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Injured Stray Dog Recovering at ARL

Stray dog needed emergency surgery

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is caring for a Shih Tzu puppy that was found alone in Jamaica Plain just before the New Year and needed emergency surgery due to an eye injury.

The animal is recovering, but still has a way to go before finding his new home.

Louie after receiving emergency surgery.

Louie, an 8-month-old Shih Tzu, was found along a cold and damp Boylston Street in Jamaica Plain on December 28, and taken to a veterinary clinic for an initial assessment.

Boston Animal Care and Control was contacted to retrieve the dog, and because of the nature of his injury, contacted ARL’s Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center to provide emergency care and support.

The dog did not have a microchip or identification tags, but had suffered from a ruptured corneal ulcer, causing extreme pain and discomfort; an umbilical hernia was also discovered upon examination at ARL.

ARL’s community and shelter medicine team performed surgery to remove the injured eye and repaired the hernia.

Louie is pain-free and recovering well, however, he will not be made available for adoption until he is healthy enough to go home.

ARL is a Resource

ARL is a resource to pet owners and to partners like Boston Animal Care and Control, but emergency services and surgery do come at a high cost.

To date, Louie’s cost of care is several thousand dollars, and ARL is seeking financial support to help offset the cost of his medical needs.

Those interested can visit https://arl.boston/help-louie.

ARL’s Spay Waggin’® Celebrates 80,000th Surgery

ARL partners with the YMCA of Greater Boston for special Spay Waggin’ clinic, improving the health and well-being of people and pets in our communities

Just before Christmas, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Spay Waggin’ celebrated its 80,000th spay and neuter surgery during a special clinic in East Boston, in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Boston.

ARL’s mobile vehicle, the Spay Waggin’, provides low-cost, high-quality spay/neuter services, and during this special clinic, more than two dozen animals had the important surgery performed, surpassing the 80,000 mark since the Spay Waggin’ was first launched in 2000.

ARL is thrilled to have the opportunity and ability to provide this service to pet owners in East Boston as well as other Greater Boston communities, and to celebrate this occasion with the YMCA of Greater Boston.

“The Animal Rescue League of Boston is a resource for pet owners, and this is a momentous occasion for a program that is now in its 24th year of service,” said Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL President and CEO. “We are proud of our work and the collaborative efforts of human service organizations like the YMCA of Greater Boston who helped innovative ideas become reality, helping countless pet owners in Boston.” 

“We are proud and honored to partner with the Animal Rescue League of Boston to mark this important milestone,” said David Shapiro, CEO Y of Greater Boston. “We were energized to host the launch of this important innovation and outreach seven years ago, and it is incredibly meaningful to play a continued supporting role in collaboratively strengthening the bond between people and their pets, improving the health and well-being of both by removing barriers so all can better thrive in community.”

ARL’s Spay Waggin’ provides spay/neuter services throughout the South Shore, South Coast, Cape Cod and the Islands, and Greater Boston.

Without this program, this vital surgery for pets would financially be out of reach for many pet owners, and the Spay Waggin’ not only provides a low-cost option, but also brings accessible services directly where they’re needed most.

Make a Difference

As the year comes to a close, you have the power to make a life-changing difference for animals in need.

Your support helps provide food, medical care, and safe shelter to vulnerable animals, giving them the care they deserve.

Donate today and help us start the new year with hope, love, and brighter futures for the animals who need us most.

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A True Home for the Holidays — Missing Cat Reunited with Family After Several Months

Microchip made reunion of missing cat possible

This past week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) reunited a Maine family with their 10-year-old missing cat, several months after the cat got out and became lost during a family visit to Cape Cod.

Having the animal microchipped was what allowed for the reunion and for the cat to literally get back home for the holidays.

The cat, named Rosebud, had strictly been an indoor cat, but during the family’s visit to Brewster, Rosebud snuck outside and became lost.

Despite drastic efforts to find her, the family had to return to Maine, devastated in the thought that their beloved cat was gone and began mourning her loss.

However, on December 14, a Dennis resident contacted ARL’s Brewster Animal Care and Adoption Center, saying the cat had been hanging around the property for a couple of months seeking food, and although the cat had a flea collar but no identification tags, the resident believed the cat was an owned animal and then brought her to ARL.

ARL’s staff scanned the cat for a microchip, and then immediately contacted the owners.

