Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
**$2,750 in pledges for the rescue that pulls**
Meet Franklin (ACCT-A-254537)! This handsome fellow is a sensitive soul who is looking for a patient and loving home where he can truly blossom. Franklin was quite the local explorer before arriving at the shelter, having spent some time on his own around FDR Park. Because of his history, he can be a bit shy and standoffish when meeting new people, but he is a gentle, quiet man at heart.
Franklin is a big fan of high-value treats—especially chicken—which is the best way to earn his trust and build a bond. While he can be cautious in new environments and may avoid eye contact when he’s nervous, he is incredibly tolerant of handling and has a very sweet, calm demeanor once he feels comfortable. He’s even been described as a "quiet man" who is open to all the love you have to give, provided you take things at his pace.
On his walks, Franklin loves to put his nose to the ground and sniff intently, taking in all the news of the neighborhood. He has also had the opportunity to meet other dogs at the shelter and was very patient and tolerant of a bouncy playmate. If you have a soft spot for the shy ones and are looking for a loyal companion to reward with treats and kindness, Franklin is ready to meet you!
📽️Videos📽️:
Franklin and Pickles
https://youtu.be/PyRwePXdJFY?si=tsC_Xn5E-zOIAFdb
⭐Behavioral Notes⭐
Per volunteer 7/11: I took Franklin out tonight. He was easy to leash and walk and happy wiggles/tail wags to come out. He solicits pets, sat by me and was very sweet & affectionate
07/07 per volunteer :
I spent time with Franklin last night. Franklin seemed so sad and shut down at first glance through his kennel. He was hesitant to engage at first, backing up as I approached his kennel. Using a slow approach I tossed in some high value treats to slowly earn his trust. He was hesitant to engage at first, but with patience, quiet encouragement, and plenty of high-value treats (cheese is definitely the way to his heart!), he slowly began to open up.
After taking treats consistently, Franklin allowed me to leash him, and we made our way out to the play yard. Once outside, he spent some time taking everything in, definitely nervous of the unfamiliar environment. You can tell he is definitely still in survival mode from living on the streets, but he showed no aggression or concerning signs. He wasn’t interested in toys. The biggest win came when he began seeking out affection on his own, eventually soliciting gentle pets and even leaned into the interaction a bit.
He had a great meet through the kennels with a small dog in the side bank- his tail was wagging and he seemed very happy to see another dog. I got some great videos I am going to work on uploading as well.
I think with time and plenty of patience, Franklin will learn he is safe now and doesn’t have to feel so nervous. He really was an amazing dog during our time out!
07/04/2026 per staff:
very quiet man, open to all treats and handling. When handled he freezes up and let you touch him all over. able to do all vaccines and microchip with a bear hug.
07/04/2026 per satff behavioral eval:
Kennel Presentation: laying on the bed, ears to the side. Moved away when I came to the gate. When i opened the door he went to the back side, tail down, ears back, lip licks, slight whale eye and avoiding ee contact. Tossed in chicken, sniffed, stopped and looked at me. I closed the door and he ate them. Used more food to get him closer to the main door again and closed off his kennel for easier access to leashing. Stood on the bed, then sat, averted gaze, piloerection, slow movements, lip licks, when leashed moved his head away. Once leashed, easily walked out
Leash Skills: pulled moderately to strongly, sniffed intently at certain spots with teeth chattering. Peed and pooped multiple times.
Sociability: Aloof, tolerant of me touching him, took treats gently from my hand, totally avoided all eye contact and facing me directly. Tail low moving fluidly, ears back. Placed a collar on him, tolerant and unfazed
Play: did not do
Dog Interaction: met Pickles- intent on licking her vulva, drooling and teeth chattering. Tolerant of her play bows and bouncing near him and even off him once. Middle tail wagging, soft eyes
Return to Kennel: easy
Color Level: Blue
Recommendations and considerations: use high value food to bond and motivate him.
07/03/2026 per staff:
Dog is very standoffish, go very slow with him
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 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
