07/13/2026
Hey NECCOG.. just a few questions for you.. Peso’s glow up is REAL
Peso is safe. But there are still questions that deserve answers.
When Peso was returned, he was publicly described as having “behavioral challenges,” having “shown aggression toward other animals and certain people,” and that “he would need placement with a rescue equipped to handle these issues.”
Those are significant statements. Labels like these can influence whether a dog is adopted, rescued, or euthanized.
Now that Peso is in our care, we’re getting to know the dog behind those words.
So we have questions.
What specific behaviors led to the conclusion that Peso had “behavioral challenges”?
What documented incidents led to the statement that he had “shown aggression toward other animals and certain people”?
Was there a formal behavioral evaluation? If so, who performed it?
Were there documented bite reports or injuries that support those statements?
Did Peso’s behavioral evaluation take place only hours after he was returned?
If so, how can a dog be expected to provide an accurate representation of their true temperament immediately after losing the only home he’d known?
A dog that has just been returned is experiencing one of the most stressful moments of its life. They’re confused, grieving, frightened, and overwhelmed. Some dogs completely shut down, while others become anxious or reactive because of the sudden change in environment. Stress can significantly influence behavior, which is why behavior assessments are generally more meaningful after a dog has had time to decompress and be observed over time, especially when the outcome of that evaluation could determine whether the dog lives or dies.
If Peso was reportedly being considered for euthanasia, what evidence supported that decision?
These questions aren’t about attacking anyone. They’re about transparency and accountability. When terms like “behavioral challenges” and “shown aggression toward other animals and certain people” are used, there should be clear documentation explaining how those conclusions were reached.
Peso is now safe in our care, and every day we’re learning more about who he really is outside the walls of a shelter. We know he cannot live with cats, and we are continuing to evaluate him with other dogs. What we’ve seen so far is a dog who absolutely loves people, rides wonderfully in the car, lives for tennis balls, enjoys checking out the chickens and our pig, and is finally getting the opportunity to decompress and simply be a dog. That’s exactly why we’re asking these questions. A dog deserves to be evaluated over time, not judged by one of the most stressful moments of their life. Every behavioral label should be supported by thorough, documented assessments because those labels can ultimately determine whether a dog gets a second chance or loses their life.
