sparky

Sparky ACCT-A-226642 is currently considered urgent and at risk of euthanasia due to length of stay and lack of space for incoming dogs. Sparky must have confirmed placement with a RESCUE PARTNER or ADOPTER by WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20TH at 10AM. Should Sparky's medical or behavioral status change, her urgency and timeline for placement may also change.

Sparky came to ACCT Philly on July 23rd after a concerned caller reported that someone had placed her on their porch overnight. Sparky was safely brought to the shelter and has been settling in since. At about a year and a half old, Sparky is still learning about the world?but she's already proving to be a sweet and gentle pup. During her behavioral evaluation, she showed soft body language and was easy to leash. Though she had some initial zoomies and a tucked tail, she quickly calmed down and walked nicely on leash. Sparky is curious and observant, preferring to sniff her surroundings while staying close to her handler. A recent day-trip foster described her as calm, affectionate, and wonderful on leash. Sparky might need a little extra encouragement at times, but her loving nature shines through. Sparky has done well meeting other dogs, but is looking for a home without cats. Due to her length of stay, Sparky is urgently seeking placement with a rescue partner, foster, or adopter.

VIDEOS:
*NEW* Playgroup 8/17: Almond Cookie, Mable, Twister, Sparky

https://youtu.be/8KCrTNC7n1s

*NEW* Playgroup 8/17: Almond Cookie, Mable, Twister, Sparky, Kimber

https://youtu.be/nzOMD0KcjMU

Meet Sparky: https://youtu.be/0OaujNm2oJk?si=WRwvA2bukRQrCkAa

Helen and Sparky drop leash 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QShYXFNC4f4

Helen and Sparky drop leash 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfkHw469NpY

(Video of portion of the 8/17 playgroup incident available on request)

BEHAVIOR:

*NEW* 8/17 Playgroup notes:

As we were wrapping up for playgroup, Sparky approached another female and immediately started \"necking\" her, almost to the point where Sparky was going to try and mount. The female (Kimber) corrected Sparky, who immediately retaliated attempting to latch on to Kimber's neck/face. Kimber also bit defensively and eventually they were able to latch on. Air horn was effective in breaking them up.

No issues were noted on her walks between 8/4 and 8/14.

Per volunteer 8/3: So sweet, came to front of kennel, was scared but loosened right up.

Per volunteer 7/28: Sweet girl. Tail tucked most of walk. Wanted to stay close by me.

Per volunteer 7/28: Super sweet outside.

Per day trip 7/27: We fostered Sparky for the day and really enjoyed our time with her. She?s a sweet, gentle dog who walked well on a leash and liked exploring outside. She didn?t bark once all day, and her calm, affectionate nature makes us think she?d do great with kids. Sparky is as cute as she is kind, and would be the perfect addition to a loving home. If you're looking for a quiet, snuggly companion who enjoys strolls and sunshine, Sparky?s your girl!

Per staff 7/27
Kennel presentation: Standing with ears back, soft eyes, tail down, mouth closed. Took treats gently. Easy to leash.

Leash skills: Has zoomies on the leash while walking out, butt tucked, ears back, spinning and jumping. Did a shake off before going outside. Walked on a loose leash. Sniffing.

Sociability: Soft and neutral body language seen mostly, had tucked tail when I was initially petting her and checking her teeth. Pooped, then tail was up to middle for body handling. Would stop moving when being pet, then would walk away when I stopped. Did not solicit any attention, except during the initial exit from her kennel.

Play: Ran after me with with middle tail loose, soft eyes, gentle pant. No interest in toys.

Dog interaction: None.

Return to kennel: Needed treats to enter.

Color level: Gold.

Per volunteer 7/26: Good dog meet w/ Helen.

Per volunteer 7/24: Sweet, loves treat, put treat in kennel to go back in.

Per staff 7/23: Caller stated that someone put this dog on the porch last night and possibly killed a cat on the porch too, removed from the porch.

MEDICAL:

On 7/29, Sparky was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection (URI) or \"doggy cold\" and started on doxycycline. She tested positive for pneumovirus. On 8/12, she was noted to have a persistant URI and was prescribed azithromycin. On 8/13, she tested negative for pneumovirus.

During her intake exam on 7/25, Sparky weighed 34.9 pounds and appeared to be in good health overall. The only concerns noted were a chipped canine tooth, live fleas, and some scratches around her face and mouth.
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