“Star” was one of more than 20 cats that came to the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center in September, after being removed from an overcrowding situation in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Star’s journey has been lengthy, but she has displayed remarkable perseverance and is hoping to find her new home just in time for the holidays.

Like many cats from this type of situation, Star was diagnosed with a severe upper respiratory infection. But while overcoming this hurdle, Star was not done confronting medical difficulties.

Star is looking for her forever family!

A thorough veterinary examination by ARL’s shelter medicine staff revealed a nasopharyngeal polyp, as well as strabismus.

A nasopharyngeal polyp is a benign growth that can extend into either the ear canal or the throat area. It’s likely the polyp was caused by previous inflammation or viral infection.

Strabismus is a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other. The condition can occur in any direction; in Star’s case, her eyes turn upward and outward.

Star’s polyp was successfully removed, and she did require time in a foster home to allow her to heal in a quiet and peaceful environment.

 Sweet and Shy

When Star arrived at ARL, she had a very sweet disposition, and was constantly seeking attention and purring.

Following her polyp removal, her behavior changed slightly, particularly upon returning from foster care. Star was now more reserved, shy, and unsure of new people.

The reason for this behavior change is unknown, but continuing to show her resilience, over a period of days and weeks in the shelter environment Star has reverted to her former self and is once again seeking attention – she does however remain shy with new people.

Animals at ARL continuously show us awe-inspiring examples of strength, determination and resilience – Star has certainly demonstrated these qualities and is ready to find her forever home.

For more information about Star click here!

You Make These Outcomes Possible

While it is difficult to predict the on-going impacts of this global crisis, one thing remains constant – animals in our communities are still in need.

And with a great need for these ongoing and expanding community services, Champions Circle members are there to answer the call for help.

Thanks to you, Star was able to not only be rescued from her situation, but received the extensive support she needed in order to have a second chance.

Champions Circle members provide steady support that sustains life-saving measures and second chances for homeless and at-risk animals all year long.

During unprecedented times like these when fundraising events have been cancelled or modified, monthly gifts are crucial to providing life-saving care and assistance to animals when they need it most.

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

Why does monthly giving matter?

• Spreading out your donation in increments throughout the year makes your giving budget work harder and creates an even bigger impact for animals.
• Monthly giving is a convenient, affordable, and efficient way to make a difference in the lives of animals in our community.
• 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.

Use this secure link to join now, or call Derek at (617) 426-9170 x162.

ARL Partners with Esplanade Association to Rescue “Essie”

This past week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Field Services Department worked in collaboration with the Esplanade Association (EA), a nonprofit organization that works to enhance, revitalize, maintain and program the Charles River Esplanade, and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), to rescue a white wayward duck on the Esplanade.

This duck who many call “Essie” (short for Esplanade) has become beloved for its heartwarming story of being ‘adopted’ by a family of Canada geese on the Esplanade.

The Esplanade Association’s Horticulture staff first noticed Essie as a young duckling in June, following around several goslings. They continued to check up on Essie throughout the summer.

Essie’s presence was embraced not only by these geese, but by all the Esplanade’s visitors who saw Essie frequently along the lagoons.

However, as summer turned to fall, temperatures dipped and the time for geese to migrate got closer, Essie’s safety and future needed to be taken into consideration.

Essie on the Charles River with her Canada goose friends.

On the shore.

Foraging for food on the Esplanade.

ARL Field Services getting closer to Essie.

Essie approaches ARL Field Services.

Essie safely secured and ready for transport.

Essie at ARL's Brewster facility, making new friends and awaiting her forever family!

Because it is unknown whether Essie would be able to survive the winter on their own, the Esplanade Association reached out to ARL to rescue and once again place the domesticated duck into a new home.

“Following Essie’s journey throughout the summer was very special to our organization and many Esplanade visitors,” said Esplanade Association Executive Director Michael Nichols. “Although we will miss seeing Essie on the Esplanade, we are grateful to the ARL for safely rescuing the duck and finding a long-term home where Essie’s health and safety can be ensured.”

As with any attempt to wrangle an animal, it was important to approach Essie slowly. Using bread as a lure, Essie was coaxed to slowly approach ARL’s Field Services agents, and the agents were able to corral the duck without using nets, a testament to Essie’s temperament.

The operation lasted less than 30 minutes, and then Essie was transported first to ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center and then to ARL’s Brewster location.

Ready to Find a Forever Home

**Update 11/16/2020: Essie has been adopted!**

While Essie has settled in quickly at ARL’s Brewster Animal Care and Adoption Center, she is now ready to find her forever home!

If you are interested in meeting Essie and believe a duck may be a perfect fit for you and your family, contact ARL’s Brewster Animal Care and Adoption Center at (617) 426-9170 x305. ARL staff will be happy to conduct an adoption interview via phone and arrange a meeting, if both parties think it’s a good match.

Please note:

• With the exception of lower-risk states, we are unable to conduct out-of-state adoptions at this time.
• The public will not be permitted in the shelter or lobby waiting areas without an appointment and will be asked to limit the number of visitors.
• Everyone must wear a protective face covering or mask that covers both the nose and mouth while at ARL facilities by order of the State of Massachusetts.
  • Please alert our staff if you need to request accommodation due to a medical condition by calling: (617) 426 – 9170 and dialing the appropriate extension: Boston press “0”, Dedham x605, or Brewster x305;
• For more information on these safety requirements, visit Mass.gov.

At this time, we are collecting towels, toys and small bedding for use in our Animal Care & Adoption Centers, but are unable to accept large items such as food or crates. To donate towels, toys and small bedding, please leave them outside Boston or Brewster’s front doors between 9AM – 12PM only; or the donation bin outside of the Dedham Animal Care & Adoption Center anytime. You can still send much needed animal supplies through Amazon shelter wish lists for Boston, Dedham, and Brewster.