A lovable dog who became a "staff favorite" at the Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC), has found a loving home after spending more than a year at the Manhattan facility.
Now renamed Yeobo, a Korean term of endearment, by her new owner Sayra, the dog's tear-jerking tale of perseverance and eventual adoption has melted hearts after being shared online by ACC staff.
Katy Hansen, the marketing and communications director at ACC, spoke to Newsweek about the facility's mission and the dog's journey. "Animal Care Centers of NYC is the sole provider of companion animal-related services to the city of New York, serving 9 million residents with a range of services from pet adoption to pet lost and found services," she said.
Yeobo's story began when she was surrendered to ACC by her previous owner, who had moved out of the state and chosen to leave her behind. "Brooklyn was stressed in the shelter and had allergic dermatitis, causing her to lose patches of hair," Hansen said.
Despite the overcrowded conditions at the shelter, Brooklyn was set up in the manager's office to help alleviate her stress. The turning point for Brooklyn came when Dr. Jay Kuhlman, a board member at ACC, provided specialized medical treatment for her dermatitis, allowing her to begin healing.
"At the same time, the ACC Foster Team worked on finding her a temporary home where she could heal and decompress," Hansen added.
It was in her foster home that Brooklyn's skin issues resolved, and she showed her loving personality, which eventually led to her adoption by Brooklyn-based Sayra. Reflecting on the new chapter in her life, Sayra shared: "It's hard to believe we have only been together for two weeks. From the first night, she has slept soundly throughout the night."
Her update on how Yeobo has been getting on in her new home made it into a TikTok video that staff at ACC created and shared online (@nycacc) on April 2.
The bond between Sayra and Yeobo underscores the emotional connection that is possible between humans and animals, even after a short period. The pair are now hard at work, strengthening Yeobo's new routine and leash obedience.
Hansen went on to emphasize the critical role of fostering in the animal rescue process. She told Newsweek: "Animal fostering is crucial because it provides temporary homes for animals in need, offering them care, love, and a better chance at finding permanent homes."
While fostering was a crucial step in Brooklyn's rescue journey, ACC's efforts extend beyond individual cases. In 2023, the center took in 15,417 animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs.
"Hundreds of New Yorkers volunteer with ACC every day, providing exercise and companionship to the animals in our care," Hansen stated.
The successful adoption of Yeobo serves as a heartwarming reminder of the impact of community support and involvement in supporting the lives of shelter animals in need.
As Yeobo embarks on a new life in a forever home, her story continues to reflect the rewarding nature of rescuing and adopting shelter animals.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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Melissa Fleur Afshar is a Newsweek Life and Trends Reporter based in London, United Kingdom.
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