24/08/2024
TO BE EUTHANIZED IN NYC
SHORTBREAD STEVE initially came to the shelter back in April, and waited 3 long months for a family. He was adopted in July only to be returned in less than a month. His family appear to have been inexperienced, gave him no decompression time, no time to acclimate in a quiet, calm, home. Thrown into the family mix and with visitors coming and going, he was trying desperately to fit in and navigate this new environment. Steve is a super sweet, social, playful and affectionate dog. A total cuddlebug, to tell you the truth. And now he will die for human failure. He’s a good boy who needs a 2nd chance and an experienced family. See what his BoroughBreak friend wrote about him: “Shortbread Steve was so friendly, stopping to say hello to anyone who would give him a chance to say hello! He seemed curious about other dogs but didn't really try that hard to say hello to any, but saying hello to people was his jam! Long walks were enjoyable for him for a bit, but after about 20 minutes in the heat he'd tell you he'd like to relax a bit (and smiled the whole time he did it!!) He could use some help with potty training, and sometimes got a little mouthy when getting excited, but was VERY food motivated, and loves toys too, so I imagine would be really fun/easy to train! I think he would make himself at home in any persons heart very quickly and his future adopters are getting a great pup!” See? Shortbread Steve needs a new and committed, experienced family. Maybe it’s yours? If so, MESSAGE OUR PAGE for assistance.
My Borough Breaker wrote: He was so friendly, stopping to say hello to anyone who would give him a chance to say hello! He seemed curious about other dogs but didn't really try that hard to say hello to any, but saying hello to people was his jam! Long walks were enjoyable for him for a bit, but after about 20 minutes in the heat he'd tell you he'd like to relax a bit (and smiled the whole time he did it!!) He could use some help with potty training, and sometimes got a little mouthy when getting excited, but was VERY food motivated, and loves toys too, so I imagine would be really fun/easy to train! I think he would make himself at home in any persons heart very quickly and his future adopters are getting a great pup!
SHORTBREAD STEVE, ID # 198929, 2 Yrs. Old, 60 lbs., Neutered Male
Manhattan ACC, Large Mixed Breed, Tan/White
Adoption Return, 8/14/24, Less than a month with adopter
Adopter Surrender Reason: Behavior concerns
Behavior Assessment Rating: New Hope Only
No Children under Age 13
Medical Behavior Rating:
AT RISK MEMO:
Shortbread Steve is at risk due to behavior concerns. During his initial stay, he was reported to bite the leash, mouth staff with moderate pressure, and bark aggressively at other dogs. Despite this, he was described as a social dog both in the Care Centers and in the adopter's home. He was recently returned due to a bite in the home that left broken skin. Medically, Shortbread is apparently.
Shortbread Steve was initially brought to the Care Center as a stray where he was social with staff but did show mouthiness, began to leash bite and was observed to hard bark at dogs. He maintain a social dog when interacting with staff, taking treats and allowing handling. He was adopted and returned due to behavior concerns in the home. Shortbread bit a neighbor that resulted in tear skin and a stitch. He also scratch a friend of the owner. Shortbread will need an experienced foster and adopter through a New Hope partner that can engage in positive reinforcement reward-based training to address these challenges.
INTAKE NOTES – Date of Intake: 14-Aug-2024
n/a
OWNER SURRENDER NOTES – BASIC INFORMATION:
Shortbread Steve is an approximately 2 year old neutered male medium mixed breed dog. He was surrendered due to reactivity in the home that his owners are unable to properly manage. He lived with 2 adults. Shortbread Steve is reported to hard bark, growl, and lunge at strangers. He has no experience with children. Shortbread Steve is reported to hard bark, growl, and lunge at familiar and unfamiliar dogs, both on an off leash. He has no experience with cats. Steve's owners initially reported that he resource guarded and then stated that he did not guard, snap or attempt to bite when objects were removed. Shortbread Steve is partially housetrained. His energy level is very high.
