Mac
Hello, my name is Mac. My animal id is #263476. I am a female black dog at the Queens Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 4 years 1 weeks old.
I came into the shelter as a agency on 8/26/2026.
Sorry, this pet is for new hope partners only.
Pre-Screener FormMac is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Mac was brought to the Care Centers with another dog following an altercation between the two. Unfortunately, no details were provided regarding the circumstances of the incident; however, both dogs were noted to have multiple puncture wounds to their faces. In the Care Centers, Mac has displayed reactivity toward other dogs and was involved in a kennel fight with another dog after getting loose. At times, she refuses to walk and requires coaxing from multiple people. When in a room with familiar staff, Mac will take treats and allow some handling. Medically, Mac has scarring on her face due to bite wounds and Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex.
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 Mac is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Mac was brought to the Care Centers with another dog following an altercation between the two. Unfortunately, no details were provided regarding the circumstances of the incident; however, both dogs were noted to have multiple puncture wounds to their faces. In the Care Centers, Mac has displayed reactivity toward other dogs and was involved in a kennel fight with another dog after getting loose. At times, she refuses to walk and requires coaxing from multiple people. When in a room with familiar staff, Mac will take treats and allow some handling. Medically, Mac has scarring on her face due to bite wounds and Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex. Mac was brought in as a stray, so her previous behavior in a home is unknown. She was reported to have been involved in several fights with the other resident dog, resulting in both dogs sustaining puncture wounds and scarring. In the Care Centers, Mac presents as highly fearful and will sometimes refuse to walk. When given time to decompress, she is comfortable allowing staff to pet her on the head. Mac would benefit from placement with a New Hope Partner experienced in managing fearful behavior using positive reinforcement and force-free methods.
My medical notes are...
Weight: 58 lbs
8/26/2026
DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: approx 3-7 years based on dentition and conformation Microchip noted on Intake? scanned negative History: agency- reported finder said two dogs were fighting and had to be separated Subjective: QAR Observed Behavior - reluctant to walk into exam room, timid, allowed for handling, sedated for wound explore and clean Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? Y Objective: T = np P = wnl R = wnl BCS 6/9 EENT: Eyes clear, moderate dark brown ceruminous debris AU with mucopurulent dc at the edges of the pinna and appearance of draining into external canals , no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: mild - moderate wear and staining to visible dentition PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: F suspected intact MSI: Ambulatory x 4, multiple wounds to either side of the face and ears with 4 apparent punctures on the left, 2 full thickness puncture to AS- one at the edge and full thickness approx 1/2 cm extending through the distal end of the pinna- moderate- severe erythema with diffuse scabbing and dried serous dc along either side of the face, suspected approx 5 days old based on mucopurulent dc and thickness of skin, no active bleeding, no palpable areas of fluid accumulation under the skin. R side approx 2-3 punctures with moderate-severe erythema and scabbing, no active bleeding, copious dried serous dc. Diffuse scarring along the neck and front legs, focal puncture wounds at various stage of healing (3 days to scarring) on the carpi, also extending up RFL. CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment: Bite wounds Prognosis: fair Plan: intake exam and tasks sedated with 0.6mL dex/torb/ket IM - maintained on O2, adequate sedation wounds soaked with dilute chlorohex, flushed and probed copious with sterile saline, clipped both sides of face, ears cleaned Carpro 4.4mg/kg SQ once today (2.4mL), then PO SID x 7 days (125mg) Methadone 0.2mg/kg IM BID x 3 days (first dose given during exam) Gaba ~ 15mg/kg PO BID x 7 days (300mg) Amoxi-clav 13.75mg/kg PO BID x 12 days (375mg) house in med-icu CBC/CHEM/T4 pulled check for BW results and recheck comfort DOH report awaiting sort SURGERY: Okay for surgery: N Temporary waiver due to bite wounds
8/26/2026
Your newly adopted pet has been diagnosed with BITE WOUNDS and the staff veterinarians are issuing a TEMPORARY waiver from the spay/neuter requirements of the City of NY. Follow up care at your regular veterinarian is recommended to ensure continued treatment through to the resolution of the issue. At the time of a full recovery you may choose to have your veterinarian perform the spay/neuter surgery, or make provisions to return the pet to ACC for sterilization.
