Princeton

BACKGROUND: Brought in for protective custody hold 10/1/26. Dog was given green dot on intake. Staff were able to handle dog for intake procedures, including vaccines, without issues.B SHELTER HANDLING: Volunteers and staff have been able to leash, walk, and pet dog during outings with no issues. Dog has been relaxed with all handling in the shelter. Green for volunteer handling. Dog can be made available for adoption after hold period.

Symptom: Other (Enter Detailed Notes)

**Adoption Disclosure bx00 Senior Dog with Multiple Medical Conditions (Hospice Adoption)** The dog you are adopting is a senior dog with several age-related and potentially serious medical conditions. Despite these findings, he is currently comfortable, happy, eating well, and enjoying walks and attention from people. None of his medical conditions appear to be significantly affecting his quality of life at this time. Masses (Growths): This dog has two masses: one on a toe of his left rear paw and another near his belly button. The mass near his belly button is ulcerated (has an open area) with some mild discharge. These masses could be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). X-rays did not show evidence of cancer spreading to the chest or abdomen, and no obvious bone involvement was seen in the affected toe. However, X-rays cannot rule out cancer or microscopic spread. Additional testing, such as a biopsy, would be needed to determine what these masses are. Ideally, surgical removal of the masses would be considered, particularly the toe mass, which may require amputation of the affected toe. However, given his advanced age, heart murmur, and other medical conditions, anesthesia and surgery carry additional considerations and risks. The shelter is unable to provide the level of postoperative care that these procedures may require. No further diagnostics or surgery are planned while he is in shelter care. Since the masses are not currently causing obvious pain or significantly affecting his quality of life, it is reasonable to consider leaving them untreated and monitoring for changes. However, the masses could grow, become infected, bleed, or cause discomfort in the future, and treatment may eventually become necessary. Heart Murmur: A moderate-to-loud heart murmur (grade 3bx004/6) was detected on examination. Heart murmurs can be caused by several conditions, including age-related heart valve disease. Chest X-rays did not show obvious enlargement of the heart or evidence of congestive heart failure, which is reassuring. However, X-rays cannot determine the underlying cause or severity of heart disease. An echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) would be needed for a more complete evaluation. Heart disease may remain stable for some time or worsen with age. Severe Dental Disease: This dog has severe dental disease, including significant tartar buildup and gum inflammation. Ideally, this would be addressed with a comprehensive dental procedure under anesthesia, potentially including tooth extractions. Due to his other medical conditions and the shelter's limited resources, dental treatment will not be performed here. While he continues to eat well and has no obvious signs of significant discomfort, dental disease can cause pain and infection and may worsen over time. Hind Limb Stiffness / Suspected Arthritis: This dog has some stiffness in his rear legs, likely related to arthritis or other age-related joint changes. He is currently able to walk, sit, stand, and get around comfortably without major difficulty. Stiffness or mobility problems may progress with age, and pain management or other supportive care may be beneficial in the future. Hearing Changes: This dog appears to be deaf or have limited ability to hear. This is most likely an age related change. Given his advanced age and multiple chronic medical conditions, this dog is being considered for a hospice-type adoption, meaning our primary goal is to place him with a comfortable, loving home and maintain a good quality of life for whatever time he has remaining. Although several of his medical conditions would ideally receive further diagnostics or treatment, it is also reasonable to consider a more conservative approach focused on comfort and quality of life rather than pursuing diagnostics and procedures. Adopters may choose to perform additional diagnostics, treatments, or surgeries including those mentioned in the above section.This does not mean that he is necessarily at the end of his life, and it is not possible to predict how much time he has remaining. Some senior dogs with similar conditions do well for extended periods, while others may experience more rapid progression of disease. We recommend establishing care with a regular veterinarian after adoption to discuss his medical conditions, ongoing monitoring, pain management, and whether additional diagnostics or treatment would be appropriate. Adopters should understand that some of these conditions may worsen and could eventually require significant medical care or humane euthanasia if his quality of life declines. Oakland Animal Services will not be performing additional diagnostics or surgical treatment for these conditions. Any veterinary evaluations, treatments, or supportive care after adoption will be the responsibility of the adopter.

S: Dog-dog evaluation with a male tester dog. Tester dog selected due to his ability to politely greet and not escalate conflict.

O: At the gate, dog was calm and non-reactive. Inside the yard, dog was approached by the tester. Dog took a couple of steps forward to greet, tail wagging as he sniffed nose-to-nose. Wandered away to eliminate and remained independent for the remainder of the evaluation.B

A: Independent, Low Energy, Low Contact, Neutral Social Dynamic, no Corrections or Conflict observed, Playgroup Size 2-3.

P: Recommend placement with appropriately matched dogs, or placed as a solo dog with appropriate dog friends.

Princeton – Gentle, Mellow, and Easygoing

Meet Princeton, a 14-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier mix who embodies the quiet sweetness of a senior gentleman.

• Dream Walking Companion: Princeton is a pleasure on leash! He doesn’t pull or bark, instead maintaining a slow, steady, comfortable pace. He takes direction well and makes every walk feel like a relaxing stroll.
• Calm & Gentle: Princeton is remarkably composed, even when excited dogs walk nearby. He stays quiet and nonreactive, showing off his wonderfully mellow personality.
• Curious Sniffer: He loves taking his time to sniff and explore the world around him. For Princeton, a walk is all about enjoying the little things at his own pace.
• Sweet Senior Soul: Quiet and still in his kennel, Princeton brings a peaceful presence wherever he goes. He is not always interested in hot dogs or other treats during his outing, but his gentle nature speaks for itself.

Princeton would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.