fbpx
Blog Archives
Home / Blog Archives
Popular Spring Flowers Toxic for Cats

With the weather changing, you may have noticed the first signs of spring in the form of flowers beginning to emerge from the ground.

Soon these flowers will be blooming, but along their beautiful sight and smell, many species of spring flowers add a life-threatening element of danger for your cat.

Lilies of all varieties (Easter Lilies, Daylilies, Asiatic Lilies, Peace Lilies, Lily of the Valley) top the list of spring flowers that are extremely dangerous for felines.

For cats like Duchess, ingesting just a small amount of toxic spring flowers like lilies can be life-threatening.

Ingesting just a leaf or two, or drinking a little water from a vase holding the flowers, can cause kidney failure, and possibly death.

Lilies are so toxic that symptoms can be seen less than two hours after ingestion and include:

    • Dehydration
    • Lack of Appetite
    • Vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Lethargy

If you suspect your cat has ingested lilies or any harmful substance, seek medical attention immediately–do not wait! The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at (888) 426-4435, for any animal poison-related emergency. 

Other spring plants that are toxic for your cat include: daffodils, tulips, chrysanthemums, and hyacinths.

Our animals rely on us to keep them safe–if you have a cat, it’s certainly a good idea to remove lilies and other noxious plants from your home and yard to ensure their safety.

Questions?

Contact the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s outpatient clinic, Boston Veterinary Care (BVC) at 617-226-5605 or email at bvc@arlboston.org.

Investigating Animal “Blood Sports”

Recognizing National Dog Fighting Awareness Day

The ASPCA designated April 8 as National Dog Fighting Awareness Day  to increase understanding and awareness about dog fighting. We encourage animal-lovers to take action against all blood sports, an extremely brutal form of cruelty.

What are “blood sports”? Blood sports are defined as an illegal sport or contest involving the bloodshed of animals for the purpose of gambling or entertainment, and include:

    • Dog fighting is a brutal sport or contest in which two dogs—specifically bred, conditioned, and trained to fight—are placed in a pit/ring to fight one another for the purposes of entertainment and gambling. The fight ends when one dog can’t continue due to exhaustion, injury, or death. ASPCA experts estimate that there are tens of thousands of dog fighters across the country forcing hundreds of thousands of dogs to brutally train, fight, and suffer as part of a so-called “blood sport”.
    • Street fighting is an impromptu altercation between two dogs instigated by their respective owners or gangs in either a private location or common public gathering area, such as school yards, parks, or abandoned buildings. In some cases, the owner encourages their dog to attack a stray.
    • Cockfighting is a sport in which two gamecocks (roosters), specifically bred for aggressiveness, are placed in a small ring and encouraged to fight to the death. Owners often will inject doses of stimulant drugs, hormones, or vitamins to increase endurance and attach knives to the gamecocks’ legs.
    • Finch fighting is a sport between two male and one female perched birds that has become increasingly popular due to the birds’ small size, docile nature, and ease of transport. Owners typically attach blades to the males’ feet and sharpen their beaks to ensure the female finch’s demise.

Our Law Enforcement team works with animal control officers to identify signs of blood sports. Here are 3 common warning signs:

        1. Dogs kept on short heavy chains or tethered to makeshift dog houses
        2. Several crates, tethering devices, and specialized aerobic training equipment such as treadmills kept in basements and sheds
        3. Dogs with lots of scaring around the face, neck, front legs and chest

Whether you live in a rural, suburban, or urban neighborhood, animal “blood sports” happens in all types of areas across the country, including Massachusetts.

Blood sports are a major concern for public safety as it’s often linked with gang activity and other serious crimes such as human assault, homicide, drug possession/distribution, and illegal gambling.

Based on the ARL Law Enforcement team’s experience, building an effective legal case against this type of crime is complicated, due to the multitude of individuals, groups, and gangs that can be involved. Fighting animals – especially dogs – are bred in Massachusetts and transported to other states to fight, making it very difficult to track the activity.

Read Turtle’s Story: From Bait Dog to Therapy Dog and Lobbyist

How can communities prevent blood sports from happening?

        1. Animal control officers and humane investigators focus on breaking up an animal fighting enterprise and immediately remove animals from the situation.
        2. You can help raise awareness and encourage intervention; both are critical to preventing this type of crime before it occurs

We ALL have a role to play in prevention. Report suspicions of animal cruelty and learn more about what you can do.

