Danny is the sweetest boy. He is gentle and forms deep bonds with the people he trusts. Danny has been diagnosed with anxiety, but with love and patience, the help of a veterinary behavior specialist, medication, and training plans, Danny has made incredible progress and continues to do so.
We believe Danny was confined for most of his puppyhood, as he initially didn’t know how to "be a dog." At first, he rarely left his designated safe space at home, and when he did, he moved stiffly, like a baby giraffe learning to walk. He lacked confidence and didn’t know how to interact with the world.
Today, unexpected noise or new environments overwhelm Danny. He startles easily, but only when facing unknown things. He responds by trying to retreat to his safe spot or home. While his smaller size makes this manageable, it can make visiting new places challenging. On walks, he will try to pull to go home. He's better once he's far away from home and distracted by surroundings, but he needs improvement here. Based on his progress in other areas, I'm sure he'd improve on walks with patience.
Danny is very well behaved at home. He does extremely well with our other dog, who he looks to for reassurance and guidance. He does not have separation anxiety and is fine staying home alone with our other dog for long periods of time. He also does well with human home visitors and we haven't tested a home visit with another dog.
Sadly, Danny's owner unexpectedly passed away. Since then, our family has done everything we can to continue his care, but we are not able to provide the support and consistency that he deserves.
We are so sad to say goodbye, but we want Danny to have the chance to continue his progress in a loving long term home.
Dog: Primary Breed:
Other, not listed
Primary Breed (if not in list):
Medium Terrier Mix
Birthdate (an estimate is okay):
June 07, 2024
Where did you get your pet?:
Rescue in Texas
Was this pet ever in a shelter, rescue, or foster program? If yes, please provide details.:
I believe foster for 1 year
Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.):
July 2025
Size (at full-grown):
Medium
Approximate adult weight in pounds (number only):
32
Primary Color:
White (Mostly)
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?:
He loves to play with us or with our other dog. He likes walking but is often overwhelmed on the walk, so he doesn't go crazy for them or want to do long walks. His favorite toy is his Sock Monkey, but we have to replace it occassionally when our other dog chews through it.
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?:
Not Sure
What commands does your dog know?:
Go Lie Down, (Go) Outside
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?:
Completely fine.
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?:
Unexpected loud noises, tries to pull toward home on walks sporadically, other dogs when on a walk but friendly otherwise.
Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?:
Breakfast and dinner around the same time, with 1 walk per day. Due to our schedules, we haven't been able to walk him at the same time each day, so we try to do it midday or afternoon, or after dinner if he didn't poop yet.
Medical History and Care:
Vaccinations up to date
Spayed or Neutered
House/Litter-Trained
Microchipped
Special Diet
Special Needs
Does your pet have any history of health issues or medical conditions that potential adopters should be aware of?:
Diagnosed with heartworm when adopted but no longer tests positive
Has your dog ever been diagnosed with or treated for any of the following? (Please check all that apply, even if your dog has fully recovered. This helps us provide the best support for future families.):
Allergies (environmental or food-related)
Anaplasmosis (tick-borne)
Anxiety Issues
Arthritis or Joint Pain
Canine Distemper
Chronic Ear Infections
Dental Disease
Ehrlichiosis (tick-borne)
Heartworm
Influenza
Kennel Cough
Leptospirosis
Lipomas, Cysts, or Other Lumps/Bumps
Lyme Disease
Parvovirus
Seizures
Skin Conditions
Vaccine Reactions
Other
Additional notes about your dog’s health history::
Per the behaviourist's recommendation, we give Danny Gabapentin. This helps with his anxiety. He's often not very high energy at home because of this, unless you get him riled up when playing.
Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.:
He is extremely scared of the vet. As far as I understand, he requires sedation before appointments. Otherwise he is too scared and overwhelmed, and has reacted with aggression in the past. I would be cautious with children too just because he is so easily startled.
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? :
Not often
Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?:
No
Personality:
Playful
Constant Companion
High Energy
Medium Energy
Low Energy
Timid
Friendly to Strangers
Good with Other Dogs
Good with Cats
Good with Young Children
Bonded Pair
Purebred
Crate Trained
Comes When Called
Needs Training
Likes Car Rides
Likes to Swim
Requires A Fenced Yard
Jumps Fences
Growls at Strangers
Is Afraid of Storms
Digs
How is your dog with children?:
Best in an adult home for now: Has not been around children, or finds them overwhelming.
How is your dog with other dogs?:
Shy: Nervous around other dogs, prefers to keep her distance.
How is your dog with cats?:
Not sure: Haven't had enough interaction to determine.
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?:
Seeing him progress and become more confident and happy each day is so rewarding. He didn't leave the corner when we first got him, so seeing him now with a wagging happy tail and so excited to see us when we get home is a wonderful feeling.
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?:
Someone who has a dog already, so Danny can look to that dog for reassurance and guidance. Someone who can give him love and a consistent lifestyle.
Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?:
So far, he does best with minimal new experiences. He startles easily when something is new. However, he has made so much progress, that perhaps he will be better with new things in the future!
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?:
Pet Parent Passed Away
Details about rehoming reason (if needed):
Danny’s primary owner passed away unexpectedly. Due to subsequent major household changes, out-of-state relocation, and increased family caregiving needs, we aren't able to provide Danny with the stable environmet he needs.
How long will you be able to keep your pet before you may need to consider surrendering him or her to a rescue?:
Not an option, my pet will stay with me for as long as it takes
Who is your veterinarian?:
Guilford Animal Medical Center
Do you currently have pet insurance?:
No
Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:
City, State:
Guilford, Connecticut
How did you hear about us?:
Trainer
Service Level:
Assistance Needed: Help Me Choose
