Tour de Dog: David Sylvester and Chiva

At the heart of the Big Apple's animal rescue efforts is the city and donation funded Animal Care and Control of New York City (AC&C). The AC&C is the largest pet organization in the northeastern United States and takes in some 44,000 animals annually.

When I visited the AC&C, I had the unique opportunity to spend an afternoon with a field operation's control officer named Robert. Robert's job is to respond to the public's phone calls in all five NYC burroughs and pick up 1) animals that threaten the safety of the public, 2) stray or homeless animals, and 3) wildlife that is injured.

During the course of the afternoon, Robert and I attended several animals in dire need of assistance.

The first call was from the Bronx. A man had been shot and critally injured. His dog, a male, unneutered pit bull, had been left confined in his apartment for nearly a week. When Robert and I arrived on the scene, we were greeted by fellow animal control officer, Nelson. This call was definitely a two person job.

Behind the door we could hear the fierce barking of a protective yet terrified pit bull. After carefully entering the apartment, we were able to create barriers that limited where the animal could go. Nelson and Robert were then able to capture the beautiful pitbull using a safe and humane stick and noose device.

Although the rescue was an eye-opener for me, it was simply another day's work for Robert and Nelson. The two have time and time again tracked down stranded and homesless animals.

Conditions in the apartment were horrendous, and feces were everywhere.

The dog was starving and gulped down everything we fed him.

The good news is that both Robert and Nelson thought the pit bull had a great chance of find a good home. It he passes the AC&C evaluation, they will place him for adoption.