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When Dan M. heard from a friend about an ASPCA dog who needed a foster caregiver, he jumped at the chance.
Dan, a music teacher in Brooklyn, took Niko, a 6-month-old Border Collie, home for a few days. Soon after, he received an email from the ASPCA explaining Niko would be transferred to another shelter to be placed up for adoption.
“When I got that email, I knew I wanted to adopt Niko,” says Dan. “I just couldn’t say no.”
A Horrific Past
On July 9, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced the indictment of a Manhattan man for allegedly throwing his 14-week-old puppy off a bed, breaking numerous bones, and burning him with hot water in March of 2024. The man, Joseph Kauffmann, was charged with one count of aggravated cruelty to animals and one count of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals.
Niko on arrival at the ASPCA.
Niko was unable to walk the morning of March 28, when Kauffmann took him to BluePearl Pet Hospital. He was diagnosed with fractures of both of his hind limbs and second-degree burns on his back and face, as well as fractures to multiple ribs. Veterinarians started intensive wound treatment reported Niko’s injuries to the ASPCA, whose partnership with the NYPD is now in its tenth year. On April 1, Niko was transported to the ASPCA Animal Hospital.
Dr. Jasmine Bruno, an ASPCA Forensic Veterinarian, examined Niko, confirming his leg fractures. Severe burns covered more than 20% of his body, including the top of his head, forehead, left ear, around the eyes and on the muzzle. Over 60% of his back had been burned, causing blisters, skin discoloration, taut, leathery skin – and severe pain.
From top: Niko’s severe burns in various stages of healing.
Dr. Bruno also noted evidence of two separate trauma incidents. An x-ray imaging report confirmed both femur bones and four out of seven rib bone fractures happened around the same time as the thermal injuries. The three remaining fractured ribs showed evidence of having occurred approximately 10 to 20 days earlier.
“To break rib bones requires a significant amount of force, especially in a young dog whose rib bones are more pliable than an older dog,” says Dr. Bruno.
Dr. Bruno obtained biopsies of Niko’s wounds, confirming their severity to be second-degree burns based on the depth of tissue injury.
“Niko was in excruciating pain from his burns,” Dr. Bruno says. “On top of that, his rib fractures affected his ability to breathe comfortably. He couldn’t walk because of his leg fractures. It’s hard to put into words.”
Repairing the Damage
Dr. J’mai Gayle, Director of Surgery at the ASPCA Animal Hospital, performed surgery to fix Niko’s leg fractures.
“His left femur was fractured into multiple pieces and spanned almost the entire length of the bone, indicating a high-impact injury,” she says. “This fracture required a bone plate and a pin. The right femur fracture was repaired with pins.”
Niko’s femur fractures after being repaired; Niko in the ASPCA Animal Hospital’s ICU.
Dr. Gayle oversaw Niko’s daily wound care, which included the removal of dead tissue, aggressive pain management, special dressings and bandage changes. He was also neutered.
Despite the extent of Niko’s wounds, Dr. Gayle says he was a great patient.
“He let us do everything; he was so trusting,” she says.
Niko’s femur and rib fractures healed. But the deep burns he suffered damaged his hair follicles, and he’ll always have scar tissue, requiring that he wear a UV-blocking shirt on outside walks to prevent sunburn.
Next: Physical Therapy
Following his release from the hospital, Niko moved to the ASPCA Animal Recovery Center for continued medical treatment, followed by physical therapy and behavioral care and enrichment.
Niko’s twice-daily physical therapy sessions with Susan Lee and Erica Valenti, Licensed Veterinary Technicians, ensured his smooth recovery.
“We did some passive range of motion exercises on both of his hind legs, taught him how to sit correctly and how to stand to build up muscles and strength,” says Susan. “The most impactful exercise was where we manually extended and flexed his stifle and hip joints to prevent muscle atrophy and scar tissue buildup. It’s an uncomfortable process but necessary to fully regain the range of motion in the hind legs.”
Susan and Erica used heat therapy to relax Niko’s muscles and minimize pain while performing their treatments. They massaged his back, neck and forelimbs to relieve muscle tension stemming from the limited use of his hind legs.
“Niko’s sweet and playful demeanor won the hearts of his dedicated team of caregivers,” says Kris Lindsay, Vice President of the Animal Recovery Center. “Despite everything he had to overcome, he was remarkably resilient.”
First-Time Dog Foster
Though she doesn’t consider herself a dog person, Dr. Gayle fell hard for Niko, making him her first-ever foster dog.
“He captured our hearts,” says Dr. Gayle, whose household includes husband Chad, two teenagers and three cats.
Niko, at right with Dr. J’mai Gayle, was her first foster dog.
After his trial run in Dr. Gayle’s home, Niko spent afternoons in her hospital office.
“He enjoyed the enrichment,” she says. “My daughter and I took him for walks and taught him basic commands like how to shake and roll over. He liked going with us to get coffee.”
Dr. Gayle adds that Niko was fearful of water, especially running water.
Other fosters, including Dan, noted Niko’s fear of the bathroom and bathtub.
“It’s been a slow process, but he’s getting more comfortable,” Dan says.
“A Good Example”
Dan says Niko’s daily routine includes playtime in his backyard, a morning walk and lots of off-leash time at a nearby park where he enjoys socializing with other dogs. He’s enrolled in a doggie daycare on days when Dan and his partner aren’t home.
“When I learned about what he had been through, I felt bad,” Dan says. “I wanted to give him a better life. He loves learning; his favorite game is hide and seek. We come up with new games and I reinforce basic commands.”
After a long road, ASPCA staff couldn’t be more pleased with Niko’s outcome.
“It took a village of medical and behavioral expertise, as well as dedicated fosters, to help heal Niko’s broken body and spirit,” says Dr. Aubrey Crowley, Medical Supervisor of the Animal Recovery Center. “So many people contributed to his success.”
“For Niko to bounce back from his injuries and continue to love and trust humans is remarkable,” says Dr. Bruno.
Dr. Gayle, his former surgeon and a foster, agrees: “He’s a good example of what the ASPCA does.”
This holiday season, countless rescued animals like Niko will be experiencing their first holiday surrounded by love, safety and care. Learn more about how ASPCA supporters make lifesaving second chances like these possible, and how you can join the season of second chances by visiting aspca.org/FirstHoliday.
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