Other Notes:
Shortbread Steve is reported to be mouthy/take treats rough, have general anxiety, jump up often/non-stop, and pull hard on leash. Shortbread Steve is reported to be reactive on walks outside, and will growl, hard bark, and lunge at moving objects, cats, dogs, and strangers that approach him/his owner. Shortbread Steve isn't bothered when disturbed while resting/sleeping, when pushed/pulled off of furniture, when his paws/feet are touched, or when his collar is grabbed/touched. He is fearful and will bark/growl and lunge when startled. It is unknown how he reacts to being held/restrained.
Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No
For a New Family to Know:
Shortbread Steve is partially housetrained and will have accidents a few times a week in the home. He may also p*e on the porch first thing in the morning if he is not taken out quickly enough. In the home, Shortbread Steve is a friendly, social, affectionate, very active, and playful dog. He spends most of his time where people are. For grooming, he allows his owner/family to bathe and brush him, but does not allow nail trimming and is fearful or uncomfortable when attempted. Shortbread Steve is usually walked 3-4 times per day for 10-15 minutes, and is reported to pull very hard throughout the walk and be very difficult to manage. Shortbread Steve is crate trained and does well for up to 8 hours in a large wire crate with a bed inside. Shortbread Steve can be nervous in the car and will bark when he sees dogs from the car window. He is less reactive when windows are closed and having someone next to him petting him helps calm his anxiety. Shortbread Steve knows the cues sit, touch, and here. He is very food motivated and loves most treats. He eats Hill's dry dog food. His favorite toys are plush, hard rubber, or anything that squeaks. His previous owner's favorite things about him are how much of a sweet, affectionate cuddlebug he is at home, and how playful, cute, and funny he is.
BEHAVIOR NOTES
Date of intake:: 8/14/2024
Spay/Neuter status:: Yes
Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner Surrender, 2 Months
Previously lived with:: 2 adults
Behavior toward strangers:: Shortbread Steve is reported to hard bark, growl, and lunge at strangers.
Behavior toward children:: No experience with children.
Behavior toward dogs:: he is reported to hard bark, growl, and lunge at familiar and unfamiliar dogs, both on an off leas
Behavior toward cats:: No experience with cats.
Resource guarding:: Shortbread Steve's owner initially reported resource guarding. They later clarified the behavior and noted that he did not guard, snap, or attempt to bite when objects are removed from him. is reported to guard food, toys, and treats.
Bite history:: Shortbread Steve is reported to have bitten twice before. The first bite was on 7/26 when a neighbor was inebriated and bent down to greet Shortbread Steve. Shortbread Steve displayed tucked tail, low wagging tail, cowering, whale eyes, crouched posture, lip licking, panting. Shortbread Steve bit the neighbor's arm, and the neighbor had to pull his arm out his mouth. Shortbread did not attempt to bite again.
The second bite was reported on 7/28. Initially it was reported he bit a friend of the owner's hand out of excitement but later it was changed to scratch.
The initial reports stated Short Bread gave the victim's level 4 and 3 bites but after speaking to the owner, the first victim sustained tear skin that resulted in one stitch and a scratch to the second victim.
Housetrained:: Partially
Energy level/descriptors:: Very High
Other Notes:: Shortbread Steve is reported to be mouthy/take treats rough, have general anxiety, jump up often/non-stop, and pull hard on leash. Shortbread Steve is reported to be reactive on walks outside, and will growl, hard bark, and lunge at moving objects, cats, dogs, and strangers that approach him/his owner. Shortbread Steve isn't bothered when disturbed while resting/sleeping, when pushed/pulled off of furniture, when his paws/feet are touched, or when his collar is grabbed/touched. He is fearful and will bark/growl and lunge when startled. It is unknown how he reacts to being held/restrained.
Shortbread Steve is partially housetrained and will have accidents a few times a week in the home. He may also p*e on the porch first thing in the morning if he is not taken out quickly enough.
In the home, Shortbread Steve is a friendly, social, affectionate, very active, and playful dog. He spends most of his time where people are. For grooming, he allows his owner/family to bathe and brush him, but does not allow nail trimming and is fearful or uncomfortable when attempted. Shortbread Steve is usually walked 3-4 times per day for 10-15 minutes, and is reported to pull very hard throughout the walk and be very difficult to manage. Shortbread Steve is crate trained and does well for up to 8 hours in a large wire crate with a bed inside.
