05/13/2026
Gelato has been placed with Miller’s Legacy Dog Rescue and Rehab
🚨 At-Risk: Meet Gelato ( #253049) — a goofy, overstimulated boy who desperately needs someone to help him slow the world down.
Gelato is the kind of dog who feels everything at full volume. Excitement, stress, uncertainty, affection—it all comes rushing out at once. In the shelter, that intensity has spiraled into leash biting, jumping, and over-arousal. But outside the kennel chaos? A different side appears.
A staff member sat with Gelato in the yard, and this 54-pound whirlwind quietly climbed into their lap and stayed there. Just sat. Leaning into affection. Taking treats gently. Looking for connection.
That moment matters.
Because dogs like Gelato are often dismissed as “too much,” when what they really are is dogs who never learned how to regulate big feelings in a loud world.
💛 The real Gelato:
Affectionate with people he trusts
Climbed into a handler’s lap for comfort and cuddles
Playful, active, and eager to engage
Treat-motivated and responsive once calm
Loves chew toys and enrichment
Enjoys baths and water
Healthy overall and medically treatable
⚠️ What he needs:
An experienced adult-only home
A New Hope rescue or skilled adopter
Positive, force-free training focused on impulse control and arousal
Structure, decompression, and patience
Someone who understands that excitement can tip into mouthiness when dogs are overwhelmed
🧠 Understanding Gelato:
Gelato has a bite history, including one bite that broke skin, and he absolutely needs responsible handling and management. But context matters: one incident involved pain from an injured nail, and another occurred during a stressful interaction in his crate space. Shelter stress has only amplified his behaviors.
This is not a dog shutting humans out. This is a dog struggling to cope.
And despite all of it, he still seeks affection. He still chooses closeness. He still wants connection.
⏳ Time is running out:
Gelato is on the euthanasia list at Manhattan ACC because he is deteriorating in the shelter environment.
He needs someone who can look past the spinning energy and see the dog underneath: smart, sensitive, affectionate, and trying very hard in a place that’s simply too much for him.
Help Gelato trade survival mode for stability, guidance, and a real chance at life.
If you are an experienced foster or adopter who can save this sweetheart’s life, please hurry and MESSAGE OUR PAGE for assistance.
Gelato ID #253049
Male brown dog
At the Manhattan Animal Care Center
About 3 years old
Weight: 54 lbs
Surrendered as a aco - owner surrender on 4/27/2026, with the surrender reason stated as animal behavior - aggressive towards people.
AT RISK MEMO:
Gelato is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Gelato arrived at the Care Center as an owner surrender. Gelato has two bites reported by his previous owner, one of which broke skin. During his intake Gelato was noted to be highly aroused, observed to be frequently jumping and mouthing handlers when attempting to place him in a crate for transport. Unfortunately Gelato has continued to show a low threshold for arousal during his stay in the Care Center. Gelato has been persistently leash biting when handlers attempt to remove him from kennel and is difficult to redirect with high value treats. When outside of the kennel environment Gelato has been noted to warm up to select staff- readily approaching, soliciting contact, and becoming treat receptive. Medically, Gelato is being treated for CIRDC and has Brachycephalic Syndrome.
Gelato arrived at he Care Center as an owner surrender. Gelato has two bites reported by his previous owner, one of which broke skin. During his intake Gelato was noted to be highly aroused, observed to be frequently jumping and mouthing handlers when attempting to place him in a crate for transport. Unfortunately Gelato has continued to show a low threshold for arousal during his stay in the Care Center. Gelato has been persistently leash biting when handlers attempt to remove him from kennel and is difficult to redirect with high value treats. When outside of the kennel environment Gelato has been noted to warm up to select staff- readily approaching, soliciting contact, and becoming treat receptive. Due to Gelato's bite history and behavioral challenges, we recommend placement with an experienced New Hope Partner in an adult only home.
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 3. Yellow
Behavior History
Basic Information:: Basic Information
Name: Gelato
Age: 1-3 years old
Color: Light brown
S*x: Male
Altered: No
Size: Medium
Surrender Reason: ~Behavior concerns with the owner.
