ROCKY ROAD – A1047748

A volunteer writes:

As his family was evicted, Rockyroad became homeless himself and mostly an orphan…Rockyroad is a masterpiece of a dog, outstandingly cared for by his former master. He is beauty in person, from head to toes. He became wary fom the moment he entered the care center and was quite shy when I came for him. His tail was between his legs, he seemed to avoid men, hiding behind me when one came to say hello. Free in a pen, Rockyroad opened up. He seemed quite happy to see other dogs at each side of our area. His tail was wagging, his demeanor was ‘lighter”. He really started to perk up when a little girl(a visitor) started to talk to him and threw him a ball. I later found out that Rockyroad lived in harmony with many young kids…By the way…with a cat too with whom he played…Rockyroad felt better, prancing in our pen and tapping the ground with his feet like he was a dancing horse. How elegant..What a pleasure for the eyes..He loves caresses too and is a wonderful hugger..What a magnificent dog! Rockyroad comes with excellent comments and i have no doubt that it was with a heavy heart that his master left him with us…He even did the right thing..neutering his dog. Rockyroad is housetrained, crate trained, walks well, knows a few commands, is very playful but would be wary in new situations or of  strange men…Indeed, Rockyroad is a big boy with a sensitive soul… I would be so proud and happy to own such a handsome dog. Come and meet Rockyroad at the Manhattan Care Center. He would love to be your forever best friend.

Basic Info:

Rocky Road is a 1 1/2 year old neutered dog who has no known injuries or medical problems. He was originally gotten as a gift and was surrendered to the shelter due to housing issues.

Social Life and Personality:

According to the owner he has lived with children from ages 2-6 and was relaxed, playful, respectful, and very tolerant of them. When he played he was exuberant but at times was slightly rough by jumping up onto the children and knocking them over not realizing his size. When he sees other dogs he will have relaxed, wiggly body and will bark loudly in a high pitch and attempt to run over and smell them. He has never bitten another animal and has never shown signs of aggression when near or with them. When he plays it is exuberant. When he sees cats (he lived with one) he attempts to try and play with them by play bowing but has never shown aggression towards them. He is house trained, kept mostly indoors, and has a high level of energy.

Behavior:

He has never bitten anyone or any animal before but he does play bite but it has never broken skin, left bruises, or marks. He is not bothered when owner took food away from him and was playful when toys were taken away. He is not bothered when given a bath and will stand still until it is over but is afraid and will struggle when his nails are clipped. He enjoys being brushed. When unfamiliar people approach the house he will be excited, bark, and approach with soft body but when they approach a family member (particularly men) he will become stiff bodied, hide behind owner and rarely will growl.

New Family Info:

He knows the sit command and is used to brisk walks on leash. He plays with ropes and will play tug and chase with them. He is crate trained but when left alone in the home with it he will bark and whine but eventually calm down and sleep. He will follow owner around the home and is terrified of loud noises such as fireworks or thunder. He was fed dry food and slept with owner.

Intake Behavior: Would retreat from extended hand and had stiff body. When attempted to be scanned and collared would snap and growl. No other interactions were done.