Animal Profile
Choco Pie
Hello, my name is Choco Pie. My animal id is #228381. I am a desexed male brown brindle dog at the Queens Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 4 years 9 months old.
I came into the shelter as a stray on 5/31/2025.
Sorry, this pet is for new hope partners only.
Pre-Screener FormChoco Pie is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns in his previous home. In his previous home, Choco Pie barked and lunged at a person reaching toward him and mouthed a visitor’s hand without clear warning. He also is reported to fixate on dogs during walks and has difficulty disengaging once focused. Choco Pie in the care center is highly social with staff, leaning into contact. Medically, Choco Pie is mild conjunctivitis, mild skin allergies and mild dental disease.
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Let's get to know each other a bit more...
This pet needs emergency placement. Please click here to go to our emergency placement page for more information. This pet is available only through ACC New Hope partners. To adopt or foster, please complete the pre-screener form below. Inquiries sent directly to ACC will not receive a response. Pre-Screener Form Choco Pie is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns in his previous home. In his previous home, Choco Pie barked and lunged at a person reaching toward him and mouthed a visitor's hand without clear warning. He also is reported to fixate on dogs during walks and has difficulty disengaging once focused. Choco Pie in the care center is highly social with staff, leaning into contact. Medically, Choco Pie is mild conjunctivitis, mild skin allergies and mild dental disease. Choco pie came into the care center as a stray but has spent time in the foster home. Choco Pie has a history of sudden reactivity toward people in the foster home. In his third foster, he barked and lunged at a person who was crouched and extending an arm, and separately mouthed a visitor's hand, with the foster reporting no clear warning signs. In his second foster, Choco Pie escalated without clear warning after play, giving a hard stare followed by growling, lunging, and biting a foster partner on the arm. The bite did not break skin. He also fixates on other dogs during walks. While his first foster described him as affectionate and calm in the home. In the care center, Choco Pie has show loose body towards the handler, often seeking attetion and will engage in play. Choco Pie is available for rescue through one of our New Hope Partners. My previous foster writes: Just like his name, Choco Pie is all sweetness with a marshmallowy center. He's a total lovebug who wants nothing more than to be by your side-especially if you're handing out chest rubs. Taking a break from work? Great, he's already there, giving you those big eyes that say, "Is it cuddle o'clock yet?" He's a pro on the leash (with the occasional detour when an interesting smell crosses his path), but overall, he's got that walk game down. Plop yourself on the floor, and Choco Pie will politely trot over and sit like a gentleman, just close enough to make sure you notice how soft his head and chest are. Within seconds, all decorum vanishes-flop!-he's on his back, legs in the air, inviting you to pets on his chest, sides, squishy neck folds, and under his chin. Also, you will definitely want to. He's brave and confident when you're around, but being alone still makes him a little anxious. He's working on it, though, and with some patience and gentle training, he'll learn to be more confident and independent. If you're looking for a loyal shadow with a heart as soft as a marshmallow center, Choco Pie is it!
My medical notes are...
Weight: 63.2 lbs
6/2/2025
DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 2 to 5 years Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative History: Stray Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - Pulls on leash. Didn't react to other dogs. Sat nicely for treats. Tense body for exam. Resisted restraint for tasks. Is there evidence of Cruelty? No Is there evidence of Neglect? No Is there evidence of Trauma? No Objective P = 120 R = WNL BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Mild tartar PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NR, NMA, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: male intact MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: WNL externally Assessment Dental disease stage 1/4 Prognosis: Good Plan: Intake tasks SURGERY: ok for surgery. HWT at surgery.
6/9/2025
FP emailed: Photos and video uploaded to vet docs. FP reports coughing (producing mucous), decreased appetite. I replied: CIRDC supportive care tips sent. Per VET 991657: 1. Doxycycline 300mg SID X10 days 2. Cerenia 60mg SID x4 3. Proviable x10 days If pet is not eating, make appt.
