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Supporter Spotlight: Jonathan Delgado and Catherine Bird

Like many, Jonathan Delgado and Catherine Bird were first introduced to the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) when they adopted a new family member, a tuxedo cat they named Nippy. Both Jonathan and Catherine had always been cat lovers, but Nippy’s adoption was inspired by their daughter Athena’s desire for a kitten. A great companion to all, she could be found sleeping in bed with houseguests, squeezing into Athena’s dress-up clothes, providing grief support when other pet siblings passed, and startling tradespeople as they worked around the house.

When Athena left for college, Jonathan wanted to do something meaningful with his free time, which ultimately led him to start volunteering with ARL.

With his years of experience with cats, ARL’s Director of Volunteer Engagement suggested Jonathan start as a Feline Friend, caring for cats on Monday mornings. Little has changed: that was 10 years ago, and Jonathan has worked the same Feline Friend shift nearly every Monday since!

Volunteering brought Jonathan great perspective and insight into the work that ARL does for both animals and people in need. Jonathan noted that the various reasons for which an animal can be surrendered to ARL brought him a greater sense of empathy and compassion for those who must make difficult decisions regarding their animals. He witnessed first-hand the impact of ARL’s community programs that work to keep pets together with their families and the profound care given to those pets who needed to find new homes.

Jonathan and Catherine recognized the impact ARL has in the community and decided to put ARL at the forefront of their giving. Nearly ten years ago, they chose to become monthly contributors through the Champions Circle, and their dedication has not wavered.

They decided to start giving monthly to help smooth out the imbalance of seasonal giving. Catherine says “Many don’t realize organizations are running on fumes waiting for the large influx of donations at the end of the year.” Their commitment as monthly donors helps to keep operations running smoothly all year long. Jonathan notes that monthly giving also makes it easier to reach their giving goals by splitting up donations throughout the year. It allows them to “set it and forget it” and still have a measurable impact for ARL and the animals we serve.

The couple feels fortunate to be able to support ARL significantly as they do, and hope that their donations will allow ARL to continue its impactful work in the community for animals and the people who love them. Jonathan and Catherine’s generosity ensures ARL’s ability to do just that. ARL is extremely grateful to have them as friends, adopters, and benefactors of ARL.

September is Champions Circle month

Half of our donations arrive during the last four months of the year- and most of it during the last 2 weeks in December – yet animals need help every day.

So why wait until the holidays to help?

You can support animals in need ALL YEAR LONG by joining the Champions Circle, a monthly giving program that’s like a subscription for saving animals. Join today.

Anna Harris Smith Legacy Society® Spotlight: Pam Chatis

Pam Chatis is running out of ways to support the Animal Rescue League of Boston! She is a volunteer, monthly donor,
and member of the Anna Harris Smith Legacy Society®. In addition to her work with ARL, Pam also volunteers with the House Rabbit Network of Westwood and Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum.

Those who know Pam can attest that she is a busy bee. After obtaining her PhD in Virology and completing a post-doc fellowship at MIT, she worked for many years studying molecular virology and infectious diseases. She was also a competitive athlete and avid runner before an injury forced her to slow down — though clearly not in spirit. Even in retirement, she maintains a rigorous schedule, dedicating her time to the causes closest to her heart.

Pam’s journey with ARL began over 26 years ago when she made her first donation after seeing a story about our Wildlife and Rescue (now known as Field Services) department. ARL’s work with facilitating wildlife rescue was near and dear to Pam’s heart. Growing up in the rural Worcester area, Pam would often come across sick or injured squirrels and chipmunks and would help care for and rehabilitate them.

In addition to the wild critters she cared for, Pam’s family also had pet Beagles, rabbits, and parakeets. This foundational experience helped rabbits become her “heart animal.” Pam believes that they are often overlooked in comparison to cats and dogs, especially because rabbits are sometimes considered livestock and not given the same considerations as their larger, fluffier, companion animal counterparts.

This empathy for rabbits and other small animals has made Pam an incredible asset to our “smallies” team of volunteers here at ARL. “Smallies” is the affectionate term for small animals like rabbits, mice, hamsters, and guinea pigs used by our staff and volunteers. Pam also spends valuable time with cats demonstrating behavioral challenges such as fearfulness and aggression.

Though she has only been a volunteer with ARL for a little over a year, her impact has been tremendous. Pam’s knowledge, dedication, and patience has helped many of our shelter animals to turn a corner behaviorally, blossoming from frightened and angry to calm, loving, and most importantly, adoptable. By going at their own pace and earning their trust, Pam enables our most vulnerable animals to find the loving homes they deserve.

