06/24/2026
TO BE KILLED JUNE 25, 2026
💙 Mr. Rocky is a handsome 4-year-old boy with a playful spirit and so much love to give.
Those who spend time with Mr. Rocky describe a dog who truly enjoys being with people. He lights up during his walks, loves to play with staff, and brings plenty of enthusiasm wherever he goes. His joyful energy is contagious, and it’s easy to see that he enjoys making the most of every moment outside the kennel.
At 4 years old, Mr. Rocky is in the perfect stage of life—past the puppy phase but still full of energy, curiosity, and adventure. He would love a home where he can enjoy daily walks, fun activities, and quality time with his people.
Mr. Rocky is looking for someone patient who will allow him to settle in and build a bond at his own pace. Once he feels comfortable, he has all the qualities that make a wonderful companion: intelligence, personality, playfulness, and a genuine love of human connection.
💙 After all he’s been through, Mr. Rocky deserves the chance to leave the shelter behind and start the next chapter of his life with a family of his own.
📩 Please message to foster or adopt Mr. Rocky. 🐾❤️
MR. ROCKY 253192 QUEENS ACC
Estimated to be 4 years 1 mo 3 weeks old, 71.5 Lbs
NEUTERED MALE, LARGE MIXED BREED
STRAY FROM NY
MEDICAL BEHAVIOR EVALUATION:
BEHAVIOR RATING: LEVEL 4
INTAKE DATE: 04/28/2026
PET PROFILE
Stray, limited history.
Behavior toward cats: came in with 6 cats
What my friends at ACC say about me:
I can go home today!
I am looking for a home with a patient person.
I would do best in a home with only adult humans.
I'm sensitive and shy. I'll need extra help from you.
Upon intake: Mr. Rocky was friendly and social with staff. He allowed all handling, sat for treats, and leaned in for pets.
Other Notes: 5/10/24: owner surrender during his 1st stay.
Previously lived with: 2 Adults, 2 Children, 2 Cats, 1 Dog
How is this dog around strangers? Rocky Mountain alert barks at strangers and will lung towards them. He prefers contact on his terms. Once he is comfortable he is friendly and outgoing.
How is this dog around children? Rocky Mountain alert barks at children and will lung towards them. He prefers contact on his terms. Once he is comfortable he is friendly and outgoing.
Friendly & Outgoing, Playful, Lunges, Shy/Contact on their terms, Alert barks, Hard barks and/or growls
How is this dog around other dogs? Rocky Mountain will bark, growl and lung at other dogs.
Familiar dogs: Alert barks, Hard barks and/or growls, Lunges
Unfamiliar dogs - on leash: Alert barks, Hard barks and/or growls, Lunges
Unfamiliar dogs - off leash: Alert barks, Lunges, Hard barks and/or growls
How is this dog around cats? Rocky Mountain will bark, growl and lung at cats.
Other Animals: No experience
Resource guarding: Rocky Mountain has had a history of resource guarding his food, treats and valuable toys. He has a tense body, growl and snap.
Bite history: No reported bite history
Housetrained: Partially
Energy level/descriptors: Very High
Other Notes: Rocky Mountain will growl and be fearful when being groomed. He likes to be where the action is and where the people are.
Goes potty on: "Outside on walks (grass, cement, dirt, etc.)"
Accident frequency: Very rarely
Additional info: Uses the bathroom in the house if not walked daily
Behavior concerns: Escapes house/yard, Mouthy/Takes treats rough, "General anxiety (paces, whines, unable to settle)", Pulls hard on leash, Jumps up often or non-stop, "Destructive tendencies (furniture, walls, shoes, household items, etc.)", Barks a lot, Anxious when left alone, "Fearful of loud noises (storms/thunder, fireworks, arguments, etc.)"
Additional info: Not reported
Reacts to on walks: Strangers that approach you/family members, Strangers that approach the home/yard, Children, Cats, Large dogs, Small dogs, "Moving objects (bikes, skateboards, cars, etc.)"
