Free Willy

My story

Free Willy ACCT-A-226211 is currently considered urgent and at risk of euthanasia due to length of stay and lack of space for incoming dogs. Free Willy must have confirmed placement with a RESCUE PARTNER, FOSTER, or ADOPTER by Sunday, August 3rd, 2025 at 10AM. Should Free Willy’s medical or behavioral status change, his urgency and timeline for placement may also change. Meet Free Willy, a joyful, toy-loving pup who’s full of life and charm! This happy-go-lucky boy was found tied to a tree and brought to safety by the police on July 18th. Since arriving at the shelter, he’s quickly become a volunteer favorite thanks to his friendly nature, wiggly greetings, and that signature puppy-like energy. Willy is a social butterfly who adores people. He greets new friends gently at his kennel and is easy to leash, though he may get a little bouncy at first — nothing a quick “sit” and a treat can’t redirect! Out on walks, he shows off his good leash manners, only pulling when something especially sniff-worthy catches his attention. In the yard, Willy lights up. He soaks up affection (especially butt scritches) and will happily chase stuffies all around, though he’s more about the thrill of the chase than keeping the toy. He can get a bit jumpy and mouthy when excited, but he’s always coming from a place of fun and is very responsive to redirection. He’s had great playgroups with other dogs, showing off his rough-and-rowdy play style with zoomies galore and happy wrestling with other rowdy pups. Willy thrives on connection and would benefit from a home that can offer consistency, positive reinforcement, and continued training to help this big-hearted boy shine. With his gentle treat-taking, adorable wiggles, and eagerness to please, Free Willy is ready to swim right into your life and heart. Come meet him at ACCT Philly, open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — he’s waiting to wiggle his way into his forever home! Videos: Playgroup 7/20: Bartholomew, Free Willy: https://youtu.be/WluDnQ8UENI?feature=shared Playgroup 7/20: Bartholomew, Free Willy, Streusel: https://youtu.be/WluDnQ8UENI?feature=shared Playgroup 7/20: Bartholomew, Free Willy, Streusel, Graysina: https://youtu.be/W0i7ovvbP3c?feature=shared Playgroup 7/20: Bartholomew, Free Willy, Streusel, Graysina, Rayd: https://youtu.be/mHaEjSaQeDg?feature=shared Playgroup 7/20: Bartholomew, Free Willy, Streusel, Rayd, Marbles (muzzle): https://youtu.be/lD1KITjXtQ4?feature=shared Playgroup 7/20: Free Willy, Streusel, Rayd, Malta: https://youtu.be/DySwle0v6pc?feature=shared Behavior Notes: Playgroup 7/20/25: Free Willy was a rough/rowdy player and loved doing zoomies and jumping on the other rowdy dogs. Very puppy-like Per volunteer 7/19/25: Free Willy is a happy, wiggly. He greets new friends gently at the front of his kennel and is easy to leash. Outside, Willy showed off his polite leash skills, only pulling when something especially sniff-worthy caught his attention. In the yard, Willy soaked up all the affection, especially butt scritches, and showed off his playful, puppy-like energy. He can get a little jumpy and mouthy when excited, but he’s easy to redirect and already knows “sit.” Treats? He takes them like a gentleman. He will benefit from a home that will provide consistency and training to help this big boy be the best boy he can be! This toy-loving, people-focused pup is ready to bring joy and wags into a home of his own - come meet him at ACCT Philly, open daily from 10 am to 6 pm Per volunteer 7/19/25: KENNEL PRESENTATION: Free Willy was at the front of his kennel wiggly and loos. I gave him a treat which he took gently & leashed him up with no problem. He was a little, jumpy at first, but quickly settled down & walked right outside. LEASH SKILLS: Willy is well mannered on his leash without much pulling, unless he smells something real good & his curiosity gets the best of him. He’ll pull towards good sniffs but it’s manageable. He was a bit jumpy & barky in the kennels on the way back in, but easily distracted by a “sit” & a treat SOCIABILITY: This fella is friendly as can be. He LOVES people. We sat together in the yard and he allowed handling all over, butt scritches seem to be his favorite. When playing he can get jumpy & a little mouthy but just out of excitement. He is easily redirected with a treat - Willy knows sit, takes treats w a soft mouth, & loves to be close by. He appears younger than 4. PLAY & TOYS: Chased stuffies all over. Loves toys!! but did not retrieve or take possession. DOG INTERACTION: No dogs around while we were out. He did hear the WC dog barking and was curious, but would retreat to my side for pets over trying to go see. RETURNING TO KENNEL: Hopped in with no issue Medical Notes: 7/23/25: To schedule course of doxycycline as a precaution given exposure to leptospirosis positive dog. Dog will be cleared to resume normal activity and handling on 7/27 URI 7/21/25: This dog has been observed to have shelter acquired upper respiratory infection (URI), or a "doggy cold". They have been started on medication, and will be monitored for resolution of the respiratory infection. Intake 7/19/25: Weight: 60.9 lbs Body Condition Score: 5 - Ideal Eyes -red clear Ears -waxy and dirty Nose -clear moist Mouth/Teeth/Gums - yellow tartar on back teeth Coat & Skin -dirt Urogenital -male intact Gait/Mobility -no lameness Attitude: bar Due to being significantly overcapacity with dogs and cats and higher than usual intake, extensions are unlikely to be granted. If you are interested in an animal please contact ACCT Philly immediately. Due to limited space, timestamps may also be proceeded with early so it is imperative to let us know if you are considering adopting or tagging a dog or cat. ACCT Philly is located at 111 West Hunting Park Ave in Philadelphia. 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 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 Free Willy, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.