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Dedham and Brewster Provide Shelter and Care for Surrendered Horses

Over the past couple of weeks, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) has taken in a total of six horses from two separate owners, who are now being cared for at ARL’s Animal Care and Adoption Centers in Dedham and Brewster.

In both cases the owners were no longer able to properly care for the animals, choosing to surrender them into the care of ARL.

Of course ARL’s Dedham campus is no stranger to having equine on the property, as the sprawling 27-acres served as ARL founder Anna Harris Smith’s summer residence and was also a respite for the working horses of Boston. Countless abused horses were also sheltered and rehabilitated in Dedham’s iconic red barn.

Caring for horses is not an easy undertaking. Along with copious amounts of hay and horse feed, the animals need on-going veterinary and farrier services, and space to exercise and graze.

The four horses in Dedham originated from Templeton, MA – they’re between the ages of 10-15, all are underweight and have settled into the grounds and are improving each and every day. They are well-mannered, friendly and sometime down the road will make wonderful additions to horse-loving families.

With Cape Cod solitude and the serenity of the ocean breeze, Brewster’s barn and paddocks are a perfect place for farm animals, including horses, to receive care. The Brewster Animal Care and Adoption Center is a vital cog in ARL’s ability to shelter and care for livestock; in the past year alone, Brewster’s barn has housed a donkey, pony, pigs, along with other small farm animals.

The two horses were surrendered from a Plymouth County residence and while on the older side, 18 and 20-years-old respectively, the horses are even-tempered and are enjoying their new surroundings. Unfortunately the horses in Brewster scored a 1 out of 9 on the Henneke Body Condition Scoring System – meaning they are emaciated, with no body fat.

They have shown a ferocious hunger, but because of their condition, they need to gain weight slowly. The animals are on a regimented feeding schedule, and are allowed to graze in a paddock for about 15 minutes several times a day.

The six horses will remain in the care of ARL until they are deemed fit enough for adoption, and will then be rehomed to loving families.

Changing Circumstances

No matter the size or species, animals are a life-long commitment, however ARL understands that circumstances happen in life where owners are no longer able to provide proper care. Reaching out to a reputable organization like ARL is critical to avoid further complications and endangering the health and well-being of the animals. If surrender becomes necessary, owners can reach out to any of ARL’s Intake Offices for guidance.

ARL Unveils New Transport Waggin’

Thousands of animals to benefit from mobile unit

With Animal Care and Adoption Centers in Boston, Dedham and Brewster, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) provides medical and behavioral care and adoption services for thousands of animals annually (over 18,000 in 2017), and these animals arrive at ARL in a number of ways. Owner surrenders, strays, out-of-state transports, rescues, and law enforcement cases; ARL also routinely assists local municipal and private shelters with transfers and we unfortunately also respond to large overcrowding and cruelty situations as well.

But no matter how they arrive, the goal for every animal is the same: that they are safe and healthy and returned to habitats and homes.

Each of ARL’s locations has different characteristics (urban vs. rural) and capabilities i.e. surgical suites and barns/paddocks for farm animals. Moving animals to the location that’s best suited for their needs has historically been a logistical challenge — until now.

With a most generous donation from Leadership Council members, Connie and Peter Lacaillade, ARL has purchased, outfitted and staffed a new Transport Waggin’.

Linking ARL’s locations, programs and resources, the Transport Waggin’ will serve animals and communities in a variety of ways including:

  • Ensuring proper medical care: If a shelter animal requires specialized diagnostics, surgery, or constant veterinary supervision, they have access to the care they need.
  • Matching animals with adopters more quickly: Animals may be overlooked by adopters in one Adoption Center base on their size, temperament or needs, so a change in location can be beneficial.
  • Enhancing behavior and enrichment: Different ARL Adoption Centers offer different volunteer expertise and amenities, like outdoor runs.
  • Allowing ARL to help out-of-state animals: ARL receives regular transports from high-kill areas of the country and Puerto Rico. These life-saving transports broaden ARL’s reach in helping animals in need, while meeting local adoption needs.
  • Increasing ARL’s ability to be a community resource: ARL can better assist municipal shelters, animal control facilities, and smaller rescue groups in transporting animals to get the care they need.
Press Release: ARL Sees Uptick in Leptospirosis

With a recent uptick in positive cases of Leptospirosis, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is alerting the public about the potentially life-threatening bacteria.