Tis the Season for Fun Contests! Help Spread Cheer this Season by Participating or Voting.

Ugly Sweater Contest

Did you know that the third Friday in December marks National Ugly Sweater Day?  What better reason to break out your ugliest holiday sweater and pose with your pets!

All you need to do to enter is to submit a photo of yourself in your most festive sweater with your favorite animal friend OR a photo of your pet in holiday attire or accessories. Photos can be sent to marketing@arlboston.org or tag us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Contest opens: Friday, December 10, 2021

Deadline to submit your photo: Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at Midnight

Voting: Begins at 9:00AM on Friday, December 17, 2021, National Ugly Sweater Day!

Four finalists will be selected by ARL and votes will be cast on social media. Each entry will be assigned a number. To vote, comment on the social posts with the number of your favorite finalist.  Please, just one vote per person, but you can ask your friends and family to vote!

The winner will be announced by 5:00pm on December 17, 2021, and will receive ARL Swag and bragging rights!


Whisker Wonderland Coloring Contest

Show off your creativity and coloring skills in this contest that is suitable for all ages!

Download our printable coloring sheets by clicking here.

We’re asking contestants to pick one of three choices: dog, cat, or rabbit.  Color in your critter and background as festive as you like!

All you need to do to enter is to submit your completed coloring page by emailing marketing@arlboston.org or tagging us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Contest opens: Friday, December 10, 2021

Deadline to submit your coloring page: Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at Midnight

Voting: Begins at 9:00AM on Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Finalists will be selected by ARL and votes will be cast on social media.

Each entry will be assigned a number. To vote, comment on the social posts with the number of your favorite finalist. Please, just one vote per person, but you can ask your friends and family to vote!

The winner will be announced by 5:00pm on December 28, 2021, and receive ARL Swag and bragging rights!

There’s still time time to make a difference for animals this year!

Your generous year-end gift will ensure that animals in need can get the care they count on including, food, sanctuary, medical care, love, and emergency rescue if they are in danger.

We hope we can count on your support by making a gift today, as we continue to work to keep pets in homes and out of shelters.

There Is Still Time to Make a Difference for Animals This Year

The past twelve months have been challenging, however, you have shown that there is compassion and kindness in this world – thank you.

With your support, we adapted our programs to do everything we could to keep more pets with their families and help the animals who came through our doors.

Because of you, the following was made possible:

The road ahead is uncertain, but we know the pandemic will have a significant lasting effect on animals in need and the people who love them.

For all of us, and especially for animals in need, this has been a trying time. The pandemic has made our work much more difficult.

We launched two new programs, Keep Pets S.A.F.E. (Supporting Animals and Families Everyday) and Temporary Pet Housing, aimed at keeping pets with their families during this crisis.

To meet the increased demand for affordable care, we expanded our service area for our mobile clinics, the Wellness Waggin’ and Spay Waggin’, to improve access to care, decreasing barriers for pet owners in underserved communities – areas that are disproportionally affected by COVID-19.

These new programs, coupled with the increased demand for our programs means the need is greater than ever.

Today, you have the chance to help us meet the needs of animals and the people who love them. Your generous year-end gift will ensure that animals in need can get the care they count on including, food, sanctuary, medical care, love, and emergency rescue if they are in danger.

We hope we can count on your support by making a gift today, as we continue to work to keep pets in homes and out of shelters.

Yes I want to help animals in need

More than 35% of ARL’s funding arrives in December – now is a critical time to give to ensure we are ready to help animals and the people who love them today and in the new year.

symbolic gifts

Thank you for being there for animals during these unprecedented and challenging times.We wish for you a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!

 

Prefer to give by check? Please have your envelope postmarked by 12/31/2020 and mail to: Animal Rescue League of Boston ATTN: Development, 10 Anna’s Place, Dedham, MA 02026

Need assistance or prefer to give by phone?  Please call us Monday through Friday at (617) 426-9170 x603

Gifts of Stock not only help animals in need, they may also provide tax benefits including avoiding capital gains tax. To donate stock or other appreciated securities, contact Jackie Smith.

