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Press Release: Microchip Helps Reunite Lost Cat with Owners

Family notified of cat being found on Valentine’s Day

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is once again reminding the public of the importance of having pets microchipped – this after recently reuniting a Stoughton, MA, family with their cat who went missing shortly before Christmas.

Four-year-old Tigger snuck out of his Stoughton home on December 23, 2018, to explore the outdoors. Perhaps spooked by his surroundings, Tigger ran when his owners tried to get him back inside and unfortunately did not return.

In the following days and weeks, Tigger’s family posted the cat’s picture on social media and posted flyers in their neighborhood and nearby businesses – but still Tigger was not found.

Tigger back in the comforts of home but with a reminder of the elements — note the frostbite on his left ear.

On February 10, a local resident brought a stray cat to ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center. The cat was emaciated, dehydrated, and had suffered from frostbite on its left ear and front paw due to long-term exposure to the elements.

The cat received fluids and was checked by ARL staff and was also scanned for a microchip. The chip was registered to a Florida resident, however after a little detective work, ARL tracked the owner from Florida to Stoughton.

A certification letter was sent to the Stoughton address, and owner Jackie Rhone tells ARL the cat was originally a gift for her 17-year-old daughter, and after two months had given up any hope of finding Tigger.

“That evening (Valentine’s Day) we went out for an errand and when we returned home my husband checked the mail, and when he came inside he screamed “read this Jackie quick”! I started reading it out loud with tears rolling down my face and said “they found our Tigger!”’, Rhone said.

Tigger was reunited with his family two days later and is now strictly an indoor cat.

This reunion would not have been possible if Tigger hadn’t been microchipped.

A Permanent ID

A microchip is a computer chip about the size of a grain of rice, programmed with an identification number unique to your pet. It is non-toxic, non-allergenic, and will last the life of your pet with no maintenance required.

A microchip greatly increases the likelihood of being reunited with a lost pet – an AVMA study shows 52 percent of dogs with microchips are reunited with owners, versus just 21 percent with dogs with no microchip. Owner return rates for cats with microchips is 38 percent versus 1.8 percent for cats without the chip.

ARL recommends pet owners to ensure their animal is microchipped, and to also keep contact information up to date.

Boston Globe Subscribers – YOU Can Help ARL!

Vote for ARL as Your Favorite Non-profit

The GRANT allows Globe subscribers to show their support for non-profits by choosing which organizations get free advertising space in The Boston Globe. In February, subscribers began receiving their silver envelopes in the mail, and have until April 30 to either return the voucher, or submit their GRANT dollars online.

Submitting your GRANT voucher is an easy way to help animals like Maggie find their forever home!

View the Leaderboard

ARL does not receive any government or public funding and relies solely on the generosity of compassionate individuals to carry out our important work to help animals and communities in need. Free ad space in The Boston Globe would allow ARL to reach even more people about the mission, values, programs and services that make ARL an unwavering champion for animals in need.

If you haven’t sent in your voucher, you have until April 30 to do so, please remember to write in the “Animal Rescue League of Boston” as your non-profit choice and spread the word to your fellow Boston Globe subscribers.

BVC Medical Director Utilizes Pencil for Dislocated Jaw

Cats. They just seem to find the oddest places to hide, and for Trixie, a 1.5-year-old cat, this past week she decided (unbeknownst to her owner) that behind a dresser drawer would be a fabulous place to lay low.

Unfortunately when her owner closed the drawer, the curious cat was caught between a drawer and a hard place, and suffered a dislocated jaw. As a result, Trixie could not close her mouth.

Her very concerned owner brought the cat to Boston Veterinary Care (BVC), where Trixie was sedated and examined.

Trixie on the mend after BVC veterinarian Dr. Nicole Breda used a pencil as a fulcrum to pop her dislocated jaw back in place.

X-rays confirmed which side of the jaw had dislocated, and the next question became – how to pop it back into place?

BVC Medical Director Dr. Nicole Breda used a good old-fashioned No. 2 pencil as a fulcrum, placing it in the way back of the jaw on the left side and slowly closed Trixie’s mouth. The pencil did the trick as the jaw popped perfectly back into place!

Trixie will make a full recovery and was sent home with anti-inflammatories and placed on a soft food diet for a week, but after that she’ll be ready to find her next hiding spot.

