Twix has been on the Call to Action list at Ventura County Animal Services for 4-5 months, with no interest. He is now listed as Priority 1 and is in need of urgent placement outside of the shelter!
When Twix (7 y/o GSD x Lab mix) arrived at the shelter he displayed consistent defensive aggression, and was not safely handleable. Thanks to dedicated team of staff /volunteers, he’s made amazing progress! Twix has been enjoying walks to the park, treats, and chasing a ball in the yard. According to a previous owner, he is “protective, but an absolute sweetheart when he gets to know you”, and his volunteer friends would agree. Twix will lean on certain people for pets, takes treats nicely, and knows sit, down, & shake.
Twix’s challenge is with handling and new people approaching - in and out of the shelter environment. His responses to meeting new people have varied widely. He initially lunged and attempted to bite shelter staff, who needed to use a catch pole to safely remove him from the finder’s vehicle. Since then, his reactions to strangers have ranged from growling/barking or whipping his head around to issue a warning, to accepting treats nicely if approached slowly in a controlled environment. Twix likely will need support meeting strangers, should be muzzled in public, and may require sedation for veterinary care.
He has greeted other dogs appropriately, engaging in light play in some instances, but in others, “avoided dogs” or “persistently pursued” an individual dog.
Unfortunately, his opportunities for enrichment and adoption are limited at the shelter, and we do not feel Twix is safely placeable in the average home. With ongoing training and management, Twix may make a loving, loyal companion for those not looking for a brewery or dog park type. However, long term housing at the shelter is not a feasible or humane life for any animal.
We are urgently seeking a rescue group or experienced individual to take on Twix’s care. Humane euthanasia may be considered if no placement is found.
Adopters, please come to the shelter to meet Twix from 1-6PM or email animal.care@ventura.org. Additional counseling may be required. RESCUE GROUPS: Please contact vcar.rescue@ventura.org if you’d like to help Twix.
