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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.

ARL Hosting Fee-Waived Small Animal Adoption Event

Small animals make wonderful companion pets

This weekend, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) will host a fee-waived adoption event for small animals, including guinea pigs, rabbits, mice, and hamsters, at all three of its Animal Care and Adoption Centers.

For those thinking of adding a small animal (or two) to the family, it’s a perfect time to do so!

ARL hosting a fee-waived small animal adoption event this weekend.

The event will run from Friday, November 8, through Sunday, November 10 at ARL’s Boston, Dedham, and Brewster Animal Care and Adoption Centers.

Hours of operation are 1-6 p.m.

Currently, ARL has nearly three dozen small animals available for adoption, with many more in foster care waiting their turn.

The organization has seen a dramatic rise in small animal surrenders in the past few years, particularly guinea pigs.

Small animals make wonderful pets – they’re social, relatively quiet, great for small living spaces, and may be an option for those living in properties that may not allow dogs or cats but do allow small animals.

ARL’s Adoption Forward process, a conversation-based, application-free process designed so the needs of both the animal and adopter are understood and compatible with one another, will remain the same for this special adoption event.

Visit an ARL Animal Care & Adoption Center from November 8 through November 10 from 1:00pm-6:00pm:

Boston: 10 Chandler Street, Boston, MA 02116
Dedham: 55 Anna’s Place, Dedham, MA 02026
Brewster (Cape Cod): 981 Main Street (Rte 6A), East Brewster, MA 02631

Prospective adopters must bring a photo of the enclosure their pet will live in to ensure it meets our requirements.

Stray Dog Likely Hit by Car in Care of ARL 

Stray dog required amputation of severely fractured leg 

A one-year-old dog found as a stray and in need of an emergency surgery after likely being struck by a car is currently in the care of the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) and recovering well following the trauma. 

The dog, now named Vincenzo, was found in Roxbury and initially rescued by Boston Animal Control.

He was later transported to ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center after receiving initial treatment at an emergency veterinary hospital.

Not only was he suffering from a fractured leg which was likely the result of being hit by a car, he was emaciated, and during his initial exam at ARL, he was diagnosed with a heart murmur.

Vincenzo was in a tremendous amount of pain due to his injury, the fracture had begun to heal incorrectly, exacerbating the pain and impacting his gait and quality of life.

ARL’s shelter and community medicine team decided amputation was the best course of action, and following his surgery, Vincenzo is healing, is on a refeeding plan to gain weight safely and slowly, and is also starting to discover something he had likely been without previously – toys!

Vincenzo is currently in foster care and ARL’s veterinary staff continues to monitor his heart murmur, but it’s expected this affectionate and playful pup will be ready to find his new home sometime in the next week.

Critical Care

Vincenzo’s injuries were not only severe, but impacted his quality of life.

ARL’s shelter and community medicine staff provides the highest standards of animal care and are able to respond quickly to help animals like Vincenzo.

With surgery, diagnostics and other medical needs, Vincenzo’s cost of care is well into the thousands, and ARL relies solely on the support of like-minded individuals like yourself to make it possible to help Vincenzo and animals like him.

You can help Vincenzo and animals like him receive everything he needs to recover and find the home he deserves.

ARL Hosts Boston City Councilor at Mattapan Wellness Waggin’® Visit

Wellness Waggin’ helps keep pets in homes and out of shelters

This past week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) hosted Boston City Councilor Enrique Pepén at its weekly Wellness Waggin’ stop in Mattapan, to showcase ARL’s efforts to help keep pets happy, healthy, and in homes and out of shelters.

Pet owners are struggling, and ARL is thrilled that Councilor Pepén had the opportunity to see first-hand the organization’s efforts to provide essential services for pet owners in need.

ARL’s Wellness Waggin’ served its first clients in 2019, and serves pet owners in Mattapan, Dorchester, Roxbury, East Boston and Hyde Park.

The Wellness Waggin’ provides low-cost, comprehensive pet wellness services for pet owners in communities that face barriers including lack of access to veterinary care and financial hardship pertaining to pet care.

“Because of this, she’s been able to actually keep the dog and be able to continue to afford giving him services, keep up-to-date with any vaccinations, keep up-to-date with the physicals,” Pepén said after speaking with a dog owner using the service. “So this is, quite frankly, life changing.”

To date, the program has served nearly 17,000 since its inception, 11 percent of which are from Mattapan.

In partnership with Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD), ARL’s Wellness Waggin’ makes weekly stops at ABCD locations in Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, with rotating stops in East Boston.

For 10 dollars, pets receive the following services:

  • Physical exam
  • Rabies vaccine
  • Distemper vaccine
  • Flea treatment
  • Microchip

Not only does the Wellness Waggin’ provide low-cost veterinary services as the aforementioned services would cost upwards of 300 dollars in a traditional veterinary setting, but with its mobility, low-cost, high-quality veterinary care is more accessible than ever for pet owners in these communities.

ARL is a Resource

It has never been harder to own a pet in Boston.

Aside from being the fourth most expensive to live in the U.S., it’s also one of the most expensive cities in the country for veterinary care.

ARL is a resource for pet owners, and the Wellness Waggin’ is just one arm of the organization’s community programs to assist pet owners.

Other programs include the Spay Waggin’®, Keep Pets S.A.F.E. (Supporting Animals and Families Everyday), Temporary Pet Housing, just to name a few.

