ZOOBIE – A1116736

With my toy years firmly behind me I relied on Google to tell me that a “Zoobie” is “everyone’s favorite plush toy.” Zoobies, they say, are for everyone. They’re for bedtime stories, they’re a pillow pal, a blanket bug, a glow-in-the dark buddy to help guide you through the night. As it stands today our beautiful, 1 year-old Zoobie might be in need of a Zoobie all her own. For something to help her feel safe and secure, to guide her through the night. Despite being one of the more breathtakingly gorgeous pups I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing, Zoobie herself is demure and shy. And while she hops easily and happily out of her kennel, once in the great outdoors she pads the perimeter slowly and without much certainty. As she sniffs and continues to avoid my gaze the sun suddenly hits her coat and she becomes a tiny (40 lbs), black panther – shiny, delicate, and sure. She seems to collect herself and decide it’s time for company and hops up to join me on my bench. Up close Zoobie is even more beautiful if that’s possible and when she turns to meet my eyes for the first time the sadness behind them is palpable. This place is new, and so am I, and there’s no buddy nor pal to make it right. Except that there is in me and in all the others Zoobie has yet to meet who’ll surely love her just as much as I. And though she flinches on my very first touch she eventually relaxes, even leans in a little, and starts to close her eyes. Zoobies are for everyone but our Zoobie just needs someone. Someone to tell her story, to hug her too tight, and promise to love her forever. Zoobie is waiting in adoptions at Manhattan ACC.

BEHAVIOR :

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.

Squeeze 1: 1. Dog gently pulls back her paw.

Squeeze 2: 1. Dog gently pulls back her paw.

Toy: 1. Minimal interest, dog sniffs toy.

Summary: Zoobie appeared fearful during her assessment, having a tense body and moving away from the assessor. She allowed all handling.

DOG-DOG INTERACTION ASSESSMENT:

Summary

PLAYGROUP:

6/28: When introduced off leash to dogs in the care center Zoobie allows approach, then becomes more avoidant as interaction continues.

6/29: Zoobie approaches and sniffs calm dogs.

INTAKE BEHAVIOR:

Zoobie was receptive to some handling but had a tense body with tail tucked.

MEDICAL BEHAVIOR:

During her initial medical exam Zoobie was tense.

ENERGY LEVEL:

We have no history on Zoobie so we cannot be certain of her behavior in a home environment. However, she is a young 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.

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 behavior seen in the care center, we feel that Zoobie may be intimidated by young children. She needs a slow approach and time to warm up. Older, gentle children should have an in depth interaction prior to adoption.

Potential challenges:

_X_Fearful: Zoobie appears fearful at the care center. It is important to always go slow and give Zoobie the option to walk away from any social interaction.  Zoobie should never be forced to approach anything that she is uncomfortable with or to submit to petting or handling.  It should always be Zoobie’s choice to approach a new person or thing.  Zoobie would do best in an initially calm and quiet home environment and should be given time to acclimate to her new surroundings.