05/27/2026
TO BE KILLED MAY 30, 2026
💙 Champion is a 6-year-old boy whose whole world changed when his owner became homeless. Before entering the shelter, Champion was described as social, affectionate, playful, and happiest spending time with his person. He could be active and fun-loving, but also perfectly content relaxing like a couch potato beside the people he trusted.
Since arriving at the shelter, Champion has been overwhelmed by the sudden loss of stability and routine. Even through the stress, staff have seen moments where he seeks comfort, enjoys gentle affection, and shows the softer personality his owner described.
Dogs who lose both their home and their person often struggle deeply in shelter environments, especially sensitive dogs who are used to familiar routines and close bonds. Champion would thrive in a calm, patient home where he can decompress, rebuild confidence, and remember what it feels like to feel safe again.
With time, consistency, and kindness, Champion has all the potential to become a deeply loyal and loving companion once more.
💛 Sometimes dogs don’t need perfection — they just need someone willing to help them feel secure again.
📩 New Hope placement required — please message to foster or adopt Champion.
CHAMPION 254045 QUEENS ACC
Estimated to be 6 years 1 mo 2 weeks old, 59.3 Lbs
UNALTERED MALE, MEDIUM MIXED BREED
OWNER SURR FROM NY, OWNER HOMELESS
MEDICAL BEHAVIOR EVALUATION:
BEHAVIOR RATING: NH ONLY
INTAKE DATE: 04/19/2026
PET PROFILE
Surrender Reason: lack of permanent housing.
Length of time owned: 1.5 years
Where the previous owner got this dog: relative
Previously lived with: 2 adults, children, 2 lmb
How is this dog around strangers?: Shy/ prefers contact on own terms, takes time to warm up .
How is this dog around children?: Lived with children aged 14 and younger and is noted to be friendly and outgoing .
How is this dog around other dogs?: Familiar dogs: Friendly & Outgoing
Unfamiliar dogs - on leash: Actively avoids
Unfamiliar dogs - off leash: Actively avoids
How is this dog around cats?: Cats: No experience
Other Animals: Friendly & Outgoing
Resource guarding: None reported
Bite history: None reported
Housetrained: Yes
Energy level/descriptors: Champion is noted to have a medium energy level in the prior home.
Other Notes: Goes potty on: Wee-wee pads, Outside on walks (grass, cement, dirt, etc.)
Accident frequency: Very rarely
Additional info: He has had accidents of tinkling on the bed but very rarely !
Behavior concerns: Anxious when left alone
Additional info: Not reported
Reacts to on walks: None of the above
Reaction type: Not reported
Additional info: Not reported
How this dog reacts when...
- Held/restrained: Unknown/Have not attempted, Fearful
- Disturbed while resting/sleeping: Isn't bothered
- Startled: Fearful
- Pushed/pulled off furniture: Isn't bothered
- Paws are touched: Isn't bothered
- Collar grabbed/touched: Fearful
Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No
Medical Notes: Medical info: Not reported
Allergies: No
Allergy info: Not reported
Veterinarian: NA
Last vet check: 7/20/2023
For a New Family to Know: Description of this dog most of the time: Social/Affectionate, Very active & Playful, Quiet, Lazy/Couch potato
Where the dog spent most time: Where people are
Additional info: Not reported
For grooming, this dog: Allows owner/family to bathe and brush, Allows owner/family to trim nails
Additional info: Not reported
Walks on leash rating: 1 - No pulling (loose-leash during the entire walk)
Walk Frequency: Does not have a schedule
Walk length of time: 30min-1 hour
Crate trained: Yes, does well, se porta bien
Hours in crate: 3
Type of crate: Big Cage crate
During car rides, this dog: Nervous getting in or being in the car
Additional info: He’s nervous at first getting in but once hes in he enjoys looking out the window
This dog knows the following cues:
Sit stay lay down, give paw go to your cage
Previous owner's favorite things about the dog:
I love how cuddly and sweet he is, he truly is a a big love bug
This dog's favorite activities/toys/food/snacks:
He just like to play like if we playing catch and he jumps really high when you jump with him
Type of food the dog eats: Both wet and dry food
Brand of food: PEDIGREE
Champion entered the care center as an owner surrender due to his owner becoming homeless. His owner described him as social and affectionate, very active and playful, yet also quiet and a bit of a couch potato. Since arriving at the care center, Champion has shown a high level of FAS (fear, anxiety, and stress), allowing only minimal handling and exhibiting thrashing behavior when placed on leash and taken out for walks. We recommend placement with a New Hope partner who can provide any necessary behavior modification (force-free, positive reinforcement-based) and re-evaluate behavior in a stable home environment before placement into a permanent home.
Upon intake: Champion was shy and timid but docile allowing all handling. Champion allowed counselors to collar and scan for microchip even gently taking treats from counselor. He was then taken back to medical where he was vaccinated and placed into his kennel. All one without any concerns.
ASSESSMENT NOTES
Date of assessment: 5/15/2026
Summary: Due to champion FAS and the thrashing behavior, a handling assessment will not be conducted at this time.
