Calligraphy is a handsome 1-year-old, 41lb German Shepherd mix looking for a very specific kind of sanctuary. He was found as a stray and arrived at the shelter with a history of livestock harassment and significant behavioral hurdles. Calligraphy is currently severely under-socialized and has found the high-pressure shelter environment difficult to navigate. Because he remains quite fearful and has had limited human handling, he requires a quiet, predictable home that can move at his speed. While his journey has been slow, we are finally seeing signs of hope. Calligraphy has recently started to turn a corner with his leash training, proving that with the right guidance, he is capable of learning and connecting. He isn't a plug-and-play dog, but he is a resilient one who simply needs a translator for the human world. He needs a patient guardian who understands that progress is measured in inches, not miles. If you have the skills to help a fearful dog find his confidence and the space to let him progress on his own terms, Calligraphy may be the rewarding challenge you’ve been looking for.
Ideal Home
A quiet, predictable home where Calligraphy can progress at his own pace. He may benefit from living with a calm, confident dog who can model appropriate behavior and help build trust in new environments. He requires an experienced handler who is knowledgeable and rescue-savvy, specifically with rehabilitating fearful or shut-down dogs.
Ongoing Health
No specific ongoing health conditions are mentioned in the description.
Training & Support
Calligraphy is undersocialized and has handling issues. He requires a minimum of 2 weeks for decompression, during which he should not be forced to interact and his warning signals (lip lifting, showing teeth, low growls, stiffening) must be respected by creating distance. Muzzle training is strongly recommended for safety during necessary close-range interactions. He is a flight risk and escape risk, so a dragline should be used for a minimum of two weeks, and a secure grip on the leash is essential outdoors. He should never be left unsupervised outdoors, even in a fenced yard. He requires a properly fitted martingale collar and a standard flat clip leash. Longlines can be used in enclosed yards for extra space, but tie-outs should not be used, and the leash should always be held by the handler. He may startle, bark, snap, or attempt to flee when you return home, so he should be secured in a crate or quiet room before leaving to make re-entry calm and predictable. Walks should be restricted to low-traffic, quiet areas.
Application Details:
- Applications start by contacting us through Wags.
- Interested parties must visit PACC before the COB Tuesday, February 3rd to meet with an adoption counselor.
- Reach out to a rescue group ASAP to start their approval process.
- Rescue groups should contact PACC at PACC.UrgentDogs@pima.gov if approved to pull.
Transportation
Calligraphy is located at PACC. If you are a partnered rescue approved to pull, you will need to coordinate transportation.
