Maggie Lu's Safe Haven Rescue

Maggie Lu's Safe Haven Rescue We rescue lost, mistreated, neglected and abused dogs, provide veterinary care and place in foster homes until a permanent home can be found.

Founded by dog-lover Christa Nigito, Maggie Lu's SHR works with volunteers, to rescue, transport, get veterinary care and find homes for abandoned, abused, and dogs surrendered to high kill shelters. We are a foster based non-profit 501C3 all breed dog rescue located in Charlotte NC. Most of our dogs are pulled from high-kill rural shelters located throughout the Carolinas. Maggie Lu's SHR is alwa

ys in need of donations, to help with the care and medical costs that is associated with saving them. All of our dogs are fully vetted, neutered/spayed and in
good health unless otherwise noted, when they are ready to be adopted.

✨ CALL TO ACTION ✨LunaBelle has done the work. Now she just needs YOU. 🏡❤️If you’ve been thinking about adopting in the ...
01/01/2026

✨ CALL TO ACTION ✨
LunaBelle has done the work. Now she just needs YOU. 🏡❤️

If you’ve been thinking about adopting in the New Year, this is your sign. LunaBelle is ready for a committed, loving home where she can continue to thrive as the amazing girl she’s becoming.

👉 Apply to adopt LunaBelle today:
https://www.maggielus.org/lunabelle/

Not ready to adopt?
➡️ Share this post
➡️ Tag a friend looking for an active, loyal companion
➡️ Help us get LunaBelle seen — her forever family could be one share away!

Let’s make 2026 the year LunaBelle finally goes home. 🥹✨

MLSHR RescueDogsRock AdoptMe 🐾❤️

01/01/2026

Please spread the word for this lost dog. Misty was LOST on December 30, 2025 in Charlotte, NC 28277 near Tom short rd & Audrey kell rd

Message from Owner: "We are away for the holiday and hired a dog sitter but they unexpectedly left the door open and misty got out and hasn’t been seen since. She does have a chip but no contact info on collar. Any help would be greatly appreciated Thank you!"

Description: Gray with a blue collar

For more info or to contact Misty's owner, click here: https://www.pawboost.com/p/72419656

Lost or found a pet? Report it to PawBoost here: https://www.pawboost.com/l/rpl

⚠️ WARNING: Please be cautious of users offering ‘pet tracking services’ in comments. We recommend only working with local shelters and verified organizations. Never send money to unknown services.

01/01/2026
01/01/2026

Moose has been placed with Pound Hounds ResQ

$3000 PRIVATE DONATION IS AVAILABLE TO THE NEW HOPE PARTNER THAT PULLS MOOSE

His eyes break our hearts. The loss, the sadness, the confusion of being alone in the world again, after having been abandoned by his family along with 2 of his siblings, is as plain as day on his precious face. Moose is only 2 years old and 41 lbs., and he has seen too much in his short life. The world has not been kind. It has been terrifying. He has gone hungry, he has been treated like he is nothing, and he has had to watch as his two siblings waste away as well – one with a injured leg that makes her lame. We can’t imagine the life that Moose had prior to coming to the shelter. We only know we see a broken spirit that doesn’t expect that his life will get any better. When he came into the world, we’re sure that he had dreams of a family, of a soft rhythm to his days, of toys and a soft bed, and the laughter and cuddles of the family who would love him. Will his dream come true before the shelter puts him on the list to die for not being able to quickly acclimate to the chaos of shelter life? We know that if Moose were given a chance, and was placed in a calm, quiet, experienced home, he’d finally be able to let go of his past and embrace a future filled with happiness and love. If you are an experienced foster or adopter, please consider giving him his dream. MESSAGE OUR PAGE for assistance.

A VOLUNTEER WRITES:
"Moose is a brave name for a scaredy little boy. When I first attempt to get him out of his kennel, he hesitantly comes forward to grab my treats then scurries back to the safety of his little den. Thankfully, food does win him over in the end, and we are able to leash him and get him safely outside. In the yard, he continues to hungrily gobble up any treat we have to offer him, eventually allowing some petting, slowly easing his tail from underneath his body and allowing himself to relax a little bit. Still, he’s nervous and unsure and considering his past, we understand why.