Summary: According to Champion's previous owner(s), he is friendly and outgoing with familiar dogs and actively avoids unfamiliar dogs both on and off leash. He is reported to have lived with two LMB.
05/11/26
Champion is introduced to a novel female on a loose leash due to not tolerating collaring. Champion approaches the gate to sniff the female but maintains a tense frame throughout.
Summary (5): 5/25/26: Champion is siting at the front of his kennel as handler approaches. He is able to be leashed while he tries to shove his snout through the door gap and he is then taken outside for a walk. On the walk, he has a tense body and low tail as he explores around. While in the yard, he is comfortable siting next to the handler and accepts a few pets. He has a tense body and widened eyes as he lowers his body when the handler clips their leash. He is then able to slowly return back to his kennel with no issues.
Summary (6): 5/23/26: Champion was at front of kennel when handler approached. As handler attempted to leash Champion doves the leash a couple of times before allowing the leash to put placed around his head. Handler took Champion to the behavior room. In the room Champion would seek out the exits and at times try to increase distance for handler. But also at times Champion would sit right handlers side and accept pets while leaning into handler. Champion was returned to kennel with no issue.
5/22/26: Champion is siting at the front of his kennel as handler approaches. He retreats to the back of his kennel with a tense body as the handler unlocks the door and presents their leash. He would constantly avoid the leash by backing away and re-approaching the door as it got closer to him. He is able to be leashed while he tries to shove his snout through the door gap. He is then taken outside for a walk. On the walk, he has a tense body and low tail as he explores around. While in the yard, he is comfortable siting next to the handler and accepts a few pets. He would then shove his snout at the handler's hand to receive more pets. He is able to slowly return back to his kennel with no issues.
5/19/26: Champion is at the front of his kennel as the handler approaches. He is avoidant of the leash so the handler will just wait with the door slightly open and the leash loop hanging right outside. Champion will walk towards the front, look into the room and will then turn around to his bed. He does this a few more times and the handler will then open the door inward and gently place the leash over his head. Once he is leashed, he will walk out of kennel slowly and will walk out of the Care Center and to the play yard slowly, occasionally looking at the handler. Champion has a soft frame throughout the walk though his tail remains slightly tucked. At one point, Champion and the handler are standing at the fence line and Champion is looking out onto the sidewalk. He will nudge the handler's hand with his head and the handler will then pet his head. He will lean in and reengage after consent checks. After a while, they sit on the bench and Champion will lean his side into their knees and lean his neck into their hand for pets. The leash ring is clipped with no issue and he will walk to kennel slowly and is secured safely.
Summary (7): 5/16/26: Champion is at the front of the kennel sitting with ears low and will retreat when the handler brings out their leash. He will then push out of the door while the leash is in the gap and he is leashed with no issue. As they walk down the hallway, Champion has a tense frame with wide eyes and furrowed brow and tucked tail as they walk down the hallway. When in the office, Champion will walk around the room going up to staff members and sniffing them wearily. He will then jump onto the couch and get up onto the arm rest. He will then jump off of the couch and walk around. After a while his leash is clipped and he will back away slightly. He is then returned to kennel with no issue.
5/14/26: Champion is laying down at the front of his kennel with a tense body as handler approaches. He stands up at the door as the handler unlocks it and would retreat to the back of his kennel when the handler slowly presents their leash. He would come forward to the door each time the handler removed the leash. He is able to be leashed when he steps forward and the handler slowly gets the loop over his head on a pre-clip. Once leashed, he is then slowly taken outside for a walk. On the walk, he would walk slowly behind the handler with a tense body while being low to the ground. He would stare at dogs and people that would pass by with a tense body and begins to tremble. He is able to enter the first play yard, and he would sit in the corner with a tense body while trembling. He begins to walk around the yard slowly before exiting. On the way back to his kennel, he would slowly walk behind the handler and constantly stop and baulk to the ground when reaching the building door. When the door is opened, he pulls hard inside and would constantly spin around and lay down on the ground. When reaching his kennel, he launches inside and begins to thrash the leash off at the back of his kennel. The handler then quickly gets a hook and slowly retrieves the leash. He would avoid the hook by standing at the front of the kennel. He then begins to urinate at the front of the kennel as the handler slowly slides the leash out.
05/10/26 (late entry): Staff report observing Champion snap at his handler's hand as they attempt to clip their leash to remove it. They return him to kennel and use a hook to remove their leash instead.
Date of intake: 5/10/2026
Summary: shy and timid but docile allowing all handling
Date of initial: 5/13/2026
Summary: tense; not interested with treats; tail tucked under
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: New Hope Only
Recommendations: No children (under 13),Place with a New Hope partner
Recommendations comments: No children (under 13): Due to Champion's fearfulness, we recommend he be placed in an adult-only home at this time.
Place with a New Hope partner: Champion entered the care center as an owner surrender due to his owner becoming homeless. His owner described him as social and affectionate, very active and playful, yet also quiet and a bit of a couch potato. Since arriving at the care center, Champion has shown a high level of FAS (fear, anxiety, and stress), allowing only minimal handling and exhibiting thrashing behavior when placed on leash and taken out for walks. We recommend placement with a New Hope partner who can provide any necessary behavior modification (force-free, positive reinforcement-based) and re-evaluate behavior in a stable home environment before placement into a permanent home.
