fbpx
Category: Uncategorized
Home / Blog /
Meow Madness

Help Community Cats Compete for a Cause!

This March, we’re kicking off something special: Meow Madness! Inspired by the excitement of March Madness, we’re bringing you a bracket-style competition featuring some of our most beloved community cats. Each cat has their own story of resilience, charm, and triumph, and we want YOU to help them win.

Here’s how it works:

  • Meet the Cats: We’ll introduce you to our Meow Madness contestants—cats that have been a part of our community and have made a big impact.
  • Vote for Your Favorite: These feline finalists will face off in a bracket, and YOU get to decide who advances by voting on Instagram polls! Who’s your MVP?
  • Support the Cause: As you cast your votes, consider donating to help more community cats just like them. Your support ensures they get the medical care, food, and shelter they need to thrive.

Meow Madness Lineup

Meow Madness bracket graphic

 

1. YOGURT
Yogurt, now shortened to just Yogi, came into the care of ARL in July of 2022 in pretty rough shape. His abdomen was distended, he was very underweight, was infested with fleas and additionally, he had a fractured leg and a severe wound on his tail. After a leg amputation and a four-month WUO (wound of unknown origin) quarantine, Yogi quickly found his home with an ARL employee. He now lives with Cupcake, another ARL alum, and is described as speedy and mischievous. He loves playing with toys, running through tunnels, and climbing the cat towers. He likes to sit at the front window, waiting for his people to come home and will run to the door to greet them when he spots the car. His family says he’s been a fun and special addition to their household. Learn more about Yogurt’s story.

gray kitten


2. BOYLSTON
Boylston was brought into ARL by our Field Services team in April of 2021 and has made quite the home for herself at our Dedham location as our resident barn cat. She’s a hard-working girl who enjoys her routine of exploring the grounds during the day and coming in for dinner and a nice sleep at night. Over the years, she has warmed up to staff, now happily making her way into the shelter during the day for some scratches and lap time.
a tortie cat

3. BUZZ
In October 2022, ARL’s Field Services team assisted Fall River Animal Control in rescuing a community kitten in the precarious position of having what appeared to be a glass bowl or light fixture cover stuck on its head. Outside of being a bit dirty, Buzz Lightyear appeared to be in good health, and once available for adoption, it didn’t take her long to find her new family. Over the past few years, Buzz has formed a great relationship with her older brother, Sky, and recently welcomed a new orange baby brother named Luka to their cat crew. When she’s not sunbathing, playing, or eating, she’s finding time to fit in a few cat naps. Her adopter also says she’s the smartest of the three by a mile, always opening cupboards with ease and helping herself and her siblings to a few extra snacks! Learn more about Buzz’s story.
An orange kitten in a humane cat trap with a circular jar next to her

4. MIKE WAZOWSKI
During a scheduled stop along the South Coast for the ARL’s Spay Waggin’ in February of 2021, an 11-month-old community kitten from Westport, MA, came in to be neutered and was slated to be returned to the field. However, upon examination, our vet team diagnosed a severe upper respiratory infection. Unfortunately, this infection impacted one of his eyes to the point of rupture, meaning he would need the infected eye removed. After his surgery, the kitten was affectionately named Mike Wazowski in honor of the character from the Pixar movie Monsters Inc. Mike immediately won over staff and volunteers with his social, playful personality, and within two weeks, Mike also won over the heart of his new family and was off to his new home. Learn more about Mike’s story.
an orange cat with one eye

5. GRYFFINDOR
In April 2019, a Good Samaritan alerted ARL about a cat that was seen near a garbage dumpster and wasn’t moving. When our team arrived on the scene, the cat was able to move and was found inside the dumpster, lying atop a cardboard box. The cat needed immediate medical treatment and likely would have succumbed to his injuries sooner rather than later without intervention. The cat had suffered a broken jaw, was emaciated, and was in poor overall condition. He was fittingly named Gryffindor, representing courage, bravery, and determination. He had to have his jaw surgically wired and, because of a puncture wound, had to complete a four-month WUO quarantine. Gryffindor displayed amazing perseverance and was incredibly friendly to all who came in contact with him by revving up his purr, which undoubtedly helped him win over his new family. Learn more about Gryffindor’s story.
A tabby cat receiving a vet exam