As a member of the Anna Harris Smith Legacy Society®, Pam’s planned gift will help ensure her impact will continue beyond her worldly years. We are extremely honored to have Pam as part of our organization now and forever, due to her generous legacy gift.

Did you know August is National Make-A-Will Month?

Just as animals have touched your life, you can forever touch the lives of animals by including the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) in your Will. Learn how to leave your print and make more than a lifetime of impact for animals.

When you include ARL in your Will or other plans, you become a member of the Anna Harris Smith Legacy Society® and join the company of compassionate supporters like Pam, who want their dedication to the well-being of animals to continue long into the future.

Have you included, or are you thinking of including ARL in your Will? Let us know so we can thank you! Please contact Jackie.

Foster Feature: Ning Pan

ARL foster parent and volunteer Ning Pan has traveled throughout the world, and is currently working towards the goal of traveling to all 50 states (with only four states left to go)! But one of her favorite places to travel is to ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center.

Ning started volunteering in October of 2021 at the recommendation of a co-worker. Having recently lost her beloved rescue dog Eva in 2020, Ning was ready for some animal love in her life again. Fairly soon in her volunteer journey, Ning noticed the critical need for foster families, and decided that fostering could be a good first step to welcoming dogs back into her and her family’s everyday lives.

Her first foster experience was with Kaylee and Macie, two senior Rat Terrier mixes. She took them home just before the holidays, and they remained in her care for 7-weeks before they were adopted together to a loving new family.

Since those first two fosters, Ning has fostered six more dogs! One of which was a “foster fail”, Buddy. “Foster fail” is an affectionate term for when a foster parent adopts their foster animal. But of course, it is never a failure when an animal finds a loving home, which was the case for Buddy! Buddy was originally adopted by someone else, but then had to be returned due to a family emergency. When he came back to ARL, Ning knew that he was meant to be a permanent member of her family, and they made it official by adopting him the same day he came back.

After adopting Buddy, Ning has continued to foster. Currently, she is fostering a dog involved in an active law enforcement investigation. This particular dog has been in ARL’s care since May of 2022, and has been in Ning’s care for over 6-months now!

Ning with her dog, Buddy, outside

Ning with her dog, Buddy, giving belly scratches outside of ARL's Dedham Animal Care & Adoption Center

Law enforcement cases involving animals can take a long time to resolve, so having a foster who is able to provide that animal with a safe place to land while they await release to adoption is absolutely invaluable. Foster homes reduce stress for the animals and allows them some reprieve from shelter life, and at the same time, it opens up the facility to care for more animals in need. This is part of what motivates Ning to continue fostering.

Even though many people may ask her, “how can you do it”, “don’t you fall in love with them”, and “isn’t it sad” when asked about fostering. Ning is quick to explain how the fulfillment of the life-saving impact that foster care has for animals in need far outweighs any sadness she may feel saying goodbye to an animal. She also keeps in touch with the adopters of many of her fosters, and receives happy updates that help fill her cup with hope for other animals in need.

We are so thankful to Ning for all that she does for animals in need, like Buddy and the 6 other fosters that have come and gone through her home. She makes so much life-saving work possible, and for that we are eternally grateful.

Learn more about fostering and volunteering at ARL.

ARL Announces Launch of Humane Education Program, Partnership with Boston Public Library

Boston Public Library locations to host monthly youth educational events

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is pleased to announce the launch of its Humane Education Program, which coincides with a special partnership with the Boston Public Library (BPL) to help create the next generation of compassionate animal advocates.

The monthly series entitled The Fun and Exciting World of Animals aims to educate and inspire. These BPL events are free and open to youth ages 6-9, and future presentations will feature a variety of topics including the inner workings of an animal shelter, introduction to veterinary care, animal behavior, and being kind to animals. More information on this event series.

three small children use toothbrushes to provide enrichment to a tortoise

Children at The Fun and Exciting World of Animals event use small toothbrushes to provide enrichment and grooming to a tortoise.

 

“For many, our love of animals began at a young age, and this innovative program and partnership with the Boston Public Library allows the city’s youth to learn directly from those who work with animals every day, and perhaps begin to forge a path for their own future,” stated ARL President and CEO Dr. Edward Schettino. “ARL cannot thank the Boston Public Library enough for the opportunity to inspire the next generation of animal advocates.”