6/11/2025
Hx: has been in foster but has developed CIRDC and +/- pneumonia; not eating; reluctant to go outside or move; coughing; nasal discharge QAR eent- mucoid nasal discharge; coughing on presentation hl-eupneic msi- amb x 4 A) CIRDC with pneumonia anorexia weight loss (2 lbs) P) Doxycycline- 8-10 mg/kg (300mg and 100 mg tabs) sig: 1 tab po q 24 hrs x 10 d's Cerenia- 2.0 mg/kg (60mg tabs) Sig: 1 tab PO SID x 5 days SQ Fluids- 1L q 24 hrs B Vits- 1000microg/ml Sig: 0.8 ml to 1.5 ml sq
6/13/2025
Meds team noted not eating medications or showing any interest in food offered A: CIRDC Pneumonia P: Continue with SQ fluids Cerenia 10mg/ml 2.8 ml SQ q24hr x4d Enrofloxacin 100mg/ml 2.8 ml (diluted to 7 mls in sterile water) SQ q24hr x4d Recheck after 4 days and see if ok to change to oral meds
6/14/2025
Eating warmed up spam very well during injectable administration. Fluid retention noted. Clear nasal discharge and minimal coughing. D/c injectables and switching to oral medications. A: Anorexia, resolving Pneumonia, resolving CIRDC P: Enrofloxacin 136mg tab, 2 tab PO SID x8d
6/16/2025
switched over to oral antibiotic on 6/14
6/22/2025
Hx: has had CIRDC BAR H eating eent- no nasal discharge; no coughing or sneezing or congestion msi- amb x 4 A) No CIRDC-like signs; pneumonia appears to be improving (but may take awhile to clear completely) P) Placement/homing
7/23/2025
FP emailed: Photos uploaded to ver docs. FP notes poss allergies or allergic reaction. Constant scratching, hot spots. I replied: 1. Diphenhydramine 50mg PO q8-12 hrs. 2. Cool bath with J&J baby shampoo 3. Keep on Flea prevention.
8/5/2025
Per VET 991752: Apoquel 16 mg 1 tablet po bid x 7d then 1 tablet sid x 3 weeks. #35 Please give continuously for maximum effect.
9/20/2025
FP requesting refill of Apoquel Dispensing Apoquel 16mg tab, 1 tab PO SID x17d
11/11/2025
Foster exam History: On Apoquel at home (16mg PO SID) that keeps his skin allergies calm- Foster notices itching right away if misses a couple doses. Very calm in the house when foster is there but severe separation anxiety when he leaves- damages the apartment and his kennel. Foster noticed itching of his right ear this week. Subjective: BARH Observed Behavior - Whale eyed, tail tucked and tense during exam-muzzled for exam. Reacts to fast movements. Became very alarmed when lifted to put on the scale and lunged at the assistant with muzzle on. Recommend come to exams with Gabapentin and Trazodone. Objective T = NE P = wnl R = wnl BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, AS-clear, AD-thick flaking yellow debris, painful, ulcerated mildly bleeding canal, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Not examined today PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: both testes down and wnl. MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, erythemic dermal thickening in right axilla. Thickened enlarged nipples. CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: NE Wood's Lamp Exam: NE Assessment 1. Otitis externa AD 2. Severe separation anxiety 3. Skin allergies- controlled on apoquel Plan: 1. Ears cleaned- Simplera applied to AD 2. Recheck ears in 1 month 3. Trazodone sent home with foster for as needed treatment of anxiety. O states that if Choco is with someone he is completely fine-will only need to give when leaving home alone. 4. Gabapentin 300mg capsules- give 1 capsule 2 hours prior to exams with 1.5 trazodone 100mg 5. Discussed food allergies vs environmental with foster. Will see how allergies are during the winter, can trial taking off apoquel. SURGERY: Okay for surgery
12/15/2025
[DVM Intake] DVM Intake Exam Estimated age:4years 6months Microchip noted on Intake? yes History: owner surrender Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - quiet, slightly fearful - go slow Is there evidence of Cruelty? n Is there evidence of Neglect? n Is there evidence of Trauma? n Objective P = 80 R = 20 BCS= 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear (right eye eyelids slightly smaller) mild conjunctivitis, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: mild dental disease PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: intact male MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment: mild conjunctivitis right eye mild skin allergies mild dental disease Prognosis: good with management Plan: dvm intake tasks neopolybac right eye BID SURGERY: Okay for surgery
12/17/2025
Was this dog a cryptorchid? no If so describe - Pre scrotal Incision Spermatic Cord Ligation with: 0-0 PDS transfixing ligature Sub Q closure: 0-0 PDS cruciate Skin closure? 0-0 PDS intradermal Green Linear Tattoo Placed near Midline Surgeon: 990665 Additional Note:
12/18/2025
[Post Surgical Exam] Attitude/demeanor: BAR Appetite: eating well C/S/V/D: none Incision site: no view Pain level: appears comfortable Licking, chewing, or biting surgical site noted: no Additional notes: NA
1/29/2026
