Ruckus - Mixed Breed Dog for Adoption in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Ruckus ACCT-A-260083 is currently considered urgent and at risk of euthanasia due to medical concerns. Ruckus must have confirmed placement with a RESCUE PARTNER or EXPERIENCED ADOPTER by MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST at 10AM. Should Ruckus's medical or behavioral status change, his urgency and timeline for placement may also change.

Ruckus was found as a stray by police on August 28th, extremely thin and dealing with significant skin issues. He was placed on a refeeding plan when he arrived, and his skin has started to improve with treatment. He is still very thin with poor muscling and chronic skin changes consistent with allergies, and will need continued allergy management and treatment.

Despite everything he has been through, Ruckus has shown himself to be a sweet, affectionate boy who loves treats and enjoys being around his handlers. He typically walks well on leash and has been described as a good boy by staff and volunteers, with his energy ranging from calm and low-key to a little more playful. Ruckus would do best with an experienced adopter or rescue partner who can continue his allergy care and provide the treatment he needs.

VIDEOS:
Caesar and Ruckus (Fence Meet): https://youtu.be/sraJdBhUpww?is=duUKsdXeYyw28BRo

Caesar and Ruckus: https://youtu.be/9pEKMSYWqaw?is=-bqf1QZAWziEDlu2

Caesar and Ruckus: https://youtu.be/4psLuDt6WJk?is=3sPioKF3c8oGoGKV

Playgroup 8/31: https://youtu.be/j7-dbw93zP8

BEHAVIOR NOTES:
Per staff 9/16: Low energy. Good on walk and on leash.

Per staff 9/13: Medium energy. Neutral dog meet. Mild issues on leash.

Per staff 9/12: Medium energy. Good boy, great on leash.

Per staff 9/12: Low energy.

Per staff 9/11: While the good dog introduction attribute is added, his intent has only been on mounting, so the dog introduction should be ultimately considered inconclusive.

Per volunteer 9/9: Medium energy. Mildly mouthy and jumpy. Loves treats (def use open palm). Handler oriented.

Per staff 9/5: Vet asked if I could come to the exam room where they had Ruckus. She let me know that he was extremely snatchy with treats, making contact with both her hand and the nurse's hand. However, did not break skin, but he did eat the whole cheese slice with the wrapper on. They were attempting to do a blood draw on him. When the nurse tried for a bear hug, he became wiggly and bucking out of the grip. Less is more with him, and they were able to get blood from the back leg while I was holding up treats as distraction.

Per staff 9/4: Low energy. Sweet boy, good on leash.

Per staff 9/3: Medium energy. Good boy, affectionate.

Per staff 9/2: Low energy.

Per staff 9/2: Medium energy. Good on walk and on leash.

Per staff 9/1: Low energy. Good boy.

Per staff 8/31, playgroup: Not steerable (0/5 with spray bottle and shake can). Persistently sexually motivated: repeatedly attempted to mount upon entering the yard. Received an appropriate correction from Elf for mounting attempts; was steered off by staff.

Per staff 8/31: Low energy. Good boy, looking for treats.

Per volunteer 8/30: Low energy. Slow on leash. Looks for treats. Whines/barks after returning to kennel.

Per staff 8/29: Low energy. Very good boy. Slow walker. Good on leash.

Per staff 8/28: Pulled hard towards Caesar. Sniffed and then repeatedly tried to mount.
Per volunteer 8/28: Low energy. Slow, steady pace. No issues towards other kenneled dogs. Seems housetrained.
Per staff 8/28: Allowed all handling, takes food very gently

Per staff 8/28: Extremely sweet and calm upon intake. Police also mentioned he walked right up to them and was very friendly.

Per police 8/28: Very friendly and calm.

MEDICAL NOTES:
9/18 Recheck: Thin body condition, poor muscling. Yeasty odor diffusely over body. Alopecia, thickening of skin noted on front of neck. Dandruff, flaking noted on back. Diffuse patchy alopecia, lichenification. Chronic skin changes consistent with allergies, adding on 5 days of apoquel. Recommending promotion for expedited exit from shelter due to need for long-term management of allergies and treatments exceeding shelter capacity. Open to rescue or experienced adopter.

9/5 Recheck: Weight has decreased slightly since intake, which is to be expected with a restricted feeding plan. Skin unchanged from previous. Patchy scaly alopecia on caudal dorsum, and thickened erythematous skin on ventrum. HCT improved but still below normal, WBC now within normal limits. Begin normal feedings. He began treatment for an upper respiratory infection (URI) or "doggy cold." URIs are contagious to other dogs, but not to people or other types of animals.

8/28 Vet Exam: Moderate debris in both ears. Emaciated, cachectic. Diffuse pyoderma, alopecia, erythema. Live fleas. HCT low. WBC, neutrophils, and platelets high. Given vitamin B12 and prescribed ear medication, antibiotics, and medical feedings.

8/28 Tech Exam: BCS of 2/9. Eyes slightly cloudy. Ears very thickened. Live fleas. Thickened/yeasty skin all over. Flat feet.

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Due to being significantly overcapacity with animals 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 an animal.

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 a 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.

The mixed breed dogs, often referred to as mutts, are a diverse and unique group with a blend of different characteristics from various purebred dog breeds. These dogs come from a mixture of lineages, resulting in a wide range of sizes, coat types, and temperaments. While each mixed breed dog is distinct in its own right, they are known for their resilience, adaptability, and often have fewer health issues compared to purebred dogs due to their genetic diversity. Mixed breed dogs make wonderful companions for families looking for a loyal and one-of-a-kind pet.

Animal Care & Control Team of Philadelphia is the region's largest high-volume, open-admission animal shelter.  Open every single day of...