Needless to say, the family was stunned, but overwhelmed with excitement that Rosebud was still alive and arranged to make the three-hour drive the next day to pick her up and get her home.

Upon arrival in Brewster, Rosebud’s family stated they were still in shock and it wasn’t until they physically saw her that the shock wore off and the reality set in that the cat was alive and well and ready to go home for the holidays!

Despite being indoors all of her life, Rosebud tapped into her survival instincts, and wandered the Cape wilderness for miles, starting in Brewster, and winding up in Dennis where she was found.

Importance of Microchipping

ARL reminds pet owners that a microchip greatly increases the odds of being reunited with your pet should they go missing.

A microchip is a tiny computer chip, about the size of a grain of rice that is programmed with an identification number unique to the animal.

It is non-toxic, non-allergenic, and last the life of your pet with no maintenance required.

Make an Impact

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.

ARL does not receive any government grants or public funding and relies solely on the donations of individuals like you to keep animals happy and healthy– YOU make our important work possible. 

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ARL Caring for Injured Dog Who Needed Emergency Eye Surgery

Injured dog with bulging eye brought to ARL after being found outside vet clinic in Boston

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is caring for a one-year-old inured dog taken in from Boston Animal Care and Control after being found tied to a pole outside a local veterinary clinic and needed emergency surgery to remove an eye that dislodged from its socket.

Aside from the injury, the dog was very well cared for and ARL believes this is yet another example of a pet owner in crisis not knowing where to turn.

The dog, named Herbie, was found on December 11 outside of a veterinary clinic in Boston and brought to Boston Animal Care and Control.

Because he needed immediate medical attention, he was transported to ARL’s Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center where he was assessed.

His left eye was proptosed, meaning it dislodged from its socket, and needed to be removed surgically due to the severe damage.

This is not an uncommon injury for a small dog, and typically occurs as the result of trauma i.e. accident.

Other than the injury to the eye, Herbie is in excellent health, is very friendly, and well-groomed.

 Herbie is healthy and will live a normal life.

ARL understands many pet owners are struggling and reminds the public that ARL is a resource.

In 2024 ARL has seen more than 700 animals surrendered due to housing-related issues, which is more than double from 2023.

Cost of pet care has risen drastically in recent years, and when a medical emergency arises, many pet owners are unable to pay for care, prompting some to make rash decisions, but with the best interest of the animal in mind.

Any pet owner facing difficulties can access our list of resources and programs including:

  • Accessible wellness care
  • Low-cost spay/neuter surgeries
  • Pet food and supplies
  • Temporary pet housing
  • Free pet behavior help

URGENT REQUEST: Animals still need you!

Time is running out and your year-end gift is needed now!

Rising costs have strained our limited resources – animals and the people who love them need you now.

Your donation can ensure animals in need have everything they need, including behavioral support, veterinary care, shelter, and adoption services, to help them find safe and loving homes to experience love and joy in the New Year.

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Press Release: East Boston resident facing a dozen animal cruelty charges

The following press release was provided by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office

BOSTON, December 19, 2024 – A 27-year-old man was arraigned today in East Boston BMC on a dozen animal cruelty charges after investigators determined he abused a 10- to 12- month-old German Shepherd over several months, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced.

ARMANI DOSHI, 27, of East Boston was charged with six counts of animal cruelty and six counts of animal cruelty by custodian.

Judge Debra Delvecchio ordered Doshi held on $100 bail and revoked his bail for 60 days on a pending Chelsea District Court case in which he threatened a judge.

Doshi will return to court on January 16 for a pre-trial hearing.

On various dates in September through December, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Department, the Massachusetts State Police and Boston Animal Control received numerous reports regarding abuse and cruel treatment of the female German Shepherd by Doshi.

Witnesses reported multiple incidents of abuse that had taken place outside of an apartment complex.

They reported hearing the dog crying throughout the day and reported Doshi walking the dog by holding her in a headlock, causing her to walk on just her hind legs.

Others reported seeing Doshi lie on the dog’s neck when she barked in public spaces.

Maintenance in Doshi’s building reported observing bite marks on a door frame, wall, and inside of the door when they were asked to repair a closet in his apartment. The dog was often locked in the closet with no light, food or water.

Based on the information received, including photos and videos, investigators successfully sought a warrant for Doshi’s arrest.

The dog was seized this morning by the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

Hayden, a dog owner, thanked witnesses for reporting the abuse and also thanked members of the Suffolk County Animal Cruelty Task Force for their collaborative work.