Moose was somehow brought to a good samaritan’s house with two other dogs, each sadder than the other. First, Chica #243072 , a small little lady, who is quite scared in the shelter environment. And, Butter #247073 , a gentle girl who appears to have a badly injured back leg. They were brought to the shelter by police. Due to Moose’s initial fearfulness, he is available through rescue. You can express interest in fostering him by filling out the prescreener form in our bio. Moose is approx. 2 years old, 41 pounds and his ID is #243071."

THE VOLUNTEERS MADE A REEL FOR MOOSE AND HIS SIBLINGS. PLEASE WATCH!
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/184GbmchWF/


MOOSE, Id 243071, @2 Yr. Old, 41 lbs., Male
Queens, Medium Mixed Breed, White/Brown
Owner Surrender Reason: 12/5/25 - Stray
Behavior Assessment Rating: New Hope Only
Recommendations:
No Children under Age 13
Place with a New Hope Partner
Medical Behavior Rating: 2. BLUE

WE ALL CAME IN TOGETHER:

Moose, Id 243071: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1284711140357076&set=pb.100064546067938.-2207520000

Butter, Id 243073: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1284710747023782&set=pb.100064546067938.-2207520000

Chica, Id 243072: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1283231153838408&set=pb.100064546067938.-2207520000&type=3



AT RISK MEMO:
Moose is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. Moose has presented as highly fearful and avoidant in the care center, approaching for tossed treats but moving away when handlers attempt to collar or touch him. He displays a tense, low body with a tucked tail, flinches with fast movements, and will stop taking treats when overwhelmed. He has also growled during leashing. Due to his level of fear and avoidance, handling assessments have not been able to be completed. Medically, Moose is Severely underweight.

Moose came into the care center as a stray with 2 other dogs; due to this his behavioral history in a home environment is unknown.Moose is a highly fearful dog who is consistently avoidant of handlers and unable to tolerate standard handling. He will cautiously approach for tossed treats but otherwise maintains a low body posture, tucked tail, and flinches at fast movements. During attempts to leash or handle him, Moose has growled and remained tense and withdrawn once in the behavior office. Moose will require a New Hope placement experienced with severely fearful dogs, able to provide slow, low-pressure introductions, confidence building, and a quiet environment to help him decompress and progress safely.


INTAKE NOTES – Date of Intake: 5-Dec-2025
All 3 dogs did not put up significant resistance while being escorted their kennels, but were indicated to be a flight-risk/will flee when placed in kennel.

SURRENDER NOTES – BASIC INFORMATION:
Butter is an approximately 1 year old, medium mixed breed, female dog who arrived at QACC a stray along with 2 other dogs (Chica, Id 243072 and Butter, Id 243073)

BEHAVIOR NOTES

Date of intake:: 12/5/2025
Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Stray(Unknown History)

Behavior toward dogs:: came in with 2 other dogs

SHELTER ASSESSMENT SUMMARIES - Date of Assessment:: 12/9/2025

Summary:: 12/18/25: Moose is taken to the behavioral office for a handling assessment. Mose is avoidant of the handlers but does approach for treats tossed towards him. Moose displays a tense body and moves away when attempts are made to collar him and pet him. Moose stops taking treats and remains tense during the interaction. Due to this, a handling assessment will not be condcuted at this time.

12/09/25: Moose is taken to the behavioral office for a handling assessment. Mose is avoidant of the handlers but does approach for treats tossed towards him. He flinches with fast movement and displays a tucked tail and low body. Due to this, a handling assessment will not be condcuted at this time.

12/7: A handling assessment was not conducted due to Moose growling during leashing and remaining highly fearful and avoidant once in the behavior office.

PLAYGROUP NOTES - DOG TO DOG SUMMARY Summary:: Due to entering the facility as a stray, there is no prior dog-to-dog history recorded.

12/08/25
Cannot conduct PG due to limited operations.

