Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
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Story
Marlowe came to the shelter as a stray after being reportedly dumped in front of a finder’s home. With no owner information available and an unregistered microchip, his past remains a mystery—but since arriving, staff have been working to help him feel safe and understood.
Marlowe is a sensitive and gentle dog who is still adjusting to the shelter environment. He often presents with soft eyes, a loose body, and gentle manners, especially when taking treats. While he can be nervous and hypervigilant, he consistently shows that he is tolerant of handling and capable of forming positive connections. In the yard, Marlowe tends to be more independent, spending time sniffing and observing rather than seeking out interaction, but he has shown polite interest in other dogs and the ability to coexist. He walks nicely on leash and, although sometimes hesitant, responds to encouragement and patience. With time, consistency, and a calm environment, Marlowe has the potential to grow more confident and comfortable.
Videos:
Playgroup 4/20: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcnvoGYrJkIYysk54ijEdTkrTRwkNrEuU
Zuri and Marlow Fence Meet: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/80tjOpPa4F0
Marlow & Hazel: https://youtu.be/uALKdCzLG78
Behavioral Notes
Behavioral
Playgroup 4/20
Steer test: 4/5 with water and 2/5 with can.
Slow entry into the yard, avoidant, displacement sniffing. Moved away when dogs came close to him.
04/20/2026
Behavioral
Kennel Presentation: At the front of his kennel, ears to the side, soft eyes, slightly open mouth, loose body, mid to low tail wags. Took a treat very gently through the bars.
Leash Skills: Easy to leash, once leashed came out slowly. Walked on a loose leash with ears pinned back, low still tail, wide eyes, hypervigilant.
Sociability: Asocial in the yard, spent most of the time in the yard sniffing around the fence with head low, ears back, low tail. Did not come over when called and was no longer eating treats outside. Tolerated all handling with ears to the side, panting, mid level tail wags, loose body, would walk away when I stopped.
Play: Tossed a few toys, no interest.
Dog Interaction: Met Hazel, loose mid to high tail wags, ears back, loose body. Interested in sniffing.
Return to Kennel: Put on the brakes as we were heading inside, tossed some chicken ahead which he sniffed and started moving. In the kennels he pulled moderately, ears pinned back, eyes darting, tense body, low still tail. Would no go in his kennel for treats, needed mild leash pressure to get him. Once in he tried to run back out with wide eyes, ears back, low still tail. Was able to close the door in time and remove the leash.
Color Level: Blue
Recommendations and considerations:
04/17/2026
Dog was brought in as a stray. Finder said the dog was dumped in front of her house. Seems to be sensitive around the ears and head. Very scared but friendly with no signs of aggression
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.
