27/02/2025
WTF WOULD YOU DO THAT WITH YOUR KIDS! EUTHANIZE THE PEOPLE
*** PLACED WITH RESCUE ***
Her family said they had no time for her. Then her family also said the reason they were giving her up was for a move. We think both are lame excuses for dumping your senior dog. Now poor IRIS is trembling and scared at the shelter because all she’s ever know for all of her EIGHT years of life is a family home where she lived with and loved a young child, and 2 small dogs. In the comfort of her home she was unbothered by most things, she loved to go for car rides, and though shy with new friends on first meeting, she was friendly and playful with the child she lived with. Social, affectionate, vocal, and independent, she was housetrained and knows the cue for “sit.” At the shelter she goes up to handlers for pets, but is also still nervous of these new folks she is not quiet sure of yet. But she waits happily at the front of her crate for her walks, and stands there with a loose body, vocalizing at the handler. She is always leashed with ease and taken for her walks. This sweet girl, as sad as she is about the loss of her family, trots along beside her new friend and off they go for a long walk where she gets to explore dirt patches, and other “exciting” things. We really hope that a nice, experienced family will foster or adopt Iris so her life can be saved. She did nothing wrong and ended up at the shelter through no fault of her own. If you can take her in, HURRY AND MESSAGE OUR PAGE FOR ASSISTANCE.
IRIS, ID # 159391, 9 Yrs. Old, 46.4 lbs., Female
Queens ACC, Medium Mixed Breed, Gray/White
Owner Surrender Reason: 2/18/25 – No time for Iris
Behavior Assessment Rating: New Hope Only
Recommendations:
No Children under Age 13
No Cats
Place with a New Hope Partner
Medical Behavior Rating: 2. BLUE.
AT RISK MEMO:
Iris is at risk due to her behavior concerns in care. While she has shown the ability to take treats gently, she quickly becomes tense and becomes overstimulated with handling displaying head whipping and hard staring at handlers. During her handling assessment, she trembled, whined, and displayed wide eyes, escalating to raised hackles and stiffness during the jog portion. She did not respond to redirection and had to be returned to her crate. Medically, Iris has alopecia and a heart murmur.
Iris came into the care as an owner surrendered due to not having time for her and moving. In the prior home, they say she is a social, affectionate, vocal, independent, dog. She spends most of her time in the living room. She loves car rides. She knows, "sit". Iris has not adjusted to the care center environment and displays a high level of fearfulness and handling sensitivity. While she does allow brief moments of handling she quickly grows overstimulated and will grow tense with high hackles and head whips. Given her high-stress levels and handling sensitivities, Iris is available for rescue through one of our new hope partners that can provide a structured environment and decompression time.
INTAKE NOTES – Date of Intake: 18-Feb-2025
Upon intake she walked quickly and easily back to medical.
OWNER SURRENDER NOTES – BASIC INFORMATION:
Iris is a aprox. 8-year-old, medium, female, dog. She was surrendered due to her pervious family moving (above they said “no time”). Iris lived with 2 adults, 1 child and 2 other dogs. She is shy around strangers, and prefers contact on her own terms. She is tolerant, friendly, and playful around children. She has previously lived with one child, age 6. Iris alert barks and growls at familiar and unfamiliar dogs. She has previously lived with two small dogs. She lunges, snaps, and bites around cats. She values treats and guards them by growling or hard barking. Iris has no bite history. She is housetrained. Her energy level is medium.
Other Notes:
Iris is reported to occasionally be destructive. While on walks she reacts to cats and other dogs by alert barking, growling, and lunging. She is reported to have accidents about once a month. She is not bothered when held, when woken from sleep, when startled, when her paws are touched, or when her collar is grabbed. She is fearful when pushed off furniture.
Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No
For a New Family to Know:
Iris is a social, affectionate, vocal, independent, dog. She spends most of her time in the living room. She loves car rides. She knows, "sit"
BEHAVIOR NOTES
Date of intake:: 2/18/2025
Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner Surrender
Previously lived with:: 2 adults, 1 child (6y/o), 2 dogs
Behavior toward strangers:: shy around strangers, and prefers contact on her own terms.
Behavior toward children:: tolerant, friendly, and playful around children
Behavior toward dogs:: alert barks and growls at familiar and unfamiliar dogs.
Behavior toward cats:: lunges, snaps, and bites
Resource guarding:: She values treats and guards them by growling or hard barking.
Bite history:: No known bite history.
Housetrained:: Yes
Energy level/descriptors:: Iris is reported to have a medium energy level.
Other Notes:: She is reported to occasionally be destructive. While on walks she reacts to cats and other dogs by alert barking, growling, and lunging. She is reported to have accidents about once a month. She is not bothered when held, when woken from sleep, when startled, when her paws are touched, or when her collar is grabbed. She is fearful when pushed off furniture.