 

Two small children and ARL staff member look at a humane cat trap

An ARL staff member shows attendees how a humane cat trap works at The Fun and Exciting World of Animals event.


“The Boston Public Library is thrilled to partner with the Animal Rescue League of Boston to bring engaging, impactful programming to the youth of Boston,” said BPL President David Leonard. “A major focus for the BPL is youth engagement, and we’re dedicated to teaming up with organizations in our community that can help our youngest patrons discover their passions, explore their interests, and chart their futures, all in free, safe, and exciting new ways.”

 

child holding a small puppy

During Friday Night Teen Group, teens have the opportunity to meet adoptable animals like Dolphin, a Shiba Inu puppy.

Along with ARL’s partnership with the Boston Public Library, ARL’s Humane Education Program will also offer opportunities at the organization’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center for area youth to help build confidence around and to show empathy for all animals in our communities.

ARL’s experienced and knowledgeable staff and volunteers will present interactive activities for both children and adults focused on topics related to animal welfare and care. Programs are tailored to the goals, ages, and needs of each group and will include a Friday night teen group and youth reading programs, where young people will actually get the chance to have hands-on experiences with the animals in ARL’s care while learning important life lessons.

More information about ARL’s Humane Education Program.

January is National Train Your Dog Month

Start Your Pet’s Year Off on the Right Paw

January is National Train Your Dog Month, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is reminding dog owners that no matter the age of their pup, now is a perfect time to consider training to have a positive impact on your dog’s health, safety, and overall well-being.

ARL is a resource for pet owners and offers a variety of dog training courses with certified, experienced, and caring dog trainers to help teach pups physical and mental skills including basic manners, advanced commands, healthy socialization skills, and mental enrichment exercises, among others. Group classes and private training sessions are available at ARL’s Boston and Dedham locations. Enroll in a dog training course today!

Have a question about your pet’s behavior? ARL also offers a free pet behavior helpline to address a myriad of potential concerns including crate training, excessive barking, and house soiling. To contact ARL’s free pet behavior helpline, call (617) 226-5666, email behaviorhelpline@arlboston.org, or submit a question online.

Additionally, consider the following to get your pet’s year off on the right paw:

1. Increase Activity. An additional daily play session with our pets, no matter the species, can go a long way in improving their overall health, particularly as our pets age. More activity also decreases boredom and helps keeps their bodies and minds in peak condition.

2. Improve Their Diet. When bringing in your pet for their annual wellness check with your veterinarian, you can discuss your pet’s diet to see if there’s anything we can improve upon to fulfill the animal’s dietary needs. This is key especially for our aging pets as their nutritional needs change over the years.

3. Try Something New. Whether it be a play date with a new dog, bringing your pup on a hike or to the beach, or introducing your cat or small animal to interactive toys like food puzzles, allowing your pet to try something new is a great way for them to increase activity and engagement, practice social skills, and helps improve their overall happiness and well-being.

4. Get Your Pet Microchipped. A microchip drastically increases the likelihood of being reunited with your pet should they go missing, so if you have not microchipped your pet, please consider doing so. The process for your pet is pain-free and it is a low-cost and lifelong added peace of mind for you and your pet.

We all want to start the year off on the right foot or paw, and it’s important to remember that you are not alone in the journey of pet ownership and to take advantage of all the resources you can to ensure your pet is happy and healthy in 2023 and beyond.

State Senate Takes Action on Animal Legislation

Bills Include Boarding Kennel Regulations

While the current legislative session may be winding down, this week several animal protection bills took a big step forward, as the Massachusetts Senate took action on several bills on ARL’s Legislative Agenda.

H.4442, An Act further regulating the enforcement of illegal hunting practices, would enter Massachusetts into a nationwide compact to prevent convicted poachers from hunting in other states, as well as update penalties that are outdated by almost a century. H.4442 passed the House earlier this year, so only needs to have some small differences ironed out before it is sent to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.

The Senate also passed H.901, An Act protecting research animals, which would ensure that cats and dogs used for research in Massachusetts get the opportunity to be adopted into loving homes. This bill also passed the House earlier this session, so the two versions will need to be reconciled in the legislature before moving on to the Governor.

S.2994— An Act protecting the health and safety of puppies and kittens in cities and towns—was passed by the Senate on Monday. This session, ARL has been supportive of this and other efforts to regulate pet daycares and update kennel laws to protect animals throughout the Commonwealth.

