSESSMENT:
Summary
PLAYGROUP:
8/12: When introduced off leash to a female dog, Raven is initially tense and nervous. She warms up and offers a playbow after a few minutes and engages in brief bouts of soft play.
8/13: Raven keeps mostly to herself.
INTAKE BEHAVIOR
Upon intake, Raven showed teeth and was barking and lunging.
MEDICAL BEHAVIOR:
During her initial medical exam, Raven was tense, trembling, and defecated when touched.
ENERGY LEVEL:
We have no history on Raven so we cannot be certain of her behavior in a home environment. In the care center, she displays a medium level of activity.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Experienced adopter, adult-only home (suitable for an adopter with some previous dog experience, especially with behaviors outlined below)
_X_No children (under 13): Due to how uncomfortable Raven is currently with touch and novel stimuli, we feel that an adult-only home would be most beneficial at this time.
Potential challenges:
_X_Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: Raven gives clear warnings when she is uncomfortable and does seem to choose to avoid or retreat when given the opportunity, but if prevented from moving away there is a potential to escalate to higher-level warning behaviors and possible fear-based aggression. It is important to move slowly with Raven, to build positive associations (treats/toys/praise), and to allow Raven to initiate interactions with new people. She should never be forced to greet or to interact if she is not comfortable and soliciting attention.
For more information on adopting from the NYC AC&C, or to find a rescue to assist, please read the following: http://urgentpodr.org/adoption-info-and-list-of-rescues. If you are local to the Tri-State, New England, and the general Northeast United States area, and you are SERIOUS about adopting or fostering one of the animals at NYC ACC, please read our MUST READ section for instructions, or email [email protected]. Our experienced volunteers will do their best to guide you through the process. * We highly discourage everyone from trusting strangers that send them Facebook messages, offering help, for it has ended in truly tragic events.* For more info on behavior codes and ratings, please click here: http://information.urgentpodr.org/acc-placement-status-descriptions. For answers to Frequently Asked Questions, please see: http://information.urgentpodr.org/category/frequently-asked-questions/. You can call (212) 788-4000 for automated instructions.
View all entries in: Safe Dogs 2017-08