Boston Veterinary Care (BVC) has seen two positive cases in the past two weeks, the latest coming during the past holiday weekend.

Leptospirosis is spread through the urine of infected animals, and can infect animals and humans through contact with the contaminated urine, water or soil. In a city setting, it’s most commonly spread through the rodent population and it’s easily spread to humans, and can cause liver and kidney failure.

Common symptoms include: fever, increased drinking and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and weakness.

Early treatment is critical for Leptospirosis, and if your dog is exhibiting any combination of these symptoms, seek medical treatment immediately.

There is a vaccine for Leptospirosis, and if you feel your dog may be at risk to contract the bacteria, ARL urges you to discuss the vaccine with your primary veterinarian.

Abandoned Dogs Found with Striking Similarities

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) recently took in a small, terrier-type dog that was found abandoned in Beverly, MA. ARL’s Law Enforcement Department joined police in Beverly to ask the public to come forward with any information to ascertain where the dog (named Angel) may have come from. Shortly after that public plea, ARL was contacted by animal control in Brookline, MA and is now caring for a second abandoned dog, who bears a striking similarity and found around the same time as Angel.

“Chester” is an intact male, estimated to be about four-years-old, and was found in poor and neglectful condition. As with the case of Angel, this animal was not microchipped, and his fur was extremely matted and urine-soaked. The dog is also underweight and suffering from painful, advanced dental disease.

To see news coverage of Chester’s story, click here!

Chester’s entire coat has been shaved, and he has received a thorough veterinary exam at ARL’s Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center – he will continue to be monitored and will also be neutered. Although agitated upon intake, Chester’s demeanor has greatly improved, as he is now soliciting attention and accepting treats from staff.

Whether there is a connection between the two animals is currently unknown, however the timeframe, breed and conditions in which they were found are too similar to ignore. While the neither animal is currently available for adoption, the dogs are moving in that direction as they continue to make positive progress.

ARL Law Enforcement is again urging anyone with information regarding either of these animals to come forward – any information can be directed ARL Law Enforcement at (617) 426-9170, or email cruelty@arlboston.org.

Press Release: Law Enforcement Seeking Public’s Help in Identifying Abandoned Dog’s Owner

This past week a small, terrier-type dog was found in appalling condition and wandering the streets of Beverly, MA. Now, the Beverly Police Department and the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Department are asking for the public’s help in finding the dog’s former owner/caretaker.

The 10-year-old male dog, named Angel, was found at the intersection of Charnock and Prospect St. and was severely matted, dirty, underweight, and malnourished. Additionally, extremely overgrown and curled nails were causing the dog pain and discomfort when walking.

See media coverage of Angel’s story here!

While neutered, the dog is not microchipped, making the public’s help critical to helping law enforcement find who was responsible for the dog not only being on the streets, but also being in such poor and neglectful condition.

Angel was initially in the care of a local veterinarian in Peabody, but is now with ARL where he will continue to receive the care he needs to improve. While skittish and possibly deaf, Angel is extremely friendly and has already gained a couple of pounds!

ARL is also an assisting agency in this investigation, and anyone with information can contact Beverly Animal Control (mlipinski@beverlyma.gov; (978) 605-2361), or ARL Law Enforcement (cruelty@arlboston.org; (617) 426-9170).

You Saved over 700 Animals From Deplorable Conditions, Help Us Continue this Life-saving Work!

