About Rocky, Big Puppy

It appeared to be a rough road for ROCKY (ID #A1700946) when he was surrendered to the East Valley Animal Shelter, Van Nuys, CA, on August 24. He was brought in with his brother, who has since been adopted (it's okay that they were separated, because they weren't getting along), but ROCKY, up until recently, was difficult to approach. But shelter staff worked with him and gained his trust, and look at him now! He's still a bit hesitant meeting new people, but with those who have been interacting with him, his love and playfulness is evident. Veronica Perry, Life Saving Liaison at the shelter, sent an email today, hoping to bring attention to 4-year-old ROCKY. The following is Veronica's message, staff notes, and a video. 'Came to the shelter as an Owner Surrender, with his litter mate, due to no time. Rocky has come a long way since his arrival. We started from scratch, and now it's time for him to shine. He may need a little work on his kennel presentation. I believe more human contact is really what he needs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTj31dhNkQY&feature=youtu.be I have attached Staff notes from arrival date, to now, he certainly has come out of his shell. 8/24/20 In the receiving kennel: Barking, growling, snapping at hands held to the kennel door. Snaps at the leash, once leashed, reluctant to walk. Tail tucked, tense body language. Walks with some coaxing. Able to complete exam and vaccs. with no issue. Very nervous, go slow. 10/02/20 while doing rounds, this dog is still reactive at the kennel. Charges and muzzle punches the kennel without any provocation. Unable to engage you calmly 10-05-20 Over the past couple weeks I have made multiple attempts to engage with this dog. Sitting at the kennel door & tossing in treats. He will not let me safely enter. Muzzle punches the kennel door in the region where my hand goes to open the handle. Jumps and snaps at my hand when I reach for his kennel card. Does not retreat to the cubby or back of his kennel when I am present. 10/6/2020 On the few occasions that I've been at the shelter to assist Jake with photos, I've gone to Rocky's kennel to offer treats. The first time I noticed his tail tucked and he hunkered down in a corner of the kennel, the next couple of times he charged at the door, but as I spoke to him quietly, he backed up. When I bent down and stuck a treat through the door, he came over and took it from my fingers. When I stood up, he would start barking. Whenever he stopped barking, I gave him a treat and praised him. I began noticing an improvement. Yesterday, when I first arrived at his kennel, he came charging to the door, but he may have remembered me and he stopped barking, allowing me to take photos of him, and then coming to the door to take treats from my hand. I saw more improvement. Hopefully, staff will continue to work with him to help him overcome his fears. 10/21/2020 Per 425: tried to take Rocky out to the Cubie growling. Was able to get him out of the front of his channel 3 news scared slightly rumbling number is breath. Once I got I am on my Slip leash, I walked in through the lobby his tail was very touched streamly scared Barbie came walking towards us and he growled, taking in to visit with Thomas and Caroline scared but not growling. Brought him out to the yard as soon as I got to the tree he Peed and pooped. Once he got in the yard and I dropped his leash and his tail and he walked around and pooped four more times and he Peed he was smiling seemed much happier. His doctor is much better away from his brother Frankie. Claudio came into the yard and he was happy to see his wagging tail walk up for affection was nervous when Claudio went to reach for him with his hands much better to start at his back and work up to his head when petting. Walked back to his kennel fine. Possibly house broke. 10/23/20 Rocky was in the office, seeking attention/affection. Able to pet, muzzle scratch without incident 10/24/2020 Rocky had continued to improve all the way through the week. By Saturday, I was able to walk up to his kennel and he came up and I was able to place the slip lead on him . He walked to the yard with volunteer Brian wagging his tail. He seems to be waiting to defecate once he gets to the yard because he poops many times once he gets into the yard .I have taken him out every day this week. He is still timid but no longer growling. He just wants to be with us. 10/24/2020 Nervous in the kennel but is great once in the yard. Doesn't play with toys. Not treat motivated. Knows sit command. Will follow around the yard, and comes when called. Will walk and run with you. Likes to be pet and brushed and will lean on you. Affectionate attitude with me. 10-28-20 At the front of the kennel he was displaying his usual barking, growling and snapping. On advice from my counterpart, I beckoned him from his cubby door instead. He entered the cubby barking and growling but quieted down as I blew kisses and shook

Los Angeles County
Van Nuys, California 91405