Another tool in the toolbox for the veterinary team at BVC.

About Boston Veterinary Care

BVC is a clinic with a mission as all profits benefit the shelter animals of ARL. BVC aspires to integrate the health of animals into the community consciousness for both the benefit of animals and people, and to serve ARL’s mission of keeping animals safe and healthy out of shelters and in the habitats and homes where they belong.

BVC provides a host of services including wellness exams, surgery, dental care, radiology and advanced diagnostics. New clients receive a free wellness exam, and Tuesday evenings are cat-only, to promote a low-stress environment.

To schedule an appointment call (617) 226-5605 or email bvc@arlboston.org.

Press Release: Cat Abandoned at Sullivan Square T Stop

Heard crying and was found “shoved” underneath a bench

*PLEASE NOTE: Marlee has been adopted*

A two-year-old cat is lucky to be alive after being abandoned at an MBTA bus stop in Sullivan Square on Monday, when temperatures in Boston were in the single digits, and below zero with the wind chill. The Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Law Enforcement Department is asking for the public’s help in finding who’s responsible.

At around 5 p.m. Monday, an unidentified female Good Samaritan heard crying and discovered the cat huddled in a carrier. Along with the frigid temperatures, the carrier the cat was in was reportedly soaked due to melting snow, making for extremely uncomfortable and dangerous conditions for the animal.

The woman described the carrier as being “shoved” under the bench, and the carrier also contained a blanket, toys, and perhaps some food.

The woman took the cat, named “Marlee”, with her to a local shelter where she is staying, and contacted ARL on Wednesday. ARL picked up Marlee and brought her to ARL’s Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center, located at 10 Chandler St.

Marlee was wearing a collar but does not have a microchip, and does not match any missing animal reports. Despite her ordeal she does appear to be healthy and is very friendly.

The animal has yet to undergo a physical examination by ARL’s veterinary staff, but did not suffer from hypothermia and will likely be available for adoption in the next couple of weeks.

Because ARL continuously sees cases of animals being left to fend for themselves, the organization once again reminds the public that abandoning an animal is NEVER an option – if you are unable to properly care for an animal, they can always be surrendered to ARL or any reputable rescue organization. Abandoning an animal is a felony in Massachusetts, punishable by up to 7 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Consider making a gift today. By giving to ARL, you’re providing life-saving rescue and law enforcement investigations, as well as the veterinary care that gets animals like Marlee back on their feet and ready for adoption to a safe, warm home after facing difficult ordeals. Click here to make a donation today.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact ARL Law Enforcement at (617) 426-9170 or email cruelty@arlboston.org.

Press Release: More than a Dozen Dogs Reported Missing from Small Swath of Dorchester

According to lost animal reports filed with the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), Boston Animal Control and Missing Dogs Massachusetts, 14 dogs have been reported missing in the Franklin Field North, Grove Hall area of Dorchester since July 2018 to the present.

The dogs reported missing are all small breeds – Chihuahuas, Shih-Tzus, Mini Pinschers – there is one confirmed case of a dog being stolen; but it is unknown why the other animals have gone missing.

Given the number of animals missing, ARL is reminding dog owners in the area to be mindful and vigilant of their surroundings while walking their dogs.

Additionally, ARL recommends that animals:

Be microchipped – A dog with a microchip is twice as likely to be reunited with their owner
Have updated tags
Kept on a leash
Not left alone outdoors
Not left alone in a vehicle

If your dog does go missing, it’s imperative to file a lost report with ARL, Animal Control and other organizations including Missing Dogs Massachusetts to ensure that the report is being seen by as many people possible.

It’s recommended to post missing flyers around the neighborhood as well. Flyers should include your pet’s photo, name, breed, color, weight, and any distinguishing characteristics. Ask neighbors to check their properties for your animal, and see if postal and utility workers, and anyone else who frequents the neighborhood if they have seen your missing pet. Be sure to check with other local rescue agencies as well.

Last but not least, don’t forget to harness the power of social media! Post on Craigslist, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and any other format to alert as many people as possible.

