For a moment he is a dog with a toy but our hearts are breaking because today he is slated to ‘be put to sleep’

At the Staten Island facility of the New York City Animal Care Centers, for a moment young Droolius Caesar is a happy dog playing with a toy. Sadly, today the shelter has scheduled this dog to be euthanized.

Less than ten days ago, he arrived at the shelter as a stray. He was fine when he arrived; he was relaxed, friendly and happy as he met the veterinary staff, but shelter life – even such a short stay, has made Droolius stressed. At first he wagged his tail, but being in a cage all day except for short walks has taken its toll.

He has been quite a “Nervous Nellie” when walking over city street grates and other objects he appears to be unfamiliar with, and we wonder if he’s spent most of his life inside and has never experienced the sights, smells and sounds all facing him at such an incredibly fast pace. Droolius surely prefers the calm, quiet, loving structured home where he can decompress and be himself.

A volunteer writes:

“Once he is leashed (and that is easy to do), he is eager to get outside and explore the sidewalks, parks, and vegetation with his friends, the shelter staff, by his side. He bunny hops, he wags his tail, he visibly relaxes, he breathes a sigh of relief that he is free. And why not. He is a young boy who wants to be in company, and he pulls you like a sled in the Iditarod when he gets out of doors. Certainly he could benefit from some training – leash manners, “graceful greetings (he loves to jump on you), and some calming commands like “down” and “place” so he can channel his enthusiasm in a positive way and remain calm in the face of distractions.”

Check out his video:

DROOLIUS CAESAR, ID#156335, 3yrs old, 68lbs, Male
Staten Island ACC, Large Mixed Breed, Brown Brindle / White
I came to the shelter as a stray on 10/18/22
Shelter Assessment Rating: LEVEL 4
No children (under 13)
Medical Behavior Rating: 2. BLUE

Leash Walking
Strength and pulling: Hard
Reactivity to humans: None – ignores
Reactivity to dogs: Inconclusive – did not pass dogs on the walk
Leash walking comments: No reactivity seen passing kennel.

Sociability
Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Moderately social – Stays near handler, also explores on his own
Call over: Approaches with coaxing
Sociability comments:

Handling
Soft handling: Tolerates contact – neutral body, distracted smelling the ground
Exuberant handling: Tolerates contact – neutral body, distracted smelling the ground, moves away
Handling comments

NOTE: A private donor has graciously offered to pay $500 to the New Hope partner that pulls Droolious 

Shelter contact information:
Phone number (212) 788-4000
Email [email protected]
Shelter Addresses:
Brooklyn Shelter: 2336 Linden Boulevard Brooklyn, NY 11208

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Email: [email protected]

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