06/06/2026
🚨 SPECIAL PLACEMENT NEEDED FOR BANKS 🚨
NOT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC ADOPTION
I know it’s long but if you will read it all it will likely answer any questions you may have.
This has been one of the hardest decisions we've faced. Banks has stolen our hearts, but he has issues…what our vet believes is neurological issues along with signs of abuse. We've tried everything we know to do, things our vet suggested, meds, and even placed him in a different environment hoping a change of scenery would make a difference. Unfortunately, while he initially did very well, he eventually had another episode and this time he did successfully bite. All the other times with us he lunged but never went through with the act.
Most of the time Banks is a happy, playful dog. He enjoys people, and gets along with ALL dogs. He is fully vetted. But he has sudden, unpredictable behavioral episodes that appear to be neuro. He goes into spinning after the episode and also his jaw basically clicks. In the past he would lunge and act as though he might bite, but this most recent incident escalated further. At this point, we believe Banks needs someone w/ specialized experience in neurological and behavioral disorders… someone who understands cases far beyond what a typical rescue(like me), foster, or adopter can safely manage. We are willing to transfer ownership to the right qualified person or organization. If you know someone who specializes in complex neurological or behavioral cases, please tag them below or send us a DM.
Videos in comments. First video is of him snapping on my son this week when he tried to put a collar on him for us to walk him. Yet please know at first he let us put a collar on him and a leash. He loves my son too! He gets so excited when he comes in, grabs a toy and is ready to play! He will curl up right beside my son on the couch and let him love and pet him… BUT anywhere from 3 min-20 min later when not even petting or touching he will snap and go into attack mode. The others are of him playing with the other pups here so you can see his personality. He really has a great personality if we can get him over these triggers but unfortunately none are the same nor have the same triggers some absolutely no triggers at all. This week one lady was tying her shoe, he was several feet away and he did it again.
🦮 Other Rescue company/friends 🐕🦺 please tag anyone you may have worked with in the past.
Also, before attacking us for something you think we're doing wrong, understand that we are working closely w/ our vet and have been from the beginning when the lady that found him reached out to us. We would not be asking for advice if we didn't love Banks and want what is best for him. The reality is that many people would have chosen euthanasia months ago. Instead, we have spent the last 2+ months trying everything we know to do to help him. We immediately had him neutered, we had everything checked we could think of except a MRI but as a rescue I do not have $3500-5k to spend on him, that would shut me down completely for the year. I am simply at a point where my rescue may not be the right place for Banks long-term. Not b/c we don't love him, but b/c I don't believe we have the amount of time and specialized experience he needs to truly succeed. I currently have 15 dogs in my care, work a full-time job, and have a family that I rarely get to spend time w/ b/c so much of my life revolves around this rescue. None of this is a complaint it's simply the reality of what rescue looks like.
🖤 Update to a lot of questions below 🖤
📣 We do not know Banks' history. 📣
Here is a quick summary of everything we have tried w/ Banks over the past 10 wks
* Gabapentin
* Trazodone
* Prozac
* Wellix Calming Bites
* NaturVet Calming Aid
* Purina Pro Plan Calming Care
In addition, he has had
* Full blood work completed
* Urinalysis completed
* A thorough vet exam under sedation while being neutered, including evaluation of his mouth, ears, tail, back, and overall physical condition
* Several days of observation at our vets office
Yesterday, we also started him on pharmaceutical grade CBD treats along with a CBD oil.
* His behavior is not directed toward one specific type of person. He has exhibited these reactions toward both men and women… 18yrs old to 60yrs old. The concerning part is that the episodes can seem completely unpredictable. He can be friendly, affectionate, and relaxed one moment, then suddenly react aggressively.
* We are also unable to leash him without risking a bite, which means we cannot safely take him for walks. A harness is completely out of the question at this point, as attempting to put one on him would almost certainly result in someone being bitten. Handling his collar, reaching toward his neck, or attempting to attach a leash can trigger an immediate reaction.
* At this point, we are simply trying to determine whether this is behavioral, neurological, fear-based, pain-related, or some combination of factors so we can make the best decision possible for Banks while also ensuring the safety of everyone involved… that’s my #1 priority.
* We do have an appointment Mon. 06/08 w/ an evaluation for him w/ a behavioral modification specialist. I’ll update after that.
I am really trying here, and I hope people can see that. ❤️ I’m not perfect nor am I a behavioral specialist, but I am doing everything I can to help and give him the best chance. TY to everyone who has been kind it means more than you know.