Spikey

Spikey is an adoptable male American Staffordshire Terrier looking for a home at Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control in West Palm Beach, Florida. He is a young adult and large in size. He is listed on the shelter's euthanasia list, listed due to other, and that date has now passed. Shelters often move these dates, so Spikey may still be waiting. The shelter can confirm.

Intake Info: Spikey (A2343382) was picked up from West County. Our officer was able to safely catch him. The officer believes Spikey attempted to bite him, and Spikey did bite the humane capture pole, resulting in a minor bite to Spikey's lip. Medical: Spikey appears to be approximately 3 years old. He has not yet been fully processed and is currently receiving FAS treatment. Staff Notes: The clinic team attempted to process Spikey. He did well exiting his kennel and was confident with being leashed and walking through the kennel area. He allowed me to place a muzzle for processing. However, when we were about to begin vaccinations, he became highly stressed and had to be returned to his kennel. A kennel technician later approached Spikey's kennel while he was lying down. He accepted a treat from their hand through the cage. When the kennel was opened to place a loop lead, Spikey tucked his tail and lunged toward the lead. Time was spent gently swinging the lead and touching him with it to help him understand it was not a threat. Spikey was non-reactive toward other dogs and initially appeared to prefer keeping his distance from people. He kept his tail tucked during the walk until he saw another staff member, at which point he became very excited. Spikey maintained a more relaxed body throughout the remainder of the walk. After returning to his kennel, he accepted a treat from an open palm. Behavior Notes: Spikey was resting on his bed when we approached his kennel. He came to the front, wagging his tail, and accepted treats through the bars. We allowed him time to sniff us and take additional treats before attempting to leash him. When I entered his kennel, Spikey ran to the opposite side and gave a half lip curl. I backed out, and he returned toward the front of the kennel. I was able to leash him from outside the kennel, and we took him for a walk. During the walk, Spikey repeatedly attempted to pull toward the construction zone. During a second interaction, Spikey stiffened when a staff member attempted to leash him by his collar. While being loop-leashed, Spikey growled at the loop leash, but after approximately 2'5 seconds, he was able to be leashed. Spikey accepted treats from my hand and from the ground. He eventually sat next to me on the patio. Request to Rescues: Spikey A2343382 is in need of urgent rescue. During his interactions at the shelter, he has shown signs of being a nervous and unsure dog who becomes uncomfortable with certain handling and situations. He will need a patient rescue that can provide slow introductions, gentle handling, and time to adjust to new surroundings. Spikey has shown that he can accept treats from people, walk on leash, and become more relaxed when given time and space. Animal ID\tA2343382 Color\tbrown / white Sex\tunsterilized male Size\tlarge Weight\t60 lbs. Age\t3 years