ABOUT THE ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE OF BOSTON:
The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is an unwavering champion for animals in need, committed to keeping them safe and healthy in habitats and homes. Founded in 1899, ARL provides high quality veterinary care, adoption, and rescue services; while also confronting the root causes of animal cruelty and neglect through innovative community programs, police investigations, and public advocacy. In 2017, ARL served more than 18,000 animals throughout Massachusetts. ARL is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. We receive no government grants or public funding and rely solely on the generosity of individuals to support programs and services that help animals in need.
For more information please visit us online at www.arlboston.org; and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Press Release: ARL Tallies First Cat Rescue of 2019

Feline trapped on rooftop three stories up in Dorchester

The Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Rescue Services Department tallied its first cat rescue of 2019 Thursday afternoon, as a three-year-old male cat named Gadget managed to sneak out of his home on Wednesday and found his way atop a roof along Gaston Street in Dorchester, MA.

The rescue had a high degree of difficulty, as the cat was on a shingled area approximately two feet wide just below the jutting roof. Agents ascended the fire escape, however there was still a three-foot gap between where the cat was and the fire escape.

Attempts using nets and hook poles proved to be unsuccessful, however a narrow board placed from the fire escape to the shingled area turned out to be the best approach – particularly when Gadget’s owners came to the scene after leaving work.

Stephanie Mitchell, Gadget’s owner, conquered her fear of heights and climbed the fire escape with the cat’s favorite food. Slowly but surely the cat gained enough confidence to make it across the board and into the waiting hands of ARL Rescue Agents.

Gadget was hungry and scared, but was not injured during his adventure. Upon getting the cat home Mitchell replied “I’m so grateful and so happy to have Gadget back home!”

Answering the Call

ARL is the only animal welfare organization in Massachusetts with a dedicated technical rescue department and rescues thousands of animals annually, including more than 200 cats being trapped in trees and other precarious places.

Home for the Holidays: Shelley’s Amazing Story

Community Cat with Cerebellar Hypoplasia Finds a Home

For about a year, Shelley had been spotted in a Boston neighborhood and was described as having an “unsteady gait”. Shelley was one of the estimated 700,000 community cats living in Massachusetts, 70,000 in Boston alone – and now she is off the streets and in a loving forever home!

When Shelley was taken into the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center in September, she was diagnosed with Cerebellar Hypoplasia (CH), which explained her unsteady gait.

CH is a condition where parts of the cerebellum aren’t fully developed. Since the cerebellum is responsible for movement and coordination, animals born with CH have tremors, uncoordinated movements and frequent loss of balance. To see a short video of Shelley click here!

While there is no treatment for CH, it is not contagious or painful – the animals simply learn to adapt to their condition.

However given the fact that Shelley has CH, it is remarkable that she was able to survive on her own for over a year on the streets and given her sweet demeanor, the immediate plan upon arrival at ARL was to find her the perfect home.

Shelley was a staff favorite during her time at ARL, making feline friends along the way, and although it took a couple of months, in early December, Shelley found her match.

In 2017, ARL’s Community Cat Initiative assessed 102 cat colonies, serving more than 600 cats. Nearly 80 percent of those cats were adopted into loving homes, and Shelley was just one of the hundreds of community cats ARL has helped in 2018.

Help Even More Animals in 2019!

ARL is an unwavering champion for animals in need, committed to keeping them safe and healthy in habitats and homes – and our work is not possible without YOUR support! ARL does not receive any government grants or public funding, relying solely on the generosity of individuals to support our shelter, rescue, law enforcement and community programs.

With just days until the end of 2018, we need to raise $42,000 by December 31 to ensure we are fully funded to help even more animals in 2019. Please help us reach our goal and donate today!

Home for the Holidays: Priscilla’s Story

On her own for some time and wandering the streets of Roxbury, it’s amazing that Priscilla, an 8-pound Shih-Tzu, found her way to the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL). Like many homeless animals, Priscilla showed a tremendous amount of resilience.

On a cold September night, Priscilla was discovered underneath a vehicle along Dudley Street – a busy thoroughfare in Roxbury. The 3-year-old pup was shivering and huddled underneath the car, and she clearly was not well.

The Good Samaritan who found Priscilla brought her to ARL’s Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center after showing signs of sickness.

Not only was she ill, but she had the typical conditions of a dog found living on the streets – underweight, matted fur and muscle wasting.

Despite her ordeal, Priscilla rebounded quickly and given her friendly and playful nature, she was quickly made available for adoption.

