09/02/2026
TO BE EUTHANIZED 9/5/26 IN NYC
I have a movie!
LEON 259513❤️ https://youtu.be/9shbDq_dpqQ
LEON is a darling, little boy who was found in July in the Bronx and was brought in by NYPD. All of that is a lot for such a petite, young boy and he was noted to be a friendly but sensitive soul. He was quickly adopted and returned AFTER ONE DAY as his new family did not let him decompress and he did not feel safe. He is now looking for an experienced person to help him out. Someone who understands the language of “dog” and who will realize when Leon feels uncomfortable. Someone who won’t force him to interact, but will instead allow him to get used to new people and places in his new life slowly. Leon needs some stability and not to be bounced from home to home.
In the shelter environment LEON has been WAGGING, EASILY HANDLED, AND STANDING ON HIS HIND LEGS FOR EXTRA LOVE FROM HIS HANDLER. Please help him! Share him everywhere and often so his future parent might see him. Please message our page today if you have patience, understanding and some TLC for this cutie and would like to foster or adopt him.
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❤️Check out my most recent notes:
08-25-26: Leon is at the front of his kennel as handler approaches, he is leashed easily and exits kennel following handler and accepting treats along the way. He is taken to the street with handler and walks without issue, he passes people on the street without reaction and will jump on handler socially seeking attention. Leon will lean into handler and seek pets, rolling over and accepting belly rubs. Leon is walked for a while more until he is eventually brought back inside. Leon is returned to kennel without issue and interaction is ended shortly after.
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LEON, ID 259513, 3 years old, 15 lbs., Male
Manhattan ACC, Small mixed breed, Black/White
Owner surrender reason: Date of Intake: 19-Jul-2026: adoption return after 1 day
Behavior Assessment Rating: New Hope only
No children under 13
Place with a New Hope rescue
Medical Behavior: Body relaxed; easily examined, pretty friendly but not OK with oral exam or some tasks.
AT RISK MEMO:
Leon is at risk due to his behavioral concerns. Leon was reported to consistently nip the adults in the home. Multiple incidents occured none breaking skin but leaving scratches. In the care center, Leon is noted to snap for leashing and when picked up. Leon is generally social with familiar handlers, with a loose body, soliciting pets. Medically, Leon is apparently healthy.
Leon was recently returned to the care center following concerning behaviors in the home. Leon quickly escalated to biting when they attempted to remove him from the couch and when they attempted to take a toy from him. These bites did not break skin but did leave a scar from his teeth grazing them. During his previous stay in the care center, Leon was noted to snap at the handler when they picked him up to return him to kennel. Due to the detailed behavior, we recommend an experienced adult only home.
INTAKE NOTES—Date of Intake: 12-Jul-2026
Leon was brought in by the police and was scared but allowed all handling.
OWNER SURRENDER NOTES—BASIC INFORMATION
LEON is a small, male dog who was found on 12-Jul-2026 on Laconia Ave., Bronx 10466 and was brought in by NYPD. He was quickly adopted and has been returned after 1 day from a home with 2 adults for nipping multiple times, **no skin broken** although they knew he had handling sensitivities. They reported him to be friendly with unfamiliar dogs while on leash and had no experience with children or cats.
BEHAVIOR NOTES:
Date of Intake: 19-Jul-2026
Spay/neuter status: yes
Means of surrender: Length of time in previous home: adoption return after 1 day
Previously lived with: 2 adults
Behavior toward strangers: No experience
Behavior toward children: No experience
Behavior toward dogs: Leon was friendly with unfamiliar dogs while on leash
Behavior toward cats: No experience
Resource guarding: Valuable items: Food, Treats (bones, rawhides, etc.), Toys
Noted to escalate to biting when approached with a toy.
Bite history: Previous bite to a person: Yes
Did the bite break skin: No
Date of last bite: 7/18/2026
Previous bite to another animal: No
Did the other animal need vet care: Not reported
Date of last bite to an animal:
Bitten by another animal: No
Did this dog need vet care: Not reported
Date of last bite by another animal:
Additional info:
Moving him off / on the couch, ; Playing with toy
Bite History Survey Answers:
Was this the first bite: Yes
Previous bite before this:
How many times the dog has bitten in the past: 1-2 times in the past
Bite severity: Small bites left scar from teeth grazing against the skin, but did grab onto shorts. No bleeding.
