“Every Night We Don’t Adopt Is Another Night in the Shelter” — How Dina Found Her New Family

After saying goodbye to their 14-year-old Dachshund, Kippy, last October, Barie-Lynne R. asked her family, “How are we going to live without a dog?”

“There were no more daily walks,” said Barie-Lynne, who had adopted Kippy from Start II Animal Rescue in Englewood, New Jersey, 10 years before. “I had no reason to go anywhere. It was difficult. Having a dog is an essential part of our family.”

In January, Barie-Lynne, who lives in the Riverdale area of the Bronx, and her five adult children began their search for a new dog.

“Everyone realized it was a real loss,” she says. “We needed a dog in our home.”

Even her son, A.Z., who lives overseas, weighed in, “because he wants a dog here when he comes back,” Barie-Lynne says.

Her daughter, Surie, a volunteer at the ASPCA Adoption Center, told her mother about a dog named Dina.

“Surie walked Dina routinely, and told me, ‘I think you should meet her,’” Barie-Lynne says. “After her walk, she told me Dina cried when she had to go back into the shelter. Of course, that tugged on my heartstrings.”

Barie-Lynne’s next question was, “When should we adopt?”

Another daughter, Rifky, answered, “Mom, every night we don’t adopt is another night they have to stay in the shelter.”

Rifky’s response inspired Barie-Lynne to act sooner rather than later.

Rescue & Refeeding

Late on the night of October 23, 2025, an NYPD lieutenant found a young dog tied to a tree in Baisley Pond Park in Jamaica, Queens.

The lieutenant took the emaciated dog, who appeared to be a Labrador Retriever-mix, to the Veterinary Emergency Group in Brooklyn, an ASPCA partner clinic that accepts animal cases during hours when the ASPCA is closed.

The following day, the dog was transported to the ASPCA Animal Hospital.

Estimated to be 10-12 months old, the dog, called Dina, weighed just 26 pounds. Dr. Robert Reisman, the ASPCA’s supervisor of forensic sciences, conducted her initial examination and recalls that “she was weak from loss of muscle mass and mildly dehydrated.”

Dina tested positive for hookworms and was treated for parasites. She also received antibiotics for a urinary tract infection.

Without any video or microchip to link Dina to a possible owner, her case was closed. But Dina had a long way to go toward recovery. She was placed on a re-feeding diet, a routine step for underweight dogs to manage the transition from “survival metabolism” — using their own body tissue for nutrition — to a normal metabolism in which food can be ingested and absorbed.

Dina’s diet was provided in small meals three times a day. After eight weeks, Dina weighed 36 pounds, a 38% increase from her intake weight. “This is far in excess of what a dog her age and size would normally gain,” Dr. Reisman said. “But her growth was compensatory; she had to make up for the period when she suffered from long-term inadequate nutrition.”

Road to Recovery

On November 13, Dina was transferred to the ASPCA’s Recovery & Rehabilitation Center in Pawling, New York, a new facility dedicated to treating canine victims of abuse and neglect. Dina, who could be shy and was often stressed in her kennel, healed in an environment that offered regular play groups and oversized kennels with outdoor access.

Kaitlin Cheek, senior manager of animal behavior, spent time with Dina daily, typically during playgroups or office time.

“Dina enjoyed her toys and making new dog friends,” says Kaitlin. “She also loved spending time with people.”

Kaitlin notes that Dina was an “exuberant” greeter in her kennel, jumping and barking excitedly whenever people approached.

“We worked hard to reinforce keeping all four paws on the floor and not barking,” Kaitlin explains. “When the weather permitted, we took Dina outdoors, where she loved to chase other dogs and be chased.”

Dina was spayed on December 10 and transferred back to the ASPCA Adoption Center on January 6, 2026.

An Adoption Ambassador

After applying to adopt Dina on Wednesday, January 14, Barie-Lynne spoke with Alex Casiano, an admissions and placement specialist.

“I love all of our pups, but Dina definitely has a special place in my heart,” says Alex, adding that Dina warmed up quickly to him and his colleagues and tolerated being dressed in a pink tutu.

Barie-Lynne, who adopted Dina on January 18, seconds Dina’s good-natured behavior.

“She loves our dog run at Seton Park,” she says. “Everyone knows her.”

Now close to 50 pounds, Dina is “much happier and more filled out.

“She’s still that ball of energy we were told she was going to be, but she’s settled in and calmed down,” Barie-Lynne says. “As soon as I adopted her, I was walking and meeting people again. Dina is proof that there are some really great dogs at shelters and rescues.”

Her family echoes her sentiment.

“Mom always said, you don't shop for a dog,” Surie says. “You go to the shelter and see which dogs are there, which ones need a home. Adopting was always a big part of us having a dog.”

Says Rifky, “Having a dog emphasizes the importance of putting others before yourself. We always make sure our dog is fed before we eat dinner. When Dina needs to go for a walk, even if everyone's busy, someone will make time to take her. She’s a great addition to our family.”