Adopt

My name is OREO!

Posted 1 month ago | Updated over 3 weeks ago

Adoption process
1

Submit Application

2

Interview

3

Meet the Pet

4

Sign Adoption Contract

5

Pay Fee

6

Take the Pet Home

Adoption fee: $75

This helps Hamilton Animal Shelter with pet care costs.

My basic info

Breed
Mixed Breed (Medium)
Color
Black - with White
Age
2 years 1 month old, Adult
Size
Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)
Weight
58 lbs (current)
Sex
Male
Pet ID
59275379

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

**Meet Oreo — Rescue or Special Placement Needed**

Oreo is a very shy, undersocialized young dog (about 2 years old) who is struggling in the shelter environment and needs a patient, experienced home or rescue partner to help him learn that the world can be safe.

In his kennel, Oreo shows conflicted behavior—approaching and then retreating. He is extremely uncomfortable with leashes and the leash loop and had to be clipped directly to his collar to come out. Oreo is not leash trained and becomes highly stressed when pressure is applied, often rolling, backing away, or freezing. New environments and handling expectations are overwhelming for him right now.

Once settled on the floor, Oreo does show a gentle side. He enjoys petting and slowly eases into touch, though he remains anxious and vocal while seeking reassurance. He is sensitive about paw handling and will pull away, but he allows muzzle handling easily and tolerates other handling when he is lying down and not pressured.

During assessments, Oreo avoided eye contact entirely, lying flat on the floor and whining. He showed classic fearful behavior—looking away, pulling out of hands, and only briefly glancing from the side before retreating again. When moving with a handler, he scrambles along briefly, then lies down and refuses to continue.

Food is not a strong motivator for Oreo when he is stressed. He becomes overwhelmed during feeding, losing interest in food when touched and disengaging entirely. With toys, Oreo shows mixed behavior—little interest at first, but increased concern when a handler reaches for high-value items. He is particularly interested in plush squeaky toys and can be mildly possessive, though he does allow them to be taken without escalation.

With strangers, Oreo is surprisingly social. He approaches with a relaxed, wagging tail, sniffs politely, allows petting, and does not jump. His fear appears situational rather than people-directed.

**Major Concern – Dog Fear:**
Oreo is **terrified of other dogs**. During dog-to-dog testing, he immediately dropped to the ground, rolled, froze, barked fearfully, snapped defensively when approached, and eventually shut down completely, refusing to move. He is not currently safe or comfortable around other dogs and would need to be the only pet in the home.

Oreo needs:
* Rescue organization or highly experienced adopter
* Adult-only home preferred
* No other dogs
* Calm, qu
Shelter

Contact info

Pet ID
59275379
Contact
Address
2100 Sylvan Ave., Hamilton, NJ 08610
Donation

Their adoption process

1.

Submit Application

2.

Interview

3.

Meet the Pet

4.

Sign Adoption Contract

5.

Pay Fee

Adult dogs: $ 75.00 Puppies: $100.00 Adult cats: $ 45.00 Kittens: $60.00

6.

Take the Pet Home

Additional adoption info

Potential adopters who already own a dog and would like to adopt another dog, must do a meet and greet to make sure the dogs get along.

Adoption application

Go meet their pets

2100 Sylvan Ave. Hamilton NJ 08610

Monday-10:30 am-3:30pm
Tuesday-10:30 am-3:30pm
Wednesday-10:30 am-3:30pm
Thursday-10:30 am-3:30pm
Friday-10:30 am-3:30pm
Saturday-10:30 am-3:30pm
Sunday-CLOSED
Holidays-CLOSED

Other pets at this shelter