Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
** $1,371 in pledges to any rescue that may pull! **
**NEW VIDEOS 5/21**
** New Behavior Memos 5/21**
Royal Blue ACCT-A-216795 is currently considered urgent and at risk of euthanasia due to length of stay and lack of space for incoming dogs. Royal Blue must have confirmed placement with a RESCUE PARTNER or ADOPTER by Thursday, May 22nd 2025 at 10AM. Should Royal Blue’s medical or behavioral status change, his urgency and timeline for placement may also change.
Meet Royal Blue! This handsome boy once answered to "Blue," but here at the shelter, we’ve given him a name that suits his regal good looks and loyal heart: Royal Blue.
Royal Blue was heartbreakingly surrendered by his longtime owner due to landlord restrictions and the threat of eviction. He had lived with his family since he was just 4 months old and was raised in a home environment with adults and young adults. Understandably, the shelter was a tough transition for him, and while he’s made progress, Royal Blue still shows us that what he truly needs is a stable, adult-only home to call his own.
Rb’s previous owner shared, he is housebroken, crate trained, and very smart—he knows commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “go potty.” He loves to play and explore outside, especially in a securely fenced yard, and has a big soft spot for toys—Kongs, ropes, squeaky toys, and puzzle toys are all his favorites. And did we mention his love for peanut butter?
Though he’s wary of new people and places, he has shown us he can build trust. He’s come a long way from his first days at the shelter and now seeks out affection from people he’s gotten to know. Royal Blue is an escape artist at heart, especially when overwhelmed, so he’ll need an experienced, patient adopter who can help him continue to build confidence in a calm environment. A fenced-in yard and consistent routine would help him thrive.
His sister has already found her home, and now Royal Blue is still waiting for his person. He must go to an adult-only home with no children, and should be given time and space to adjust at his own pace. He may do best as the only pet, though this could depend on the match - slow intros are always best with any resident pups!
Royal Blue is a loyal, protective companion who’s ready to bond deeply with someone willing to give him the time and care he needs. He’s not the kind of dog who settles in overnight—but with the right person, he’ll be the kind of dog who stays by your side forever.
Want to meet Royal Blue? Head to ACCT Philly today between 10 am and 6 pm to see if he’s your guy!!
VIDEOS
05/21/2025 NEW VIDEOS:
Royal Blue loves a good brushing: https://youtube.com/shorts/Tf_2wKM67fA?feature=shared
Good boy Royal Blue https://youtu.be/UY8z4iNKJU0?feature=shared
*New* Meet timestamped Royal Blue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dd6BiEgJKm4
Lena & Royal Blue Meet: https://youtu.be/uEW5Z_X5phg
Playgroup 4/21 Sandy, Raine, Royal Blue
https://youtu.be/38iGdZ0lGys
Playgroup 4/21 Raine, Royal Blue, Marvin
https://youtu.be/I0L9rk5QhNM
Playgroup 4/21 Raine, Royal Blue, Marvin, Quincy Bones
https://youtu.be/AMTMNZ9wP5U
Playgroup 4/21 Raine, Royal Blue, Marvin, Quincy Bones 2
https://youtu.be/FWIT5-v1EDM
Playgroup 4/21 Raine, Royal Blue, Marvin, Quincy Bones, Douglas
https://youtu.be/eeJWSGAO0n4
Playgroup 4/21 Raine, Royal Blue, Marvin, Quincy Bones, Douglas 2
https://youtu.be/czyTrKYy9B4
Playgroup 4/21 Raine, Royal Blue, Marvin, Quincy Bones, Douglas 3
https://youtu.be/etkz6FbAJJc
Playgroup 4/21 Raine, Royal Blue, Marvin, Quincy Bones, Douglas, Sasha Jennings
https://youtu.be/Hmt9ytOSYuY
Playgroup 4/21 Raine, Royal Blue, Marvin, Quincy Bones, Douglas, Sasha Jennings 2
https://youtu.be/zJn9cIrLjlU
Behavior Notes:
NEW!! Per staff 5/21/25: "Met Royal Blue in the parking lot on 5/17. He was being walked by an ACA and was barking from across the lot. He came closer, with his fur raised and hard barking. I got some treats and tossed some to him. He was uninterested and continued to hard bark. He was great with his handler, but seemed very protective and focused on me."
Per staff 5/11/25: can be made available, has shown improvement since the first week he was in the shelter. does tug hard and pull on leash but with an experienced adopter, time and patience, and a fenced in area, i think he would do much better.
