Animal Profile


Nina

Hello, my name is Nina. My animal id is #228511. I am a desexed female brown dog at the Queens Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 4 years 9 months 1 weeks old.

I came into the shelter as a agency on 5/5/2026.

Sorry, this pet is for new hope partners only.

Pre-Screener Form

Nina is at risk due to behavior concerns. These concerns are from a previous reported bite. Nina has demonstrated consistently a low threshold for arousal while in care and in foster. Nina became aroused while on walk and started jumping and mouthing which ended with a wound on handler's arm. While she was previously in foster she was returned due to her behavior concerns. Nina allows handling, is social with her handlers, and very affectionate. Medically, Nina is apparently healthy.

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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 Nina is at risk due to behavior concerns. These concerns are from a previous reported bite. Nina has demonstrated consistently a low threshold for arousal while in care and in foster. Nina became aroused while on walk and started jumping and mouthing which ended with a wound on handler's arm. While she was previously in foster she was returned due to her behavior concerns. Nina allows handling, is social with her handlers, and very affectionate. Medically, Nina is apparently healthy. Nina came into the center as a stray but has spent time in foster during her previous stay. She is noted to have a bite history in the foster home and has shown a history of arousal while on a walk and began jumping up, mouthing, and tugging on her handlers sleeve. A period of decompression is recommended to allow Nina to acclimate comfortably to her new environment; force-free, reward based training only is advised when introducing Nina to new and unfamiliar situations. Consultation with a professional trainer/behaviorist is highly recommended for guidance to safely manage/modify any behavior Nina presents with outside of the care centers. My foster writes: Nina is a 4-year-old, 64-lb sweetheart who strikes the perfect balance between playful and cozy. She enjoys her walks and will happily trot along, but her true passion is curling up on the couch for a good nap or snuggle session. She's also a big fan of people-watching-give her a balcony or a window and she'll happily hang out, watching the world go by like it's her favorite show. She's been known to fall asleep flat on her back with her paws in the air and snore like she owns the place! On walks, Nina lies down when she sees other dogs because she really wants to say hello. She's non-reactive and has shown nothing but friendliness so far, though her foster home hasn't officially tested her with other pets. She's also learned to communicate when she needs to go out and is making great progress with potty training as she adjusts to home life. Nina isn't a fan of the crate-but she doesn't need one! She's quiet, gentle, and non-destructive when left to relax freely. One of her sweetest quirks is "corncobbing" and gently sucking on her blanket or stuffed animal to self-soothe-she never destroys them, just cuddles and comforts herself. She's a smart girl who already knows sit, stay, come, off, and leave it. Nina would thrive in a home that gives her affection (but gives her space until she's ready for it!), daily walks, a comfy spot to snooze, and a good window or balcony to supervise her neighborhood. If you're looking for a loving, goofy, low-maintenance companion with a heart of gold, Nina might just be your perfect match. Nina is a bright and determined pup enrolled in our Shelter Scholars program, where she's working on managing on-leash reactivity and developing more calm, confident walking habits. Through positive reinforcement training, focused leash work, and enrichment activities, Nina is learning how to stay connected with her handlers.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 66.2 lbs

6/2/2025

[DVM Intake] DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: ~ 2 year Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative History: Agency Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - Sweet, bright, calm, accepts pets, sits on command, very friendly, handling and exam are well tolerated. Is there evidence of Cruelty? No Is there evidence of Neglect? No Is there evidence of Trauma? No Objective P = 100 bmp R = Eupneic BCS = 6/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Scant plaque, no tartar, pink mm. PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Suspect intact female, externally normal. MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Externally normal Assessment - Apparently healthy Prognosis: Good Plan: Intake exam and tasks SURGERY: Okay for surgery

6/4/2025

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 2-4years based on the condition of teeth and eyes Microchip noted on Intake? Positive History: Brought in by police Subjective: BAR H pink 1 sec Observed Behavior - Body relaxed; easily examined but does not like legs and paws touched Evidence of Cruelty seen - No Evidence of Trauma seen – No Evidence of Neglect- No Objective P = 120hr R = 40rr BCS 6/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: K-9's and incisors clean (other teeth limited to muzzle) PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, no apparent murmur, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: FI MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat; overweight CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment: overweight Prognosis: Good Plan: Intake procedures SURGERY: Okay for surgery but will take longer because overweight

6/16/2025

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 1/2 tab of carprofen 100mg sid po x4 days as pain management As per offsite vet: Sneezing and mild coughing. Mild bloody nasal discharge. Recommend a course of antibiotics.