ENRICHMENT NOTES

12/24/25: Moose is at the front of his kennel with a soft face and loose body, wagging his tail slowly as the handler approaches with a treat. He will take the treat gently through the kennel door and will follow a treat tosses into the back of the kennel as the handler goes to open the door. He will approach the front with hesitation as the handler presents their leash. They toss a treat to the back and place the leash on the ground with treats in the loops as they hold the ring. He will back up every time the leash is raised at first. The handler continues to add treats, periodically tossing them away. He will readily return to the leash and continue eating out of the loop. Eventually the handler is able to leash him. He exits the kennel with a relaxed gait. Moose will remain close to the handler soliciting treats during the walk. After a while he is returned to his kennel with no issue and secured safely.

12/21: Moose begins lunging with his teeth bared at a handler that is close to his kennel. He remains standing on the kennel bars, snarling at the handler.

12/09/25 (assessment): Moose is at the front of his kennel as the handler approaches. Once they are opening the door, they toss treats onto the floor and leash him while he is eating them. He will come out of his kennel slowly following a trail of treats out of the room. He will then pull mildly to the behavior office with a tucked tail. He tenses up as the handler grabs their keys to fob into the office so they toss treats away and fob in while he is not looking. Throughout the time he is in the room, Moose is tense and vigilant. He is then returned to his kennel with no issue. (see Assessment for more details)

INTAKE BEHAVIOR:
Date of intake:: 12/5/2025
Summary:: were indicated to be a flight-risk/will flee when placed in kennels/small enclosures.

MEDICAL BEHAVIOR:
Date of initial:: 12/6/2025
Summary:: Very timid and nervous but treat motivated. Did well with cheese distraction. No escalation to aggre

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only

Recommendations::
No children (under 13),
Place with a New Hope partner

Recommendations comments::

No children (under 13): We recommend Moose is placed in an adult-only home at this time.

Place with a New Hope partner: Moose came into the care center as a stray with 2 other dogs; due to this his behavioral history in a home environment is unknown.Moose is a highly fearful dog who is consistently avoidant of handlers and unable to tolerate standard handling. He will cautiously approach for tossed treats but otherwise maintains a low body posture, tucked tail, and flinches at fast movements. During attempts to leash or handle him, Moose has growled and remained tense and withdrawn once in the behavior office. Moose will require a New Hope placement experienced with severely fearful dogs, able to provide slow, low-pressure introductions, confidence building, and a quiet environment to help him decompress and progress safely.

Potential challenges:
Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,
Kennel presence

Potential challenges comments::

Kennel presence/Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: Moose is noted to lunge and growl at the front of his kennel. Moose is a highly fearful dog who is consistently avoidant of handlers and unable to tolerate standard handling. He will cautiously approach for tossed treats but otherwise maintains a low body posture, tucked tail, and flinches at fast movements.Training should prioritize trust-building through low-pressure interactions, consistent treat tossing, and calm body language. Avoid direct approaches and forced handling; instead, work on gradual desensitization to human presence and kennel door proximity. Over time, pair handler approach with high-value rewards and introduce handling only after Moose demonstrates voluntary engagement and relaxed body language. Please see the handout on Fearful/potential for defensive aggression.


MEDICAL EXAM NOTES

12/6/2025

[DVM Intake]
DVM Intake Exam

Estimated age: ~2 years
Microchip noted on Intake? No

History: Stray

Subjective: BARH

Observed Behavior - Very timid and nervous but treat motivated. Did well with cheese distraction. No escalation to aggression. Allowed for full exam.

Is there evidence of Cruelty? No

Is there evidence of Neglect? No

Is there evidence of Trauma? No

Objective

P = wnl
R = wnl
BCS 2/9

EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted
Oral Exam: mild tartar-(grade 1)
PLN: No enlargements noted
H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic
ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated
U/G: both te**es down and wnl
MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat. Spine and ribs easily visualized/palpated.
CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities
Re**al: NE
Wood's Lamp Exam: NE

Assessment
1. Severely underweight

Prognosis: Fair

Plan:
1. All intake tasks completed
2. 3 feedings a day
3. Panacur SID x 5 days

SURGERY:
Okay for surgery

12/10/2025

Wounds on bottom of lips noted on rounds board and by care staff

S/O:
QAR, eating well, no c/s/v/d noted
-Two circular ulcerations, somewhat symmetrical, approx 1cm, at most ventral aspect of maxillary lips. During rounds, the lesions were erythematous, but staff later showed photo of mild bleeding from the lesions.

A: Symmetrical wounds/lesions on lips - ro trauma vs allergy/hypersensitivity (stress) vs other

P: No treatment at this time, no signs of infection. CTM while at QACC.

12/12/2025

Pre-Op Exam

S/O: BAR, no c/s/v/d noted
EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge noted
ORAL: Mild-mod tartar, stage I-II ddz
Lungs: Eupneic, normal respiratory rate/effort
MSI: Ambulatory x 4, no notable lameness; bilateral ulcerations ~1cm at ventral aspect of upper lips - no active discharge or significant swelling
CNS: Mentation appropriate

A:
Underweight
Lesions/ulcerations on lips - ro husbandry/contact with cleaning products vs other
Mild dental disease

P: Neuter, no treatment for lesions at this time - CTM.

SURGERY: Okay for surgery

12/12/2025

Routine Canine Neuter

Scrotal Incision, sharp dissection to exteriorize each testicle
Spermatic Cord Ligation with: 2-0 PDS miller's knots
Sub Q closure: 2-0 PDS single simple interrupted knot

Green linear tattoo placed
Surgeon: 1438
Additional notes: Cold compress applied post op, smooth recovery

12/13/2025

[Post Surgical Exam]

Attitude/demeanor: QAR
Appetite: eating well
C/S/V/D: none
Incision site: unable to see due to behavior
Pain level: appears comfortable
Licking, chewing, or biting surgical site noted: no

Additional notes: could not see suture site due to animal behavior, laying at the back of the kennel

12/13/2025

Behavior team reports high FAS, avoidance of handlers, growling in kennel, low body, shaking. Start trazodone 10 mg/kg PO BID.

12/17/2025

Progress Exam – CIRDC signs noted on rounds, recheck wounds

S/O: BAR, coughing, no s/v/d noted
EENT: Eyes clear, mild serous nasal discharge noted
ORAL: Wounds on ventral aspect of maxillary lips both contracting and dry/no discharge
H/L: Eupneic, normal respiratory rate/effort
MSI: Ambulatory x 4, no notable lameness
CNS: Mentation appropriate

Assessment:
CIRDC
Wounds - healing

Plan:
Move to iso
Placed monitoring log
Start doxycycline 10 mg/kg PO SID x 10 days
Recheck CIRDC day 10
CTM while at QACC

12/24/2025

Progress exam: CIRDC day 7 recheck

Subjective: BAR, no C/S/V/D. Coughing & AS:1 noted on log ate medication & takes treats

Objective:
EYES: Clear
LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress
NASAL CAVITY: no discharge
MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4, no lameness or lesions
NEURO: Appropriate mentation

ASSESSMENT: Presumed CIRDC

PLAN: Per standing orders
-CTM, recheck in 3 days

12/27/2025

recheck for lip wounds

cage exam
s/o pet is eating, hyperactive and jumping at kennel door
ventral margins of maxillary lips have focalized regions wqhich appears to be healing abrasions
appears light pink

p; healing wounds, no treatment needed

12/29/2025

Progress exam: CIRDC recheck

Subjective: BAR, no C/S/V/D noted. AS:1 per log, readily eats cheese when offered.

Objective:
EYES: Clear
LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress
NASAL CAVITY: no discharge
MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4, no lameness or lesions
NEURO: Appropriate mentation

ASSESSMENT: Presumed CIRDC appears resolved

PLAN: Per standing orders
-CIRDC signage removed from kennel
-CTM on daily rounds while in QACC


************************************

* TO FOSTER / ADOPT *

If you would lIka to foster or adopt:
To foster or adopt a NYC ACC dog please PRIVATE MESSAGE our page at https://www.facebook.com/NYCDogsLivesmatter or email us at [email protected] so we can assist and guide you through the process.