Reaction type: Lunging, Growling/Hard barking, Shows teeth/Lifts lips, Other
Additional info: Has the habit to hump other dogs and sometimes people
How this dog reacts when...
- Held/restrained: Barks/Growls, Fearful, Lunges
- Disturbed while resting/sleeping: Fearful, Isn't bothered
- Startled: Fearful, Barks/Growls, Lunges
- Pushed/pulled off furniture: Fearful, Isn't bothered
- Paws are touched: Isn't bothered
- Collar grabbed/touched: Isn't bothered
For a New Family to Know Rocky knows the cues sit, stay, down and no. He loves car rides.
Description of this dog most of the time: Social/Affectionate, Very active & Playful, Fearful, Independent
Where the dog spent most time: Where people are, Bedroom, Kitchen, Living room
hard pull on lead , fearful of grooming( nail trim, bathing, brushing)
ASSESSMENT NOTES
Date of assessment: 5/2/2026
Summary: Leash Walking
Strength and pulling: mild
Reactivity to humans: None
Reactivity to dogs: None
Leash walking comments:
Sociability
Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Social with handler- panting, flushed face, leans in for pets
Call over: readily approaches- anxious, panting, allows petting
Sociability comments: goes stand by exit
Handling
Soft handling: Allowed- leans in wags tail, panting
Exuberant handling: Allowed- leans in wags tail, panting
Handling comments:
Arousal
Jog: Follow- Bouncy, panting
Arousal comments:
Knock: Approaches- neutral body
Knock Comments:
Toy: Grips the toy and walks away
Toy comments:
*** 5/11/24: Behavioral assessment upon request.***
Summary:: Due to entering the facility as a stray, there is no updated dog-to-dog history recorded.
04/29/26
Mr. Rocky is introduced to a novel female while off leash. He approaches with a neutral frame and will briefly sniff female before walking away and interacting with handlers. He does not return to the gate.
Previous Stay 2024:
According to Rocky Mountain's previous owners, Rocky will bark, growl and lunge at other dogs.
05/12/24
Rocky is introduced to a novel female dog while off leash at the care center. Rocky displays signs of sexual motivation, displaying a flagging tail. Rocky will remain self-present, maintaining a soft frame and following the novel female .
Summary (6): 06/18/26 (Trainer Note): Mr. Rocky is at the front of his kennel panting moderately as the handler approaches. He is easily leashed and pulls moderately to the canine training room. He maintains a moderate pant and pushed back ears for the duration of the interaction. Mr. Rocky repeatedly jumps up onto handlers with a loose body. he has some difficulty focusing and frequently moves away from training when he hears a sound or someone moves. However, he is able to leave treats in a flat hand. Mr. Rocky is easily leashed and returned to kennel without issue.
Summary (7): 06/10/26 (Trainer Note): Mr. Rocky is at the front of his kennel panting mildly as the handler approaches. He is easily leashed and pulls moderately to the canine training room. He is loose and social with the handlers and engages readily in doggie zen and building the leave it cue. Mr. Rocky is able to leave treats in a flat hand and the handler is able to introduce the verbal cue. He is easily leashed and returned to kennel without issue.
06/04/26 (Trainer Note): Mr. Rocky is at the front of his kennel panting moderately with dilated pupils as the handler approaches. He is easily leashed and pulls moderately to the canine training room. Mr. Rocky runs around the room, repeatedly soliciting contact from different handlers. He is able to engage in a snuffle mat and a lick mat for gradually extending periods. Mr. Rocky continues to pant throughout the interaction. He is easily leashed and returned to kennel without issue.
05/26/26 (Trainer Note): Mr. Rocky is at the front of his kennel panting mildly as the handler approaches. He is easily leashed and pulls moderately to the canine training room. He shows some difficulty focusing, running around the room and jumping up onto the handlers. The handler works with him on sitting and engaging with the snuffle mat. He relaxes some as the session continues and is able to engage in a few rounds with the snuffle mat. He is easily leashed and returned to kennel without issue.