“During the holiday season many pets receive even more attention and affection from the families who love and care for them. But there are always the heartbreaking exceptions, and we will hold people accountable for cruel and abusive behavior whenever we can,” Hayden said.

Animal Cruelty Task Force

In January 2024 Hayden created the Suffolk County Animal Cruelty Task Force, a multi-agency initiative aimed at reducing abuse of animals and coordinating efforts to bring abusers to justice. Members include the police and animal control departments in Boston, Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop, the Massachusetts State Police, the Massachusetts Environmental Police, the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture, the Animal Rescue League and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.  Those reporting animal abuse should call the ARL hotline at (617) 426-9170 x110 or email cruelty@arlboston.org.

All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden’s office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 20,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.

Bonded Canine Odd Couple Seeking Home for the Holidays

Bonded Chihuahua and American Bulldog are adorable pair

An unlikely bonded pair of dogs in the care of the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) are seeking a new home for the holidays together.

Karma, a female 5-year-old American Bulldog, and Gigi, a female 1-year-old Chihuahua, were surrendered from the same home in early November due to a housing situation, and while they were not surrendered as a bonded pair, the two soon forged a powerful bond while in the shelter and are now inseparable.

Standing side by side or in play mode, the stark contrast in size is comical to some, but the pair are gentle and fun-loving when together, and when play time is over, you can always find them curled up together for nap time.

They also complement each other with their personalities.

Karma is more of an introvert, while Gigi is a social butterfly, and together they open up quickly to new experiences, people, and other dogs.

The pair, who are now spending some time in foster care, will make a wonderful addition to any family, and anyone with room in their heart for not one, but two amazing pups, is encouraged to contact ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center for more information.

How You Can Help

When you make your year-end gift today, you can help make sure animals like Karma and Gigi get everything they deserve this holiday season.

Your generosity means you can be there for animals, every step of the journey home, as long as it takes.

From transports from overcrowded shelters or emergency rescues, to veterinary care, enrichment and  behavior training, and finally adoption – you make it all possible.

2,555+ animals in need have already found homes this year. Will you make a year-end gift to help two more?

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Rescued Cat from Tree Reunited with Owner

Rescued cat stuck in tree for four days

A worried cat owner was recently reunited with their pet after the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) safely rescued the cat who had been stuck in a tree for four days.

ARL’s Field Services Department received the call just before Thanksgiving about a cat who had been in a tree for about four days in the Upham’s Corner neighborhood in Dorchester, and with concerns for the cat being in a precarious position without food, water and having to endure frigid overnight temperatures, ARL responded quickly to the scene.

The cat had perched itself on a limb about 30 feet off the ground, and an ARL Field Services agent was able to scale the tree and by talking calmly to the cat and offering him food, was able to lure him close enough to safely be corralled and placed into a carrier for the return trip to solid ground.

Neighbors had seen the cat previously, but did not know if anyone owned him, and he was then transported to ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center for a medical evaluation and signs of ownership.

Thankfully the cat, named Fats, was microchipped, and it turned out his owner is a client of ARL’s Wellness Waggin’, a mobile veterinary clinic offering low-cost, high-quality pet wellness services in several Greater Boston communities, including Dorchester.

Fats had been microchipped on the Wellness Waggin’ in 2022, making it easy for ARL to contact his owner.

The owner was overwhelmed with joy that Fats had been rescued and was safe.

She had been searching for him for several days, and had even heard him meowing during one of her searches, however, she did not realize that the sound had been coming from above her!

Fats is just one of many cats ARL rescues from precarious situations like this annually, and also reminds the public that microchipping your cat and dog greatly increases the likelihood of a happy reunion should the animal go missing.

A microchip is a tiny computer chip, about the size of a grain of rice that is programmed with an identification number unique to your pet.

It is non-toxic, non-allergenic, and lasts the life of your pet with no maintenance required.

ARL’s Field Services Department provides technical (tree climbing and swift/ice water) and non-technical rescues for injured domestic animals, livestock, and raptors (turkey vultures, ospreys, hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls), and anyone in need of assistance can contact ARL’s Field Services Hotline at (617) 426-9170 x563.

Supporting Vital Services

As the year comes to a close, you have the power to make a life-changing difference for animals in need like Fats. Your support helps provide ARL’s Field Services with the tools, training and resources to save animals like Fats who find themselves in precarious situations.