SHELTER ASSESSMENT SUMMARIES - Date of Assessment:: 2/20/2025
2/20: Iris is taken to the behavior office for a handling assessment. Once in the room she begins to tremble, whining and display wide eyes. She allows the handler to collar her and gently takes treats from the handler. Iris begins to grow tense and starts to head whip when the handler begins the petting part of the assessment. Iris quickly turned and hard stare at the assessor. During the jog portion of her exam she grows stiff, raises hackle,s and hard stares. The helper tries to refocus her with a squeaker which she doesn't respond so she is leashed and taken back to her crate.
2/19: Due to Iris's anxious behavior pacing, and panting she is given time to decompress.
PLAYGROUP NOTES – DOG TO DOG SUMMARY
Summary:: Although Iris was surrendered by their previous owner, there is no information available regarding their interactions with either familiar or unfamiliar dogs.
02/20/25:
When off leash at the Care Center Iris is introduced to a novel male dog. At the gate Iris approaches displacement scenting. Iris scents the novel male before walking away to mark. Iris takes no further interest in the novel male who remains at the gate loose and wiggly. Eventually the novel male looses interest as well, seeking out the handler thus concluding the interaction.
ENRICHMENT NOTES
02/25/25 Iris is at the front of her crate with a loose body, vocalizing at the handler. Iris is leashed with ease and taken for a walk. Iris maintains a neutral frame as she trots moderately beside the handler. They exit the kennel and go for a lengthy walk. Iris displays a minimal energy, stopping to explore dirt patches. She will lip lick and become stiff when pet. At one point she approaches, soliciting pets, but then becomes stiff when pet. She is returned to the facility where she enters the building as well as her crate with no issue.
2/20/25: Iris is at the front of her kennel, pawing at the front of her crate, whining, and shaking when the handler leashes her and bring her to the office. Iris walks around the behavior office aloof to the handlers, and begins her handling assessment where she head whips and become tense with touch, and during the jog portion of her exam, began to stiffen, raise her hackles and hard stare at the handler. Iris is brought back to her kennel with no issue afterwards due to her persistent FAS.
2/20/25: Iris is lying down in her crate as handler approaches. She is able to be leashed with ease and was hesitant to come out at first by staying low to the ground and backing up. Once she was comfortable stepping out, she was taken to the play yard for play group. She was nervous while in the yard with a low body posture and was avoidant when greeting the other dog at the gate. Please see dog to dog notes for more details. She is able to be taken back to her kennel at a slow pace.
INTAKE BEHAVIOR:
Date of intake:: 2/18/2025
Summary:: Upon intake she walked quickly and easily back to medical.
MEDICAL BEHAVIOR:
Date of initial:: 2/18/2025
Summary:: loose body, treat motivated, allowed handling.
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only
Recommendations:
No children (under 13)
No cats
Place with a New Hope partner
Recommendations comments:
No children (under 13)- Due to Potential behavior challenges we recommend she is placed in an adult-only home at this time.
No cats- we recommend she is placed in a home without cats due to reports in the prior home to her lunging, snapping, and bites at cats.
Place with a New Hope partner- Iris came into the care as an owner surrendered due to not having time for her and moving. In the prior home, they say she is a social, affectionate, vocal, independent, dog. She spends most of her time in the living room. She loves car rides. She knows, "sit". Iris has not adjusted to the care center environment and displays a high level of fearfulness and handling sensitivity. While she does allow brief moments of handling she quickly grows overstimulated and will grow tense with high hackles and head whips. Given her high-stress levels and handling sensitivities, Iris is available for rescue through one of our new hope partners that can provide a structured environment and decompression time.
Potential challenges:
Resource guarding
Destructive behavior
Handling/touch sensitivity
Fearful/potential for defensive aggression
Anxiety
On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration,Other
Potential challenges comments::
Resource guarding- In the prior home it is reported that she values treats and guards them by growling or hard barking.To address resource guarding, practice trading up by offering her higher-value items in exchange for the treats she guards. Teach cues like "drop it" and "leave it," rewarding her for compliance. Please see the handout on Resource guarding.
Destructive behavior- In the prior home she isreported to occasionally be destructive. Provide plenty of appropriate chew toys and ensure she gets enough physical and mental exercise. Supervise her closely and redirect her to toys when she starts chewing on inappropriate items. Please see the handout on Destructive behavior.
Handling/touch sensitivity- she quickly becomes tense and becomes overstimulated with handling displaying head whipping and hard staring at handlers. During her handling assessment, she trembled, whined, and displayed wide eyes, escalating to raised hackles and stiffness during the jog portion.
Anxiety- Iris began to display heavy panting,pacing,wide eyes and whining during her assessment and in care. Managing her anxiety will require creating a calm environment, providing enrichment activities, and using stress-reducing techniques like puzzle toys and regular exercise. Please see handout on generalized anxiety.