6. LIAM
In July 2018, during a day-long spay and neuter clinic at ARL’s Dedham Animal Care & Adoption Center, approximately 30 community cats were scheduled to have surgery. Among them was a 13-week-old kitten named Liam, who was found with ulcers affecting vision in both eyes. If left on the street, Liam likely would not have survived long-term due to his condition. Along with being neutered, Liam had one eye removed due to an infection, with the hope that the other eye would improve over time with just medication. Liam, now named Willie (One Eye Willie!), has been doing great over the past few years. His adopter said his personality has always been that of a “grumpy old man,” which is blatantly obvious when in the company of his puppy brother, Axel. But he does have a younger kitty sister who he enjoys playing and running around with! Learn more about Liam’s story.
A small gray and white kitten

7. BAGEL
Community cats are incredibly adept when it comes to finding a warm, safe place to escape the elements, and in early 2022, Bagel was a perfect example of this. This 3-year-old cat had found the comfort and safety of a storm drain in Fall River, but thankfully, just days before a historic blizzard descended upon the region, his feeder contacted ARL to assist. Upon arriving at ARL, Bagel ate up everything in sight and took a nice sigh of relief, relaxing in his nice, warm bed. Our vet team treated him for a list of medical needs, but he was a friendly, social boy that we knew, despite those medical needs, would have no problem finding a home. He is now “spoiled rotten,” according to his adopter. He remains active, zooming all over the place and playing with anything he can get his paws on, although he still loves the toys he came home from the shelter with. He loves a good snuggle and has been a rock for his new family during some difficult times. Learn more about Bagel’s story.

a white cat


8. TUCKER
Tucker arrived at ARL in December 2018 after being found as an injured stray in need of immediate medical attention. It was clear that Tucker had been wearing a collar he had tried to break free of, causing it to become lodged underneath his right leg and, over time, embedded with skin growing over it. Despite being in extreme pain, Tucker was social and friendly. His wound management would be extensive, and the healing process would be slow, which led to him being placed into a long-term foster home. After five months, this brave boy was finally ready to find his new family. It didn’t take long, and Tucker has been happily living in his new home ever since. Learn more about Tucker’s story
an orange tabby cat
Valentine’s Card Shuffle

This year, surprise someone you care about—or yourself!—with a one-of-a-kind, animal-themed Valentine’s Day card that’s sure to delight.

Whether you’re sending it to yourself or surprising a loved one, your card could be:

  • Sweet and adorable!

  • Unexpectedly hilarious!

  • Just plain quirky (in the most lovable way)!

The only thing we can promise? It will be uniquely animal-inspired and guaranteed to make someone smile.

 How it works:
For a $25 donation or more, you’ll receive one mystery Valentine’s Day card. Choose to send it to yourself or let us deliver the surprise straight to someone special, your choice!

By joining in the fun, you’re not just spreading love—you’re supporting animals in need. It’s a heartfelt way to celebrate the season of love while making a real difference.

 Don’t wait!
There’s only a limited number of mystery cards available. Shuffle up some Valentine’s Day joy before it’s too late.

I Want My Mystery Valentine!
A Round of A-Paws for Our 2024 Paws to Celebrate Sponsors!

With the help of our amazing sponsors, we achieved record-breaking fundraising at our Paws to Celebrate events in Chatham, Truro, Boston, and Dedham!