Shortbread Steve can be nervous in the car and will bark when he sees dogs from the car window. He is less reactive when windows are closed and having someone next to him petting him helps calm his anxiety. Shortbread Steve knows the cues sit, touch, and here. He is very food motivated and loves most treats. He eats Hill's dry dog food. His favorite toys are plush, hard rubber, or anything that squeaks. His previous owner's favorite things about him are how much of a sweet, affectionate cuddlebug he is at home, and how playful, cute, and funny he is.
PRIOR STAY – Intake Date: 4/29/24
Previously here as a stray
8/22/24: Shortbread Steve arrived at the MACC following multiple bite incidents in his previous home. Shortbread Steve is reported to have bitten twice before.
The first bite was on 7/26 when a neighbor was inebriated and bent down to greet Shortbread Steve. Shortbread Steve ran up quietly and bit his forearm.
The second bite was on 7/28 when a friend came over and Shortbread Steve excitedly jumped up and bit her hand. It is reported that the first bite is a level 4 and second bite is a level 3. There is further detail provided for one of the bites (unclear which one) - which states that the neighbor was about 10-15 feet away from Shortbread Steve and talking calmly, slowly approaching. He then crouched down with his arm at his side to let Shortbread Steve sniff and approach. Shortbread Steve then ran up and bit his forearm, holding down. The neighbor stood up and Shortbread Steve held on for about 10-15 seconds before letting go. The neighbor did seek medical attention and stitches were required.
Another staff member reached out regarding the bites, and stated the first bite occurred when Steve, displaying clear signs of discomfort, was forced into prolonged, uncomfortable interactions and ultimately bit a dangling arm, causing a skin rip and bruising. The second incident involved Steve getting overly excited and jumping on a barrier, leading to scratching and potential mouthiness. These bites and aggressive behaviors suggest a pattern of escalating aggression and despite poor management, still indicating a serious risk to others. Shortbread Steve lunges at moving objects on walks, as well as cats and other dogs. The owners also report that Shortbread Steve will growl when startled. His history of aggression, including two severe bite incidents and lunging at other animals, demonstrates a pattern of escalating dangerous behavior.
SHELTER ASSESSMENT SUMMARIES - Date of Assessment:: 5/2/24
Leash Walking
Strength and pulling: Hard
Reactivity to humans: None
Reactivity to dogs: None
Leash walking comments:
Sociability
Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Moderately social
Call over: Approaches with coaxing
Sociability comments:
Handling
Soft handling: Tolerates contact
Exuberant handling: Tolerates contact
Comments: Headwhips
Arousal
Jog comments: Follows handler with neutral body
Knock
Knock comments: Vocalises when handler leaves room, readily approaches
Toy
Toy comments: Grips light relinquishes
PLAYGROUP NOTES – DOG TO DOG SUMMARY
5/15/24: Shortbread Steve greets the other dog with a soft body but becomes tense when off leash in the pen.
ENRICHMENT NOTES
8/20/24: Shortbread was quiet when the handler approached. She spoke softly to him, and he displayed a neutral posture.
7/14/24: Shortbread Steve was observed kennel fighting when leaving the room.
6/28/24: Shortbread Steve went on a mini boroughbreak to an offsite cafe. He was easy to leash and entered/exited his kennel without issue. He pulled hard until we got outside and he relieved himself. Afterwards, he walked at a more casual pace. Steve checked in with his handlers throughout the walk and was well-behaved at the cafe. There were a few times where he looked like he might start to bite the leash, but he was able to be redirected with treats and did not engage in leash biting behavior. During the walk he would lie down and rollover for belly rubs. He wouldn't continue walking until someone rubbed his belly.
