ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Queen, a Pitbull at the Tompkins County SPCA, has had a long journey in and out of the shelter.
Queen is a 4.5-year-old dog who has been at the Tompkins County SPCA since 2023. Described as eager and sometimes intimidating at first glance, she is actually a sensitive, stoic dog who enjoys companionship and wants to stay within sight of her people. Queen quickly shows her affectionate, playful side; she gets the zoomies, loves being outdoors, and has been known to “monitor” the parking lot with curiosity.
According to Tompkins County SPCA Behavior Manager Emme Holmes, she has had a complicated life.
“So far, Queen has had 4 homes total. She was adopted as a puppy but then was returned to her breeder who was unable to find her a home. After coming to the shelter for the first time in 2023, she was adopted and given back twice due to one of her owners having health problems that prohibited them from being able to take care of her, and one because she had a hard time living in a home with cats” says Holmes.
Having been adopted in March 2024 by someone living on an island with about 300 people, those at the shelter thought it would finally be her big break. Unfortunately, unexpected medical issues and her discomfort around young children (fast movement and chaotic environments make her nervous) led to her return to the Tompkins SPCA. Despite this setback, she remains a happy, loyal dog who thrives with patience and calm surroundings.
Volunteers and fosters describe Queen as a “true companion.” One foster, Marna Boerman, who has been caring for her for several months shares that fostering gives her time to decompress outside of the shelter. Queen is potty trained, has a conscience, and knows when she’s finished with activities, even signaling when she’s done walking. Another volunteer, Ann Staiger, sung high praises for Queen as well.
“She has a ton of volunteer fans, and we are all amazed at how well she has coped with her extended time at the SPCA. She was adopted back in the spring of 2024 and returned about eight months later through no fault of her own (owner’s health). Her adopter communicated with me several times/sent pictures and had nothing but compliments about her.”
Raised in a shelter environment for much of her life, Queen is now waiting for the right home, one without small children, but with people who can appreciate her sensitivity, intelligence, and loyal nature.
Wondering if Queen could be the right dog for you? Here are a few more facts about her:
1) She takes time to feel comfortable with new people, once she does, wiggles and pets are expected.
2) She walks well on leash but loves to sniff new smells off path and in yards. You kind of let her “lead”.
3) She is not so reactive on walks when seeing other dogs or small critters like squirrels, just keep a good distance and she doesn’t seem to care.
4) On leash walks she also does fine passing other humans walking or biking.
5) She is not a veggie eater but loves to have apples with or without peanut butter.
6) She loves when a human shares cheese with her.
7) She has facial expressions that are easy to read, such as when she wants to be petted and when left alone.
9) Her vision is not the best up close, so moving slower around her helps her not become nervous.
10) She is a routine girl – once she knows it, it’s smooth sailing. She is easy to please!
11) She loves car rides and sticking her nose out in the fresh air.
12) Not a fan of rain but with a coat on, she’s good to go.
13) She likes to keep her eye on her human when together but would do just fine if her human is at work or out of the house. She will just wait until her human comes back home to shower with love.
14) She loves to rest on your shoulder or lap to snuggle up with you.
Interested in meeting Queen? Visit the Tompkins County SPCA website here, give them a call at 607) 257-1822, or email them at info@spcaonline.com.
All photos courtesy of Marna Boerman.