Length of time owned: Since born
Where the previous owner got this dog: Since birth
Previously lived with:: 2 adults no kids
How is this dog around strangers?: Tolerant
How is this dog around children?: No experience
How is this dog around other dogs?: Familiar dogs: Tolerant
Unfamiliar dogs - on leash: Tolerant
Unfamiliar dogs - off leash: No experience
How is this dog around cats?: Cats: No experience
Other Animals: Tolerant
Resource guarding:: Valuable items: None of the above
Reaction: Not reported
Bite history:: Previous bite to a person: Yes
Did the bite break skin: No
Date of last bite: 4/26/2026
Previous bite to another animal: No
Did the other animal need vet care: Not reported
Date of last bite to an animal:
Bitten by another animal: No
Did this dog need vet care: Not reported
Date of last bite by another animal:
Additional info:
Nail pain and after that he stated showing aggression
Bite History Survey Answers:
Victim: Owner/myself
Additional info: Me
Was this the first bite: No
Previous bite before this: 2/17/2026
How many times the dog has bitten in the past: 1-2 times in the past
Bite severity: Scratch and bruise
Medical attention needed: No
Medical attention type: Not reported
Warning signs prior to the bite: Growled, hard barked, and/or snarled
What happened before/during the bite:
The first time his nail was injured. The owner didn’t know they touch it thinking it was dirty and he snap at the owner since than he has growled sometimes
Type of bite: Bite and released immediately
When the biting began: Past year
Housetrained:: Partially
Energy level/descriptors:: Medium
Other Notes:: Goes potty on: Wee-wee pads
Accident frequency: Never
Additional info: Not reported
Behavior concerns: Jumps up and bites/chews leash during walks
Additional info: Not reported
Reacts to on walks: Strangers that approach the home/yard
Reaction type: Growling/Hard barking
Additional info: Not reported
How this dog reacts when...
- Held/restrained: Isn't bothered
- Disturbed while resting/sleeping: Barks/Growls
- Startled: Barks/Growls
- Pushed/pulled off furniture: Fearful
- Paws are touched: Barks/Growls
- Collar grabbed/touched: Isn't bothered
Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No
Medical Notes:
Allergies: Yes
Allergy info: Biscon
Veterinarian: Webster vet
Last vet check: 2/18/2026
For a New Family to Know: Description of this dog most of the time: Very active & Playful
Where the dog spent most time: Living room
Additional info: Not reported
For grooming, this dog: Loves bath time/water
Additional info: Not reported
Walks on leash rating: 3 - Mild to moderate pulling
Walk Frequency: 1-2 times per day
Walk length of time: 15 min
Crate trained: Yes, does well, se porta bien
Hours in crate: 9
Type of crate: Big crate
During car rides, this dog: Nervous getting in or being in the car
Additional info: He cries a lil but relax when been touch
This dog knows the following cues:
Sit
Previous owner's favorite things about the dog:
Chewable bone
This dog's favorite activities/toys/food/snacks:
Cow knew of cheese stick
Type of food the dog eats: Wet Food
Brand of food: Whole hearted salmon
Behavior Assessment
Date of intake:: 4/27/2026
Spay/Neuter status:: No
Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner Surrender
Previously lived with:: 2 adults
Behavior toward strangers:: Gelato is tolerant of strangers
Behavior toward children:: No experience
Behavior toward dogs:: Gelato is tolerant of unfamiliar and familiar dogs
Behavior toward cats:: No experience
Resource guarding:: None reported
Bite history:: Gelato was reported to have bitten twice in the past.
One bite was reported to occur when the owner touched Gelato's nail that was noted to be injured but the owner was note aware at the time. Gelato bit and released leaving a scratch and bruise.
The second bite was reported to occur when the owner was attempting to clean his crate. Gelato bit the owner on the left leg, this bite broke skin causing bleeding. The owner did not seek out medical attention after.
Energy level/descriptors:: Medium
Other Notes:: Description of this dog most of the time: Very active & Playful
Where the dog spent most time: Living room
Additional info: Not reported
For grooming, this dog: Loves bath time/water
Additional info: Not reported
Walks on leash rating: 3 - Mild to moderate pulling
Walk Frequency: 1-2 times per day
Walk length of time: 15 min
Crate trained: Yes, does well, se porta bien
Hours in crate: 9
Type of crate: Big crate
During car rides, this dog: Nervous getting in or being in the car
Additional info: He cries a lil but relax when been touch
This dog knows the following cues:
Sit
Previous owner's favorite things about the dog:
Chewable bone
This dog's favorite activities/toys/food/snacks:
Cow knew of cheese stick
Type of food the dog eats: Wet Food
Brand of food: Whole hearted salmon
Date of assessment:: 5/9/2026
Summary:: Gelato arrived at the Care Center as an owner surrender following a bite incident in the home. When field went to pick up Gelato, he was highly aroused, attempting to jump up and mouth his owner who was helping to place him into a crate for transport. While in care Gelato has become increasingly difficult to handle safely due to persistent leash biting when handlers attempt to leash him. Due to Gelato's bite history and decreasing threshold for arousal, he is not a candidate for a handling assessment.
Summary (6):: 5/9/26: Has handler approaches Gelato is high pitch vocalizing. Gelato is standing on hind legs, he is notably fixated on the leash of the handler. Spray cheese is used generously, Gelato does lick up the spray cheese however immediately refocuses on leash. When handler attempts to keep Gelato's focus on spray cheese he remains fixated on leash and begins to intensely bite and tug on the leash. He pulls the leash into kennel. A secondary handler attempts to use high value treats (chicken breast) and squeaker noises to break focus from the leash, but Gelato is persistently attempting to bite and tug at the leash. Interaction is ended.
