About Atlas

This is one of the hardest posts I have ever had to make, and I truly wish I didn't have to make it. We are looking for a very special placement for our dog, Atlas. Atlas is a 4-year-old neutered male Pit Bull-type dog, about 66 lbs, who has been part of our family since he was approximately 8 weeks old. We love him very much, and the decision to look for another placement for him has not been made lightly. Atlas can be a loving, goofy, incredibly special dog with the people he trusts. Unfortunately, as he has gotten older, he has developed significant fear and anxiety that can come out as defensive and aggressive behavior. We have done everything we reasonably can to help him, including veterinary care, professional behavior treatment through Cornell University's Behavior Medicine Service, behavior modification, management, and medication. Despite those efforts, our home is no longer the right environment for him. We have a young child, other dogs, and cats, and Atlas needs a much quieter and more controlled setting than we can safely provide. Atlas has challenges with unfamiliar people, other animals, resource guarding, confinement, certain noises and objects, and situations that make him feel frightened or overwhelmed. He has displayed growling, snapping and lunging, so he needs an experienced, knowledgeable person or organization that understands dogs with complex behavioral needs. Atlas has never bitten a human. There has been one non-damaging bite involving another dog. We are not trying to place Atlas as a typical family pet or hide the challenges he has. Our hope is to find an experienced behavior-focused rescue, sanctuary, or exceptionally qualified placement that can give him the structured, low-stress environment he needs. This is absolutely not something we want to do. Atlas is family to us. We have had him for almost his entire life, and making this post is heartbreaking. But loving him also means recognizing that our home may no longer be the place where he can be successful. We are trying to give Atlas every possible chance to find the right environment and the right people who understand him. If you are affiliated with an experienced behavior-focused rescue or sanctuary, or know of a reputable organization that may be able to evaluate Atlas, please reach out. Even if you cannot take him, sharing this with the right experienced person or organization could make a difference. Please be kind. This decision comes after years of trying to help a dog we love very much.

Contact

Tioga County
Spencer, New York

Alyjah Casella: 6076211135

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