6/16/2025

[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.

6/18/2025

Clear nasal dc and coughing A: CIRDC P: 300mg doxcycyline PO SID x10d

8/1/2025

SO: recently finished doxycycline course BAR, out for walk with animal care staff eent: eyes clear, no ocular or nasal dc apparent h/l: eupneic, no coughing or sneezing appreciated msi: ambulatory x4 neuro: mentation alert and appropriate A: CIRDC apparently resolved P: monitor for recurrence of clinical signs

10/21/2025

FP emailed: Photos uploaded to vet docs. Pet doing well. Wound on Left Rear Paw, bleeding. I replied: Advised appt to r/o wound vs abscess vs allergies vs other. Advised NPO, poss sedation needed - pet did not allow handling of paws at exams previously.

10/22/2025

[Progress Exam Template] S: P presents for wound on left hind paw and diarrhea. O: bar EENT: nsf Oral Exam: nsf H/L: nsf Abd:nsf MSI: paw pad ulceration on plantar aspect of left hind paw that has scabbed over Mentation:appropriate A: Paw Pad Ulceration (resolving) Diarrhea P: Proviable capsules 1 po sid (#14) GI Biome Is the Initial Medical Status being Changed? no New Medical Status: Is the Initial Behavior Status being Changed? no New Behavior Color:

11/19/2025

At approximately 8:50am Nina was examined. She was sitting up right in her kennel and looked at me during the interaction. No apparent signs of neurologic deficits or abnormalities were noted during the interaction. A: DOH-B P: Trazodone due to TDO status Trazodone 250mg PO BID indefinitely Monitor throughout DOH hold

11/22/2025

Canine behavior Request to increase meds due to high levels of FAS and baulking/refusing to walk. Adding clonidine 0.6mg PO BID indefinitely

11/28/2025

At approximately 7:30am on 11/28/25 Nina was examined. She was sitting upright in her kennel and looked at me. She did not show any signs of neurologic deficits or abnormalities during the interaction or during her time in care. A: No appreciable signs of rabies or neurologic deficits P: Consider releasing from DOH hold

12/3/2025

SO: Reported to have vomited in kennel BAR, no vomitus noted in kennel during rounds observation eent: eyes clear, no ocular or nasal dc apparent h/l: eupneic, no coughing or sneezing appreciated msi: ambulatory x4 neuro: mentation alert and appropriate A: vomiting-r/o self limited v other P: monitor for continued vomiting

5/6/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 4-6 years based on the condition of teeth and eyes Microchip noted on Intake? Positive History: Brought in by police/owner arrested Subjective: BAR H pink 1 sec Observed Behavior - Body relaxed; easily examined…nervous, did not take treats, tense body Evidence of Cruelty seen - NO Objective P = 120hr R = 40rr BCS 6/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: NSF PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, no apparent murmur, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: FS MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment: Apparently healthy overweight Prognosis: Good Plan: Intake procedures

5/14/2026

Behavior staff requesting behavior modification medication due to a history of FAS in shelter during previous stay. P not on any medications at this time but was previously on trazodone and clonidine during previous stay. ADD Trazodone 250mg (~9mg/kg) PO BID TFN ADD Clonidine 0.6mg (~0.02mg/kg) PO BID TFN

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 2. Blue

upon intake: she had a loose wiggly body and would jump on staff and lick their hands. She let staff scan for ID and to take her picture. When staff removed her harness she flinched back and shook her head. She wasn't collared and she walked into her kennel without issue

Date of Intake: 6/2/2025

Date of intake:: 5/5/2026

Spay/Neuter status:: Yes

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Stray(spent time in foster)

Bite history:: 11/18/25: The foster parent was out on Nina's evening walk Nina began jumping up at them and mouthing their arms Nina started to tug on the Foster parents jacket sleeve and pull it like it was a toy the foster parent was able to distract her with a treat and get her tied to something next to them. This incident caused a small wound on their arm that bled. After this Nina was calm and sitting next to them while she waited for their partner to come pick them up.