Per staff 4/27: Exit searches, tolerant of pets, does better inside, super cute boy!
Per staff 4/26/25: Royal Blue went out for a walk and was trying to escape most of the time. The escaping has not improved but he has been soliciting for affection and will actually come to the front to go outside.
once the leash is on and he’s outside you have to hold him really tightly or he will pull sporadically to run away. he is very escape orientated but has warmed up to people.
Per staff 4/21/25: Royal outside in playgroup, he was quickly walking trying to not let staff get his leash. His owner happened to be outside the fence after bringing Royal's sister in. Royal was very excited to see him and ran up to the fence. The owner came into the yard and Royal jumped up on him wagging his tail and soliciting pets while the owner pet him. He shared Royal and his sister love eachother and he had them since they were puppies. He also said he'd had Royal neutered previously.
Playgroup 4/21/25:
Aloof, scared/fearful and avoidant, exit searching and definite flight risk.
Per staff 4/21/25:
KENNEL PRESENTATION:
Royal Blue was laying down on his bed and looked up at me with soft eyes. He stayed on his bed when I opened the kennel door but once he saw the leash tried to dart away. He seemed really nervous and unsure so I threw a large also and secured him. He ran out once secured.
LEASH SKILLS:
Pulls minimally to moderately – darts around, avoidant of people, nervous on leash, hypervigilant of his surroundings
HANDLING :
Royal Blue was running around sporadically with a tucked tail and worried eyes. He would not want me to go near him and when I called for him he would stop a stare before darting off again. He was exit searching and climbing the door and walls trying to find a way out. He was getting more amped up and nervous the more he was in the room. He did not take any treats and once was able to secure him near me he tried to be as a voidant as possible. He moved his head away and flinched from my touch. I tried to calm him down and he was a bit more tolerant but would have preferred if I didn't go near him or touch him. He refused a treat, to relax, sit or calm himself down — he was not interested in me anymore, furthering his exit searching. He was very weary of people near him and even looking in his direction, having a tense body and posturing to run. When I was lowered to the ground and postured my body away from him, he would stop running but as I slowly got closer he darted again. Due to his fear and anxiety I decided to return him.
PLAY:
No interest
TOYS:
No interest
Per staff 4/20/25: Owner knocked at the door before 10am as I opened the door and was speaking to him the dog was barking, growling and lunged at me twice. Owner pulled him back quick but I believe if he wasn't so quick the dog may have bitten me
Per owner 4/20/25: Blue was surrendered by his owner due to the landlord changing the conditions of the lease and threatening eviction. The owner had Blue since he was 4 months old, got him from a family member, had him neutered and kept up with his vaccines and vet visits. He lived with young adults ages 18-25 and adults ages 26-59. He is fully crate trained and housebroken, but has had a few accidents inside. He is high energy and loves to play and exercise. He pulls a little on leash, but prefers to spend time hanging in his backyard. Blue loves peanut butter, he knows his name, “sit, stay, and go potty.” He loves: Rope toys, Balls, Squeaky toys, Bones or other durable chew toys, Stuffed animals and plush toys, Puzzle toys with treats inside, Kongs.
Enjoys: Exploring outdoors, Playing tug-of-war, Going for walks, Running/jogging, Hanging out with owners, Independent playtime with toys, Being petted, Snuggling/cuddling with owners
Does your dog have any behavioral issues to work on? Separation anxiety when home alone
How does your dog usually react towards strangers? Depends on the situation
How does your dog usually react towards children? Super friendly/loves them!
How does your dog usually react towards other dogs? Depends on the situation
Previously Answered: Don't know - hasn't been around them
If you indicated your dog is reactive or aggressive, please describe in more detail. What behaviors does your pet display? Very observant.
If your dog could choose, what would their perfect home and family look like?
A very active family that loves to spend time with dogs inside and outside.
What is your FAVORITE thing about your dog? What makes them special?
Very loyal and protective, loves to be petted/rubbed.
Medical Notes:
4/24/25 URI: 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.
4/20/24 Intake:
Weight: 50.5 lbs
Body Condition Score: 4 - Lean
Eyes - pink clear
Ears - dirty
Nose - wet moist
Mouth/Teeth/Gums -yellow staining tartar on gum line
Coat & Skin - pressure sore on legs
Urogenital - no testicles unable to check for tattoo due behavior
Gait/Mobility - no lameness noted
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.