Medical attention needed: No
Medical attention type: Not reported
Warning signs prior to the bite: Growled, hard barked, and/or snarled, Does not give warnings
What happened before/during the bite:
In the trial adopters’ home, Leon was reported to nip and bite them consistently; these bites have not broken skin but have left scratches. When Leon first arrived in the home, he immediately jumped on the couch. When the TA’s partner attempted to move him cautiously, Leo snapped and bit their finger. When the partner moved their hand away, Leon redirected and bit the TA on the knee. After that incident, the TA and their partner avoided letting Leon on the couch. The second incident occurred later that same day. The TA’s partner was playing fetch with Leon. Leon had played fetch multiple times throughout the day and did not show any signs of resource guarding. During the incident, the TA’s partner went to pick up the toy, and Leon started growling and bit them on their hand. The partner retreated and gave Leon space; however, Leon chased after the partner and continued to bite them. Biting the partner on the leg and knee. Leon then proceeded to bite and hold onto the partner’s shorts. The partner kept moving away quickly and retreating. However, Leon continued chasing them and growling and attempting to bite them until they were cornered against the stairs. The TA started making noise with the treat bag, and that was the only thing that stopped Leon.
Type of bite: Bite and hold, Bite multiple times in a row
When the biting began: Change in home (new baby, new pet, construction, etc.)
putting collar on
Housetrained: Partially
Energy level/descriptors: High (often playful/busy)
Other Notes: Goes potty on: Outside on walks (grass, cement, dirt, etc.)
Accident frequency: Daily
Additional info: P**p inside. P*e inside but looks for the bathroom to do that. Will take a while to p*e or p**p outside
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: Isn't bothered
- Disturbed while resting/sleeping: Unknown/Have not attempted
- Startled: Fearful
- Pushed/pulled off furniture: Barks/Growls
- Paws are touched: Unknown/Have not attempted
- Collar grabbed/touched: Barks/Growls
FIRST STAY:
Date of Intake: 12-Jul-2026
Spay/neuter status: No
Means of surrender: Length of time in previous home: stray
During his previous stay, Leon was noted to be fearful and have handling sensitivity.
SHELTER ASSESSMENT SUMMARIES: Date of Assessment: 3-Aug-2026
Summary: Leon was returned to the care center following behavior concerns in the home. In the trial adopters’ home, Leon was reported to nip and bite them consistently; these bites have not broken skin but have left scratches. When Leon first arrived in the home, he immediately jumped on the couch. When the TA’s partner attempted to move him cautiously, Leo snapped and bit their finger. When the partner moved their hand away, Leon redirected and bit the TA on the knee. After that incident, the TA and their partner avoided letting Leon on the couch. The second incident occurred later that same day. The TA’s partner was playing fetch with Leon. Leon had played fetch multiple times throughout the day and did not show any signs of resource guarding. During the incident, the TA’s partner went to pick up the toy, and Leon started growling and bit them on their hand. The partner retreated and gave Leon space; however, Leon chased after the partner and continued to bite them. Biting the partner on the leg and knee. Leon then proceeded to bite and hold onto the partner’s shorts. The partner kept moving away quickly and retreating. However, Leon continued chasing them and growling and attempting to bite them until they were cornered against the stairs. The TA started making noise with the treat bag, and that was the only thing that stopped Leon. During his previous stay in care, Leon was observed to be fearful and would escalate to snapping at the handler’s hand when they attempted to return him to the kennel. Due to the quick escalation in behavior observed while in the home, Leon is not a candiate for a handling assessment at this time.
PLAYGROUP SUMMARIES: DOG TO DOG:
According to Leon's previous owner(s), Leon was friendly with unfamiliar dogs while on leash while in their care.
8/26/5: Leon is introduced to a novel intact male and is neutral while sniffing nose to nose through the fence. He disengages and interacts with his handler. He reapproaches remaining neutral and then sniffs in the catch pen. He is let into the yard and engages in mutual sniffing remaining neutral and walks away, greeting handlers. He is tolerant of the other dog sniffing him from behind and independently explores. He is then introduced to a novel neutered male and is neutral standing nearby the gate but does not have interest in sniffing through the gate. He is then introduced to a novel intact male and approaches the fence, sniffing nose to nose remaining neutral but quickly disengages and solicits attention from handlers. He is led to the fence and briefly sniffs the other dog before disengaging, showing no interest in continued interaction.
8/18/26: Leon is introduced to a novel spayed female and approaches the fence with a neutral body, quickly disengaging and interacting with handlers. He reapproaches often and eventually the other dog comes forward and the two sniff nose to nose through the fence while he remains neutral and gives a couple mid level wags. The other dog is let into the yard and Leon attempts to sniff but the other dog scurries away. He attempts to follow and sniff but is calm when the other dog does not reciprocate interaction and explores the yard instead.