While there are no statewide regulations surrounding these facilities, ARL’s Board Safely™ campaign provides pet families with what to look for before they board their pet. ARL is also a member of Ollie’s Coalition, founded after the death of Ollie, a labradoodle mauled at a pet daycare in 2020.

We only have until July 31 to get this bill through the House and to the Governor’s desk. Please reach out to your Representative today and ask them to support S.2994 and protect puppies and kittens this legislative session!

Have questions or want to get involved? Contact advocay@arlboston.org

May 14 is National Disaster Animal Preparedness Day!

Follow these 6 steps to be “pet prepared” during an emergency

In 2010 the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated the second Saturday in May as National Disaster Animal Preparedness Day, to help pet families focus on the importance of having a family disaster plan that also includes their pets.

Whether it’s a fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, earthquake, or other natural disaster, emergencies happen. Just as you’ve created an “in case of emergency” plan for your family, it’s smart to do the same for your pet. Keep in mind that what’s safest for you is typically also what’s safest for them.

Not sure what to do to prepare for an emergency? First and foremost, be sure to prepare a pet emergency bag. Keep it handy in case you need to evacuate your home in a hurry. Take a look at ARL’s list of supplies that your pet will need.

  1. Include pets in your family emergency plan. Pre-determine how you would transport your pet in an evacuation and which boarding facility, shelter, friend, or relative would be able to take in your pet if necessary. Designate a neighbor to check in on and/or evacuate your pet in the event that you are not home when an emergency occurs. Display a notice in a visible part of your front door or window advising what pets live in the house.
  2. Take your pets with you. If you need to evacuate your home, don’t leave your pets behind. Leaving an animal home alone could be dangerous, especially if it may take days or even weeks for your family to return to them.
  3. If it’s safe for your family to stay at home, keep pets confined. Pets should remain indoors at all times. Keep pets separated in their own quiet space with plenty of accessible water.
  4. Make your pet easy to ID. If you become separated from your pet, you’ll want to try and claim them as quickly as possible. Make sure that all identification tags are up-to-date and secured to your pet’s collar. Microchipping your pet is always a good idea and a fail-safe way to verify that you’re their owner. Also, keep a photo of you and your pet together handy to help others easily ID them.
  5. Vaccinate your pets. Protect your pets from potential disease and illness in the event that you need to leave your pet at a boarding facility or shelter.
  6. In the few days after a disaster, keep your pets indoors. Unfamiliar scents and sights may cause worry or confusion. Downed power lines, broken tree limbs, and displaced wild or domestic animals may pose a risk to your pet.


If an animal is in imminent danger, contact your local Animal Control Office or Police Department for possible assistance, as they may have quicker access to an emergency scene.

ARL Collaborates to Rescue 9 Ponies from Breeding Farm

ARL Law Enforcement files animal cruelty charges

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), MSPCA, Berkley Police Department and Berkley Animal Control recently collaborated to rescue 9 ponies from a breeding farm in Berkley, MA – the animals will be looking for new homes soon, and ARL Law Enforcement has also filed animal cruelty charges against the former owner.

The 9 ponies were rescued from the property due to unsanitary conditions, and inadequate access to food and water.

Investigators on-scene also discovered three deceased ponies and one deceased horse on the property.

Two ponies in ARL trailer with staff

Three of the rescued ponies were taken to ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center, while the remaining six were transported to MSPCA’s Nevins Farm in Methuen, MA.

The three rescued ponies at ARL, now named Owen, Lass, and Kate, are classified as thin to emaciated, scoring between a two and three on the Henneke Equine scale. The animals are currently on a refeeding plan and are receiving veterinary and farrier care.

Owen, Lass, and Kate will need extraordinary care and you can give them their best chance to recover.

Two ponies at ARL dedham in their main paddock

Your emergency gift today can support:

    • Veterinary care and rehabilitation for animals that have suffered the trauma of neglect
    • On-going investigations of cruelty to pursue justice for animals
    • Emergency response when crisis strikes and animals are in dire need

This work cannot be done alone and animals like Owen, Lass, and Kate urgently need your help now. Make a gift today.

Ponies in the Care of the MSPCA at Nevins Farm

These ponies remain isolated from the rest of the animals in the organization’s care. Upon intake they all registered between one and two on the Henneke Equine scale, which classifies them as emaciated. They remain fearful but are slowly warming to the presence of staff and volunteers tending to their needs, and the MSPCA expects they’ll be available for adoption within weeks.

Counts of Animal Cruelty Filed

ARL’s Law Enforcement Department has filed 13 counts of animal cruelty against the former owner, who’s scheduled to be arraigned at Taunton District Court later this month.