6/17/24: Shortbread Steve is at the front of his crate barking and whining when handler approaches. He mouths the leash briefly when handler leashes him. He is taken out to the yard where a drag leash is attached. He relieves himself and approaches handler soft bodied. When handler pets him, he mouths their forearm with very hard pressure, leaving a red welt. He is easily redirected with treats. Handler sits on a bench and he approaches, jumping on handler exuberantly, mouthing their arms again with hard pressure. He then runs up to the fence where another dog is, hard barking and muzzle punching. When handler pulls him away, he turns around and bites the leash before resuming hard barking. Handler leashes him and he begins biting their leash. He stops as handler walks away from the fence. When handler unclips the drag leash, he mouths their hand repeatedly hard. He is redirected with treats and is returned to his crate without issue
6/3/24: Shortbread Steve is at the front of the crate with a loose body when handler approaches. He is leashed and taken outside for a long street walk where he pulls mildly on the leash. When seeing a familiar staff member on the street, he begins to pull in their direction with a soft body. He jumps on them socially, allowing petting. He is then returned to his crate without issue
5/30/24: Shortbread Steve greets handler with a loose body and wagging tail. He is easily leashed and removed from pop up. Going outside he tries to stop and sniff at each pop up he passes. He pulls moderately during walk. He stops several times for sniffing. He is returned to pop up with no issue.
5/15/24: Shortbread Steve is laying in the pop up crate when the handler approaches. He stands up and shakes off with a soft body and tail wag. He ducks his head as the handler tries to leash him but is leashed without much issue. He takes treats and pulls moderately on the way to the backyard. He approaches the dog at the gate with a neutral body, soft tail wag, and slight hackles. He is allowed in for an on leash greeting and he immediately mounts the other dog persistently and becomes stiff. He is returned to the pop up crate without issue.
5/13/24- Shortbread Steve is at the front of his pop up crate with a neutral body, he would back away from the leash. Handler held out a treat and he was easily leashed. He was taken for a street walk. When handler reached to adjust their leash near the collar, Shortbread Steve head flipped. Handler didn’t reach again to adjust. Shortbread Steve would pull towards people walking by wanting to greet them. Handler held a treat and he would follow the handler, he gently takes them from handler. He follows command to sit. He was returned to his pop up crate without issue.
5/2/24: Shortbread Steve is at the front sitting when handler approaches his kennel. He is easily leashed and removed from kennel, he is taken out for a street walk where he pulls hard in a zig zag. He does not react to dogs or other stimuli. After his assessment, he is returned to his kennel without issue
INTAKE BEHAVIOR:
Date of intake:: 8/14/2024
Summary:: Allowed all handling
MEDICAL BEHAVIOR:
Date of initial:: 4/30/2024
Summary:: Social, excitable, tolerated exam
ENERGY LEVEL::
We have no history on Shortbread Steve so we cannot be certain of his behavior in a home environment. However, he is a young, enthusiastic, and social dog who will need daily mental and physical activity to keep him engaged and exercised. We recommend long-lasting chews, food puzzles, and hide-and-seek games, in addition to physical exercise, to positively direct his energy and enthusiasm.
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only
Recommendations::
No children (under 13)
Place with a New Hope partner
Recommendations comments:
No children (under 13): Due to high levels of anxiety, and previous bites we recommend an adult only home at this time.
Place with a New Hope partner: Due to the behavior's displayed in the adopters home, we believe Shortbread Steve should be placed with a New Hope placement partner who is able to provide an experienced adult-only foster home
Potential challenges:
Bite history (human)
House soiling
Basic manners/poor impulse control
Mouthiness/poor bite inhibition
Fearful/potential for defensive aggression
Anxiety
On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration
Leash-biting
Strength/leash pulling
Potential challenges comments::
House soiling: Shortbread Steve is noted to have accidents in the house, and will likely need guidance with house training. We recommend positive reinforcement, reward-based training only. See handout on House Soiling.
