12/07/2025
RESCUE-ONLY DEADLINE 630PM WEDNESDAY 12/10/25
Must be pulled by a partnered rescue
Name: Ethina
Animal ID: A871349
Age: 2 years
Weight: 50 lbs.
About: Ethina, a gorgeous blue and white Pitty mix, is a dog who has completely captured the hearts of the staff and volunteers here at the shelter. She first arrived after being tragically abandoned by her family alongside another dog, an unfortunate start that required one of our dedicated field officers to bring her safely into our care. Since that initial arrival, Ethina has tried to find her forever home, being adopted twice—once returning as a stray and once as an owner surrender. Like many beloved shelter dogs, Ethina recently faced a census deadline when the population soared past 550, leading her to a temporary foster home, but she was unfortunately returned again.
Her history holds some critical details that define the kind of home she needs. While in foster, Ethina was returned following a bite, the circumstances of which are unclear. Further back, there is an undocumented incident where Ethina fatally injured the owner's cat, and the owner was bitten while trying to separate them. Because of these safety concerns, Ethina is steadfastly looking for her final forever home where she can reign as the undisputed queen and the only pet—no other dogs, and certainly no cats. She deserves a commitment that is as deep as the love she has to give.
Despite her challenging past, Ethina is a world-class snuggler and cuddle bug, often described as playful but also happy to embrace her inner couch potato. Her foster family noted she seemed most comfortable around women and demonstrated protective barking towards strangers, meaning she will require proper, slow introductions to all new people. Even if a first meeting goes well, there should never be any forced handling or interactions. It was also mentioned by her first adoptive family that she displayed some anxiety when left alone, a behavior that her new family will need to manage with patience and understanding.
Ethina deserves an incredibly loving home, but she also needs a specialized commitment. For her safety and success, Ethina requires a potential adopter who is willing to partner with a rescue organization. This rescue must be committed to backing up the adopter, ensuring they have access to support, training, and resources that PACC may not be able to provide should any new behavioral challenges arise. If you believe you can provide this loyal, loving dog with her final, commitment-backed forever home, please come to PACC and ask to meet Ethina before her deadline expires.
Adoption Process:
All interested parties must meet the dog at PACC before their deadline. Some dogs may also require an introduction to any dogs they may potentially live with. Once introductions are complete and if the IP has decided this dog may be a good fit, the process is as follows:
Interested parties:
Must visit PACC before the COB Wednesday December 10th, 2025 deadline to meet with an adoption counselor who will go over notes and introduce you to the dog.
Are encouraged to reach out to a rescue group ASAP (even before coming to PACC), to start the rescue approval process. Please have the rescue contact PACC at [email protected] if approved to pull.
If an IP has not already contacted a rescue, PACC will notify all partnered rescue groups of an interested party and request their assistance. Once you have come to PACC to meet with the dog and determined that you’d like to move forward, your information will be sent to partnered rescue groups. If a rescue group is interested and feels they may be able to pull, they will then reach out to IPs.
Collaboration with Rescue Groups:
Rescue groups are encouraged to reach out to PACC immediately if they will pull this animal into their rescue (and if there are requirements: Interested adoptive party, spay/neuter if not already completed, etc.)
Rescue groups are encouraged to start their adoption process with any interested parties who have contacted them directly and email PACC at [email protected].
Please note that it is ultimately up to the rescue group's discretion to decide whether to proceed with adoption.
HOME MANAGEMENT PLAN:
Undocumented bite history:
• During an altercation with a cat, owner tried to get her off of the animal and had a minor bite when she redirected.
Bite History:
• Incident Details: moderate bite to leg
No Other Pets:
• Ethina is not suitable for a home with other dogs.
• Reason: she has fatally injured a cat, has resource guarding from dogs
• Management: They should be the only dog in the household. Avoid dog parks, group walks, or introductions to unfamiliar dogs to maintain safety and reduce stress.
• Behaviors could improve with proper management and/or professional training.
Stranger Danger:
• Initial Reaction: Expect your new dog to be uncomfortable around and with new people including yourself until they are comfortable with you, they may bark, snap, or flee.
• Introductions: New people require a slow, controlled introduction. Muzzle training is strongly recommended to ensure safety during any necessary close-range interactions or introductions outside of the immediate family unit.
• Safe Retreat: When guests are expected, [insert name] must be secured in their crate or in a safe, separate room away from the commotion and entry points of the home.
• Walks: Restrict walks to low-traffic, quiet areas where unexpected encounters with people or dogs are minimal.
• Re-Entry Management: During the first few days to weeks, they may startle, bark, snap or attempt to flee when you return home. To prevent stress or accidental escape, secure them in a crate or quiet room before leaving. This helps make door entries calm and predictable rather than frightening.
Possible People Selective: seems more comfortable around women
• Ethina prefers to choose their own human friends and may not be comfortable with everyone. Always allow them to approach new people on their own terms.
• Introductions: Keep initial introductions calm, controlled, and brief. Encourage visitors to avoid direct eye contact or reaching towards them until trust is built.
• Muzzle Training: Conditioning [insert name] to comfortable wear a muzzle is recommended for new introductions to ensure safety and reduce stress.
• Visitor Management: Keep them securely separated when unfamiliar people are present, especially if they show signs of discomfort or stress. Gradual exposure and positive reinforcement are key to success.
• Recognize Warning Signals: The adopter/foster must be attentive to body language, which can indicate stress or potential for escalation. Early warning signs include:
• Lip lifting or showing teeth.
• Low growling or vocal tension.
• Avoidance, stiff posture, or freezing.
• These warnings should be respected immediately by creating distance and giving them space to recover.