05/20/26 (Trainer Note): Mr. Rocky is standing at the front of his kennel with a mild pant and dilated pupils as the handler approaches. He is easily leashed and pulls moderately to the canine training room. Mr. Rocky initially paces the room, occasionally sniffing the environment and showing no interest in treats. After a few minutes, he begins to lean into contact and then take treats. The handler works with him on conditioning the yes verbal marker and begins to introduce the doggie zen game. He is easily leashed and returned to kennel without issue.
04/29/26 (BA note): Mr. Rocky stands at the front of his kennel and allows easy leashing. In the assessment room, he displays a loose, wiggly body with mild panting and actively solicits attention. He tolerates all handling and runs without becoming aroused. He does not react to the knock test and engages with the toy by grabbing it and moving away. See Behavioral Assessment for more details.
4/29 (PG): Mr. Rocky is standing at the front of his kennel with a soft body. He is easily leashed and walked to the play yard for his playgroup interaction. Mr. Rocky readily accepts treats with moderate pressure as he is collared and placed on a drag leash. He then explores the pen as the handlers wait for the other dog he is to meet. Mr. Rocky jumps up on the handlers persistently for more treats when he hears a squeaky toy. Once his interaction is complete, he returns to kennel without issue.
Date of intake: 4/28/2026
Summary: friendly and social with staff. He allowed all handling,
Date of initial: 4/30/2026
Summary: enters with loose wiggly body, allowed for all handling and tasks
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: Level 4
Recommendations: No children (under 13)
Recommendations comments: No children (under 13):we recommend an adult home at this time due to prior reporting he will bark and lung at children and strangers.
Potential challenges:
House soiling,
Resource guarding,
Destructive behavior,
Basic manners/poor impulse control,
Mouthiness/poor bite inhibition,
Handling/touch sensitivity,
Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,
Separation anxiety,
Anxiety,
On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration,
Strength/leash pulling
Potential challenges comments:
House soiling- In prior home he is reported to use the bathroom in the house if not walked daily.
Resource guarding- Mr. Rocky has had a history of resource guarding in his prior home when it comes to food, treats and valuable toys. He will display a tense body, growl and snap.
Destructive behavior- In prior home he is reported to have "Destructive tendencies (furniture, walls, shoes, household items, etc.)".
Mouthiness/poor bite inhibition- In prior home he is reported to take treats roughly.
Handling/touch sensitivity- In prior home he is reported to bark, growl, and lunge when held or restrained, displaying fearful behavior. When disturbed while resting or sleeping, the dog may be fearful or remain unbothered. If startled, the dog shows fear, barks, growls, and lunges. When pushed or pulled off furniture, the dog may react fearfully or be unbothered. The dog is generally not bothered when its paws are touched or its collar is grabbed or touched.
Fearful/potential for defensive aggression- In prior Mr. Rocky will growl and be fearful when being groomed, he is also Fearful of loud noises (storms/thunder, fireworks, arguments, etc.)
Anxiety/separation anxiety - In prior Mr. Rocky is reported to have anxiety pacing, whining, and unable to settle and when he is left alone he will bark and display the same behavior.
On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration- Mr. Rocky is reported in prior home to reacts to various stimuli during walks, including strangers that approach him or his family members, strangers near the home or yard, children, cats, large dogs, small dogs, and moving objects such as bikes, skateboards, and cars. His reactions include lunging, growling, hard barking, showing teeth, and lifting lips. Additionally, Mr. Rocky has a habit of hu***ng other dogs and sometimes people.
Strength/leash pulling- Mr. Rocky is reported to be hard to pull on the lead.
