Darsellus

My story

Darsellus may be a little reserved at first, but behind those soft eyes and quiet demeanor is a dog ready to blossom in the right home. When approached in his kennel, he stands slowly, unsure of new friends, but open to connection. With a gentle treat and kind words, he’ll step forward—bravely taking the first step toward trust. Outside, Darsellus is calm and easy to walk. He does his business quickly and responds best when you meet him at his level—literally. Crouching or sitting helps him feel more comfortable, and he’ll quietly approach to accept gentle pets and a few more treats. He’s tolerant of handling, though he’s not yet asking for affection on his own. Darsellus isn’t interested in toys or play just yet—he’s still getting his bearings—but he’s making small, meaningful steps each time he interacts with someone kind. He’ll thrive in a calm, patient home where he can build confidence at his own pace and finally feel safe enough to let his personality shine. If you believe in giving shy dogs a chance to be seen and loved, Darsellus is waiting to meet you at ACCT Philly any day between 10 am and 6 pm. Videos: Meet Darsellus! https://youtube.com/shorts/y2_4sFAia5A?feature=share Darsellus and Gracie Luann: https://youtu.be/BzpWxgbOXWQ Playgroup 4/12: Darsellus, Ellie, Thunder: https://youtu.be/koSMQUHOJf0 Playgroup 4/12: Tilly, King Leo, Sandy, Ellie, Champagne, Darsellus, Thunder: https://youtu.be/tvjFgxfRq7o BEHAVIOR: Per volunteer 4/14: Presented at the front at the kennel, and loved the freeze dried treats I gave him. Was a little timid on our walk but walks very well! Knows sit and was calm while outside. In the yard, he approached me to sniff but did his own thing wandering around the yard. Eventually, he put his head between my legs to solicit pets and likes the neck scratches! No problem good back in the kennel Playgroup 4/12: Steerable with spray and shake can. In yard, play push/pull with Tilly. Mid-high tail, curious, bright and active, reciprocated greetings throughout. Slight grumble at Thunder when he put his paw up on him. Became focused on the gate / exit searching over time. Per volunteer 4/8: Darsellus was hesitant about leashing in kennel, didn’t seem to know what to do. Outside he was a little darty on the leash and uncertain, just scared of new surroundings. It was very windy today, which did not help and made it loud outside. In the dog run, Darsellus came to me for comfort and took treats from me, but was exploring around the yard and shaking with tail tuck. No signs of concerning behavior just a very scared dog in the new environment. When we walked on the sidewalk, he did really well, loose leash walking, and did his business. I evaluated as blue for nervosue with handling and some uncertain body language. 04/09/2025 volunteer notes: KENNEL PRESENTATION: Approached the kennel and he was laying down. He stood up with tail low not wagging, wide eyes, ears to the side, mouth closed, facing front. I offered a treat and he came forward and took it. I was able to easily leash him and remove him from kennel. LEASH SKILLS: Did not pull on the leash, and went potty right away outside. He was tentative to approach me and would come over for treats. He would approach me more readily when I bent down or sat down. Body language was consistently a low tail not wagging, ears to the side, soft eyes. HANDLING : He was aloof to handling at first and was looking for treats mostly. When I crouched down or at down he approached willingly and stayed close by for pets to his back and side. I looked at his teeth, touched his paws, back, neck and ears. He was tolerant and did not solicit more touching but did not actively avoid me either. Body language was tail down not wagging, soft eyes, ears to the side. PLAY: No interest in playing or toys TOYS: none DOG MEET: he met Gracie Luann through the fence and then on leash. When meeting initially his tail upon approach was high, flagging, ears perked up, mouth closed, giving his side to her often and averting his gaze. She got the zoomies and he disengaged from her. On the leash she came quicky into his space to sniff him and his tail went down, he tucked his butt and turned to sniff her and then wanted to move away. He was tolerant and did not solicit interaction or play with her. 04/08/2025 staff notes: Founders noted they were scared and not welcoming to leashing. Also informed us of Male reactivity. While intaking, were hard barking in car but both calmed down once leashed and out of the car. Putting on evaluate for behavior. - ACCT Philly is located at 111 West Hunting Park Ave in. 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 a 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

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Darsellus, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.