5/9/26: Gelato is reported to be persistently leash biting when handlers attempt to remove from kennel, and is unable to distracted long enough with high-value treats to allow leashing.
Summary (7):: 5/3/26: Gelato is lying on his at back of kennel as handler approaches. Gelato comes to front of kennel as handler opens door and is easily leashed and pulled from kennel. While in the back yard handler sits on bench and Gelato hops up next to handler and positions himself on handlers lap. He remains sitting like that for over a minute before hoping down to sit next to handler. Handler pets Gelato on chest, hear and ears. When offered treats Gelato takes them with a soft mouth. He is returned to kennel with no issue.
5/1/26: Gelato is at front of kennel with a neutral body. He is easily leashed and pulled from kennel. Handler offers Gelato some treats but he ignores them. While walking around the back yard he keeps a neutral body, and pays little attention to other dog. Gelato does stop and sit down a few times, during this handler offers him treats and he now accepts and consumes them. He is returned to kennel with no issue.
4/30/26: Gelato is at the front of his kennel, neutral body. He jumps up and down off the kennel door as handler unlocks it. He takes treats. When leash is presented, he grabs the leash in his mouth and chews on it. He lets go on his own. Handler sprays some cheese but he is not interested. A treats is offer but he is not interested. However, he is leashed without issue this time. There is another dog in the hall, Gelato stands with tense body and growls. He then spins around at the end of the leash when pressure is placed to move him away. He approaches handler and tries to sniff their legs but handler moves him away. In the drive way, he relieves himself and sniffs his environment. He returns to kennel without issue.
4/28/26: Gelato is sitting at the front of the kennel with a neutral body when the handler approaches. The handler offers treats and he is not receptive. The handler tosses a few treats and then ends the interaction
Date of intake:: 4/27/2026
Summary:: Field pick-up, aroused, dilated pupils
Date of initial:: 4/28/2026
Summary:: Relaxed body, vocalizing, Sedated at precaution
ENERGY LEVEL:: Gelato is described as active and enthusiastic. He will need daily mental and physical activity to keep him engaged and exercised. We recommend long-lasting chews, food puzzles, and hide-and-seek games, in additional to physical exercise, to positively direct his energy and enthusiasm. We recommend feeding with puzzle feeders and food-dispensing toys. And we recommend only force-free, reward-based training techniques for Gelato.
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only
Recommendations:: No children (under 13),Place with a New Hope partner
Recommendations comments:: No Children: Due to Gelato's low threshold for arousal, we recommend a home with no children.
Place with a NH Partner: Gelato has a reported bite history and has shown a low-threshold for arousal. We recommend placement with an experienced New Hope Partner that can carefully manage his behavioral triggers and seek support for possible behavior modification.
Potential challenges: : Mouthiness/poor bite inhibition,Multiple-bite history/risk of future aggression,Low threshold for arousal,Bite history (human)
Potential challenges comments:: Mouthiness: Gelato has shown some mouthiness observed, especially during his pick up with the field team. This is a behavior that should be extinguished through training alternate behaviors and lack of reward (ex. walking away whenever Gelato's teeth make contact with skin). Please see hand out on Mouthiness.
Multiple Bites/ Bite History (human): Escalating to biting is a behavior Gelato has rehearsed twice as reported by his previous owner. This behavior is likely to continue as it has become part of Gelato's repertoire, and will need careful management to work toward reducing triggers for Gelato and reducing the resulting bites. Please see hand out on Bite History and Risk for Future Aggression.
Low Threshold for Arousal: Gelato quickly becomes over aroused, jumping up, mouthing, and persistently leash biting. Positive reinforcement, force-free training should be used to teach Gelato to remain calm when people and other exciting things are around. He should be rewarded with treats when calm. If he escalates to jumping or mouthing, people should immediately walk away from and separate themselves from Gelato. Please see hand-out on arousal.
My medical notes are...
Weight: 54 lbs
Medical Notes
4/28/2026
DVM Intake Exam
Estimated age: 3-4 years based on the condition of teeth and eyes
Microchip noted on Intake? Negative
History: Owner surrender
Subjective:
BAR H pink 1 sec
Observed Behavior -
Body relaxed; easily examined, gazing starry-eyed and whining for attention but shys away from touch. Based on history we didn't give him the chance to escalate.
Evidence of Cruelty seen -
No
Objective
P = 40hr sedated
R = 20rr
BCS 6/9
EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted, pinnae sharply cropped AU. R side ventral nostril is exaggerated with nostril opening larger than left side. Not problematic, just not symmetrical.
Oral Exam: grade 1/4 dental disease
PLN: No enlargements noted
H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT
