Though He Faced Extreme Cruelty, Lazlo Never Lost His Ability to Trust

One year ago, in January 2025, a Good Samaritan came across a dog, abandoned in garbage bags with his mouth and limbs tied with shoestrings. They called the New York Police Department (NYPD) who transferred the dog, later named Lazlo, to the Animal Care Center (ACC) of New York City. In critical condition, Lazlo was then transferred to the ASPCA Animal Hospital.

“He came in quite damaged,” remembered Dr. Kovach, director of veterinary services at an ASPCA recovery center in New York City. “He had polytrauma consisting of a nasal bone fracture, a right cheek bone fracture and a right hip luxation. He also had signs of a possible traumatic brain injury, bleeding and inflammation in his right eye, blood swelling of the right ear pinna (also known as an aural hematoma), ear infections, a fractured tooth, skin infections, and several healing and fresh wounds.”

These injuries alone are more than any living being should have to endure, but on top of all of that, Lazlo was emaciated, dehydrated and had neurologic signs associated with his traumatic brain injury.

To get him the urgent, expert care he needed, Lazlo was hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where our expert staff began treating him.

“Once he was out of the ‘danger zone’ for his traumatic brain injury, he had surgery on his luxated hip and was neutered,” said Dr. Kovach. “He was also placed on a refeeding plan for his emaciation.”

A refeeding plan is designed to slowly reintroduce caloric intake to avoid “refeeding syndrome,” a potentially fatal syndrome that occurs when caloric intake is reintroduced too quickly, leading to dangerous metabolic derangements and fluid shifts in the body.

During this time, Lazlo was able to leave the ICU and continue treatment at the ASPCA Animal Recovery Center.

Following his surgery, Lazlo received intensive physical therapy twice daily for six weeks.

By March, Lazlo was “at a nice healthy weight and had a normal gait, two things he was desperately in need of when he walked into the Animal Recovery Center,” recalled Dr. Kovach.

With that in mind, Lazlo was cleared to go to a foster home to continue his healing journey. That’s when he met couple Brett and Gary (names have been changed upon their request).  

Meeting His Match

Brett and Gary had been together for four years and felt like 2025 was the year they were ready to commit to finding their “soul dog.” Having both grown up with dogs, they had always wanted one, but their work lives kept them too busy to adopt, until the fateful day they applied to become dog fosters at the ASPCA.

“A couple months later, we saw Lazlo on one of the foster bulletins,” said Gary. “His picture was pretty adorable which of course sucked us right in and based on some of the other information about him, we felt this could be a potential match.”

The couple went in to meet Lazlo and were smitten with his loving and resilient personality.

“Given Lazlo’s tough history of abuse and neglect, he has a doggy smile every time he meets someone new,” Gary told us. “We're happy his past treatment didn't have any negative effect on his personality and behavior. He's obedient, doesn't resource guard and loves training and learning new things. He's incredibly trusting and seems to have a heart for everyone.”

Having already had their hearts stolen, they brought Lazlo home that day to begin their foster journey.

Making It Official

Their first few days home together were a mix of nerves and excitement.

“After a few hours, Lazlo seemed to already have a connection with us; the outpouring of affection and wanting to be near us at all times made our hearts melt,” Gary recalled. “Despite his background, he quickly began to trust us and seeing his enjoyment of just being on a walk and taking in the sights and sounds made us fulfilled. The fact he is incredibly adorable, silly and makes the best facial expressions ever definitely solidified our extreme fondness and love for him off the bat.”

Just a month into fostering, Brett and Gary made the decision to officially adopt Lazlo.

With time spent together in and out of their home, Brett and Gary have found their favorite things to do with Lazlo are going for hikes, walking in the wood, playing tug and “find it,” and cuddling up on the bed or couch.

“We can't imagine a day without him,” said Gary. “He's become the focal point of our family and hearts. We wish we had him since he was a puppy. Even though there are huge responsibilities with having a pet, the rewards of Lazlo’s love outweigh anything.”

Knowing that Lazlo experienced horrific cruelty before they met him, Brett and Gary feel extremely grateful that they are able to provide him love, happiness and safety.

“There are many times we look at him and can’t imagine why someone would want to harm this amazing boy,” explained Gary. “Other times we also admire his bravery and fortitude for not only surviving his past, but having the ability to still trust and love.”