Thank you to the following businesses and individuals for their generous support:


PLATINUM PAWPRINT

sponsor logos

LEADER OF THE PACK

sponsor logos

BEST IN SHOW

sponsor logos

 

TOP DOG

Cape Cod 5
Chatham Bars Inn
Gourmet Catering
Grossman Marketing Group
Brian Hyde and Joe Fiorello
Walter & Lee Kenyon
Team Guthrie-Mabile
Mintz
Lisa Rachlin
José Rodriguez-Villalobos & Christopher Lapan


TOP CAT

AAFCPAs
The Boatslip
Changing Tides Consignment Boutique
Dedham Savings
Helen Kosinski: Certified Soul Level Animal Communicator®
Howard Stein Hudson
Norfolk & Dedham Foundation, Inc.
Arthur & Paula Rabe


ANIMAL ADVOCATE

Angell Pension Group
Avalon at Assembly Row
Bowditch & Dewey
Carlson Audio Visual, Inc.
Chatham Clothing Bar
Cushman & Wakefield
Dell Technologies
Heather Rose & Co.
Hot Diggity
Kirkland & Ellis
Rockland Trust
TD Bank
Veterinary Wellness Center of Provincetown
Doug Zeghibe

ARL Caring for Piglet from Framingham Animal Control

Piglet Surrendered Through Good Samaritan

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is caring for a two-week-old piglet that came to the organization from Framingham Animal Control. On Tuesday, Framingham Animal Control was contacted by a Good Samaritan for surrender after the piglet, now named Magnolia, was brought to them. Because Framingham does not have the capacity to care for livestock long-term, ARL was contacted, and the piglet was transported to ARL’s Dedham Animal Care & Adoption Center for care on Wednesday.

The piglet is estimated to be two weeks old, weighs just six pounds, is in overall good health, is friendly, and has settled in quickly to her new environment at ARL.

a small piglet wrapped in a pink blanket

ARL is not only a resource for pets and pet owners, the organization routinely works with animal control officers throughout the Commonwealth to assist in a variety of ways, including animal transport and surrender.

Given her age, Magnolia will need neonatal care and will not be made available for adoption for at least a month. Donations can be made to support her care.

Anyone facing circumstances that are making it difficult to care for their pets is encouraged to contact ARL and can learn more about how ARL is here to help.

ARL Preparing for Emergency Transport of Animals Impacted by Florida Hurricanes

ARL coordinating with national animal welfare organization

As Hurricane Milton continues its path towards Florida, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is in continuous contact with a national animal welfare organization that has boots on the ground in Florida, and is preparing to take in emergency transports of dogs being removed from areas of the state that are projected to be directly impacted by the approaching storm.

Best Friends Animal Society is working with local shelters in Florida to transport adoptable animals in order to make room for owned and stray animals impacted not only by Hurricane Helene, but in advance of Hurricane Milton.

Best Friends Animal Society Transport van

ARL is preparing for a potential influx of dogs from Florida as soon as Thursday, and is honored to assist Best Friends Animal Society in this important operation.

A sudden large influx of animals presents financial challenges for ARL. To help these animals ARL must rely on the combined strength of its staff, volunteers, and the generosity of donors.

With limited resources and no government funding, donations are critical to providing shelter, medical care, and homes for these animals. The organization is urging anyone interested to support this emergency transport by donating.

Microchip Critical to Upping Odds of Being Reunited with a Lost Pet

There are pet holidays scattered throughout the calendar year, and today is National Check the Chip Day, highlighting an important aspect when talking about tools, in this instance the microchip, to use should your pet go missing.

According to the American Humane Association, approximately 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen in the United States annually – and about one in every three pets will go missing at some point in their lives.

While the reasons pets go missing are numerous, there is one measure you can take that drastically increases the likelihood of being reunited with your beloved pet – microchipping.

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.

A study by the American Veterinary Medical Association found that just 22 percent of lost dogs and less than two percent of lost cats that entered animal shelters were reunited with their families. However, for animals that were microchipped, the return-to-owner rate for dogs was more than 52 percent, and more than 38 percent for microchipped cats!

The numbers speak for themselves, microchipping increases your chances that you will get your pet back if it becomes lost or stolen.

But, it should not be the only part of your lost pet strategy. Collars with up-to-date tags are the main form of identification and the quickest way to identify a found pet.

Pepe was missing for nearly two years, but thanks to a microchip he’s now back home.

Tags and microchips are only useful if the contact and registration information is current! Make sure to check the information annually to keep everything up-to-date.

Bottom line, microchipping is effective and at ARL, we have seen numerous animals reunited with their owners thanks to a microchip.

