EMERGENCY PLACEMENT DEADLINE CLOSE OF BUSINESS SUNDAY 02/22/26 AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION OR FOSTER THROUGH PACC Name: PERCY Animal ID: 879302 Age: 3 YEARS Weight: 45 LBS. Web Link: 24petconnect.com/PimaAdoptablePets/Details/PIMA/A879302 About: Meet Percy: With his striking black-and-tan coat and a one-of-a-kind tongue dappled with purple spots (perhaps a hint of Chow Chow heritage?), Percy is a dog who truly stands out in a crowd. But Percy is more than just a handsome face; he is a velcro dog who spent four months in his previous home proving just how devoted he can be to his people. His previous owners described him as playful, affectionate, and happiest when he is right by your side. Percy is looking for a very specific lifestyle match to help him be his best self. Because he’s a complex guy, he has a few items on his wish list for his forever home: • Adults Only, Please: Percy has shown he is uncomfortable with and around children and has a history of nipping when overwhelmed. He needs a home with no kids and a slow, supervised introduction to everyone in the household—especially the men. • Percy has a high prey drive and a history of injuring livestock (goats/chickens). He needs a home with no small animals, cats, or livestock. • A Secure Sanctuary: Percy is a bit of an escape artist! He has a history of bolting on the leash, so he requires a secure, fenced yard and a strong, confident handler who can guide him on walks and work with him on leash manners. • Percy struggles with separation anxiety and has shown some resource guarding with other dogs. He would thrive as an only dog, or potentially with one other dog if his owners are committed to structured training. Specifically with crate training, which can be his safe space where he can enjoy high-value enrichment and decompress. Why Percy? We know that’s a lot of fine print, but here is the truth: Dogs don’t come pre-built with perfect manners. They are living, breathing works in progress. In the right environment—one that provides structure, safety, and patience—Percy will be the most loyal companion you’ve ever had. He isn’t looking for just any house; he’s looking for a partner who understands that the best bonds are the ones you work for. If you’re a savvy dog lover ready to give this stunning Shepherd mix the chance he deserves, come to PACC and ask to meet Percy. He’s waiting to show you his heart (and those cool purple spots!). Available for long term foster care (30+ days) or adoption through PACC. Interested parties: Must visit PACC before the Sunday February 22, 2026 deadline to meet with a counselor who will review notes and introduce you to the dog to ensure that it’s a good fit. Some dogs may also require an introduction to any dogs they may potentially live with. Home Management Plan Prey Drive: • Percy has display chasing behaviors or pull toward small animals such as cats, rabbits, livestock or wildlife while on walks. A confident, strong handler is recommended for safe management. • Prey drive can be instinctual, breed-related, or a learned behavior reinforced by past experiences. • Training and Management: Use a secure martingale collar or properly fitted harness during walks. Avoid off-leash areas where small animals may be present. No Small animal or livestock • has fatally injured goats/chickens Resource Guards Items or Food: from other dogs • Percy may guard valued items such as food, toys, bones, or resting spaces. • Management: Do not attempt to take items directly from their mouth or reach into their food bowl. Instead, trade with a high-value treat or toy to encourage voluntary release or when picking up a food bowl, call the dog away from the bowl into another room before picking up. • Feeding Protocol: Feed them separately from other pets and in a quiet, low-traffic area. Allow them to eat undisturbed. Remove food bowls only after they have finished and moved away. • Muzzle Training: Conditioning them to wear a muzzle can be beneficial during resource-handling practice or when introducing high-value items around people or other animals. • Professional Support: Work with a qualified trainer or behaviorist to develop safe management and counterconditioning techniques. • Recognize Warning Signals: Be aware of early signs of guarding behavior, such as stiffening, hovering over items, growling, or showing teeth. Respect these signals by calmly creating distance and redirecting their focus. Resource Guarding Space From Dogs: • Percy may guard personal areas such as a bed, crate, or resting spot from other dogs, especially in tight or shared spaces. • Provide Individual Spaces: Ensure each dog in the home has their own designated area for rest, eating, and downtime. Avoid placing beds, crates, or feeding areas directly next to each other. • Respect Boundaries: Do not force dogs into each other’s space or allow them to crowd one another, particularly during rest or when settling in new environments. • Supervision: Closely supervise interactions during the initial adjustment period. If tension or guarding behaviors arise, calmly separate and redirect each dog to their own area. • Training Support: Work with a qualified trainer to help build positive associations with shared spaces and reduce competitive behaviors over time. Escape Risk • Percy has a strong curiosity and may attempt to explore beyond confinement or containment areas. • Supervision Required: Always supervise outdoor time, including in fenced yards. Ensure gates and doors are securely latched before allowing them outside. • Preventive Measures: Use a properly fitted martingale collar and standard clip leash during walks. Avoid leaving them unattended in any unsecured area, including open garages, yards or vehicles. • Longline Use: When spending time outdoors in an enclosed yard, use a longline to give them extra space to explore while keeping them safe and under control. Do NOT use tie outs, leash should be held and maintained by the handler at all times. Should NOT be used in unenclosed or public spaces. Separation Anxiety: • Percy may experience stress or anxiety when left alone, which can result in vocalization, pacing, or destructive behaviors. • Crate Training: Proper crate training can provide a safe space and help prevent destructive behaviors when unsupervised. • Enrichment & Comfort: Provide mental stimulation through frozen kongs, puzzle toys, or other enrichment items. Background noise such as calming music or television can also help reduce stress. • Gradual Independence: Practice short departures and slowly increase alone time to build their comfort level. People Selective: with kids; NO kids, men • Percy prefers to choose their own human friends and may not be comfortable with everyone. Always allow them to approach new people on their own terms. • Introductions: Keep initial introductions calm, controlled, and brief. Encourage visitors to avoid direct eye contact or reaching towards them until trust is built. • Muzzle Training: Conditioning [insert name] to comfortable wear a muzzle is recommended for new introductions to ensure safety and reduce stress. • Visitor Management: Keep them securely separated when unfamiliar people are present, especially if they show signs of discomfort or stress.