ARL to Recognize Hill’s Pet Nutrition with Animal Advocate Award

Animal Advocate Award winners exemplify compassion and commitment to advance ARL’s mission

During its upcoming Paws to Celebrate event its historic Dedham Campus, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) will recognize Hill’s Pet Nutrition, for the company’s commitment to improving the health and wellbeing for animals not only in ARL’s Animal Care and Adoption Centers, but throughout the communities ARL serves.

ARL’s Animal Advocate Award honors distinguished philanthropists and compassionate organizations who have made outstanding contributions to ARL and actively advance the well-being of animals in our community.

ARL is thrilled to recognize Hill’s Pet Nutrition for their extraordinary generosity and achievements in improving the health and wellbeing of animals.

They not only help meet the unique nutritional needs of the animals in our Animal Care & Adoption Centers, they also transform the lives of pets in our community by supporting our pet food pantry and pet adoption.

They are committed to good and their impact extends across the globe!

“We are fortunate to have Hill’s as a partner and supporter. They do so much for animals and the field of animal welfare, and often do not get the recognition they deserve,” stated ARL President and CEO Dr. Edward Schettino.   “We are honored to present Hill’s with our Animal Advocate Award.”

ARL will present a representative of Hill’s Pet Nutrition with the award on Sunday, October 20, during its annual Paws to Celebrate event at ARL’s Dedham Campus, which is a gathering of like-minded ARL supporters to celebrate their contributions and see first-hand how their support and involvement is helping animals in need, and the people who care for them.

Yes, let’s talk about dogs and cats!

The following is an op-ed written by ARL President and CEO Dr. Edward Schettino 

Dogs and cats have received an unprecedented amount of media coverage over the last few weeks, but for all the wrong reasons.  And the online memes and songs about pets have kept the conversation going. The comments can be painful, but provide an opportunity to share more about the importance of the human-animal bond and its impact on Greater Boston.

At the turn of the 19th century, Anna Harris Smith, a social worker from Dorchester, was called to action after seeing the cruel mistreatment of working horses and the number of stray and homeless animals in Boston.  She advocated for a centrally located shelter to care for them and remarked, “while getting dogs and cats off the street is work worth doing, the teaching of thoughtful kindness is the work that changes families, communities, and a nation.”

On March 13, 1899, thanks to Anna’s efforts, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) was officially incorporated and began helping millions of animals heal, find homes, and stay with their families, while protecting them from cruelty and neglect. Not only did Anna witness the impact on animals, but also saw the effects this cruelty and neglect had on children and adults.

In the first 125 years since our founding, ARL has provided over 6 million animals with care. Our animal care and adoption centers not only provide a temporary home for animals in need, but veterinary services, dog training, behavior help, humane education, humane law enforcement, and community programs.  With kindness and compassion, we now help care for more than 20,000 animals annually.

However, today’s economic challenges, such as the rising cost of living and the housing crisis, are felt all across the Commonwealth.  And, when people struggle, pets also struggle.

Recent studies and data show that these issues deeply affect the animals we love and threaten to separate people from their pets due to cost of care, lack of access, and limited support.  For example, across the US, 12% of people have surrendered a pet because they couldn’t afford veterinary care and 14% of pets end up in shelter due to housing issues[1].  In fact, Boston has been listed as one of the least pet-friendly cities in America, ranking as among the highest for veterinary costs[2].

Scientific research also repeatedly cites the profound positive impact of pet ownership on individual well-being and community health[3].  Pets help reduce conditions such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and contribute to improved mental health, particularly among veterans, seniors, and children.

Pets are family for nearly 50% of Massachusetts households[4], which is why we are doing everything we can to keep pets in homes with the people who love them. From pet food and supplies, to affordable care, to temporary pet housing, and more, we are answering the call for help so that pets can stay where they belong – with their families and out of shelter.

In recent years ARL’s programs and services have expanded and evolved, reflecting emerging issues, advancements in veterinary and animal care, and community needs.  Today, animals in our care are staying longer, have increased medical and behavioral needs, and require more time and financial resources than ever before to treat their unique needs.  And every day we push our boundaries by going beyond sheltering to address the root causes of the issues facing animals and the people who love them.  Through partnerships with communities facing barriers and leading human service organizations in Greater Boston, we help animals heal and thrive, keep pets and people together, and keep families together.

As one of the largest nonprofits in the Commonwealth we are now writing the next chapter in our long history and reinvesting to the city of Boston, its residents, and its pets, for the next 125 years and beyond.  We have committed to rebuild our Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center at our current home in Boston’s historic South End with a new facility, a critical and long-term investment which will provide animals with the highest standards of care for generations.

Today’s challenges for pets and their families are more complicated, more nuanced, and more urgent than ever before, requiring action, innovation and collaboration, and most of all, more compassion.  We must all recognize the intersection between animal welfare and human health, and continue to reimagine how we can work together to make our communities a better place for pets and people.

Dr. Edward Schettino is President & CEO of the Animal Rescue League of Boston

[1] https://www.lendingtree.com/debt-consolidation/pet-debt-report/

https://todaysveterinarybusiness.com/pet-shelter-relinquishment-081224/

[2] Most Pet-Friendly Cities in 2024 (wallethub.com)

[3] https://habri.org/assets/uploads/Health-Care-Cost-Savings-Report.pdf

[4] https://www.pawlicy.com/blog/us-pet-ownership-statistics/