Other Notes:: 5/05/26: Stray, No known history Previous stay- 6/3/25: Stray, No known history During her previous stay in the care center Nina was obsvered to be fearful and on leash reactive.

Date of assessment:: 5/15/2026

Summary:: 05/15/26: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: Loose Reactivity to humans: None Reactivity to dogs: None Leash walking comments: Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Explores room- sniffing, sits, allows petting Call over: Readily approaches- loose body, soft body Sociability comments: Soft handling: Allowed- whine, looks back , stays in handling position Exuberant handling: Allowed- whine, looks back , stays in handling position Comments: Arousal Jog comments: Follow- 2 pass, neutral body Knock: No response Knock comments: Toy: grips body blocks, tesne Toy comments: 11/25/25: *Previous assessments can be given upon request* 06/03/25: *Previous assessments can be given upon request*

Summary:: Due to entering the facility as a stray, there is no prior dog-to-dog history recorded. 5/21/26: Nina greets a novel male dog off leash through a barrier. Nina approaches the gate with a neutral body and alert eyes, sniffing through the barrier during the interaction. The novel male briefly approaches with his tail raised high and sniffs Nina before beginning to tense, widen his eyes, and raise his hackles as the interaction continues. Due to the novel male’s increasing discomfort, both dogs are moved away from the interaction. As the interaction ends, Nina begins barking toward the barrier. 09/04/25: Nina is introduced to a novel male dog. At the gate Nina approaches and immediately marks with a forward frame. She will linger for a moment and walk around the yard while the novel male is collared. When she returns to the gate, the novel male will remain stiff, fixated on her. Nina will let out a hard bark and both dogs are separated concluding the interaction. 08/07/25 Nina is introduced at the gate to a novel female dog while off leash at the care center. Nina will approach the gate and sniff the female dog through the gate, whining before walking away. Nina will displace, sniffing away from the gate displaying a high flagging tail. Nina returns to the gate with hackles as the female dog remains present. This concludes the interaction. 08/03/25 Nina is introduced at the gate to a novel male dog while off leash at the care center. Nina will approach the gate with a soft frame and wagging tail, attempting to greet the male dog. Due to his reactivity towards her, low-growling as he approaches the gate, Nina disengages from the interaction, walking away and ignoring the male dog for the remainder of the interaction. Nina will linger next to the exit for the remainder of the time, appearing aloof as she keeps her distance from the gate line. This concludes the interaction.

Summary (3):: 5/27/26: Nina is at the front of the kennel as the handler approaches. She is leashed with ease and brought outside where she will walk around and sniff. She disengages on her own when she sees dogs in the distance and is able to take treats from the handler to pass other dogs. She will sniff the ground and explore around when there were no dogs around. After a while, she is returned to her kennel with no issue. 5/15/26: Nina is siting in her kennel as handler approaches. She comes forward to the front with a loose body and is able to be leashed with ease. She is then taken to the behavior room for her assessment. In the room, she has a loose body and is comfortable approaching the handlers to receive pets and treats. Please see dog to dog notes for more details. She is able to be taken back to her kennel with no issues.

Summary (4):: Notes from previous stay at ACC: 12/5/25: Nina is lying down in her kennel. She then stands up with a soft body and barks at the handler as they approach. She is easily leashed and brought out the room. Before exiting the building, Nina relieves herself. On the street, Nina walks ahead with no leash tension, presenting a loose leash. She also allows pets from the handler. Nina sees a dog but doesn't react to it. Upon returning, the handler clips their leash, and when attempting to walk in the room, Nina baulks. The handler steps back and runs in the room with Nina; they're able to return her to kennel. 12/2/25: Nina is noted to baulk when returning to kennel and chicken is effective to lure her back in. 11/25/25: Nina is sitting in kennel, and then stands at the front with a loose body. She is easily leashed and brought out the room. Nina is then brought to the yard, and walks with no leash tension around the perimeter. The handler then brings her into the playpen, which she sniffs around. As the handler sits on the bench and calls her name, Nina quickly jumps on and off their chest. Nina also allows pets from the handler. She is then brought in for her assessment (See Assessment Notes). Once it's done, the handler attempts to bring Nina out the room, but she baulks. The handler gently increases leash pressure, which gets her to continue to walk. Nina is then brought to her kennel, allowing the leash to be removed with ease. 11/20/25: Nina is at the front of her kennel lying down as handler approaches. She is leashed while distracted with treats and taken to the yard for her walk. Along the way she passes staff members but begins baulking in the hall, she is coaxed forward slightly with treats but begins refusing treat so handler attempts to walk with her to the driveway. She walks with handler stopping once outside but is able to be coaxed with treats, she is walked around the driveway for a while and she begins baulking once again, handler stops and waits with her for a bit, eventually she walks forward toward handler and accepts another treat. She is walked around the opposite side of the driveway before being brought back inside. She allows handler to clip her leash and returns to kennel without issue.

