Mocca

My story

Mocca (ACCT-A-218862) was surrendered to the shelter on April 28th, 2025, after her previous owner reported that they could no longer care for her due to changes in the household and no one being available to meet her needs. Though initially labeled as “aggressive,” Mocca had never bitten anyone, and her behaviors—such as barking and jumping on visitors—appear to be linked to overstimulation and a lack of guidance rather than aggression. She was being kept confined to a crate much of the time prior to surrender, which likely contributed to her anxiety and behavior. Since arriving at the shelter, Mocca has shown that she’s a high-energy girl with the capacity to settle and respond well to positive handling. She is mostly housebroken, crate trained, and knows commands like “sit” and “give paw.” While her previous home included children, she was kept away from the youngest, and her ideal placement would be in an adult-only household that can help her decompress and thrive. In playgroup, Mocca was semi-steerable and avoidant of other dogs, displaying no reactivity but also no interest in engaging. Medically, Mocca arrived with pressure sores on her legs and hair loss/wounds at the base of her tail, likely from prolonged crating. She also had some dental tartar and mild ear wax buildup. Despite these conditions, she allowed a full exam with minimal hesitation and was described as “a champ” for her vaccines and microchip placement. Mocca is ready for a fresh start. A patient, dog-savvy home with time to build her confidence and support her physical recovery will give her the best shot at becoming the companion she’s meant to be. Videos: Mocca needs a friend to walk inside: https://youtu.be/9kldWnSGYpU Playgroup 4/29 Fofito, Poncho, Chicken Nugget, Mocca: https://youtu.be/cFEehf_pKBo?si=pZBl8woB92dbt-VX Playgroup 4/29 Fofito, Poncho, Chicken Nugget, Mocha: https://youtu.be/ZYGp_FIyA_E?si=nuKl0n2CgbsCAJPe Playgroup 4/29 Chicken Nugget, Mocca, Monroe, Alicia: https://youtu.be/iikXY3kDbKg?si=g21DiqR4mkeFSmjp Playgroup 4/29 Mocca, Monroe, Alicia, Okra, Snowman: https://youtu.be/yRZAxm0mScI?si=CVXHy8TpGfExU0E_ Playgroup 4/29 Chicken Nugget, Mocca, Monroe, Alicia, Okra: https://youtu.be/8MVqO4-ao5A?si=Ka0h8ERqV7IigZSq Playgroup 4/29 Chicken Nugget, Mocca, Monroe, Alicia, Okra : https://youtu.be/CHjzjNsIEjY?si=YC79GeqQGYB9qtYz Behavioral Notes: Behavior Eval Per Volunteer 5/1/25: Kennel Presence: Mocca was very easy to leash and hopped right out of the kennel. When I went to walk her inside after our outing she pancaked again so we followed another dog in which helped tremendously. She still pancaked at certain spots and I carried her for those and back into her kennel. Leash: We walked outside where she does pull moderately. We walked towards a play yard which was full so I turned around, but she pancaked and wouldn’t walk with me. We did a lap of the parking lot, but she pancaked again so I ended up calling someone on the walkie to come help move her into the play yard. Handling: She didn’t have any concerning behavior- she’s just super scared!! in the play yard she paced back-and-forth for a while, stopping to sniff me a bit. Didn’t show much interest in treats at first, seemed a little too stressed. After a while in the play yard, she came over to me and took treats. She was still panting and exit searching, Poor girl is just super stressed. She ended up doing much better with a dog friend! SUPER scared babe but super sweet and submissive! Toys: no interest that I saw Color: double blue based on fear and difficulty getting back inside 04/29/2025 Playgroup notes: Semi-steerable, no interest with other dogs, nervous avoidant Medical Notes: 04/28/2025 – Intake exam notes: Eyes - slightly red Ears - mildly waxy Mouth - yellowing and reddish gums, janky teeth Coat & Skin - pressure wounds on legs, hair loss and wound at base of tail Attitude - fearful but allowed full physical exam, described as “a champ” for vaccines and microchip Behavior rating: Green 04/29/2025 – Vet exam scheduled for general medical concerns including tail wound, pressure sores, and ear condition. - ACCT Philly is located at 111 West Hunting Park Ave in Philadelphia. We are open for adoptions 7 days a week, from 10am to 6pm, and no appointments are needed! 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/ 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 Mocca, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.