Potential challenges:
Handling/touch sensitivity,
Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,
Separation anxiety
Potential challenges comments:
Handling/touch sensitivity/Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: In the prior home his noted to become fearful when startled and when Held/restrained but it was also reported they never attempted to restrain him. He is noted to become fearful when his collar is touched or grabbed. Staff report observing Champion snap at his handler's hand as they attempt to clip their leash to remove it. He is noted when leashed to thrash and head whip. Handling should be conducted slowly, with clear attention to his body language and appropriate safety precautions. Please see the handout on Handling/touch sensitivity/Fearful/potential for defensive aggression.
Separation anxiety: Champion noted to have Separation anxiety in the prior home. Support should focus on building independence gradually, providing enrichment, and maintaining predictable routines to help reduce anxiety related to separation. Please see the handout on Separation anxiety.
MEDICAL EXAM NOTES
5/13/2026
DVM Intake Exam
Estimated age: 5-7 years based on the condition of teeth and eyes
Microchip noted on Intake?
Negative
History:
Owner surrender
Subjective:
BAR H pink 1 sec
Observed Behavior -
tense; not interested with treats; tail tucked under
Evidence of Cruelty seen -
No
Objective
P = 80hr (sedated)
R = 25rr (sedated)
BCS 6/9
EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted
Oral Exam: 1-2/6 dental tartar
PLN: No enlargements noted
H/L: NSR, no apparent murmur, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic
ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated
U/G: MI with 2 down
MSI: before sedation ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat, overweight
CNS: before sedation mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities
Assessment
overweight
moderate dental tartar
Prognosis:
Good
Plan:
Dog sedation:
Using 0.9 ml dexmedetomidine (500mcg/ml) and 0.9 ml butorphanol (10mg/ml) IM
Reversed with Antisedan- 0.9 ml
behavior assessment
Trazodone- 100mg (5 to 10 mg/kg po q 12 hrs)
sig: 2 tabs po q 12 hrs
Intake procedures
SURGERY:
Okay for surgery
5/20/2026
Progress exam: CIRDC signs noted on rounds
Subjective: BAR, no C/V/D. Consistent sneezing present
Objective:
EYES: Clear
LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress
NASAL CAVITY: no discharge
MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4, no lameness or lesions
NEURO: Appropriate mentation
ASSESSMENT: Presumed CIRDC
PLAN: Per standing orders
-Move to iso, ppe sign & monitor log placed on kennel
-Start doxycycline 10mg/kg PO q24h x10days
-CTM, recheck in 3 days
TO ADOPT DIRECTLY FROM THE SHELTER - please download the NYC AC app from the App Store and fill out the adoption application there.
Dogs with NH ONLY rating cannot be adopted directly from the ACC, so please message our page for assistance .
TO ADOPT or FOSTER: If you cannot get to the shelter in person to adopt, or want to foster, please message our page (Must Love Dogs - Saving NYC) Must Love Dogs - Saving NYC Dogs)
OR email [email protected] for guidance and assistance.
PLEASE NOTE: To foster, you have to be within prescribed range of NYC ACC approved New Hope rescues you are applying with,
and to adopt you will have to be in the general NE US area; NY, NJ, CT, PA, DC, MD, DE, NH, RI, MA, VT & ME (some rescues will transport to VA).
Shelter contact information:
Phone number: 212-788-4000 (automated only)
Email: [email protected]
Manhattan Animal Care Center
326 East 110th Street
New York, NY 10029
Staten Island Animal Care Center
3139 Veterans Road West
Staten Island, NY 10309
Queens Animal Care Center
1906 Flushing Ave
Ridgewood, NY 11385
Adoption hours:
Monday through Friday: 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
(Closed on all Holidays and Training Days, as listed on their website www.nycacc.org)
Adoption fees depend on dog's age. Please email the ACC for more info. Fees include pre-adoption medical care and vaccines, deworming,
spay/neutering and one free follow-up visit to specific veterinarians.
Open for donation drop off:
Monday – Sunday (10am – 6pm)
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* NYC ACC RATING SYSTEM *
All adopters/foster go through screening process set by NYCACC, which involves submission of pertinent documents, an interview with ACC adoption counselors, to determine if dog is suitable for the home. Dogs can go beyond Northeastern States as long as the adopters go to the ACC in person to pick up the dog.
Level 1
Dogs can go to homes with little dog experience, with children no younger than 5 years old.
Level 2
Dogs can go to homes with some previous dog experience, and with no children under 5 years old.
Level 3
Dogs can go to homes with more experience, and with no children under 13 years old.
Level 4
Dogs can go to ADULTS ONLY homes with very experienced adopters or fosters
NHO
Dogs need to be pulled by a New Hope Rescue, homes would be screened by a New Hope rescue and by the ACC, for suitability. Adopters, fosters need to be highly experienced, and have no children below 18 years of age.