Donate today and help us start the new year with hope, love, and brighter futures for the animals who need us most.

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ARL’s Wellness Waggin’ Visits Senior Pet Owners in Dorchester

ARL partnership with Boston Senior Home Care expands to seven locations

This past week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Welness Waggin’ made a stop at a Dorchester apartment development to provide more than a dozen pet owners with low-cost pet wellness services.

The newest stop expands ARL’s growing list of senior housing developments the organization visits regularly through an ongoing partnership with Boston Senior Home Care.

For many pet owners in Boston, accessibility to services is a major barrier to maintaining overall pet health, however, ARL’s Wellness Waggin’ is just one program that bring services directly to where they’re needed most, to help pet overcome these types of barriers.

Parking outside the Franklin Field Elderly Community Center, more than a dozen pet owners living in the Franklin Field apartments were able to easily take advantage of the low-cost, high-quality services the Wellness Waggin’ provides.

For 10 dollars, pets receive a brief veterinary exam, rabies and distemper vaccines, flea treatment and microchip, if needed.

These services would cost hundreds in a traditional veterinary clinic setting.

This newest stop for the Wellness Waggin’ is part of an ongoing partnership with Boston Senior Home Care, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting older adults, individuals with disabilities, and families throughout Greater Boston, with social services and resources to live safely and independently.

ARL began its partnership with the organization in 2018, and now has seven sites throughout neighborhoods in Boston to provide senior pet owners with basic services and pet supplies.

These wellness events offer a wonderful opportunity for ARL to connect with senior pet owners in Boston, and to provide services that are accessible just steps from their door.

How You Can Help

ARL continues to expand its services to reach more pet owners in need, however we cannot do this work alone.

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.

ARL does not receive any government grants or public funding and relies solely on the donations of individuals like you to keep animals happy and healthy– YOU make our important work possible. 

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Severely Injured and Burned Stray Kitten in Care of ARL 

Burned kitten likely injured in vehicle engine compartment

 A three-month-old kitten is in the care of the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), after being found in a Dorchester parking lot with injuries likely due to being inside a vehicle engine compartment.

The kitten sustained a multitude of injuries, including burns, and ARL is asking for the public’s support to help provide her with the care she needs.

Cynthia was found in a grocery store parking lot in Dorchester in late October, with the Good Samaritan finder realizing the kitten was in distress and needed help.

The finder took the kitten home for a few days, but soon realized she needed medical intervention.

Upon arrival at ARL’s Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center, Cynthia received a comprehensive veterinary exam, which revealed abrasions, lacerations, and second-to-third-degree burns on her head, neck and abdomen.

Given the pattern and appearance, it’s likely the kitten suffered thermal burns while hiding in the engine compartment of a vehicle.

Although it will take some time, Cynthia is an amazingly resilient and friendly kitten, and is expected to make a full recovery and live a normal life.

Once the healing process is complete she will made available for adoption, however, at this time there is no timeline on when that may happen.

How You Can Help

Cynthia’s medical care is already in the thousands, and ARL reminds the public that the organization does not receive any government grants or funding, relying on the generosity of like-minded individuals to make a difference in the lives of animals in need.

Please consider donating to the care of Cynthia and animals like her.

ARL Pups Visit Red Sox and Most Iconic Play Yard in Boston

Boston Red Sox employees enjoy an ARL playdate

This past week, a trio of lucky pups in the care of the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), took a day trip to Fenway Park to brighten the day of more than a dozen employees of the Boston Red Sox.

The event, held in an event space inside Fenway, was part of an employee wellness effort, to give workers a chance to step away from their desks for a little bit and spend some time with dogs and to learn a little more about ARL’s programs, services and mission to help animals in need throughout Boston and Beyond.

These types of employee events are wonderful initiatives, as spending time and petting an animal offers a host of mental health benefits, including reducing stress and improving mood.

ARL thanks the Red sox, and is thrilled to have had the opportunity to further spread the joy that animals provide, and to partner with another iconic Boston institution, although we should point out that being founded in 1899, ARL actually predates the Red Sox, who were established in 1901!

For Vincenzo, October and Sersi, it was a chance to get out into the world, meet new people, and have a little fun!

The pups enjoyed running around the outdoor space, playing and accepting treats, pets and toys from Red Sox employees.

The day ended with the pups getting a glimpse at the diamond from the famed Green Monster seats.