8/27/2026
Recheck wounds, bw results S/O: QAR-BAR, ate well overnight, no c/s/v/d noted EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge LUNGS: Eupneic MSI: Amb x 4; multifocal to coalescing wounds at face/head/neck and forearms; significant fluctuant swelling at right side of face with purulent to sanguineous discharge; wound at ear canal AD with purulent discharge within canal CNS: Appropriate mentation CBC: 32.9 (L), WBC 20.2 (H), neutrophils 17.705 (H), monocytes 1.232 (H) CHEM: Albumin 2.3 (L), globulin 4.2 (H), AG ratio 0.5 (L); ALP 188 (H), cholesterol 376 (H) Sedated for wound care with dex 0.5 ml IV. Already received methadone as tx this AM. -Two full thickness wounds at right side of face, one at caudal border of wounds and the other more rostral. -Caudal wound has mild pocketing, rostral wound has deep pocketing and more discharge -Flushed both with copious sterile saline -Cleaned and flushed superficial wounds as well -Cleaned AD with saline + gauze -Full antisedan reversal, smooth recovery A: Numerous wounds to face/head/neck and front limbs consistent with fighting Leukocytosis, neutrophilia, monocytosis - ro inflammation/infection (wounds) Hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinemia - ro inflammation/infection (wounds vs other P: Continue methadone, carprofen, gabapentin, clavamox CTM on rounds and recheck in 3-5 days
8/28/2026
Staff report refusing to go on walks, pancaking, fearful. PLAN: Start trazodone 7.5 mg/kg PO BID.
9/1/2026
Recheck wounds S/O: BAR, active and wiggly, allows handling, no c/s/v/d noted EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge, scabbing and swelling at AD outer canal LUNGS: Eupneic MSI: Swelling at right side of face present, no fluctuant regions appreciated; numerous healing/scabbed wounds at face, head, neck, forelimbs - most notable wounds focused on right side of head/face, no active discharge appreciated CNS: Appropriate mentation A: Bite wounds as described above Leukocytosis, neutrophilia, monocytosis - ro inflammation/infection (wounds) Hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinemia - ro inflammation/infection (wounds vs other P: Continue gabapentin, carprofen, clavamox, and trazodone CTM on rounds and recheck wounds in 5 days
9/4/2026
Behavior staff requesting behavior modification medication due to persistent signs of FAS (persistent panting / pacing, inability to focus). P on trazodone ~7.5mg/kg PO BID. INCREASE Trazodone 275mg (~10mg/kg) PO BID TFN ADD Clonidine 0.6mg (~0.024mg/kg) PO BID TFN
9/5/2026
On 09/05/2026 Mac was examined. The patient has appropriate mentation at this time (no neurological signs present) and has not exhibited any neurological signs while at QACC.
9/5/2026
Progress Exam – CIRDC signs noted on rounds S/O: BAR, sneezing/sniffling, no c/s/v/d noted EENT: Eyes clear, mild mucoserous nasal discharge noted H/L: Eupneic, normal respiratory rate/effort MSI: Mild-mod facial swelling and healing wounds at right side of face, but improved from previous exam CNS: Mentation appropriate Assessment: CIRDC Plan: Move to iso Placed monitoring log D/c clavamox - on for wounds Start doxycycline 10 mg/kg PO SID x 10 days Recheck CIRDC day 10 CTM while at QACC
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 2. Blue
Date of intake:: 8/26/2026
Spay/Neuter status:: No
Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Stray, No known history
Behavior toward dogs:: Came in with one other dog
Bite history:: Yes, Mac was reported to have multiple altercations with the other resident dog that she was surrendered with. Both dogs had bite marks and scarring on their faces.
Date of assessment:: 9/5/2026
Summary:: Mac is highly fearful and refuses to walk some days. Due to these behaviors, Mac will not receive a handling assessment.