Recently, ARL took in a 15-year-old stray cat who did have a microchip.

Thankfully, the contact information was correct, and the owner of the cat was overjoyed when contacted as the cat had been missing for nearly two years!

Thanks to having a microchip, the cat is now back in his loving home where he belongs.

In that moment of realization that a pet has gone missing, it’s important to stay calm, and take immediate action by following these 5 steps to increase the likelihood of a happy reunion with your pet: 

  • Call your local Animal Control Officer of the town where you live, and of the town that your pet went missing in.
  • File a lost report with the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) either in person, over the phone, or online. This lost report is seen by all three ARL locations. The staff will ask you to provide a photo of your pet.
  • Contact your pet’s microchip company if your pet has one, to notify them that your pet is lost. Be sure to confirm that your contact information is current.
  • File a lost report with every shelter within a 60-mile radius of where your pet went missing. Oftentimes, concerned citizens will pick up a stray pet they see on the side of the road and bring it to a shelter that is close to their destination instead of close to where they found the animal.
  • Don’t give up! Many pets go missing for months before being reunited with their owners. Stay positive, stay vigilant and continue to search for them as long as you can.

Additionally, You can also reach out to local missing pet groups online – Missing Dogs Massachusetts has a large following on Facebook and the more eyes you have looking for your pet the better!

While you may feel helpless when a pet goes missing, remember you are not alone. Networking with other animal lovers to help in your search increases your chances of having your beloved pet returned safe and sound.

National Pet Fire Safety Day

Too Hot for Spot®: “National Pet Fire Safety Day” Tips to Keep Pets Safe

July 15 is National Pet Fire Safety Day and it reminds us that pets are often vulnerable victims of home fires. An estimated 500,000 pets are affected annually by house fires, according to a data analysis by the National Fire Protection Association.

Planning for unexpected emergencies like home fires and taking these precautions are an integral part of responsible pet ownership. The following tips are suggestions for pet owners on how to prevent your beloved pet from starting a fire, as well as how to keep your pets safe.

What you can do to keep your pets safe: Pet emergency decal affixed to window

  • Keep Pets Near Entrances When Away From Home – Keep collars on pets and leashes ready to go in case firefighters need to rescue your pet. When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.
  • Secure Young Pets – Especially with young puppies, keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home such as in crates or behind baby gates in secure areas.
  • Since Pets Left Alone Can’t Escape a Burning Home – Consider using monitored smoke detectors which are connected to a monitoring center so emergency responders can be contacted when you’re not home. These systems provide an added layer of protection beyond battery-operated smoke alarms.
  • Affix a Pet Alert Window Cling Like Ours – Write down the number of pets inside your house and attach a “Pet Rescue” decal to your front window. This critical information can help save rescuers time when locating your pets. Make sure to update the number of pets listed.

Special thanks to all of the firefighters out there who put their own lives at risk every day to help people and their pets.

More information about summer pet safety.

 

Future Focus: Strategic Plan Goal 2

Support animal health with our professional services

Objective

Advance pet health and well-being through dog training courses and exceptional veterinary care.

Vision in Action

Gigi was adopted from ARL and her new mom, Chelsea, reached out to our dog training team to help provide Gigi with more structure and enrichment. Since completing their first course, Chelsea now has a better understanding of Gigi’s needs and it has improved the way they interact. This is just one of the ways we can help strengthen the human-animal bond and support pet families in our community.

Learn more about ARL’s 2024-2028 Strategic Plan for the Future.

A dog standing looking up at his owner to the side

Gigi and her owner during an ARL dog training class.

ARL Participates in Lobby Day for Animals

Lobby Day for Animals aims to cast light on animal-protection legislation

This past week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) joined a number of animal welfare organizations at the Massachusetts State House to participate in Lobby Day for Animals, to help citizen animal advocates make an impact by meeting and encouraging their elected officials to prioritize animal-protection legislation.

ARL at Lobby Day for Animals.

Dozens of animal advocates representing counties throughout the Commonwealth gathered to learn more about legislation and hear from both advocates and elected officials who are passionate about animals including Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, Senator Adam Gomez, and Representative Sam Montaño.