Basic manners/poor impulse control/Mouthiness: When a handler goes to pet Shortbread he is observed to mouth handlers hands and arm with hard pressure, leaving a red mark. He should be rewarded with attention and treats when he stops and/or when he is seeking attention in alternate ways. Please see handout on Mouthiness
Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: Shortbread Steve is noted to be fearful around new people and has escalated to biting. We recommend a slow approach and we recommend ONLY force-free, reward-based training methods for Shortbread Steve. More aversive techniques are likely to increase fear, increase the risk of aggression, and decrease Steve's quality of life
Bite history (human): Shortbread Steve is reported to have bitten. The first bite was on 7/26 when a neighbor was inebriated and bent down to greet Shortbread Steve. Shortbread bit his arm and he had to pull him arm away, leaving tear skin. The victim had to get one stitch. Please see the handout Bite History.
Anxiety: Shortbread Steve has been observed to show signs of anxiety such as panting and pacing the assessment room. If Shortbread displays anxious behavior in his future home, we recommend puzzle toys, long walks, and giving him other things to focus on to alleviate their anxiety. Positive reinforcement, force-free training should be used. Please see handout on Anxiety.
On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration: Shortbread Steve is noted to lunge at moving cars/other objects, cats, dogs when on leash. He will need positive reinforcement, reward based training to teach her to
Leash Biting: Shortbread has been observed to mouth the leash in kennel and when pulled away from reacting to a dog. We recommend walking him with a toy to dissuade them from grabbing the leash. Positive reinforcement, force-free training is advised to teach him to focus on you rather than grabbing the leash. Please see handout on Leash Manner
MEDICAL EXAM NOTES
MEDICAL NOTES:
6/29/2024
Adding Gabapentin to help with FAS experience when passing kennels to go outside
Rx: Gabapentin 500mg PO BID indefinitely
6/29/2024
[Dispensing Medication]
Trazodone and Gabapentin capsules are being dispensed to the client. In compliance with Bouy's Law, a written client information sheet was included with the prescription. The handout was downloaded from Plumb's™ and discloses all required information regarding the use of this drug, side effects and missed dose and handling instructions.
8/14/2024
DVM Intake Exam
Estimated age: 2 years
Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned positive
History: Owner surrender/adoption return
Subjective: BAR
Observed Behavior - cage side exam due to being UTD on tasks and behavior concerns. Whale eyes and soft tail wags cage side.
Is there evidence of Cruelty? No
Is there evidence of Neglect? No
Is there evidence of Trauma? No
Objective
BCS 6/9
EENT: Eyes clear, no nasal or ocular discharge noted
H/L: Eupneic, no coughing/sneezing or audible congestion
ABD: Relaxed
U/G: Neutered male
MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat
CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities
Re**al: Externally WNL
Wood's Lamp Exam: not performed
Assessment:
Healthy
Overweight
Prognosis: Good
Plan:
Update tasks
Restart Trazodone + Gabapentin
Await behavior assessment
SURGERY:
Already neutered
VET NOTES
4/30/2024
[DVM Intake]
DVM Intake Exam
Estimated age: 2 yrs
Microchip noted on Intake? scanned negative
History: Stray
Subjective:
BAR H
Observed Behavior -
Social, excitable, tolerated exam
Is there evidence of Cruelty? N
Is there evidence of Neglect? N
Is there evidence of Trauma? N
Objective
T = NP
P = 120
R = eup
BCS 6/9
EENT: Eyes clear, Mild debris AU, no nasal or ocular discharge noted
Oral Exam: NSF, adult dentition
PLN: No enlargements noted
H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic
ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated
U/G: NO testicles
MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat
CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities
Re**al: NP
Wood's Lamp Exam: NP
Assessment:
Healthy
Mildly Overweight
Prognosis: Good
Plan:
Tasks completed
Trazodone 250mg PO BID - indefinitely
SURGERY:
already neutered
5/9/2024
Noted on symptoms board to be coughing/have nasal discharge
S: QAR, laying down in pop up crate
O:
EEN- eyes clear, clear nasal discharge but no ocular discharge
H/L- Eupneic but coughs on walk
MSK- Ambulatory x4
Neuro- alert/appropriate
A:
CIRDC
P:
Rx: Doxycycline 275mg PO SID x10d
Monitor energy/ appetite
5/19/2024
No CIRDC symptoms
* TO FOSTER / ADOPT *
If you would like 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.
