Hounds Town Charities, a 501(c)(3), has rescued a former bait dog named Cappuccino and is currently housing him at their facility in Ronkonkoma for rehabilitation work. The dog was brought to Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists in Bohemia, NY, in November 2015 by his owner, and had signs of severe abuse and neglect. He had been tied by his legs and left outside for months; one of his legs was so badly damaged the veterinarian caring for him initially recommended amputation. With several surgeries, skin grafts, and rehabilitation work, his legs were saved. His owner faces criminal charges.

After several months of medical care under Dr. Brienne Williams of Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists, Cappuccino was transferred to Hounds Town Charities—a local non-profit that focuses on behavioral rehabilitation for misdiagnosed or misunderstood dogs with behavior problems. The charity works with numerous municipal and private shelters on the Long Island, NY, area to rehabilitate some of the most difficult dogs that present behavior issues, which often happen to be the longest residents of the shelters.

Cappuccino has made a full recovery and is currently in the care of Hounds Town Charities President and Hounds Town USA founder Michael S. Gould, a former NYPD canine trainer with more than 35 years of experience in commercial dog training. He has completed a month-long rehabilitation and socialization program and is now up for adoption. For more information, contact Jackie Bondanza at [email protected]; 631.873.9486.