PLEASE NOTE: To foster or adopt a NYC ACC dog you need to live within a prescribed range of New York City. States include: NY, NJ, PA, CT, RI, DE, MD, MA, NH, VT, ME or Northern VA. If you are outside of this range, you have the option to “direct adopt” where you must go to the shelter “in person” to complete the adoption process. We can guide you through that process.

Shelter contact information:
Phone number (212) 788-4000
Email [email protected]

Shelter Addresses:
Queens Shelter: 1906 Flushing Ave., Ridgewood, NY 11385
Manhattan Shelter: 326 East 110 St. New York, NY 10029
Staten Island Shelter: 3139 Veterans Road West Staten Island, NY 10309

NYC ACC RATING SYSTEM

Level 1
Dogs with Level 1 determinations are suitable for the majority of homes.

Level 2
Dogs with Level 2 determinations will be suitable for adopters with some previous dog experience.

Level 3
Dogs with Level 3 determinations will need to go to homes with experienced adopters.

Level 4
Dogs with Level 4 determinations will need to go to homes with experienced adopters. It is suggested adopters have prior experience with the behaviors described.

New Hope Rescue Only
Dogs with this rating need to be pulled by a New Hope Partner Rescue. Contact our page or email us for assistance

12/31/2025

‼️🚨 Senior girl has been sitting in the shelter since September. From the moment she arrived, her little body has been fighting to survive. She came down with a URI, and now — heartbreakingly — she has been hit with a SEVERE URI AGAIN.

😢 Susana is lethargic and struggling to breathe. Her condition is worsening, and senior dogs decline FAST. Without IMMEDIATE medical care and a safe place, she may not make it.

🙏🙏 PLEASE — this sweet senior does not deserve to suffer or die in the shelter. She needs a foster, rescue, or adopter RIGHT NOW.



MIAMI-DADE ANIMAL SERVICES

12/31/2025
12/31/2025

“Looking back on 2025, I am so grateful for all the support from those who stepped up to foster, donate, do homechecks, or adopt. Without you our small but mighty rescue could not have done it without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I would also like to thank my right hand person Mary Beth Lewis for her support and her spending countless hours getting our pups out on several social media sites, so they could find their loving furever homes.
Let’s make 2026 even better saving more lives!
Happy New Year to All!”
— Christa Nigito, Founder 🐾❤️

Start the year by saving a life. 🐾
Foster or donate to help us continue our lifesaving work. 💛
Foster: https://www.maggielus.org/foster/
Donate: https://www.maggielus.org/donate/

Adopt Blaze!He’s just a baby — playful, cuddly, learning about the world, and full of love. 🐶✨He deserves a warm home, n...
12/30/2025

Adopt Blaze!

He’s just a baby — playful, cuddly, learning about the world, and full of love. 🐶✨
He deserves a warm home, not a kennel.

Blaze is:
🐾 A typical, happy puppy
🏡 Potty trained & crate trained
🐕 Dog & people friendly (would love a dog sibling!)
💉 Vaccinated & scheduled to be neutered
💛 Will thrive with a fenced yard and someone who works from home full or part-time to help him with his puppy training and adventures.

Please don’t scroll past this face.
Help Blaze spend the new year in a home, not alone. 🎄🐾

📍 Indian Trail, NC
👉 Apply to foster or adopt:
https://www.maggielus.org/blaze-5/

📩 Or DM us to learn more!

RescueDog Fosteringsaveslives MaggieLusRescue AdoptBlaze PuppyRescue NorthCarolinaDog

12/30/2025

Please spread the word so we can reunite this found dog with its family! FOUND on December 28, 2025 in Charlotte, NC 28203 near Behind Bee Storage

Message from Finder: "We found him in the trees behind the Valero/Bee Storage on S Tryon! Took him him inside and he is safe. Email me!"

Description: Frenchie

Do you have information? Contact finder here: https://www.pawboost.com/p/72411723

Lost or found a pet? Report it to PawBoost here: https://www.pawboost.com/l/rpf

⚠️ WARNING: Please be cautious of users offering ‘pet tracking services’ in comments. We recommend only working with local shelters and verified organizations. Never send money to unknown services.

Address

Indian Trail
Indian Trail, NC

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