With the current legislative session ending in July, ARL continues to advocate for a number of priority bills including:

An Act to Increase Kennel Safety aka Ollie’s Law (H.4564; S.2731)

Currently, kennels in Massachusetts have limited standards. This proposed bill would create regulations for kennels, including commercial boarding and daycares. The bill is named after Ollie, a puppy who died from injuries sustained at a pet daycare in Western Massachusetts.

An Act Relative to the Use of Elephants, Big Cats, Primates, and Bears in Traveling Exhibits (H.3245; S.2197; S.2189

If passed, this piece of legislation would end the cruel use of these types of animals in circuses and other traveling exhibits.

An Act to Maintain Stable Housing for Families with Pets in an Economic Crisis and Beyond (H.1367; S.876)

This bill would provide housing protections during states of emergency and immediately afterward, preventing animals from being used as a reason for eviction. It would also prohibit insurance companies from refusing coverage, canceling, or increasing rates on the basis of dog breed.

Get Involved

The Legislature will take up the aforementioned bills in the coming weeks, and ARL encourages anyone invested in animal-protection law to contact their elected officials and as them to consider the current legislation to further propel Massachusetts in being a national leader when it comes to protecting animals.

Learn more about ARL’s Legislative Agenda and how you can become involved.

Digital Resources Round Up
A Moment of Paws: Diabetes in pets text and tabby cat looking at the camera

Video and Event Recording Library

ARL has a number of recording webinars and informational videos you can access any time to learn more about our programs or animal welfare topics.

ACCESS the video and event recordings

Is your Pet Lost?

There isn’t a more sinking feeling then when you realize that your furry or feathered companion might have gone missing.  Whether it’s a door left ajar, a booming thunderstorm, or slipped harness during a walk, our pets can all too quickly slip away from our sight.  In that moment of panic, it’s important to take immediate action by following our 5 steps to increase the likelihood of a happy reunion with your pet.

READ THE 5 STEPS

 

Board Safely®

Did you know there are no statewide regulations that govern boarding kennels and pet daycare facilities in Massachusetts? Our Board Safely® campaign encourages pet owners to do their own research before leaving their pet in the care of a boarding kennel or daycare facility.

LEARN MORE ABOUT Board Safely

Downloadable Resources

Adopting a new animal is very exciting and can also come with a lot of questions. We hope these downloadable tips sheets are helpful.

HELPFUL TIPS

Welcoming Your Adopted Dog into Your Home

Congratulations! You’ve adopted a dog and it’s going home with you this afternoon, so what’s next? After dog-proofing your house and gathering the necessary supplies (collar, ID tag, water bowl, crate, food, toys, and cleaning products), you’ll need to think about how to acclimate your pup the moment his paws walk through your front door.

TIPS TO WELCOME YOUR DOG HOME

Keep Pets Safe During the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us, and ARL is reminding pet owners of some things to keep in mind to help keep our pets safe and healthy as we celebrate with friends, family, food and festivities!

LEARN MORE

Cold Weather Safety Tips

Frigid conditions can endanger the well-being, safety, and the lives of the pets we love.

6 TIPS FOR winter WEATHER

Free Pet Behavior Helpline

ARL’s Pet Behavior Helpline is a free service, and can answer basic behavioral questions about your pet, such as excessive barking, crate training, house soiling, or if you are looking for ways to stave off your pet’s boredom. If you have questions, please call the Pet Behavior Helpline at (617) 226-5666 or via email behaviorhelpline@arlboston.org and an ARL representative will get back to you within 48 hours.

Animal Advocacy 101

Advocacy looks different for every person who decides to get involved. We can advocate for ourselves, for others, and for causes we care about. Advocacy goals can be to change laws, to change regulations, to change practices, and to change minds.

One of the most common ways of advocating is contacting your elected officials. Wherever you live, you are represented by many layers and levels of government. This includes city or town level, county level, state level, and federal level. There are a lot of people who represent and work for you, who have different abilities to change laws and regulations.

ADVOCACY TIPS