This summer, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Law Enforcement Department assisted in the rescue of over 700 cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, reptiles, and rodents involved in animal hoarding-type situations in the towns of Norwood, Whitman, Hingham, Taunton, Plymouth, and New Bedford.

Animal hoarding is a serious community problem that can also place children, the elderly, dependent adults, property, and public health at risk. These types of cases are complex and put an immense strain on our resources.

ARL is only able to answer the call for help because of YOU. And these animals like Bella the Bulldog, pictured above, desperately need you now.

I WILL SUPPORT THIS LIFE-SAVING WORK

Animals rescued from cases of extreme neglect face a number of behavioral challenged and health concerns, including respiratory distress, malnutrition, parasites, and other illness.

I urge you to consider joining the Champions Circle today and provide the critical support needed to respond to emergencies like these and provide the critical support needed to keep animals safe and healthy all year long.

Your gift each month will:

    • Support our special investigations and on-going rescue efforts
    • Treat the sudden influx of animals with the extensive medical care they urgently need
    • Help these animals heal from the trauma of neglect and help them find forever homes

Monthly support from Champions Circle donors provides animals with care and assistance when they need it most. Join before September 30 and receive a special Champions Circle Calendar*!

*Please allow 4 weeks for delivery

Too Many Animals Being Abandoned Outside Shelters

ARL teams with Quincy Animal Control to urge proper pet surrender

This week the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) joined with Quincy Animal Control to issue a public reminder that if you need to surrender an animal, to please do so properly – this after four rabbits were found abandoned in a carrier outside the Quincy Animal Shelter. The rabbits are now in the care of ARL and will soon be made available for adoption.

Over the past few months there have been several instances involving animals being left outside of shelters or animal control facilities, ARL included – not only is this irresponsible, it’s also against the law.

One of four rabbits recently abandoned outside the Quincy Animal Shelter. They are in the care of ARL and will be available for adoption soon.

Abandoning an animal in Massachusetts is a felony, and each instance is thoroughly investigated by law enforcement.

Pet surrender isn’t easy. We understand that some pet owners feel guilt, shame, embarrassment, fear judgement or condemnation for surrendering an animal – and choose abandonment instead. This is never a viable option.

When surrendering an animal, it’s critical to meet with someone face-to-face. ARL is committed to keeping animals safe and healthy in their homes, and are willing to explore every option to see if there’s a way to keep the animal with the owner and out of the shelter. When you surrender properly, you’re also helping shelter and medical staff better understand the animal and what they may need before being rehomed.

Organizations like ARL exist to help animals, as well as the people who care for them. Moving, financial struggles; pet surrender is sometimes necessary, and ARL’s intake staff is ready to guide you through the process. If you need to surrender an animal, please make that phone call today.

What to Know About Canine Influenza

This past week, the first case of canine influenza of the year in Massachusetts was confirmed, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) wants to remind dog owners that canine influenza is highly contagious and precautions should be taken.

What is Canine Influeza?

Canine influenza is a respiratory infection – highly contagious – and spread by nose to nose contact or coughing.

There are two strains, H3N8 and H3N2, the latter of which was responsible for a 2015 outbreak that was believed to have resulted from the direct transfer of an avian influenza virus. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), since 2015 thousands of dogs in the U.S. have tested positive for the H3N2 strain of canine influenza.

What to Look For and Who’s At-Risk

Clinical signs of canine influenza are similar to human flu and consist of:

  • Coughing
  • Fever
  • Lethargy

Dogs can have the virus up to two weeks before displaying symptoms, and puppies and older dogs are most susceptible to developing more severe disease like pneumonia.

According to the AVMA, there is no evidence of transmission of canine influenza from dogs to humans or to horses, ferrets, or other animal species. It should be noted however, that in 2016 cats at an Indiana animal shelter were infected with canine influenza from dogs and cat to cat transmission is possible.

Lifestyle

Do you go to dog parks, use a dog-walking service or belong to dog social circles? If so, one preventative measure to consider is vaccination.

