Virgo - Mixed Breed Dog for Adoption in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Virgo (ACCT-A-265761) is a 4-year-old male that was brought in by police as a stray with another dog, Gemini, on 10/25 after being found running along the highway. Despite being emaciated, Virgo has been sweet and calm in the shelter, soliciting attention from people and gently exploring his surroundings. He's been neutral when meeting other dogs one-on-one, but has been a bit pushy in playgroup, so slow, controlled introductions to any resident pets will be important to his success.

Due to his medical concerns, Virgo is seeking placement with a rescue partner who can get him back into tip-top shape!

VIDEOS:
Gill & Virgo: https://youtu.be/a3WFe99SnoE
Virgo knows sit: https://youtu.be/N-hmjfayQO0
Quiet pets with Virgo: https://youtu.be/Yrrchgw9hPc
A quick hello from Virgo: https://youtu.be/CUoDxkIKfOA

BEHAVIOR NOTES
Behavior eval 11/2/2026:
Kennel Presentation: Standing calmly w a neutral body, soft eyes, ears down in his crate. When I approached, he started to wiggle slightly with small tail wags.

Leash Skills: Stood still to allow me to leash him easily. No pulling on leash, walked calmly outside (scavenging for food on the ground). Peed right away outside.

Sociability: Very attentive and handler-oriented, largely trying to sniff out treats. He was gentle with sniffing my bag and immediately solicited attention from me. Knows sit and allowed handling all over. He leaned into scritches on his head and chin. A male volunteer came into the yard and Virgo was gentle and comfortable, maintaining a loose body and soliciting attention from him.

Play: N/A

Dog Interaction: N/A

Return to Kennel: Resisted returning to crate. I backed up, clipped him, and he returned with me taking a half step into his crate and some leash pressure. I couldn't toss a treat bc he's on a refeeding plan.

Color Level: Exp gold

Recommendations and considerations:

Playgroup notes 11/1/2026: Slow entry, forward greetings and attempted to mount. Able to be steered away.

Playgroup notes 10/28/2026: slow enter to the yard, good meets mingling around the yard, started to be come very pushy and mounting

Playgroup notes 10/27/2026: Steer test: 0/5 with water and 1/5 with can. Ears to the side, nub down. Once in the yard his nub came up and was stiff. Appropriate greetings. stiff when dogs came up to him face to face. Handler oriented.

Per staff 10/26/2026: Brought Virgo out for a meet with Gill. Had no issues leashing him at his crate. Pulled minimally through the hallways and outdoors. Once outside, remained bright and attentive, exploring and sniffing. Sniffed Gill through the fence and face-to-face for a second each, then resumed doing his own thing as though Gill weren't there. No issues returning to crate.

MEDICAL
Intake exam 10/26/2026:
BCS: 2/9
BEHAVIOR: QAR, friendly
ORAL: mm pink and moist, <2 s. No obvious oral masses/lesions on cursory examination. Minimal dental tartar.
EYES/EARS: Ears WNL. No ocular d/c or blepharospasm OU.
CV: No murmur/arrhythmia auscultated
RESP: Eupneic. No crackles or wheezes auscultated bilaterally
ABDOMEN: Soft and compliant, non painful to palpation
M/S: Amb x 4, no obvious lameness or pain detected
LYMPH NODES: WNL
INTEG: Small, superficial abrasion on R lateral aspect of muzzle
NEURO: WNL
UROGENITAL: Bilt descended testicles
RECTAL: NE

ASSESSMENT
-Poor BCS/emaciation: r/o caloric deficit, parasites, endocrinopathy, neoplasia, infectious, other
-Superficial abrasion
-Mild NR anemia: likely 2' to emaciation
-Hypophosphatemia: consideration for early refeeding syndrome vs other
-Mild GGT elevation

PLAN
Diagnostics:
-IH CBC/chem/lytes: HCT 29% (L), Plt 498K (H), Eos 0.02 (L), Phosp 2.2 (L), Na 141 (L), Cl 108 L), GGT 18 (H), rest NSF

Treatments:
-Cleaned abrasion on muzzle
-Barrier administered for deworming
-Start medical refeeding protocol, monitor for refeeding syndrome
-Admin Vit B12 SQ, repeat q7days based on updated weight for 4 weeks
-Consider Drontal in 2 weeks if inappropriate weight gain/diarrhea
-Recheck brief exam, weight + repeat Vit B12 injection (based on new weight) + repeat CBC/chem/lytes + re-evaluate pathway in 7 days, sooner if any concerns

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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...