Fearful/potential for defensive aggression/On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration- In the prior home Iris is reported on walks to reacts to cats and other dogs by alert barking, growling, and lunging. She alert barks and growls at familiar and unfamiliar dogs. She has previously lived with two small dogs. She lunges, snaps, and bites around cats. Work on desensitizing her to triggers by maintaining a safe distance where she remains calm. Reward her for calm behavior and gradually decrease the distance to the trigger over time. Teach her alternative behaviors, such as focusing on you or sitting, when she sees a trigger. Please see the handout on On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration and Fearful/potential for defensive aggression.
Other- In the prior home it is reported that She is fearful when pushed off furniture. She is reported to have accidents about once a month. Avoid pushing her off furniture to prevent fear and potential aggression. Instead, use positive reinforcement to encourage her to get off furniture voluntarily. For house soiling, establish a consistent routine and schedule for bathroom breaks. Supervise her closely indoors and take her outside frequently, especially after meals.
MEDICAL EXAM NOTES
2/18/2025
[Spay/Neuter Waiver - Age]
It is the policy of ACC not to perform surgery on any animal over the age of 8-10 years due to the higher risks incurred in a shelter setting. The veterinarian is hereby issuing a permanent spay/neuter waiver, from the spay/neuter requirements of the City of NY due to the estimated age of this animal. ACC does recommend you consult with your veterinarian to determine if surgical sterilization is appropriate.
2/19/2025
DVM Intake Exam
Estimated age: Consistent with owner reported age of 9 years old
Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative
History: Owner surrender
Subjective: BAR
Observed Behavior - loose body, treat motivated, allowed handling
Is there evidence of Cruelty? No
Is there evidence of Neglect? No
Is there evidence of Trauma? No
Objective
T =
P = WNL
R = WNL
BCS 5/9
EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted
Oral Exam: Moderate dental calculus
PLN: No enlargements noted
H/L: NSR, Grade II heart murmur, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic
ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated
U/G: Female, no spay tattoo or scar
MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, diffuse symmetrical hypotrichosis over midline dorsum, dry hair coat, mild erythema of skin around face, skin otherwise quiet
CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities
Re**al: Externally normal
Assessment
Dorsal hypotrichosis - r/o endocrine vs allergy vs infectious vs other
Grade II heart murmur
Prognosis:
Good
Plan:
Intake tasks
Submit CBC/Chem/T4
Recheck skin in 1 week
SURGERY:
Permanent waiver due to age
2/20/2025
CBC:
Mild-moderate neutropenia 2.07 (2.94-12.67 K/uL)
Moderate thrombocytosis 624 (143-448 K/uL)
Chemistry: All values WNL
T4: WNL 2.7 (1-4 ug/dL)
Interpretation:
Mild-moderate neutropenia, no reductions in other cell lines or evidence of inflammation--r/o artifact vs normal for patient. Recommend repeat bloodwork in 6 months for monitoring.
2/22/2025
Behavior team reports FAS during handling - tense, body, head whipping when touched, whining, pacing, and trembling in behavior office.
Start trazodone 7.5 mg/kg PO BID and clonidine 0.02 mg/kg PO BID. CTM.
2/25/2025
Brief recheck skin - Diffuse alopecia along dorsum with no active or new skin lesions. No treatment, CTM for improvement with good husbandry.
* TO FOSTER / ADOPT *
If you would like to foster or adopt:
To foster or adopt a NYC ACC dog please PRIVATE MESSAGE our page at https://www.facebook.com/NYCDogsLivesmatter or email us at [email protected] so we can assist and guide you through the process.
PLEASE NOTE: To foster or adopt a NYC ACC dog you need to live within a prescribed range of New York City. States include: NY, NJ, PA, CT, RI, DE, MD, MA, NH, VT, ME or Northern VA. If you are outside of this range, you have the option to “direct adopt” where you must go to the shelter “in person” to complete the adoption process. We can guide you through that process.
Shelter contact information:
Phone number (212) 788-4000
Email [email protected]
Shelter Addresses:
Queens Shelter: 1906 Flushing Ave., Ridgewood, NY 11385
Manhattan Shelter: 326 East 110 St. New York, NY 10029
Staten Island Shelter: 3139 Veterans Road West Staten Island, NY 10309
NYC ACC RATING SYSTEM
Level 1
Dogs with Level 1 determinations are suitable for the majority of homes.
Level 2
Dogs with Level 2 determinations will be suitable for adopters with some previous dog experience.
Level 3
Dogs with Level 3 determinations will need to go to homes with experienced adopters.
Level 4
Dogs with Level 4 determinations will need to go to homes with experienced adopters. It is suggested adopters have prior experience with the behaviors described.
New Hope Rescue Only
Dogs with this rating need to be pulled by a New Hope Partner Rescue. Contact our page or email us for assistance
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