New York dog owner seeks return of two Chinese Crested dogs after hospitalization

A Queensbury, New York dog owner is seeking information about the location and return of her two Chinese Crested dogs, Mia and Milo, after she says they were no longer at the SPCA of Upstate New York when she tried to retrieve them after a hospitalization. The SPCA says it is reviewing the matter while the owner disputes any surrender or transfer.

Why it matters: - Tina L. says she wants Mia and Milo returned and is asking for help locating the dogs. - The dispute centers on whether the dogs were surrendered or transferred without Tina L.’s authorization. - The SPCA of Upstate New York says it is conducting an internal review.

What happened: - Tina L. says she was hospitalized from Sept. 7 through Sept. 22, 2026. - On Sept. 7, Mia and Milo were taken to Barks and Rec while Tina L. received medical treatment. - The SPCA of Upstate New York later paid county charges to secure release of the dogs from Barks and Rec and took custody of them while Tina L. remained hospitalized. - Tina L. says she believed she would reimburse the amount advanced and that the dogs would be kept safe until her discharge. - After leaving the hospital, Tina L. went to the SPCA on Sept. 23 to retrieve Mia and Milo. - Tina L. says she was told the dogs could be released if she paid $600 by 5 p.m. that day, after being informed of charges exceeding $1,500. - Tina L. says she could not get the money by the deadline but had the requested funds by Friday and tried to return with payment. - Tina L. says the facility was closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday, which prevented her from completing the pickup during that period. - When Tina L. returned on Sept. 29, she says the dogs were no longer at the facility and SPCA records showed she had surrendered them.

The details: - Tina L. says she did not surrender Mia or Milo. - Tina L. says she did not sign a surrender document and did not authorize adoption or permanent transfer. - Photographs and video Tina L. provided show Mia and Milo together on June 22, Aug. 1 and Sept. 5, 2026. - Tina L. says the Sept. 5 image was taken two days before her hospitalization. - On Sept. 30, the SPCA told Tina L.’s attorney that its records contained information indicating the dogs had been “held for six months.” - Tina L. says that information is incorrect and has provided additional information and dated images to the SPCA. - Elena Dvoinik, attorney for Tina L., said, “Our immediate concern is determining where Mia and Milo are and facilitating their safe return to Tina L. We appreciate the SPCA's willingness to review the additional information that has now been provided.”

Between the lines: - The case appears to hinge on recordkeeping, timing and whether a surrender ever occurred. - Tina L.’s dated photos and video are being used to challenge the SPCA’s records. - The SPCA’s internal review suggests the agency has not closed the matter.

What's next: - The SPCA is reviewing the new information Tina L. provided. - Tina L. is seeking the dogs’ present location and arrangements for their return. - Anyone with information about Mia and Milo is being asked to contact Tina L.’s attorney. - Elena Dvoinik can be reached at +1 212-605-0529. - More information is available through the attorney’s LinkedIn profile, Facebook page and X account.