Summary:: Due to entering the facility as a stray, there is limited prior dog-dog history recorded. 09/02/26 Due to the reported fight with another dog prior to intake, and a recent incident of significant reactivity, Mac is not an appropriate candidate for playgroup.
Summary (6):: 09/08/2026: Mac is standing at the front of her kennel with a loose and wiggly body as handler approaches. She is easily leashed and brought to the canine behavior office. She is put on a drag leash and remains soft bodied throughout walk, approaching handlers with a loose body. Mac heavily pants throughout interaction and has dilated pupils. When pet she briefly leans in. She is returned to her kennel without issue.
Summary (7):: 9/5/26: Mac is standing at the front of her kennel with a wagging tail as handler approaches. She is able to be leashed with ease and is then taken outside to the yard. Along the way, she would pull hard ahead and would constantly stop walking to stare at dogs nearby. She has no interest in toys or treats that were offered. In the yard, she would constantly relieve herself and mark her territory. She then stands at the gate and stares at dogs walking by on the street. She is able to return back to her kennel with no issues 9/4: When a handler removed Mac from her kennel for her PM walk, she panicked and refused to enter the behavior office. It took several long minutes and multiple handlers to coax Mac out of the hallway and into the behavior office. Once in the office, she pants and paces, ignoring attempts to interact. She tolerates being collared, resuming her panting and pacing once on a drag leash. Once her kennel is ready is returned to her kennel. 9/3/26: Mac was at the front of her kennel with a neutral body where she was easily leashed and taken for a street walk. While walking Mac maintained a neutral body and walk slightly ahead of handler with light leash pressure. Mac ignored any of the treats that handler offered. Mac did accept pets on her head and back. Upon return staff were not finished with kennel since there was a TDO behind Mac so handler took her to behavior room for a few minutes. In the room Mac was social with other handlers and accepted pets from them but did not accept any treats. She was returned to kennel with no issue. - 8/31 (PM): An ACS requested assistance with getting Mac back into the building as he pancake or turned to pull away from the building. Handlers attempted to assist; they offered her chicken breast, sausages, and spray cheese, but she did not take any. After changing the route slightly and giving her a break, Mac began walking down the sidewalk. Once at the gate, Mac balked again. It took several more minutes to get her back into her kennel. 8/31/26 (VS): Upon returning another dog to her kennel after a walk the handler walked into Canine Med-ICU and Mac started barking. Once the other dog was physically in her kennel, Mac got out of her kennel and started to kennel fight with the dog that was just walked. Note that dog also reacted to hearing Mac bark at her and barked/lunged in return. The handler was unable to fully secure the door to the other dog's kennel prior to Mac getting out, so handler stayed and called for help. Another person rushed in and was able to leash Mac and take her out of the room. Koko's kennel was secured and leash was retrieved afterwards with the hook tool.
Date of intake:: 8/26/2026
Summary:: Nervous
Date of initial:: 8/26/2026
Summary:: Reluctant to walks, timid, allowed handling
ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Mac 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),Single-pet home,Recommend no dog parks,Place with a New Hope partner
Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to Mac's fearfulness, Mac should go to ahome with older behavirally savvy kids. Single-Pet Home/Recommend No Dog Parks: Due to the reported bite incident before intake and incident that occurred in care, we feel that Mac should not visit dog parks and be the only resident dog. The Behavior Department recommends that she be socialized in a more controlled setting until her behavior towards other dogs can be further addressed. Reward-based, force-free training can be utilized to help Mac associate dogs with things she enjoys like toys or treats. Place with a New Hope partner: Due to Mac's behavior in the Care Centers, Mac should go to a New Hope partner that can manage her behavior.
Potential challenges: : Fearful,Multiple-bite history/risk of future aggression,Bite history (dog)
Potential challenges comments:: Fearful: Mac is highly fearful in the Care Centers and refuses to walk at times. She will need time to decompress in new environments. Please see the handout on Decompression. Multiple-bite history/risk of future aggression/Bite history (dog): Mac was reported to have a history of getting into altercations in her previous home. Please see the handout on Bite History.
