Opal

Opal is proof that first impressions don't tell the whole story. When she arrived at ACCT Philly, she was terrified. Every new person, leash, and unfamiliar experience was overwhelming for this little girl. Staff gave her patience, gentle handling, treats, and the time she needed to realize she was finally safe. Day by day, Opal has blossomed into an affectionate, cuddly little dog who is now ready to find a family of her own.

Today, Opal eagerly greets her favorite people with a wiggly body, soft eyes, and a wagging tail. She loves climbing into laps, asking for belly rubs, and soaking up attention. Watching her transformation has been incredibly rewarding, and we know she'll continue to thrive in a patient home that allows her to build trust at her own pace.

See Opal's journey:

• Opal meeting another dog (Matty Moo): https://youtube.com/shorts/9kGyvx6O-J8?feature=share
• Cuddly Opal: https://youtube.com/shorts/79ASKcWe0jI?si=LoE1-CM4fDHpBXC4
• Happy, affectionate Opal: https://youtube.com/shorts/2fS6aQDwmtA?si=c3VqNlDXl1x7U1vR

Behavior Notes

06/21/2026 During intake, Opal was extremely frightened and displayed defensive behaviors including growling, baring her teeth, and barking. She was placed on a behavioral evaluation due to her fear.

06/23/2026 Opal remained fearful but showed that food could help build trust, happily accepting cream cheese. She was reactive to the leash but did much better when gently carried. She allowed handling of her face and body once she felt safe.

06/24/2026 When she accidentally got loose in the small dog room, Opal stayed along the edges of the room and avoided the person attempting to catch her. She was safely secured using a snappy snare without incident.

06/28/2026 During a formal behavior evaluation, Opal remained very fearful in her kennel, showing wide eyes, pinned ears, trembling, lip licking, stress yawning, and a low tail. She required gentle lasso leashing and needed to be carried outside. In the yard she mostly stood still, overwhelmed by the environment, but tolerated gentle handling despite remaining tense. She met another small dog, Matty Moo, appropriately, allowing him to sniff before calmly moving away.

Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/9kGyvx6O-J8?feature=share

06/29/2026 While moving to an office, Opal initially backed away from the leash and vocalized when it was attached. Once leash pressure was released she settled, allowed herself to be picked up, and was carried calmly to her new space. She remained sensitive during leash removal but recovered quickly.

06/30/2026 A major breakthrough! While staff cleaned her crate, Opal approached voluntarily, leaned into their lap, accepted chin scratches, gently wagged her tail, and happily ate hot dog pieces while her bedding was changed. She willingly returned to her crate using a treat lure.

07/01/2026 Another huge leap in confidence! Opal greeted staff at the front of her crate with a loose, wiggly body, soft eyes, and a wagging tail. She happily came out, jumped up for attention, rolled over for belly rubs, repeatedly tried to sit in laps while her crate was cleaned, and easily returned to her crate with a tossed treat.

07/02/2026 Opal has completely come out of her shell and is now an affectionate cuddle bug! Based on her incredible progress, she has officially been made available for adoption.

Videos: https://youtube.com/shorts/79ASKcWe0jI?si=LoE1-CM4fDHpBXC4

https://youtube.com/shorts/2fS6aQDwmtA?si=c3VqNlDXl1x7U1vR

Opal would do best in an adult-only home where her family can continue helping her build confidence through positive reinforcement, patience, and lots of love. While she may need a little time to settle into a new environment, she's already shown just how incredible she can become when someone gives her that chance.

If you're looking for a dog whose love is earned and incredibly rewarding, Opal is ready to write the next chapter of her story with you.

ACCT Philly is located at 111 West Hunting Park Ave in Philadelphia. We are open for adoptions 7 days a week. 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/

Confirmed placement is considered a confirmation of an actual rescue pull. Possible placement, interested parties, and other "TBD" statuses are not considered confirmed and do not indicate an animal is no longer urgent.

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