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), also known as IRA charitable rollovers, allow individuals who are 70½ years or older to donate to qualified charities like ARL. QCDs may help offset an individual’s required minimum distribution, which could have tax benefits. To donate by QCD, please contact your IRA custodian.

If you have a Donor-Advised Fund, you can make a grant recommendation to support ARL. 

5 Thanksgiving Foods Your Dog Should Avoid

Keep your pup joyful and healthy this holiday with these helpful tips

Thanksgiving is a time to savor delicious food, enjoy the company of our family and friends, and to show gratitude for all that we are thankful for in our lives.

While it’s wonderful to include your pets in your holiday traditions, it’s important to remember that our furry companions cannot indulge in the same feasts that we prepare for ourselves. Some of the common Thanksgiving foods that fill our plate can actually be very dangerous for your pet to ingest.

Here are the 5 Thanksgiving foods that your dog should avoid:

    1. Turkey bones are small and can become lodged in your dog’s throat, stomach, or intestinal tract. They may also splinter and cause severe damage to the stomach or puncture the small intestine.
    2. Fat trimmings and fatty foods like turkey skin and gravy are difficult for dogs to digest. In fact, consuming turkey skin can result in pancreatitis. Symptoms for this serious disease can include vomiting, extreme depression, reluctance to move, and abdominal pain.
    3. Dough and cake batter contain raw eggs, so the first concern for people and pets is salmonella bacteria. What’s more, dough may actually rise in your dog’s belly, which can lead to vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and bloating.
    4. Nutmeg is commonly found throughout the holiday season in baked goods and beverages. This spice is not safe for your pup and can cause seizures, tremors, and vomiting.
    5. Raisins and grapes, although the causes of their toxicity are unknown, can cause kidney failure in dogs.

The best way for your pet to partake in the holiday cheer? Stick with traditional treats that are safe for dogs and cats! Food puzzles and interactive toys like a Kong filled with plain yogurt, peanut butter and 100% real pumpkin are a great way to keep your canine entertained and feeling satisfied all holiday long.

Bonus tip: Keep your vet’s emergency number handy. Should your pet become ill, contact your pet’s veterinarian or the local animal hospital’s number! A quick call to either of them can give you life-saving advice or even help you avoid a trip to the ER. 

Halloween Pet Safety Tips for a Safe Holiday

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) and Boston Veterinary Care (BVC) share important tips to keep your pets safe and happy this Halloween season.

Boston Terrier in Halloween costume

Tip: If it’s your pet’s first time wearing a costume this Halloween, spend a few days before the big holiday getting them acclimated to wearing it. Keep in mind, some pets are just not fans of wearing costumes and would much rather wear a festive collar or bandanna instead.

With the month of October almost half over, Halloween 2021 is right around the corner! You may be a fan of the spookiest time of year, but for your pet, this haunting holiday can be truly scary.

Not to worry though, enjoying the festivities and keeping your pets safe is easier than you think – Follow these 3 tips to ensure your pet has a safe Halloween this season:

1. Keep your pets inside. The Halloween season often brings out tricksters who might taunt or harm an animal left outdoors. It’s always a good idea to keep pets inside with proper, up-to-date identification. If your pet must be outdoors, be sure to keep them leashed and an eye on them at all times.

2. Stash the sweet treats. Chocolate, especially darker chocolates, are highly toxic to cats and dogs. Additionally, many candies and gums contain Xylitol. This sugarless sweetener is highly toxic to pets. Always keep chocolate and candies out of your pet’s reach.

3. Be careful with costumes. If you decide to dress your pet up for this festive holiday, costume safety is key. Keep these costume safety tips in mind:

  • Always supervise your pet while they’re wearing a costume.
  • Make sure your pet’s costume fits properly and does not restrict their movement.
  • Be cautious of loose or dangling pieces that pets could potentially choke on.
  • Ditch the masks or other accessories that could potentially make it difficult for your pet to breath or obstruct their vision.

No plans for Halloween? Spend the day getting to know some of our adoptable animals.

 

What’s Happening on Beacon Hill

With the legislature returning from August recess, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Advocacy Department continues to focus on ensuring animal’s voices are being heard on Beacon Hill.

Nero’s Law Advances 

Nero’s Law, filed after the tragic death of Sgt. Sean Gannon and injury of his K-9 partner Nero in 2018, would insure that police dogs have access to immediate care and transport in the event of life-threatening injury.