Going Home

An ARL volunteer instantly fell in love with Priscilla and decided to adopt. Changing her name to Ladybird, She became an immediate member of the family and is one of thousands of success stories ARL sees annually.

“Ladybird was a perfect addition to my family the instant she romped into my home. She is happy, playful and very smart. She isn’t demanding of attention and is happy to amuse herself sitting near me and chewing on one of her Nylabones. She has increased the quality of my life immeasurably and is a total hit to all who know her. A real favorite from the start.”

Help Even More Animals in 2019!

With just days until the end of 2018, we need to raise $50,000 by December 31 to ensure we are fully funded to help even more animals in need in 2019. Please donate today!

Home for the Holidays: Etha’s Story

Animals come to the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) in a variety of ways: stray, rescue, law enforcement, transport – as well as owner surrender. There are a plethora of reasons why animals are surrendered, and for Etha, a one-year-old female cat, it was due to prohibitive medical cost.

In her former home, Etha had managed to slip a front leg through her collar, causing irritation in her armpit region. This went unchecked for a number of weeks, getting to the point of the collar being embedded in her skin. The wounds underneath were open, infected and painful for the young cat.

Her former owner brought Etha to ARL’s Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center for surrender in mid-November, and as soon as her intake was complete, ARL’s shelter veterinary staff went to work to remove the collar and treat her wounds.

Etha was spayed, and the wounds from the collar needed several rounds of cleaning and treatment with antibiotic ointment.

For many animals recovering from traumatic or serious injuries, foster care provides an environment where the animal can heal in relative quiet and receive the constant attention and care they need.

Given her amazing temperament, Etha was quick to heal and although shy at first, she was quick to warm up and showcase her sweet personality.

Within two weeks of being surrendered, Etha was rehabilitated and ready to find her forever home!

Home for the Holidays

ARL is proud that the median length of stay for dogs and cats in our shelters is 10 days or less, and for Etha, she was adopted just one day after being made available!

Etha has found her Home for the Holidays and has adapted very quickly to her new surroundings.

“We’re so happy having Etha around,” said her new owners. “It took all of one day for her to stop hiding now she’s a serious lap cat!”

Help Even More Animals in 2019!

As we look ahead to 2019, ARL will continue to be at the forefront of confronting the root causes of cruelty and abuse, and to help even more animals in need, like Etha, throughout Massachusetts.

Home for the Holidays: Cuddy’s Story

In early November, Cuddy, a vocal and fluffy 13-year-old cat, was transferred to the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center from Boston Animal Control.

For many senior animals, initially entering a shelter environment can be an overwhelming, fear-inducing experience – but for Cuddy, he was already familiar with ARL.

Originally adopted from ARL in 2010, Cuddy returned a little older, and a little wiser. Additionally, like many senior animals, Cuddy had advanced dental disease and had put on a few pounds.

While the majority of senior animals are surrendered due to an owner’s declining health or unfortunate passing, some, like Cuddy, are the victims of circumstance. Cuddy was surrendered to Boston Animal Control due to an eviction.

In a shelter environment, puppies and kittens typically get top billing because let’s face it – they’re adorable! The unfortunate reality is that sometimes senior animals can be overlooked simply based on their age.

At ARL, our Adoption Forward philosophy aims to match the adopter with the perfect animal – and for some senior animals better fit the person’s lifestyle or needs as their personalities are fully formed, they will be housebroken more often than not, and tend to be less active.

Cuddy Finds His Forever Home

Cuddy’s return stay at ARL was brief, as he was adopted in less than 3 weeks! His outgoing but relaxed personality was the perfect fit for his new owner, his adopter tells us, “Cuddy is a such a good boy – I awakened the morning after his very first night here to find him deep under the covers of my bed, nestled against my feet!” We’re beyond happy that Cuddy will be spending the holidays in his new forever home!

Help Even More Animals in 2019

ARL is an unwavering champion for animals in need, committed to keeping them safe and healthy in habitats and homes – and our work is not possible without YOUR support! ARL does not receive any government grants or public funding, relying solely on the generosity of individuals to support our shelter, rescue, law enforcement and community programs.

As we look ahead to 2019, ARL will continue to be at the forefront of confronting the root causes of cruelty and abuse, and to help animals in need throughout Massachusetts.

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Press Release: Microchip Helps Reunite Lost Cat with Owners