Start trazodone 8 mg/kg PO BID for kennel stress in shelter
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 2. Blue
Date of intake:: 5/31/2025
Spay/Neuter status:: No
Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Stray(spent time in foster)
Other Notes:: In his 3rd Foster Choco Pie is noted to in the foster home to barked and lunged at a person doing work in the foster, the person was crouched down and was stretching their arm.Choco was on leash, but approached the person slowly (FP states he had a neutral body) and barked and lunged at the person. The FP also had a friend visit and he mouthed the friends hand out. FP didn't see any warning signs for either incident. FP also mentioned that Choco will fixate on other dogs on walks. In his 2nd foster Choco Pie is noted to he isn't fast enough to chase birds, but he will try to chase rats and squirrels. So definitely some prey drive with smaller land based animals. He is noted to have separation anxiety.Choco will show mild interest in strangers. He will sniff them but won't actively engage with them. The foster partner and Choco pie were both sitting and petting Choco after playing with tennis ball, and all of a sudden Choco looked up and gave the partner a stare and they didn’t have time to react before he growled, lunged at the partner bite them on the arm the bite didnt break skin. The partner was able to escape through the door. In his 1st foster home he noted to have Separation anxiety.Chocolate is a really good boy.Choco will show mild interest in strangers. He will sniff them but won't actively engage with them. they note he was really good company. While they worked from home, Chocolate would laydown on the floor and take a long nap. He will follow you around and wags his tail and will always ask for bellyrubs.
Date of assessment:: 2/20/2026
Summary:: 2/20/26: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: Loose Reactivity to humans: N/a Reactivity to dogs: N/a Leash walking comments: Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Explores rooms- gently takes treats, soft body Call over: Readily approaches- gently takes treats, whine when seeing faimilar handler Sociability comments: playful Handling Soft handling: Tolerant- jumps on handler, heavy panting Exuberant handling: Tolerant- lip licks,distracted Handling comments: Arousal Jog: Follow Arousal comments: Knock: No repsonse Knock Comments: Toy: Hover body blocks, Toy comments: 12/18/25: Behavioral assessment upon request. ***06/02/25: Please inquire about the prior handling and prior stay for more details.***
Summary:: 6/25/25: Choco Pie greets another dog at the gate with a soft body and wagging tail. He playbows in solicitation. 6/26/25: Choco Pie engages in exuberant and rough play, jumping onto the other dog and body slamming into them.
Summary (3):: 03/06/26: Choco Pie is easily leashed and is observed to be loose/wiggly on his walk, trying to greet multiple staff members. Choco pie walks loosely and happily while pulling very lightly. Choco Pie is alert and pays attention to the handler while on walks. Choco pie knows how to sit and accepts pats on the head. Choco pie goes back into kennel with no issues. 2/26/26: Choco Pie is observed to be loose/wiggly on his walk, trying to greet multiple staff members by jumping in there direction. Choco Pie passes a familiar handler, and becomes very loose/wiggly, leaning in for petting and jumping in a social manner. Choco Pie is a bit difficult to distract due to his exuberance, but the handler is able to bring him back the care center without issue. 2/20/26: Choco Pie is siting on his bed as handler approaches. He comes forward to the front with a loose and wiggly body and begins jumping at the door as the handler unlocks it. He is able to be leashed with ease and he pulls hard on the way to the behavior room. In the room, he has a loose and wiggly body and would jump up on the handlers to receive treats and pets. He would run around the room with toys and would shred the toys up that he would find. He is able to return back to his kennel with no issues. 02/10/26 (Trainer Note): Choco Pie was lying at the front of his kennel with his back to the doo as the handler approaches. He was loose and wiggly and the handler couple clip his harness, Choco Pie excitedly pushed his way out of the kennel door and jumped at the handler as he walked to the Live Room. When inside Choco would pace and pant around the room, so the handler engaged him in some up/down game. The handler then began to play some polite exchange with Choco, he would engage for three repetitions, before taking the toy and ripping it apart. The handler then continued work on a leave it cue, using treats. Choco was able to leave an open palm of treats, and a treat on the handlers knee (covered) with ease. Choco accepted pets and got the zoomies around the room. Choco was returned to kennel without issue.