ENRICHMENT NOTES:
9/02/26: Leon is at the front of his kennel when handler approaches. He is easily leashed and taken out of the room. He walks alongside the handler with no interest in pop-up crates or staff members. Once in elevator Leon starts jumping onto the handler seeking interaction and readily accepts pets. He remains loose body and is very social. Leon is taken to the play-yard; he continues being focused on the handler, frequently gets down to the ground and shows his belly for more pets and gently takes treats. He is not interested in other dogs or people in neighboring pens. He remains loose and wiggly body with relaxed face. During return handler is able to pre-clip the leash and bring Leon back into the kennel with ease.
8/25/26: Leon is at the front of his kennel as handler approaches, he is leashed easily and exits kennel following handler and accepting treats along the way. He is taken to the street with handler and walks without issue, he passes people on the street without reaction and will jump on handler socially seeking attention. Leon will lean into handler and seek pets, rolling over and accepting belly rubs. Leon is walked for a while more until he is eventually brought back inside. Leon is returned to kennel without issue and interaction is ended shortly after.
8/18/26: Leon is at the front of his kennel with a soft body; the handler clips his harness and brings him out the room. Leon approaches two familiar handlers with a loose body after he sniffs them; he is then brought to the yard for playgroup (see D2D notes). Before the interaction, Leon approaches the other handlers with a wiggly body, soliciting pets; he also lays on his back to receive pets on his belly. After the interaction. the handler brings Leon inside; he refuses to enter on his own, so the handler tosses some treats into kennel and uses a bit of leash pressure to get him inside.
8/12/26: Leon is at the front of his kennel with a loose body; he is easily leashed and brought out the room. Once outside, the handler walks Leon past a few large dogs, but he doesn't react them. Leon walks ahead with mild leash tension; he exhibits playful behavior with the handler and allows pets. He approaches familiar handlers with a loose body and takes treats from them. Upon entry, the handler tosses treats into his kennel and Leon jumps in to eat them; the handler removes their leash with ease.
8/12/26: Leon is reported to snap at the handler when he was returned to his kennel. Later on, he is moved down to the bottom kennel.
8/2/26: Leon is standing in his kennel with a soft body and wagging tail. He is easily leashed and picked up from his top kennel. On the street, he walks slowly with a neutral body. He ignores passersby. He gets on his hind legs and leans in for pets from the handler. He takes treats and allows leash clipping and is returned to kennel with ease.
7/15/26: Leon comes to the front of his kennel as the handler approaches. He sniffs their hand with a neutral body and low tail. He allows leashing and pick up and is brought to the street. He does not pull and does not react to people. He walks with a slightly tense body and low tail. He is picked up and brought to the assessment room (see notes) then returned to kennel. As he is being lifted into kennel, he turns his head around with an open mouth towards the handlers hand. Next he goes for the other hand and the handler pulls it away and shuts the door quickly. He becomes animated and vocalizes (mostly whining) and jumps and paws at the door.
INTAKE BEHAVIOR
Date of Intake: 12-Jul-2026
Summary: Fearful but allowed all handling.
MEDICAL BEHAVIOR
Date of Initial: 14-Jul-2026
Summary: Body relaxed; easily examined, pretty friendly but not OK with oral exam or some tasks
ENERGY LEVEL: We have no history on Leon so we cannot be certain of their behavior in a home environment. However, they will need daily mental and physical activity to stay engaged and exercised. We recommend long-lasting chews, food puzzles, and hide-and-seek games, in addition to physical exercise, to positively direct their energy and enthusiasm.
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: New Hope Only
Recommendations:
No children under 13
Place with a New Hope rescue
Recommendations comments:
No children (under 13): Due to the multiple bite history, we recommend an adult only home.
We recommend placement with a New Hope rescue partner who is able to provide an experienced, adult-only foster home. Force-free, reward based training and/or consultation with a professional trainer/behaviorist is highly recommended.
Potential challenges:
House soiling
Resource guarding
Handling/touch sensitivity
Fearful/potential for defensive aggression
Multiple-bite history/risk of future aggression
Bite history (human)
Potential challenges comments:
House Soiling: Leon's trial adopter states that he had daily accidents. We recommend positive reinforcement, reward-based training only. Accidents should never be punished as this will likely make the problem worse. Please see handout on House Soiling.
Resource Guarding: During his trial adoption Leon quickly escalated to biting when they attempted to take a toy from him. Nothing should ever be taken directly out of Leon's mouth, and any time something is removed they should be rewarded with a high value treat or toy. Please see handout on Resource Guarding.