ARL wishes to thank the MSPCA, Berkley Police Department and Animal Control, as well as the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office for their collaboration and steadfast commitment to the health and wellbeing of these animals.

ARL Celebrates Volunteer Appreciation Week

This past week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) celebrated Volunteer Appreciation Week – a time when the organization and pause and say thank you to the hard work and dedication of these true champions for animals in need.

After two years of hosting virtual events, ARL was once again able to hold three in-person volunteer appreciation week events at ARL’s Boston, Dedham and Brewster Animal Care and Adoption Centers to celebrate and personally thank each and every volunteer at ARL.

In 2021, 1,059 volunteers dedicated nearly 40,000 hours to help animals in need, while ARL’s 526 foster families opened their hearts and homes to 1,071 animals!

Volunteers are at the heart of ARL’s mission and are the backbone to the organization’s day-to-day operations.

From feeding animals, cleaning kennels, walking dogs, working with behaviorally challenging animals, sorting through linens and donations, to many other duties, ARL volunteers all bring something unique to the organization, but all have one thing in common – the love and dedication to assisting the animals in ARL’s care in any way possible.

“While it’s always an honor to recognize our dedicated volunteer and foster families, to be able to once again hold these celebrations in-person was truly special,” stated ARL Associate Director of Volunteer Engagement, Debby Chaplic. “ARL volunteers are such a special group of individuals and the work they do each and every day continues to inspire as they are true champions for animals in need.”

During each of this year’s volunteer appreciation events, ARL also continued the tradition of handing out a number of awards to volunteers and staff that consistently go above and beyond.

Without further ado, the winners!

    • Best of Boston- Betsy Jones of Watertown
    • Cape’d Crusader- Teresa Snow of Harwich
    • Dedham’s Most Dignified- Melissa Salce of Dedham
    • ARL’s Unsung Hero- Susan McNeice of Needham and Josephine Paolucci of West Roxbury
    • All Other Creatures Big and Small- Leo Settoducato of Somerville
    • Admin’s Above and Beyond- Carol Svenson of Arlington and Elna Rapp of Boston
    • Our Four Footed Friends Favorite Foster Parent-  Lori Everett of W. Dennis and Donna Tormey of Shirley

Additionally, volunteers also voted for the following awards for ARL staff: 

    • Boston- Michelle Polin of Attleboro
    • Brewster- Sadie Santos of Truro
    • Dedham- Courtney Foley of Quincy

And in a new category, volunteers also had the opportunity this year to vote for ARL Pets of the Year:

    • Dog: Benjamin of Dedham
    • Cat: Godric of Boston and Jungle Jazz of Brewster
    • Other: Mike the Macaw and Violet the Pig of Dedham

Why Volunteer?

First and foremost, nonprofit organizations like ARL simply could not have such a wide reach to help animals in need without volunteers. Volunteers are integral members of the ARL family.

But volunteering has benefits beyond caring and participating in such a worthwhile cause.

About 63 million people, or 25% of the U.S. population, donate their time and talents to worthy causes.

In addition to making a difference in the community, volunteering has been shown to improve a person’s health by increasing physical activity, enhancing your mood and decreasing stress.

Another bonus?  The majority of hiring managers nationally see volunteerism as an asset in candidates seeking employment.

Learn more about volunteering at ARL.

Massachusetts House of Representatives to Begin Budget Debate

What you can do to help animals in Massachusetts

The 2021-2022 Legislative Session is nearing the finish line, and on Monday, April 25, the Massachusetts House of Representatives will begin to debate their budget.

As the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) continues advocating to protect animals in Massachusetts, you can help animals in the Commonwealth by contacting your Representatives and asking them to:

SUPPORT the Mass Animal Fund #1031

The Massachusetts Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund provides low cost spay/neuter to animals in need across Massachusetts. ARL has regularly partnered with the Fund to bring the Spay Waggin’ to communities in need. Filed by Representative Ted Philips, this amendment would provide additional funding to this program, increasing the number of animals the Fund can assist.

OPPOSE Sunday hunting #545

Sundays in Massachusetts are the one day of the week during hunting season that people can enjoy the outdoors without concern of hunting. Amendment #545 would allow for bow hunting of deer on Sundays, a day that has been off-limits to hunting for 300 years.

Find your Representative, and ask them to speak up for animals in this year’s budget!

Contact advocacy@arlboston.org with any questions, or to learn how to get involved.