Cece (aka Lacey), ID# 366227
Every adoption failure is a new intake, inflating intake numbers and has the potential effect of inflating live release rates. An animal adopted six times is numerically registered no differently than six dogs adopted once. MCAS is not troubled by adoption failures.
Dogs repeatedly adopted out from MCAS suffer. Adoption returns are an indictment of MCAS’ irresponsible adoption system, one that leads to re-cycling animals over and over again, each time, adding disclaimer liability waivers upon returns, instead of creating intervention plans to remedy the concerns if noted. The solutions to decrease adoption returns would be responsible adoption standards at the outset that protect an animal’s welfare, and also addressing any behavior challenges that emerge after impoundment. This is a demographic often found stray and abandoned on the streets, or whose owners are in crisis so their dogs are sometimes traumatized too. Lax standards and refusing to implement behavior training programs for an often vulnerable population , have led to increased returns and harm the population the leaders are charged with protecting.
Cece MCAS 366227, a one year old black and white American Shelter Dog mix, is only one case among many when animals pay the price for MCAS leadership failures. Cece had been impounded at MCAS on September 02, 2025 after being abandoned with the finder for 6 days.
Her adoption advertisement is full of promise:
Meet Lacey [Cece], a spirited and sweet girl who is ready to find her forever home! This active and intelligent young dog is full of potential and eager to learn. At just over a year, she is at the perfect stage for training and would thrive in a home committed to helping her reach her full potential. [Cece] is a total socialite who loves to play, go on adventures, and enjoy a good cuddle session after a long day of fun. Because she loves being part of the pack, she can get a bit anxious when left alone; she would do best with a family that is home often to keep her company. She may also do better in a home with another dog to help her feel confident and secure! If you’re looking for a loyal companion to join you on hikes, training classes, and cozy nights in, [Cece] might be the perfect match for you. Come meet this wonderful pup and see if she’s the missing piece to your family!“
Cece has been in and out of MCAS since September 2, 2025, adopted three times and returned three times. Her history of adoptions make clear a lack of commitment by MCAS to hold themselves and adopters accountable to any professional standards. MCAS instead of addressing behavior challenges or concerns with behavior interventions has instituted a system of waivers disowning all responsibility. Cece has a separation anxiety waiver, earned as a result of repeated failed adoptions.
Adoption history-
Adopted September 6, 2025 for $25
Adoption return September 7, 2025
Notes mention that the adopter had previously returned a different MCAS shelter dog, Broccolini.
Primary reason: “Returned after 24 hours in the home due to landlord saying no… AO reported no issues with dog in the home.”
In the past, with a far greater intake that included cats as well as dogs, MCAS managers conducted landlord checks.
Adopted September 9, 2025 for $25
Adoption return September 25, 2025
Primary reason: “Broke out of wire crate and chewed up carpet and other items around home. AO lives in an apartment and can’t afford to replace/repair any more damages.” Also described as “chewy and rambunctious.”
MCAS does not call or check on how an adoption is succeeding and does not encourage adopters to call with adoption questions unless these are veterinary medical concerns and occur within the first two weeks. Adopters are advised to seek help elsewhere for behavior challenges and/or to read the waivers.
Adopted September 30, 2025 for $25
On October 6, 2025 the adopter called with concerns about Cece’s experiencing episodes of wheezing and gasping for air. The onsite veterinarian diagnosed this as probable canine infectious respiratory disease, a commonplace adoption special.
Adoption return January 16, 2026 for:
–Separation anxiety leading to property destruction. The single intervention was two psychotropic medications: Gabapentin and Trazodone but psychotropics only reduce anxiety without creating alternative behaviors to establish confidence when home alone. Socialization and training build confidence. If affordable, day care is one option.
–Escape artist: “Said to try to escape wire crate by working at the front locks and pushing against the door but has been unsuccessful at escaping. Has been able to open the front door of the home…”
–Jumpy Mouthy: “History of jumpy/mouthy behavior in the home since adoption. She can easily become overstimulated when meeting new people, petting or in play and quick to escalate to causing bruises and abrasions from her paws to AO with only 2 puncture wounds shown to me…”
The adopter who returned Cece advised as a behavior correction that “if you need to get something away from her you need to wrench it out of her mouth.”
There are behavior training protocols to address encouraging dogs to release items, separation anxiety and jumpy mouthy behaviors but MCAS will not teach them on site to improve an animal’s life and adoption prospects. Nor do they provide positive behavior training protocols or videos to adopters.
Additional history: Cece’s most recent adopter was reported on December 18, 2025 by a witness to have punched Cece in the face. (Finalized Animal Control Issue Summary 304814, December 18, 2025).
An MCAS officer investigated. The witness reported multiple concerning incidents, in this case on December 26, 2025 the witness:
“saw the AO lift the dog off of the ground by its prong collar, then punch the dog in the right side of the face…” The MCAS adopter “was upset as she believes MCAS mis represented the dogs breed and that she is dealing with Belgian Malinois. I asked MCBRIDE if she had done any training. MCBRIDE said that she had not due to spending all her money on vets and medications… MCBRIDE then spoke again about her issues in being able to control CECE. She believes she [CECE] would be best rehomed or euthanized.”
Cece’s owner admitted to having struck and was advised by the officer that physical reprimands were not acceptable. He also encouraged Cece’s owner to enroll in training classes (an option rejected earlier) and informed her that she had the option of surrendering Cece. He gave her a muzzle and left. The case was marked closed “with education.” A muzzle and encouragement about training do not correct confirmed animal cruelty or an owner’s own anger management behavior challenge. No citation for “physically mistreat” was issued. Cece was left in harm’s way.
When her adopter returned Cece on January 16, 2026, it was unclear if Cece had been spayed or not. There was no January 16, Intake exam provided in this public record.
MCAS puts shelter animals at risk. Their view is that adopters are the customer and are always right. Abuse is met with “education” if it is met at all. Cece has highly correctable young untutored dog common place challenges, exacerbated by her adopters who had no behavior management skills: Jumpy mouthy conduct , separation anxieties and leash reactivity that MCAS will not address except with waivers to pass onto the next adopter.
Gail O’Connell-Babcock
Cece’s MCAS records, owner details redacted
Behavior_Beyond Food and Water by Kelly Gorman, CPDT, Whole Dog Journal, July 2004
Excitable Boy by Jill Brietner, Whole Dog Journal, March 2018
Keep Calm First You Need to Get Him Calm by Pat Miller CBCC-KA CPDT-KA, Whole Dog Journal, September 2017
Medications for Anxiety by Eileen Fatcheric DVM, Whole Dog Journal, March 2022
Pets From Hell-You can make an unruly pet behave by Julie Weingarden, Ladies Home Journal, June 2000
Separation Anxiety by Malena Demartini and Maia Huff-Owen KPA-CTP CSAT, Whole Dog Journal, March 2022
Surviving Severe Separation Anxiety by Sandi Thompson CPDT-KA, Whole Dog Journal, September 2012