Summary (4):: 02/10/26 (Trainer Note): Trainer spoke with za potential FP for Choco Pie. FP works from home, read the Be Right Back sent to her by the trainer and is willing to work with him on his SA. The only issue is leaving Choco Pie alone when they need to leave for 2-3 hours stints. FP is new to NYC and doesn't have a huge network of people right now. Trainer has given info for foster Facebook page, FP has posted for dog sitters in their building and trainer will be reaching out to volunteers to look for potential dog sitters.
Summary (5):: 02/05/26 (Trainer Note): Choco Pie is sitting at the front of his kennel with a loose body as the handler approaches. He is easily leashed and pulls moderately to the canine training room. Choco Pie is loose and social with handlers, leaning into contact with a soft body. The handler works with him on polite exchange and the leave it cue. Choco Pie trades toys readily for treats and is able to leave the treat as it moves closer to the ground. He is easily leashed and returned to kennel without issue. 01/27/26 (Trainer Note): Choco Pie is sitting at the front of his kennel as the handler approaches; he begins to jump with a loose wiggly body and allows the handler to clip his harness. Choco Pie walks calmly to the training room and when inside, immediately grabs a toy and begins to pull it apart. The handler is able to engage Choco Pie in teaching a leave it cue. Choco Pie is able to leave a vienna sausage in the handler's hand. Choco Pie will opt out of training and shred another toy. Choco Pie will bounce around the room and solicit pets from the other handlers before being safely returned to kennel. 01/23/26 (trainer note): Choco Pie is laying down in his kennel as the handler approaches. He stands and comes to the front with a loose body. He is easily leashed and pulls mildly to the canine training room. The handler works with him on polite exchange and the leave it cue. Choco Pie participates readily. He is easily leashed and returned to kennel without issue.
Summary (6):: 1/22/26: Choco Pie is laying down at the back of his kennel as handler approaches. He comes forward to the front and is able to be leashed with ease. He is then taken outside for a walk. On the walk, he would pull ahead and would constantly jump up on the handler with a loose body. He would stare at the handler's treat pouch to receive treats and switch sides while walking behind them. He pulls on the way back to his kennel and enters with no issues. 01/15/26 (Trainer Note): Choco Pie is standing in his kennel with a neutral body as the handler approaches. He is easily leashed and pulls mildly to the canine training room. The handler attempts to work with him on polite exchange but Choco Pie is not interested in fetch, instead shredding the toys each time he is given them. The handler switches instead to doggie zen, reinforcing Choco Pie each time he turns his head away from the treat. He participates readily. Choco Pie is easily leashed and returned to kennel without issue. 12/18/25 (assessment): Choco Pie is lying in the middle of kennel with a neutral frame as handler approaches. He is leashed with ease and walks to the Canine Behavior Office for assessment (see Behavior Assessment for further details). Choco Pie is collared, clipped to a drag lead, and free to explore the space. He is social with handlers throughout and takes treats gently from hand. After his session, he is returned to kennel safely. 12/16/25: Choco Pie is standing at the front of kennel with a neutral frame as handler approaches. He is leashed with ease and walks with a loose frame to the Canine Behavior Office where he approaches handlers with a loose frame, accepting treats gently from hand. Choco Pie is clipped to a drag lead and free to explore the space. He spends time engaging with a snuffle mat. After his session, he is returned to kennel safely.
