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The ASPCA received an anonymous tip from a caller who had seen several neglected dogs in Staten Island, NY. When our Humane Law Enforcement Agents investigated the report, they made a terrible discovery — dogs left for days in outdoor crates without food and water. The dogs' temporary caretaker voluntarily relinquished one of the dogs — whose rightful owner had recently been incarcerated — to the ASPCA. The young Pit Bull, whom the ASPCA named Smoke, was malnourished and suffering from a neck wound.

The energetic pooch initially had a tough time putting his troubled past behind him, but after more than a year of rest, relaxation and compassionate care, Smoke emerged as one of the most popular and active dogs in our shelter. A true champ, he was a workout king who loved to chase tennis balls and run around with volunteers. Deemed a "charmer" by ASPCA Manager of Shelter Behavior and Training, it was no surprise that a potential adopter saw something special in Smoke's soulful gaze.

"I had originally seen Smoke on the ASPCA website in early August and thought he looked sad in his picture," says Camille. She was intrigued, and eventually made the trip to the ASPCA in Manhattan to meet the dog. One seamless adoption later, Smoke is happily nestled in his fabulous New England life.