Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Balto came to ACCT Philly as a stray on December 13th. He was lethargic upon intake and radiographs revealed massive fluid dilation of the stomach and there is concern for a pyloric outflow obstruction. Despite not feeling well, Balto has shown himself to be a gentle, calm dog who allows handling. Staff noted that he is sweet, slightly head shy, and tolerant of interaction when approached respectfully. He remained neutral when observed with the finder’s dog, was comfortable being held by the finder’s child, and was very excited to interact with another dog at the shelter. As of 6pm 12/13, he seems to be improving but would benefit from finding rescue placement!
VIDEOS:
Balto gets belly rubs: https://youtu.be/ikw-iP53t4I
Petting Balto: https://youtu.be/FaTp09bay-g
Giving Balto Affection: https://youtube.com/shorts/2X48u9BNMqo?feature=share
Balto and Rocket Meet: https://youtu.be/8396Wo4clyc
BEHAVIOR:
Per Volunteer 12/20/25: He was spinning in circles when I approached his kennel and body remained loose. I easily leashed him and he hopped right out of the kennel and eagerly walked out. Some pulling on leash. While walking he sometimes did a couple spins as well. He was very eager to say hi to other dogs that we walked by. We did a dog meet with another dog, and Balto was play bowing and jumping, and pulling to get to him. Then got pretty vocal with a growling play style so we stopped the meet just in case. Brought a new handler into the play yard, and Balto backed away from her and came to me. He would approach her then back away and seemed uncertain if he wanted attention. On our walk, he stopped and laid down for a belly rubs in the middle and got very affectionate with me. Unsure of strangers, but took comfort in me as his handler and took pets all over! No issues returning to kennel.
Behavior Eval 12/18/25:
Kennel Presentation: Balto was spinning in circles at the front with neutral eyes and a neutral tai. he was a bit difficult to leash as he nervous, moving to the backside and pulling away from the leash. it took multiple tries before i was able to secure him
Leash Skills: pulls minimally - spins in circles
Sociability: Balto was very curious in the room, sniffing around and trying to climb on the chair. he came right to me when i called for him with a submissive lay down and rolled over to show his newly. he allowed all handling and let me even rub on his belly. he took treats gently and knew sit but lost focus many times. He was a nervous boy, getting frightened easily and moving away from whatever scared him. he is a big baby, coming back into my lap and laying down
Play: N/A
Dog Interaction: N/A
Return to Kennel: walked right in, tried coming back out - needed some leash pressure
Color Level: blue
Per staff 12/13: Balto didn't want to stand up or come out of his kennel, but as soon as the other dog entered the room, he came right off. He was loose and greeted the other dog. Staff noted it was the first time they saw his tail wag all day! He was a little pushy but was still gentle with the other dog overall. He was a very good boy and allowed pets. He did not want to go back in his kennel and needed to be lifted back in.
Per staff 12/13: On first introduction, Balto is sweet, slightly head shy but relatively calm as long as you don't move too fast above his head space.
Per staff 12/13: I passed by Balto when he first arrived. A staff member was sitting on the floor and Balto was standing near another staff member. When I walked by again, he approached me and allowed some pets. They described him as being very calm for a husky.
Per staff 12/13: On first introduction, Balto is sweet, slightly head shy but relatively calm as long as you don't move too fast above his head space.Observed Balto with the finder's dog; Balto remained neutral. He was also comfortable being held by a child, approximately 10 years old, who was with three other children of similar age.
MEDICAL:
Per staff 12/13: Balto is doing much better as of his exam just now, gums are no longer brick red, abdomen is not tense, he's showing interest in food. He should be good to stay the night here, we're going to set him up in a surgery kennel NPO for the night with a sign to only give small amounts of water since he will bolt it very quickly.
12/13 CVT Exam:
Presented as a stray, initially went through dog intake, staff noted P appeared dehydrated and lethargic.
On exam, P was QAR, tolerated all handling. Staff noted he was refusing food but obsessively gulping water.
Eyes clear
Ears clean, noted the tips of both pinnae missing, consistent with previous frostbite or similar.
Ulcerated lesion on nasal philtrum
Teeth clean and white, gums brick red and dry.
Overall very poor body condition, ~2.5/9 BCS.
Painful/tense abdomen on palpation, regurgitated water when I palpated the stomach.
Radiographs showed massive fluid dilation of the stomach.
BW unremarkable
Concern for pyloric outflow obstruction.
Plan to start SQ fluids at 30ml/kg, give Cerenia, monitor.
If no improvement by 6PM, transfer to PASE for monitoring overnight.
Promote urgently to rescue, ok to leave on stray hold.
12/13 Triage Exam:
Body Condition Score: 4 - Lean
Temperature: 102°F
Heart rate: 84 bpm
Respiratory rate: 24 bpm
Mm color: Bright Red
Mm touch: Dry (tacky)
Crt: >2
Hydration: Dehydrated (