Summary (5):: Notes from previous stay at ACC: 09/27/25: Nina is sleeping at the front of the kennel when the handler approaches from the next kennel. Nina gets up and begins jumping and prancing around kennel holding a toy as handler unlocks the door. As handler opens the door, Nina loosely moves to her karanda with toy in mouth but quickly returns to front of kennel. Handler uses treat lure to leash and Nina readily follows treat. Nina pulled on the walk to the Live Room and allowed handler to attach drag leash. She freely explored the room with a loose body sniffing the snuffle mat on the floor. Handler engages Nina in basic obedience practicing sit. Nina whines and barks while handler prepares treats. Handler engages Nina in a sit with durational hold using frequent treat rewards, rewarding for calm and quiet behavior. Handler reviews touch with Nina but Nina is easily distracted going back to the snuffle mat. Handler rewards Nina for check ins, dropping rewards in snuffle mat. When handler grabs leash at the end of session, Nina jumps back with loose body and jumps onto toy box and onto the counter. Nina remains a loose body and is slowly lured with treats back to ground the same way she got up. Handler uses treat to leash Nina and practices quick round of impulse control when leaving the room. Nina sits at the door but she pulls on the walk back to her kennel, though she is pulling less on the way back than on the walk out of her kennel. Nina readily walks into kennel and handler is easily able to remove leash. 09/18/25 (Trainer Note): Nina is laying at the front of her kennel as the handler approaches. She is easily leashed and pulls moderately outside. She opts into the 123 game and readily orients towards and turns away from dogs. She is returned to kennel without issue. 09/11/25 (Trainer Note): Nina is laying on her bed as the handler approaches. She is easily leashed and pulls moderately outside. She opts into the 123 game, walking in a heel position next to the handler without pulling. She plays take a breath readily and turns towards dogs, but turns back towards the handler when marked. She is returned to kennel without issue.

Summary (6):: 09/05/25 (Trainer Note): Nina is standing in her kennel as the handler approaches. She is easily leashed and pulls moderately outside. She readily engages in the 123 game, which decreases the intensity of her pulling. She plays take a breath with the handler and turns away from dogs when the handler marks. Nina is returned to kennel without issue. 9/03/25: It’s reported by ACS Alex Nina is hovering over a toy in her kennel as they attempt to get her out and will begin Low growling handler will need to use a squeaky to redirect her and place the leash overhead. 08/29/25 (Trainer Note): Nina is lying on her bed as the handler approaches. She is easily leashed and pulls moderately to the canine training room. Nina is loose and social with staff, leaning into contact. She moves through the various enrichment items without issue and begins to orient towards the handler. Nina engages readily in take a breath and the 123 game. She is easily leashed and returned to kennel without issue. 08/22/25 (Trainer Note): Nina was lying on her bed as the handler approaches. As the handler began to un lock the door, Nina would bark. Nina continued to bark as she walked to the front of the kennel and was leashed. Nina would then stop barking and calmly walk to the Live Room. Nina was able to orient to the handler during LATTE and the handler began to incorporate the visual cue to sit. Handler started to wait for an automatic sit, and Nina would demand bark on two occasions, but would then begin to sit and orient to the handler automatically before receiving more enrichment. Nina panted throughout the session and would pick up the puzzle bow and flip it onto the snuffle mat to get more of the treats out. Nina was easily leashed and returned to her kennel. mobile event 8/16/2025 Nina was very distressed throughout the event despite trying to take her for multiple walks and give her, her own area in the car dealership that was hosting. Even when there weren't dogs in her sight and she was being praised with treats, toys and petting, she had a very hard time settling and would often display great anxiety when handlers would rotate for breaks. Even if she had only met the handler 20 minutes prior, she would be greatly distressed when they'd walk away while another handler took over. In addition, when she was in this heightened state, she would react with head whipping if handling of her body was attempted. This was even with the handlers that she'd previously displayed a great affinity for.