S.1606, sponsored by Senator Mark Montigny, and H.2547 sponsored by Representative Steven Xiarhos, have moved forward in the legislative process. At the hearing back in July, ARL’s Director of Law Enforcement, Joe King, testified in support of this law. A former K9 handler with the State Police, King underscored the importance of the bond between an officer and these dogs. Thanks to the overwhelming support of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, these bill received a favorable report from the committee.

Hearing on Kennel Regulations

ARL testified in support of H.2148 and S.1322, An Act protecting the health and safety of puppies and kittens in cities and towns, sponsored by Representative Linda Dean Campbell and Senator Harriette Chandler. These bills would protect animals across Massachusetts by preventing the sale of puppies and kittens under 8 weeks, prohibiting roadside sales, creating regulation for commercial boarding and training kennels, and updating kennel laws.

Currently, the only statewide standards for a kennel are that they be sanitary and humane. Looking for more information about what to look for when you board your pet? Check out our Board Safely™ campaign, which encourages pet owners to do their own research before leaving their pet in the care of a boarding kennel or daycare facility.

Hearing on Housing and Breed Concerns

Many of the animals surrendered to ARL’s shelters are surrendered due to housing issues. This session, ARL worked with Representative David Rogers and Senator Anne Gobi to file H.1437 and S.885, An Act to maintain stable housing for families with pets in an economic crisis and beyond.

ARL testified in support of legislation that would prohibit insurance companies from refusing to cover, canceling, or charging more for homeowners or renters insurance based on the breed, size, weight, or physical appearance of a dog. Data shows that breed is not a reliable indicator of dog bites, and further, that visual identification is often inaccurate in determining breed.  

Included in the bill this session were some new provisions to help keep families and pets together during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Although the State of Emergency has ended, ARL will continue to advocate for protections in housing.

Have questions on ARL’s advocacy efforts or want to get involved? Please email advocacy@arlboston.org

September is Champions Circle Month!

And we’re celebrating our Champions all month long.

ARL’s Champions Circle members provide reliable support in the form of monthly gifts. With their recurring contributions, members give animals the critical support they need now, and dependable support that ARL can count on, ALL YEAR LONG.

As we continue to navigate the pandemic, this type of support is vital and we are so grateful.


To our current Champions Circle members,

Thank you!

Click here to see a list of our members

Not yet a member? Now is the perfect time to join the over 840 compassionate people who are already a part of this amazing group!

 

While it is difficult to predict the ongoing impact of this pandemic, one thing remains constant – animals in Massachusetts are still in need. 

And when disaster strikes, Champions Circle members are there to answer the call for help.

Champions Circle members provide the unwavering support that sustains life-saving measures and second chances for animals all year long.

By becoming a Champions Circle member today, you are ensuring that animals in need will the care they deserve, even during difficult times.


Will you help us reach our goal of 50 new members?

I WANT TO JOIN!

Why does monthly giving matter?

 

    • The effects of the pandemic continue to reverberate throughout our community. Pets and the people who love them are still in need, and your support is critical to helping them.
    • 60% of ARL’s funding comes in during the last quarter of the year- and most of it during the last 2 weeks in December – yet animals need help every day. Monthly support from Champions Circle donors provides animals with care and assistance when they need it most.
    • Monthly giving is a convenient, affordable, and efficient way to make a difference in the lives of animals in our community.
    • Spreading out your donation in smaller increments throughout the year makes your giving budget work harder and creates an even bigger impact for animals.

Join by September 30 and receive an exclusive 2022 wall calendar!

Each September, we send members an exclusive wall calendar featuring some of the many success stories that their monthly support made possible.

 And, when you join the Champions Circle before the end of the month, we will send one to you so you can look forward to 2022 with uplifting adoption stories and joyful photos!


JOIN TODAY AND GET YOUR CALENDAR!

The calendar is a special gift that portrays the incredible impact of this community of dedicated supporters. It’s a small token of our appreciation for their unwavering support of animals in need.

 

In addition to the calendar, you can expect:

Champions circle gifts

What your monthly gifts mean for animals in need:

Champions Circle symbolic gifts

Don’t miss your chance to get your calendar by signing up for monthly giving before midnight on Thursday, September 30, 2021!

