For some animals, the path to adoption is not always a straightforward journey.
Consider Chip, a 10-month-old mixed-breed dog. His story began on a chilly November day in 2024, when he was seized from a Queens apartment by the NYPD during the execution of a search warrant.
Chip was in poor physical shape, with significant open wounds on the left side of his neck and hip.
“Initial x-rays revealed a bone infection of his left forelimb, which was likely secondary to whatever caused the trauma to the left side of his neck,” says Dr. Nina Williams, a veterinarian at the ASPCA Animal Recovery Center. “Eventually, we determined the underlying bone infection was too severe, and he required amputation of his left forelimb to remove the source of infection.”
It’s difficult to know exactly what caused Chip’s injuries, but dog bite wounds were suspected.
Chip’s injuries included open wounds on his left side. ASPCA Photos.
Chip was also diagnosed with a left hind leg patella luxation, or sliding kneecap, and excessive rotation of his right wrist. Placing all his weight on the outside of his front foot while compensating for his amputation caused swelling and irritation. His front paw was placed in a bootie while walking on hard, non-cushioned surfaces, and he wore a carpal brace to support his right front wrist.
A Joy to Work With
After his surgery, Chip began extensive physical therapy at the ASPCA.
“He was social and incredibly tolerant of all handling from the get-go,” says Maria Skorobogatov, a behavior specialist. “The major barriers were that he was a puppy with strict activity limitations, which included not being able to meet other dogs. This meant coming up with creative ways to socialize him safely and provide mental stimulation while keeping him calm.”
Chip was a fast learner and quickly mastered basic skills.
Chip, on the mend in foster care. Courtesy Muddy Paws Rescue.
“We kept up positive associations toward handling and wearing the special brace and prioritized calm behaviors,” says Maria. “We put Chip in a stroller to introduce him to the outdoor sights, sounds and smells and rewarded him with treats if he got excited when he saw other dogs or heard scary noises.”
“Chip had every right to lash out given all that he had been through, but he was a lovebug from day one,” says Dr. Williams.
“Our entire behavior team of seven people provided daily socialization and training,” says Maria, adding that Chip hung out in their offices to give him kennel breaks. “He was truly a joy to work with.”
Finding a Placement Partner
Chip was deemed abandoned, and his NYPD case was eventually closed. Once he was ready for adoption, the ASPCA’s Centralized Placement team arranged for him to go to Muddy Paws Rescue, an ASPCA placement partner, where he was cared for by two foster families.
Placement Partners are shelters and rescue groups that take animals rescued by the ASPCA from cruelty or disaster situations and match them with loving families. Muddy Paws has accepted 33 dogs from the ASPCA so far this year, including Chip.
Chip with one of his foster caregivers, Lauren C., at an adoption event. Courtesy Muddy Paws Rescue.
“Partners are critical to our work,” says Katherine Good, senior manager, placement partnerships. “In 2024, the ASPCA placed more than 800 animals nationwide with 57 partner shelters and currently has 112 active partnerships.”
“No one organization alone can solve the pet homelessness crisis,” says Mallory Kerley, marketing director at Muddy Paws. “Collaboration is incredibly important when it comes to finding the right homes for animals, with every organization having unique strengths. Sometimes, animals can’t thrive in a shelter, which is where a foster-based organization like ours can step in. A simple change of scenery can make a huge difference, ensuring an animal’s unique needs are met.
“Chip was a staff and volunteer favorite,” adds Mallory. “His story of resilience and strength resonated with everyone.”
Grateful for Training
Lillis M. follows shelters and rescue groups on social media, including Muddy Paws. After his previous dog, Kebe, died last November, he considered adopting again.
“I kept an eye out, waiting for the right dog to come along,” says Lillis. “When I first saw Chip online, I thought he’d get snapped up quickly since he was a tripod puppy.”
Surprised that potential adopters passed due to the extra care Chip requires with just one front leg, Lillis adopted him on March 29.
Lillis M., center, adopted Chip in March. Courtesy photos.
Lillis attributes Chip’s good nature and personality to “the love and attention he got before me.” “Chip’s an absolute favorite of everyone who meets him,” says Lillis. “He lies down on the corner of the block until people stop to say ‘hi.’ He’s not afraid of anything. My friends and family love spending time with him, and my super loves him, too.”
A Testament to Collaboration
Lillis says that Chip gets around well, though he can tire quickly.
“We do more enrichment at home and in our backyard, and our walks are short distances,” says Lillis. “He’s a bit like a clumsy teenager.” What impresses Lillis most is Chip’s ability to tolerate handling.
“He understands there are things like nail trimming or putting on his harness that are necessary, even if not completely comfortable,” says Lillis. “He sits so I can do what I need to do. I’m grateful for all the things he was taught before me.”
“Chip’s story is a testament to the time and energy that the ASPCA and animal welfare organizations throughout New York City and the nation invest to make sure animals have positive outcomes,” says Katherine. “He was supported by many internal and external partners, and his journey is a prime example of our collaborative work.”
“A lot of people had a hand in Chip’s treatment, care, recovery and placement,” says Dr. Williams. “He’s one of our true success stories.”
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