How Brunson Became the MVP — Most Valuable Pooch

In May 2025, six emaciated dogs were surrendered to the Queens Animal Care Center in Ridgewood, New York. Given their condition, and that all the dogs showed signs of neglect, they were transferred to the ASPCA Animal Recovery Center for further care and treatment.

Upon intake, the dogs were collectively named after members of the New York Knicks. One-year-old Brunson was the sickest of the group. He was emaciated and had overgrown claws and a dirty haircoat. While mapping out his road to recovery, it was noted that he needed treatment for dehydration, a low red blood cell-count (anemia) and an ear infection. He also had moderate hindlimb weakness that was likely secondary to his malnutrition.

Brunson’s health was so fragile that he spent five days in intensive care, where he received various medical interventions. He was given fluids to help stabilize his hydration and cardiovascular state, as well as topical medications for his ear infection and medications for liver issues. He was also placed on physical therapy for his hindlimbs.

To treat Brunson’s emaciation, he received vitamins B1, B12 and magnesium supplements. Most importantly, he was placed on a refeeding plan, which was vital to manage his weight safely. Malnourished and emaciated dogs like Brunson require a carefully measured diet to prevent them from gaining weight too quickly, which can cause further issues.

Leading the Parade

Once his health was stable, Brunson was able to join the rest of our population. By the end of July, he had made a full recovery and was ready for adoption! He moved to the ASPCA Adoption Center and quickly gained a lot of new friends among the staff and volunteers.

Though he was incredibly friendly and social, Brunson was a large boy, so the Adoption Center’s placement team knew that it might take some extra effort to find the right home for him. One opportunity to help spread the word about him was at the 2025 Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade.

On October 19, Brunson was given the honor to march as one of the canine Parade Grand Marshals! He wore his best basketball costume and had a blast greeting a lot of new, adoring fans. It wasn’t long after this event that a special someone would reach out to meet him.

At the end of October, Lindsay G. visited the Adoption Center. Now a 2-year-old pup, Brunson was ready to make the best first impression.

A Paw-fect Match

Lindsay’s previous dog, and the first she had raised on her own from a puppy, passed away four years before she met Brunson. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to be a dog mom again, but she knew what a big commitment it was and how hard it was to say goodbye. She initially thought about becoming a volunteer or foster for the ASPCA, which might help her find out if she was ready for adoption.

Lindsay stopped by the Adoption Center in-person to express her interest, and she ended up speaking with an adoption counselor. They discussed her concerns about adopting a dog and what characteristics she was looking for in her next dog.

“I knew I wanted a dog that loved to cuddle, was social with humans and other dogs, would be comfortable in a variety of new situations and enjoy going on adventures with me,” Lindsay says. “I thought that this dog would be a puppy, since the other dogs that I’ve owned as an adult were ones I raised from puppies.”

The adoption counselor suggested she meet Brunson, who fit her description well, though he was an adult dog. Lindsay still wanted to meet a younger dog, so she was introduced to a 12-week-old puppy, who was as adorable and energetic as a puppy can be. She was ready to call it there and not meet any other dogs for now, but Brunson was waiting for her outside.

Lindsay immediately noticed Brunson’s eyes, which were wide open, even though he was sitting down calmly on the sidewalk amidst all the noises and distractions of New York City. She wasn’t sure how to meet a new dog while they were on a leash outside in the city, but that awkwardness melted away as soon as she reached down to pet him.

“He immediately leaned into me and this big, goofy smile appeared on his face before he rolled down my leg, onto the ground and rolled over on his belly — which I obviously couldn't resist rubbing,” Lindsay says. “Before I knew it, I was down on the sidewalk with him, with a big, goofy grin on my own face.”

Over the next week, Lindsay couldn't stop thinking about Brunson, and she decided to make an appointment to see him again and walk him herself. The next time that she went to the ASPCA, she went home with him.

Changing Hearts and Minds

When Lindsay arrived home with Brunson, who is now named Neptune, he was very well behaved and adjusted quickly to their new life together. He impressed Lindsay with how sweet he is, how quickly he learns new things, and his patience and his curiosity. It was like he had been there all along and just fit right in.

Lindsay has exposed Neptune to a lot of new experiences since his adoption, and even though she might worry about things not going as planned, he handles new places, people and things with flying colors.

“From subway rides to swimming, shopping in stores and dining in restaurants, he has consistently been better than I could have hoped or expected,” Lindsay says.

She also feels lucky because she hasn’t faced many challenges with Neptune. If anything, it’s just difficult to stay productive with a 70-pound dog sitting in her lap, and it’s even harder to leave a cuddle session!

The dog park was an early challenge for them because Neptune would always want to carry two tennis balls at the same time. He didn’t know or wouldn’t drop a ball on command, and he would inevitably take another dog’s ball so that he could run around with two. Thankfully, all of the other dogs and their owners were patient while Lindsay learned to bring extra balls with her while Neptune learned the “drop it” command.

The other challenge Lindsay has faced is when other people make assumptions about Neptune based on his breed and appearance. At the dog park, other owners have asked her if he is aggressive or if he’s neutered (which he is, as well as licensed). People have even told her she shouldn’t bring “a dog like that” to a park.

“I've handled these interactions politely, but ultimately it's Neptune who overcomes them by being himself,” Lindsay says. “He will do things like sit in the kiddie pool blowing bubbles under the water, chew on two tennis balls at the same time or sit down to wait each time a new dog comes to the park.”

Adopting a Friend for Life

For anyone considering adopting a shelter dog, Lindsay suggests really thinking about what kind of lifestyle you want with a dog. They should be honest with the adoption counselor about their wants, needs and preferences. When she met with adoption counselors at the ASPCA, she says they did a better job matching a dog with her than she could have done herself, but it was also important that Lindsay shared in detail what she was looking for.

These days, life with Neptune is as sweet as it can be. Lindsay is grateful that they crossed paths and that he is such a good companion. They spend a lot of time together going on walks, hanging out at the dog park, going on adventures and cuddling.

“Neptune has only made my life better,” Lindsay says. “He makes everything more fun, has helped me meet other people and make new friends, and reminds me every day just how contagious a good smile can be — especially with two tennis balls!”