🆘URGENT 🆘

TIMESTAMPED FOR FRIDAY

Blaze ACCT-A-207066 is currently considered urgent and at risk of euthanasia due to behavioral concerns. Blaze must have confirmed placement with a RESCUE PARTNER by Friday, December 13th at 10 A.M. Should Blaze’s medical or behavioral status change, his urgency and timeline for placement may also change. Email lifesaving@acctphilly.org if your rescue can pull or if you can foster through rescue. Looking for an adults only home at this time.

Blaze, a young and spirited male dog, was found abandoned on November 13th after a concerned citizen called Animal Protection Officers about a dog suspected to have been hit by a car. Despite the rocky start, Blaze initially made a great impression at the shelter and even attended events, showcasing his sweet and playful nature. However, as time has passed, the shelter environment has caused him increasing stress, and he is now in urgent need of placement with a rescue partner to prevent further behavioral decline.

Blaze spent a short time in foster care, where his energetic personality and behavioral challenges became more apparent. His foster described him as extremely smart and trainable, quickly learning commands like “sit,” “crate,” and “drop it.” He made progress with crate training and housetraining, loves nature walks, and adores belly rubs, puzzle toys, and rope toys. Blaze thrives in structured activities, particularly when he has a companion to help manage his energy. However, his foster also noted several challenges. Blaze struggles with sensory overload on walks, often freezing or cowering, and becomes highly fixated on other dogs, which can lead to frustration and intense reactions. His energy levels and demand barking can escalate when not adequately exercised or engaged, and he has displayed behaviors such as lunging, snapping, and chewing on inappropriate items when overly stimulated or frustrated.

Blaze’s time in foster care also revealed his love for affection and companionship, as well as his potential to excel with consistent training and a supportive environment. Despite his struggles, Blaze remains incredibly affectionate and sweet, eagerly seeking belly rubs and following his person around. He enjoys car rides, lying at his human's feet, and lounging in sunny spots.

In the shelter, Blaze has demonstrated his friendly and wiggly nature, often greeting handlers with kisses and soft eyes. However, his anxiety has grown, and he requires a calm and patient environment to thrive. Blaze is not recommended for a home with young children due to his tendency to jump, nip, and mouth when overly excited, but he could flourish in a home with experienced adopters or rescue partners who can provide the structure, training, and mental stimulation he needs.

Blaze’s potential shines through his challenges, and he’s ready to meet the right people who can help him channel his energy into positive outlets. With the right support, Blaze has the capacity to be a loving, loyal companion. Will you be the one to give Blaze the second chance he so deeply deserves?

Videos:

Blaze and Mina meet: https://youtube.com/shorts/xhuoiS9CEW4?feature=share

Willow and Blaze meet: https://youtube.com/shorts/c_djf4cRtR0?feature=share

Blaze gets belly rubs: https://youtube.com/shorts/tPI2rns1sZ0?feature=share

Blaze part 2: https://youtube.com/shorts/2nztLHOWxRA?feature=share

Blaze part 3: https://youtube.com/shorts/kLZOPgZGJrg?feature=share

Behavior Notes:

Per staff 12/10: Hung out with Blaze yesterday for a bit. He was asleep in his kennel when I approached and began to wag and glance up at me with soft eyes. he rolled over onto his belly for rubs. I hung out with him in his kennel due to him being in iso. I sat on his bed next to him and he kept rolling over for belly rubs and climbing into my lap. he was very gentle and affectionate while petting him. he would get random spurts of overstimulation though and would zoom, grumble and begin to try to mouth at my hands, clothing and hair. He would snap out of it pretty quickly and was able to calm himself, but at times could be a bit harder to redirect and I needed to use the leash or a stern "no". He is a very sweet boy who would benefit from training to help his arousal and impulse control and would do well in an active home.

Per staff 11/23/24: Blaze was sweet at the beginning giving kisses and wanting to be around everyone, but then he was jumping a lot on them and with young kids it was not safe. Then he began to mouth and bite down, not breaking skin but was doing it to the dad and to the kids, nipping at clothing. Would not reccomend in a home with young kids.

Per volunteer 11/18/24: Blaze was very playful with his rope toy! Such a good boy outdoors but was very fearful trying to go back in. Very sad.

Per volunteer 11/16/24: Volunteer noted that he does not like to walk on the leash, but is super treat motivated

Per staff 11/14/24:

KENNEL PRESENTATION:

Blaze was sitting upright at the front of his kennel and looked at the handler with neutral eyes, relaxed body. He retreated away from the leash and cowered. The handler crouched down and called him over with baby talk and he came up with some wiggles and lots of kisses and allowed the handler to place the leash over his head. Once leashed he exited with some motivation!

LEASH SKILLS:

Pulled minimally, got scared in the kennel and rolled on his back and allowed the handler to carry him

HANDLING:

In the room Blaze was SO sweet and cute. He was very wiggly and submissive and would approach both handlers with soft eyes. He was very affectionate and did well with several handlers while out. He allowed me to pick him up in the room as well and curled up on my lap. He was gentle when taking treats as well and showed knowledge of sit.

PLAY:

Engages in play

TOYS:

Interest but no possession

Per staff 11/13/24: very sweet dog

Medical Notes:

11/21/24 URI: his dog has been observed to have shelter acquired upper respiratory infection (URI), or a "doggy cold". They have been started on medication, and will be monitored for resolution of the respiratory infection.

11/13/24 Possible hit by car:

Brief head to tail exam. No abnormalities noted except for some mildly scuffed up paw pads. Chest ausculted normally(mild tachycardia). MM's are p/m, PQ s/s. No obvious wounds or injuries, Pt is ambulating fine.

Assessment

No treatment needed at this time. Paw pads may be a little tender but medication not indicated.

*see acct website for entire bio.

Due to being significantly overcapacity with dogs and cats and higher than usual intake, extensions are unlikely to be granted. If you are interested in an animal please contact ACCT Philly immediately.

Due to limited space, timestamps may also be proceeded with early so it is imperative to let us know if you are considering adopting or tagging a dog or cat.

ACCT Philly is located at 111 West Hunting Park Ave in Philadelphia. We are open for adoptions 7 days a week. Please visit www.acctphilly.org/adopt for details.

If you are a rescue interested in pulling this animal, please email our lifesaving team, or visit here if you are not currently a rescue partner: https://acctphilly.org/acct-philly-love-local-partnership-program/

Confirmed placement is considered confirmation of an actual rescue pull. Possible placement, interested parties, and other "TBD" statuses are not considered confirmed and do not indicate an animal is no longer urgent

All animals at ACCT Philly are from Philadelphia, as the only open intake animal shelter in Philadelphia, we are not able to accept animals from outside of Philadelphia. ACCT Philly’s Pennsylvania kennel license number is 08313