Handling Sensitivity/ Fearful Defensive: Leon is observed to be timid with handlers. Noted to have a tense body and low tail when his assessment starts. However, he does warm up over time and begins to see contact. However, when the handler picked up Leon to return him to kennel, he snaps at both their hands. This does not make contact. During his trial adoption Leon quickly escalated to biting when they attempted to move him off the couch. They also state that he will bark and growl when his collar is touched. Positive reinforcement, reward based training should be used to pair touch with good things such as food rewards in order to teach Leon to be more comfortable with this. Please see handout on Handling and Touch Sensitivity.
Multiple Bite History/ Bite History (Human): Escalating to biting is a behavior that Leon has rehearsed repeatedly. This behavior is likely to continue as it has become part of Leon's repertoire, and will need careful management to work toward reducing triggers for Leon and reducing the resulting bites. Please see handout on Bite History and Potential for Future Aggression.
MEDICAL EXAM NOTES:
8/13/2026
Reported snapping at leash on return to kennel
Starting 50mg trazodone PO BID indefinitely
8/11/2026
No CIRDC symptoms
Plan
ok for adoption.
1-Aug-2026 Disregard
Medical Notes: 1:32 PM
disregard
VET 991697
30-Jul-2026 Progress Exam CIRDC
Medical Notes: 4:39 PM
SO:
BAR, comes to kennel door
eent: eyes clear, mucoid nasal dc apparent
h/l: eupneic, sniffling and sneezing appreciated
msi: ambulatory x4
neuro: mentation alert and appropriate
A:
CIRDC
P:
75mg doxycycline PO SID x10d
VET 991697
17-Jul-2026 Dispensing Medication
Medical Notes: 10:08 AM
[Dispensing Medication]
Carprofen is being dispensed to the client. In compliance with Bouy's Law, a written client information sheet was included with the prescription. The handout was downloaded from Plumb's™ and discloses all required information regarding the use of this drug, side effects and missed dose and handling instructions.
VET 992172
17-Jul-2026 Spay/Neuter Summary
Medical Notes: 10:06 AM
Pre-surgical exam, anesthesia, and surgery performed by offsite vet. Medical record uploaded to Vet Documents.
Green linear tattoo placed lateral to incision.
Start 1/2 tab of carprofen 25mg sid po x2 days as pain management
Offsite Vet
14-Jul-2026 Tech Exam
Medical Notes: 5:09 PM
Performed sedated grooming with 0.4 dexdom IM , 0.4 torb IM bottle # 73. Reversed with 0.4 ml Antisedan IM as per Dr. 2671
LVT-E 991962
14-Jul-2026 DVM Intake
Medical Notes: 9:38 AM
DVM Intake Exam
Estimated age: 2-4 years based on the condition of teeth and eyes
Microchip noted on Intake? Negative
History: Brought in by police
Subjective:
BAR H pink 1 sec
Observed Behavior -
Body relaxed; easily examined, pretty friendly but not OK with oral exam or some tasks
Evidence of Cruelty seen -
No
Objective
P = 120hr
R = 40rr
BCS 4/9
EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted
Oral Exam: some calculus accumulation on canines. Squinching mouth shut super tight so really hard to see teeth well.
PLN: No enlargements noted
H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic
ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated
U/G: MI te**es x 2
MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat but matted, especially around face, eyes, chin, forelimbs
CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities
Assessment
Apparently healthy
Prognosis:
Good
Plan:
Intake procedures
ACR for sedated grooming
SURGERY:
Okay for surgery
VET-P 992671
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* TO FOSTER / ADOPT *
To foster or adopt a NYC ACC dog please PRIVATE MESSAGE our page at https://www.facebook.com/NYCDogsLivesmatter so we can assist and guide you through the process.
PLEASE NOTE: To foster or adopt a NYC ACC dog you need to live within a prescribed range of New York City. States include: NY, NJ, PA, CT, RI, DE, MD, MA, NH, VT, ME or Northern VA. If you are outside of this range, you have the option to “direct adopt” where you must go to the shelter “in person” to complete the adoption process. We can guide you through that process.
NYC ACC RATING SYSTEM
Level 1
Dogs with Level 1 determinations are suitable for the majority of homes.
Level 2
Dogs with Level 2 determinations will be suitable for adopters with some previous dog experience.
Level 3
Dogs with Level 3 determinations will need to go to homes with experienced adopters.
Level 4
Dogs with Level 4 determinations will need to go to homes with experienced adopters. It is suggested adopters have prior experience with the behaviors described.
New Hope Rescue Only
Dogs with this rating need to be pulled by a New Hope Partner Rescue. Contact our page or email us for assistance.