MEDICAL EXAM NOTES
4/30/2026
DVM Intake Exam
Estimated age: dentition and conformation consistent w prior age of 4 years
Microchip noted on Intake? scanned positive
History: stray
Subjective: BAR
Observed Behavior - enters with loose wiggly body, allowed for all handling and tasks
Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? N
Objective:
T = np
P = wnl
R = wnl
BCS 5.5/9
EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted
Oral Exam: mild wear and staining to visible dentition
PLN: No enlargements noted
H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic
ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated
U/G: MN
MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat
CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities
Assessment:
APH
Prognosis: good
Plan:
intake exam and tasks
awaiting sort
SURGERY:
Already altered
5/2/2026
Behavior team reports jumping on handlers, heavy panting. Deteriorated quickly during last shelter stay.
Start trazodone 9 mg/kg PO BID and clonidine 0.025 mg/kg PO BID.
5/5/20
Diarrhea reported multiple times by staff
Subjective: BAR, no C/S/V/D
Objective:
EYES: Clear
LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress
NASAL CAVITY: no discharge
MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4
NEURO: Appropriate mentation
ASSESSMENT: Presumed Diarrhea
PLAN: Per standing orders
- Start RC GI dietq12h x 5 days
-Start fortiflora PO q24h x5days, & panacur 50mg/kg PO q24h x5days
-Placed monitor log on kennel
-CTM, recheck as scheduled
5/12/2026
Progress exam: Diarrhea recheck
Subjective/Objective: FS: 5 rep no stool present in kennel.
Assessment: Presumed Diarrhea appears resolved
PLAN: Per standing orders
-Monitor log removed from kennel
-CTM on daily rounds while in QACC
6/4/2026
Behavior team reports panting, pacing, difficulty focusing. Already on trazodone and clonidine- increase clonidine dose to 0.04 mg/kg PO BID.
6/21/2026
Adding gabapentin d/t behavior concerns, fearful, reactivity;
gabapentin 900mg PO q12h
TO ADOPT DIRECTLY FROM THE SHELTER - please download the NYC AC app from the App Store and fill out the adoption application there.
Dogs with NH ONLY rating cannot be adopted directly from the ACC, so please message our page for assistance .
TO ADOPT or FOSTER: If you cannot get to the shelter in person to adopt, or want to foster, please message our page (Must Love Dogs - Saving NYC) Must Love Dogs - Saving NYC Dogs)
OR email [email protected] for guidance and assistance.
PLEASE NOTE: To foster, you have to be within prescribed range of NYC ACC approved New Hope rescues you are applying with,
and to adopt you will have to be in the general NE US area; NY, NJ, CT, PA, DC, MD, DE, NH, RI, MA, VT & ME (some rescues will transport to VA).
Shelter contact information:
Phone number: 212-788-4000 (automated only)
Email: [email protected]
Manhattan Animal Care Center
326 East 110th Street
New York, NY 10029
Staten Island Animal Care Center
3139 Veterans Road West
Staten Island, NY 10309
Queens Animal Care Center
1906 Flushing Ave
Ridgewood, NY 11385
Adoption hours:
Monday through Friday: 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
(Closed on all Holidays and Training Days, as listed on their website www.nycacc.org)
Adoption fees depend on dog's age. Please email the ACC for more info. Fees include pre-adoption medical care and vaccines, deworming,
spay/neutering and one free follow-up visit to specific veterinarians.
Open for donation drop off:
Monday – Sunday (10am – 6pm)
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* NYC ACC RATING SYSTEM *
All adopters/foster go through screening process set by NYCACC, which involves submission of pertinent documents, an interview with ACC adoption counselors, to determine if dog is suitable for the home. Dogs can go beyond Northeastern States as long as the adopters go to the ACC in person to pick up the dog.
Level 1
Dogs can go to homes with little dog experience, with children no younger than 5 years old.
Level 2
Dogs can go to homes with some previous dog experience, and with no children under 5 years old.
Level 3
Dogs can go to homes with more experience, and with no children under 13 years old.
Level 4
Dogs can go to ADULTS ONLY homes with very experienced adopters or fosters
NHO
Dogs need to be pulled by a New Hope Rescue, homes would be screened by a New Hope rescue and by the ACC, for suitability. Adopters, fosters need to be highly experienced, and have no children below 18 years of age.
