Meet Sparticus, a 7-year-old big teddy bear who was surrendered when his owner had to move and couldn't take him along. He loves giving hugs and enjoys all-over pets. Sparticus is also playful and has a blast with squeaky toys. He's ready to find a new home where he can share all his love and playful energy!
Sparticus is currently eligible for rescue, foster and adoption. Head to ACCT Philly any day of the week from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., or email foster@acctphilly.org to express interest in fostering him!
Videos:
Sparticus playing with a toy: https://youtube.com/shorts/UA0RGUT_d24?feature=share
Sparticus leads the way: https://youtube.com/shorts/WVaTQ6qgzgs?feature=share
Sparticus loves fetch!: https://youtube.com/shorts/M0Ky2ni4GLI?feature=share
Behavioral:
Per Day Trip 10/12: "From the time I picked Spartacus up from the shelter, he was a very good boy. In our initial car ride, he was a little nervous, but that eventually subsided. Our first stop was a park, and he just wanted to experience everything. Sniffing and going to the bathroom (he was great about always going outside), and never aggressing towards other dogs. We did come across a few other dogs during our walk and, while he was always interested, he didn't try to lunge. There were a few suspect squirrels that we saw and he didn't care for them, too much. It was noted when I picked him up, and it became abundantly from the outset, that he's a strong boy. He certainly is, but is usually redirected with firm direction on the leash. Some leash training and patience would definitely help him blossom. After a good long walk at the park, we went over to my parents house. Their backyard is fenced in, so it gave us a good chance for some fetch, which he excelled at. I might have thrown it close to 20 times, and he brought it back to me every time. Getting the ball out of his mouth was easy, and he was very gentle. When I, or my parents, would give him treats, he took them very gently. That, being gentle, is definitely one of his best traits. He loves his pets and was very good with my parents (while we were in their backyard). One last point, he did get some face time (about 6 feet away on the other side of the door/fence) with some smaller dogs and he was a gentleman. No aggression, and I suspect, after slow introductions, he'd be a wonderful big brother. Bottom line is he's sweet boy who'll make a great companion for years to come."
Per staff 10/11: BEHAVIOR EVALUATION: Sparticus
KNOWN HISTORY:
Owner surrender - moving. Spartacus likes to chase cats and squirrels, no cats or small animals!
KENNEL PRESENTATION:
SParticus was standing by the door with soft eyes and mid level wags when I approached his kennel. He was easy to leash and came right out once secured.
LEASH SKILLS:
Pulls moderately to strongly, would definitely benefit from a harness that fits him!
HANDLING:
Spartacus was loose and wiggly right away with me in the yard. Hesniffed around curiously and allowed me to give him some body pets as he explored. Once he got a good sniff he approached me with mid level wags and soft eyes and solicited some attention. He allowed all over pets, and then stepped on a squeaky toy and got playful! He got so excited and happily chased the toy, gently mouthing it when he got it. Spartacus preferred rubber squeaky toys, but liked stuffed ones too. He let me take toys from right in front of him without an issue, and also traded for a new toy. He took treats very gently and showed me his handsome "sit and "shake! He allowed all handling with no issues and was just happy to get some attention. He got a little reactive when he saw a dog through the fence, posturing with a high tail and some alert barks, but his owner reported that he is dog friendly, so this may just be some barrier reactivity. Overall, Sparticus is a chill pittie that just wants to hang out!
PLAY
Some interest, more interested in playing with toys but did run around with me
TOYS:
Loves squeaky toys, especially rubber ones! He would let me take toys from right in front of him, and would trade for a new toy!
Per Volunteer 10/13: Sparticus greeted me at the kennel door, displaying an excited, fast wagging tail when I told him that I was taking him for a walk. Sparticus is very housetrained, and the poor guy took a long pee after taking a couple of steps out the door. Sparticus mostly walked close to me and would only pull when he saw a squirrel or another dog. He is a bright and happy dog, his tail almost always wagging. Sparticus loved having his back and butt scratched. He sat calmly and took his treats gently. I had no issue returning him to his kennel. Sparticus is a very good boy.
Per staff 10/9: Super sweet teddy bear! Sparticus did great for his physical exam and wanted to give everyone hugs. He allowed us to do his vaccines and microchip without any restraint, and he is very food motivated!
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 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.