“Dogs that have contact with other dogs on walks, in daycare, or go to dog parks are at an increased risk and should definitely be vaccinated with the bivalent vaccine,” said Boston Veterinary Care (BVC) Lead Veterinarian Dr. Nicole Breda.

The vaccine won’t prevent every infection, but can reduce the clinical symptoms. Vaccinations are available at BVC or your regular veterinarian’s office.

See Signs, Take Action

Vigilance is responsible pet ownership. Canine influenza is rarely fatal, however should you notice any symptoms, contact your regular veterinarian immediately. With treatment, most dogs recover in 2-3 weeks.

Press Release: Stray Peacock Finds Forever Home

Back in June, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) took in a two-year-old male peacock who was found as a stray in Brewster, MA. ‘Derek’ found his forever home this past week, and will be heading to a property in Southeastern Massachusetts with more than 20 other peacocks.

While ARL serves thousands of animals annually, a peacock is something the organization doesn’t see every day, however the adoption process was like any other with the end goal of finding the right match and the right home for the animal.

Dighton resident Jeff Fisk turned out to be the right match, as he is an experienced peacock owner and has been partial to the birds from a young age.

“They’re fascinating creatures and make great pets,” Fisk said. “I was so excited when I was contacted about Derek, knowing that he would be going to a good home.”

ARL and Brewster Animal Control had received a number of reports in June of the stray bird, and he was captured in the Greenland Pond/Long Pond area of Brewster. Due to limited livestock space, Derek was transferred to the iconic red barn at ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center.

While in the wild for an unknown amount of time, the stunningly beautiful bird was in good shape; and the fact that no one stepped forward to claim ownership makes it likely that he was dumped or abandoned in the area he was found.

Adoption Forward

ARL is committed to matching adoptable animals with a permanent home. Adoption Forward — our conversation-based, application-free adoption process is designed so that the needs of both the animal and the adopter are understood and compatible with one another. We do this to achieve our vision that we will be a resource for people and an unwavering champion for animals most in need. Ready to adopt? Visit ARL’s Boston, Dedham, or Brewster Animal Care and Adoption Centers today!

Cat with Hole in Soft Palate on the Mend

‘Vito’ suffered chronic nasal discharge and dental disease

Whether you’re human or a companion animal, the cost of medical care can be expensive – especially when the concerns are outside the realm of “normal”. For one-and-a-half-year-old Vito, his chronic afflictions proved to be too much of a financial challenge for his owners, and he was surrendered to the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL).

ARL is committed to the health and happiness of every animal that comes into our care by conducting a thorough behavioral and veterinary assessment, and in Vito’s case, it was the treatment of one chronic condition that led to the discovery of what was causing the second.

Vito’s gums were painfully inflamed, and the severity of his dental disease required the extraction of 22 teeth. The cat was also suffering from chronic nasal discharge which was not improving — even with antibiotic therapy.

At ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center, shelter veterinary staff sedated Vito for his dental procedure and simultaneous examination of his oral and nasal cavity. A hole was found in his soft palate (the tissue that separates the nasal cavity from the oral cavity), and the hole was allowing food and saliva into the nasal cavity, causing chronic infection.

With the root cause detected, Vito underwent a surgical procedure to close the hole and in the following days has shown rapid improvement.

While only able to eat wet food following surgery, Vito is now able to consume both wet and dry food, and now that he’s feeling better, his personality is on full display! Vito is playful, friendly and has a great desire to explore – he’s on the mend and will soon be made available to find his forever home!

Your Support Saves Lives

When you support ARL, you give animals like Vito a second chance. ARL’s shelter medicine program provides all facets of care – from wellness exams to complex and life-saving surgery.

ARL served 18,018 animals in 2017, and does not receive any government grants or public funding – we rely solely on the generosity of individuals like YOU to make our important work possible. Please DONATE today!