It’s easy to join…

  • Use our secure online form by clicking here
  • Call Derek at (617) 426-9170 x162 to set up your monthly gift over the phone
It’s Kitten Season!

The warm weather of the spring and summer seasons are a critical time for outdoor and community cats and kittens.

 “Kitten season” is in full swing and we have seen a significant increase in the number of kittens in need of life-saving care.

 These tiny creatures are born outside and at the mercy of the elements. They are at risk of injury, disease, or worse. Left without someone to care for them, they are in serious danger.

three kittens together

You can help them!

Join us for this year’s Kitten Shower, as we bring awareness of the reality of kitten season and rally support to help these fragile babies.

This is your chance to help kittens get the chance they deserve at a safe and healthy life in a home.

 Here’s how:

    1. Make a gift today to provide kittens and cats with the care they need- Gifts of $100 or more will be recognized on the Kitten Kuddler Wall of Honor
    2. Send critically-needed supplies from our Kitten Shower Registry directly to those in need
    1. Help spread the word by participating in our Cutest Kitten (or Cat) Photo Contest – submit a photo of your feline by:

Your support can mean the difference between a challenging life outdoors and a happy, secure home for these vulnerable animals.  

Have you found kittens outside and don’t know what to do?

Call ARL right away by dialing (617) 426-9170, then press “1” and “1” again. Download our flyer.

P.S. Though things are re-opening and life may feel more normal, the pandemic continues to have a significant impact on the welfare of companion animals. Just one effect of COVID-19 was the delay or prevention of routine care like spay and neuter surgeries. As a result, the number of stray or unowned cats could rapidly increase, putting more animals at risk. Please consider a gift to help these vulnerable animals today.

ARL’s Spay Waggin’ Hosted at Zoo New England’s Franklin Park Zoo

Inaugural visit coincided with World Spay Day

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) launched its newest Spay Waggin’ location this week at the iconic Franklin Park Zoo, to serve residents in surrounding communities seeking low-cost, high-quality spay and neuter services for their dogs or cats.

The kickoff also coincided with World Spay Day, an international day of action promoting spay and neuter.

Twenty six pets received the important surgery, and ARL and Zoo New England were also joined by the Massachusetts Animal Fund and members of the media to mark the occasion.

“We are excited for the opportunity to offer a second Spay Waggin’ stop in the City of Boston,” said Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL President and CEO. “Zoo New England has been incredibly supportive of this initiative, and it will allow ARL to serve even more animals in the Greater Boston area.”

“We are happy to partner with the Animal Rescue League to bring this important service to residents who live near Franklin Park Zoo,” said John Linehan, Zoo New England President and CEO. “We care deeply about the health and well-being of animals, and we hope that this opportunity provides ease to residents in caring for their pets.”

The Spay Waggin’ will return to the Franklin Park Zoo on a monthly basis and will be parked near the Zebra entrance at the Zoo.

To make an appointment, visit arlboston.org/spay-waggin or call 1-877-590-SPAY (7729).

About the Spay Waggin’

ARL’s Spay Waggin’ is a state-of-the-art mobile spay/neuter clinic that has provided the service for more than 65,000 animals since first hitting the road in 2000.

While the Spay Waggin’ has primarily served the South Shore, South Coast and Cape Cod communities, in 2020 the Spay Waggin’ returned to the city with a stop in East Boston, and the new Franklin Park Zoo stop will further broaden the reach to Metro Boston residents.

The Benefits of Spay/Neuter

There are numerous reasons to spay/neuter your pet, including:

    • Curb pet overpopulation and make your pet healthier
    • Reduce the number of homeless pets euthanized – In the U.S., an estimated 6-8 million homeless animals enter animal shelters every year
    • Spayed or neutered dogs and cats on average have a longer lifespan than intact animals
    • Increased longevity of altered pets involves the reduced risk of certain type of cancers including uterine cancer and cancers of reproductive tract
    • Spaying females prior to their first heat cycle has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer, uterine infections, and uterine cancer
    • Reduce unruly behavior

Are you looking for high-quality, low-cost pet wellness care? Check out ARL’s Wellness Waggin’. 

Looking to Lend a Paw?

Your gift today, in any amount, can help support efforts to spay/neuter animals.

Spay and neuter symbolic gifts