Asheko arrived at ACCT Philly after being found as a stray near a church on North Allegheny. Though he was initially scared and attempted to defend himself when approached, he has been steadily opening up since arriving at the shelter. With patience and calm handling, he has begun showing his gentler side-offering soft eyes, slow tail wags, and even brief moments of wiggly affection as he gains trust. Asheko is a sensitive little guy who needs someone who will let him set the pace. Volunteers describe him as shy at first but sweet, and he's already showing progress with leash skills, handling, and exploring new environments. He thrives with slow introductions, quiet reassurance, and a predictable, low-stress routine that helps him feel safe. With the right adopter who can help him blossom, Asheko has every potential to grow into a devoted and loving companion. VIDEOS Getting Asheko to open up: https://youtube.com/shorts/TKNNLCVL5w4?feature=share BEHAVIORAL NOTES 12/07/2025 Per staff behavioral eval: Kennel Presentation: At the front of the kennel with wide eyes and ears forward with low slow tail wags. Leash Skills: Easy to leash came right up and walked right out of the kennel. Walked slower behind me, a lot of stopping to sniff areas that dogs have peed. Continued to walk with verbal encouragement. Sociability: pretty social with time. Spent a good portion of the first part of being in the pen sniffing and marking. I just sat on the bench waiting for him to come to me. He did come up a few times while I was sitting on the bench put his front paws on my knees with soft eyes, loose wiggly body and then walked away again. I knelt down and he came over loose wiggly jumping up on me. Play: n/a Dog Interaction: no dogs around Return to Kennel: Needed a treat tossed in the hiss kennel and he followed. Unleashed without issue. Color Level: blue Recommendations and considerations: needs a slow approach. Someone who will let him come out of his shell and blossom on his own time. Per volunteer 12/7: I was a little hesitant taking Asheko out based on his notes but I had absolutely zero issues! He was easy to leash and seemed eager to get out. He had already been outside and on a walk a few minutes prior so I took him right to the volunteer office to get him photoshoot ready. He was definitely a little nervous and shy, avoiding touch and sometimes giving a little whale eye. He did not take any treats from anyone or when they were tossed to him. We tried a bow that ended up being too big on him but had no issues putting it around him. I then picked him up to put on another bow and he allowed me to pick him up and dress him no problem. I held him for the photos and he did great! He was even giving some tail wags while people were baby talking. Used the clip method to put him back and he tried pushing out a bit but other than that nothing! He is a sweet boy. Per volunteer 12/7: He was very nervous at first and needed encouragement to go through doorways but would go through as long as I promised we'd go through together and he'd stick right next to my leg until we were past. Generally stuck like glue to me but relaxed slowly as we walked. Seems sweet just shy. MEDICAL NOTES Weight Date 14.4 lbs 12/04/2025 Vaccination History Rabies Rabvac 1 (Elanco) DHPP Duramune Max 5 (Elanco) 12/04/2025 - Completed Bordetella (Kennel Cough), Adenovirus, Parainfluenza Bronchi-Shield III (Elanco) 12/04/2025 - Completed Treatment History Barrier for Dogs Imidacloprid topical Moxidectin topical 1 application(s) Topically once 12/04/2025 - Complete Diagnostic Tests History Snap Parvo Test SNAP Parvo (IDEXX) 12/04/2025 - Completed Results Snap-Parvo-Test: Negative Physical Exam History Tech Exam: Intake - Medical 12/04/2025 | 3:12 pm - Completed Clinic ACCT Philly Weight 14.4 lbs Body Condition Score 5 - Ideal Assessment Microchip Found? no Microchip entered on profile? yes Found Chip placed on hold? no Collar placed? yes Age- 1 yr Urogenital- male Altered- no Eyes- ou-clear Ears- au-clean Nose- clear Coat/Skin- clean Teeth- white Gums- pink moist Musculoskeletal- good Behavior- Q.AR fearful ACCT Philly is located at 111 West Hunting Park Ave in Philadelphia. We are open for adoptions 7 days a week, from 10am to 6pm, and no appointments are needed! 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/ 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.