Summary (7):: 08/09/25: Nina approaches with a loose frame and begins demand barking as she is easily leashed and escorted out of the care center. When on leash with casually walk beside the handler with a loose frame, checking in frequently as she explores her surrounds. When passing birds, Nina will attempt to lunge in their direction but when the handler braces the lead Nina will immediately stop and continue on the walk, still looking at the birds. Nina is escorted back to the care center where she is kenneled and safely secured. 08/08/25 (Trainer Note): Nina is standing at the front of her kennel as the handler approaches. She pulls mildly to the canine training room. Nina allows the handler to attach a drag leash. She explores the room and the various enrichment. Nina readily engages with the handler, but quickly loses interest so handler works with her on holding for a few seconds at a time before being reinforced. She improves over time and is returned to kennel without issue. 8/3/25: Nina was sleeping in kennel as handler approached. She was leashed with ease and walked to the yard for a gate greet (see dog-dog summary.) Nina pulled hard on leash, attempting to run up the ramp. She pulled hard on the way back to kennel and entered without issue. 7/22/25: During a walk with a volunteer, Nina was observe to react to a dog in the hallway by hard barking and lunging towards the dog. In the yard she barks at passing dogs and at pigeons landing on the fence. 7/1/25: Nina is reported to be pulling excessively, causing rope burn to handlers. 6/28/25: Nina is at the front of her kennel with a soft body. She is easily leashed and removed from kennel. She is walked on the street where she pulls ahead of handler, hypervigilant, looking around, walking forward stopping and looking around again. She stops walking and watches dogs pass across the street. She can not be called away until the dog has passed. She is not interested in treats until she is back in the care center. She returns to kennel without issue. 6/21/25: Nina is standing at the front of her kennel as handler approaches. She is able to be leashed with ease and is taken outside for a walk. On the walk she would walk ahead of the handler with a loose body and would approach and sit to receive treats. She would pull towards people with a loose body and would try to jump up. She is returned back to her kennel with no issues. 6/10/25: It is reported on the behavior board that Nina did not want to go back into her crate.

Date of intake:: 5/5/2026

Summary:: Anxious, social

Date of initial:: 5/6/2026

Summary:: easily examined…nervous, did not take treats, tense body

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have a limited history on Nina 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 young children (under 13): Due to a low threshold for arousal and the bite history we recommend an adult only home. No cats: Due to Nina barking at birds, we recommend she is placed in a home with no small animals. 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: : Resource guarding,Mouthiness/poor bite inhibition,Fearful,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration,Strength/leash pulling,Low threshold for arousal,Bite history (human)

Potential challenges comments:: Resource Guarding: Nina has been obsvered to become tense with a toy in their possession. Nothing should ever be taken directly out of Nina'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. Mouthiness: Nina has been obsvered to take treats with very hard pressure. We recommend giving treats with a flat hand and to use force-free, reward-based training methods to teach Nina to take treats with a softer mouth. Please see handout on Mouthiness. Fearful: Nina has been observed to become tense when people pass by in the hallway and when handler attempts to place collar. It is important to move slowly with Nina, to build positive associations (treats/toys/praise), and to allow them to initiate interactions with new people. They should never be forced to greet or to interact if they are not comfortable and do not want to solicit attention. Please see handout on Fearful and Defensive Aggression. Bite History (Human)/Arousal: Please see bite history above for more details. Please see handout on Bite History and Potential for Future Aggression. Please see handout on Arousal. Strength/leash pulling/On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration: Nina was observe to react to a dog in the hallway by hard barking and lunging towards the dog. In the yard she barks at passing dogs and at pigeons landing on the fence.