Summary (7):: Previous stay at ACC: 6/26/25: Chocolate Cookie Crunch is off leash in the yard withe handlers. He seeks handler attention by following them and remaining near them. He will sit at their feet looking up. He takes treats gently and allows petting on his head, neck and torso. 6/25/25: Chocolate has been moved into a pop up crate he is observed to bark and vocalize persistently. Along with biting and tugging the bars at the bottom and side of the crate inward. 6/20/25: Chocolate Cookie Crunch is in front of kennel with relaxed body. Tail and wiggly body language when handler unlocks kennel door. Easily leashed and switched to harness. Minimal to no pulling on walk. Chocolate Cookie Crunch sees some of the behavior team he is familiar with on walk and is highly social, approaches with wiggly body, tail wagging and accepts treats. During walk almost no leash pulling, turns to check in with handler for both verbal cues and treats. Easily re-enters MACC and kennel. 6/20/25: Chocolate Cookie Crunch is observed to be at the front of his kennel, panting while pushing his muzzle into the door. 6/2/25- Chocolate cookie crunch is at the front of his kennel with a loose and wiggly body, he is easily leashed and taken for a street walk. He is aloof with handler and has no reaction to any stimuli. He gently takes treats from handler and he allows them to pet his head, neck and back. He sniffs around and has a moderate pull to spots to sniff. He is taken for his assessment where he is easily collared and social with handlers, continuously taking treats throughout. He is easily releashed and returned to his kennel without issue.
Date of intake:: 5/31/2025
Summary:: Aloof, tense body tucked tail
Date of initial:: 6/2/2025
Summary:: Tense body for exam
ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Choco Pie 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 additional to physical exercise, to positively direct their energy and enthusiasm.
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only
Recommendations:: No children (under 13),No cats,Place with a New Hope partner
Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): We reccomend Choco Pie be placed in an adult-only home at this time. No cats: We reccomend Choco pie is placed in a home without small animals due to prey drive. Place with a New Hope partner: Due to all noted concerns displayed in a home environment, the behavior department recommends Choco pie be placed with a New Hope placement partner who is able to provide an experienced adult-only foster home. A period of decompression is recommended to allow Choco pie to acclimate comfortably to his new environment; force-free, reward based training only is advised when introducing Choco pie to new and unfamiliar situations. Consultation with a professional trainer/behaviorist is highly recommended for guidance to safely manage/modify any behavior Choco pie presents with outside of the care centers.
Potential challenges: : Resource guarding,Mouthiness/poor bite inhibition,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,Separation anxiety,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration,Other,Bite history (human)
Potential challenges comments:: Resource guarding: Choco pie is noted to hover and body block the assessor's toy during his handling assessment.To manage this, staff should avoid removing valued items without a trade, use positive reinforcement for calm behavior, and implement trade-up exercises to reduce guarding. Please see the handout on Resource guarding. Mouthiness/poor bite inhibition: In foster Choco pie is noted to be mouthy.Training should focus on redirecting mouthy behavior to appropriate chew items, reinforcing gentle engagement, and teaching calm alternative behaviors to reduce inappropriate mouthing. Please see the handout on Mouthiness/poor bite inhibition. Fearful/potential for defensive aggression/Bite history (human): The foster partner and Choco pie were both sitting and petting Choco after playing with tennis ball, and all of a sudden Choco looked up and gave the partner a stare and they didn’t have time to react before he growled, lunged at the partner bite them on the arm the bite didnt break skin. The partner was able to escape through the door. On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration: Choco Pie is noted to not be fast enough to chase birds, but he will try to chase rats and squirrels. So definitely some prey drive with smaller land based animals. To address this, use a secure leash and harness, maintain distance from wildlife, and reinforce focus on the handler with high-value treats during walks. Incorporating impulse-control exercises can help reduce reactivity. Please see the handout On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration. Separation anxiety: He is noted to have separation anxiety.Recommended strategies include gradual desensitization to departures, providing enrichment and long-lasting chews, and avoiding overly emotional greetings or departures to reduce anxiety. Please see the handout on Separation anxiety. Other/Bite history (human):The foster partner and Choco pie were both sitting and petting Choco after playing with tennis ball, and all of a sudden Choco looked up and gave the partner a stare and they didn’t have time to react before he growled, lunged at the partner bite them on the arm the bite didnt break skin. The partner was able to escape through the door.