Destined to walk down lonely hallway at NYC shelter because he was born into a society of ‘throwaways’

Leonardo’s only “crime” was being born into a society that throws away the perceived unwanted dogs at shelters because they are scared and just doing the best they can to survive in scary, loud and strange animal shelters.

He’s the kind of boy that makes your heart hurt because little bits of trust is emerging. And, he’s the kind of boy that is at the mercy of a high kill shelter that is overflowing with the unloved and unwanted. Please please please open your heart today for Leonardo. EUTH COMMAND HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR LEONARDO DIPUPRIO #159873 – WILL BE KILLED SHORTLY AT NYCACC IN MANHATTAN, NY

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LEONARDO is kill listed because “Leonardi Dipuprio is on emergency placement for behavioral reasons.” He remains fearful and tense in the care center, and at times has growled when uncomfortable. Medically, he is apparently healthy, but that doesn’t count; he’s slated to die.

Following was Leonardo’s first evaluation:

12/8/22 Leonardo is laying on his kuranda bed upon approach, tense. When handler calls him over, he approaches slowly, he readily allows leashing. When kennel door is opened, he is initially fearful of stepping out though does so slowly with coaxing. Leonardo walks to the play yard, slowly, stopping at times when he is startled by other stimuli. Once in the yard, Leonardo relieves himself; he remains tense and fearful, mostly keeping to himself. When handler sits on the bench, Leonardo slowly approaches and sniffs/licks hand. Leonardo takes treats that are offered though spits them out. After some time, Leonardo is walked back inside, he is fearful of going down the steps in the play yard though is able to be coaxed with utilizing a slow approach. Leonardo is able to be clipped without issue, when led into the kennel room, he pancakes slightly though is able to be coaxed with praise, he walks back into kennel without issue.

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But after four days at the shelter; the noise and the strangers, what does one expect? Does every dog have to be able to immediately adjust to shelter life? Here’s another evaluation:

Summary (3):: 12/12/22: Leonardo is laying at the back of the kennel when approached. He comes forward when the kennel is cracked open and is leashed with two leashes as a precaution. He comes out of the kennel and is walked to the yard. He relieves himself and sniffs around the yard, and is aloof with handlers throughout the interaction. He hesitates going back inside, but does with some encouragement. He allows the leashes to be clipped and hesitates again going into the kennel room. He is able to be run into the room and returned to the kennel.

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Check out his video:

TO SAVE LEONARDO DIPUPRIO #159873, please post on THREAD, PRIVATE MESSAGE OUR PAGE, or EMAIL US at [email protected]

Additional Behavior and Medical Notes can be found here:

https://www.facebook.com/…/a.36161848…/6033620490030381/

A staff member writes:

A $500 stipend will be offered to the New Hope partner that pulls Leonardo Dipuprio 159873

He’s so lost and confused and sad. He curls up in his kennel and has to be coaxed out with soft words and treats or else he’d just stay there, lost in his memories. He dutifully goes on walks, but has little interest in the world, having lost everything he held dear. LEONARDO DIPUPRIO has melted our hearts with his droopy eyes, his bunny ears, his wrinkly neck and his broken heart. Leo (as we like to call him) may be a shy guy, but his friendship is SO worth waiting for. During his short stay he has made friends with a few regular staff members and when he sees them coming, Leo wags his tail in greeting, and in the play yard he makes sure to check in with them every few minutes. He is justified in being overwhelmed by his abandonment and the loud, scary shelter environment. Give this poor guy a break! He is dignified and would never dare to complain, but he does deserve only the best life has to offer.

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Please share this dog’s plight with approved rescue organizations, friends, family and social media contacts. Sharing saves lives.

LEONARDO DIPUPRIO, ID# 159873, 3 Yrs. Old, 66 lbs., Male

Manhattan ACC, Large Mixed Breed, Black / White

I came to the shelter as a Stray on 12/5/22

Shelter Assessment Rating: New Hope Only

Medical Behavior Rating: 4. Orange

AT RISK NOTE: Leonardi Dipuprio is on emergency placement for behavioral reasons. He remains fearful and tense in the care center, and at times has growled when uncomfortable. Medically, he is apparently healthy.

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