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Category: News
Author of DOGS ON CAPE COD Supports ARL Shelter Animals

Hosts event and donates a portion of the book’s proceeds to shelter animals

Group photo at Dogs on Cape Cod fundraising event

ARL staff members pose for a photo with Kim Roderiques (pictured second from left) to celebarate the launch of her new book, DOGS ON CAPE COD. A portion of the book’s proceeds will go to animals in need at ARL’s Brewster Shelter!

A big thank you to Cape Cod photographer Kim Roderiques for hosting an event to celebrate the launch of her book, Dogs on Cape Cod, and raise funds for animals in need at the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Brewster (Cape Cod) Animal Care & Adoption Center.

Dogs on Cape Cod captures over 255 vibrant photos of dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes frolicking leash-free against the breathtaking backdrop of Cape Cod.

Quotes from famous dog-lovers such as Mary Oliver and Milan Kundera are interspersed throughout the book and captions with each dog’s name and breed, along with the shot’s location accompany each photograph.

Kim and her publishers very generously agreed to donate a portion of the proceeds from DOGS ON CAPE COD to help care for animals in need at the ARL’s Brewster Shelter.

Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL's vice president of animal welfare, was invited to speak at the Dogs on the Cape fundraising event.

Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL’s vice president of animal welfare and veterinary services, spoke about the many dogs that the Brewster Shelter has helped on the Cape over the years at the DOGS ON CAPE COD fundraising event.

Last week, Kim also hosted a fundraising event for animals at the Brewster at the beautiful Wequassett Inn in Harwich, MA.  She invited the ARL’s vice president of animal welfare and veterinary services Dr. Edward Schettino to share stories about the many animals the shelter has helped find homes for on Cape Cod.

The event brought together 150 attendees who donated more than $2,900 for the ARL’s Brewster shelter!

Thank you, Kim, for your incredible generosity and support of the Animal Rescue League of Boston!


Breaking News: Cat Caught in Brutal Illegal Trap in Westport, MA Now Recovering and Awaiting Adoption at the Animal Rescue League of Boston

Learn what you can do to protect animals like Wilson!

At the end of May, the Westport animal control and police department contacted the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) asking for assistance with a cat caught in an illegal trap.

cat caught in illegal leg hold trap

A close-up of Wilson’s paw caught in the illegal leg hold trap and after it had been treated by emergency and ARL veterinarians.

A concerned citizen had spotted the approximately 6-year-old stray orange and white cat, now named Wilson, struggling with a heavy metal object attached to his right leg. Officials identified the metal object as an illegal leg hold trap.

Leg hold traps are a hunting tool widely considered inhumane due to the severe injury they can inflict on an animal, such as bone fractures, amputations, or even death. Once a trap is set, any animal can trigger it, putting domesticated animals such as dogs and cats like Wilson at risk.

Once captured, Westport animal control and police rushed Wilson to Mass-RI Veterinary ER animal hospital in Swansea.  After his right leg was freed from the leg hold trap, veterinarians observed incredible swelling in Wilson’s front paw and he couldn’t move his right leg properly. Thankfully, they did believe Wilson’s leg would heal.

Two days later, Wilson came to the ARL’s Boston shelter, where he was examined by lead shelter veterinarian Dr. Erin Doyle. “On initial exam, Wilson’s right paw was significantly less swollen than it had been at the hospital and he was able to bear weight on it approximately 50% of the time.”

The superficial wounds related to the trap itself were healing very well.  Just days after his ordeal, Wilson only had a faint limp when we walked and the swelling in his right paw was almost completely gone.

“Fortunately, Wilson’s injuries were much less severe than they could have been,” Dr. Doyle was relieved to report. “His right front leg and paw will return to normal function.”

According to Dr. Doyle, Wilson is ready to find a new home.  He has clearly become one of her favorite patients: “Wilson is a super sweet cat! Through all of the time I’ve spent with him handling his injured paw, he hasn’t grumbled a bit.”

Unfortunately, difficult stories like Wilson’s are sometimes what bring cats into our shelters. During Adopt-a-Cat Month this June, consider adopting cats like Wilson and give them a chance at a better life!  For more information on Wilson or other available adoptable cats, call or visit our Boston Shelter at or visit arlboston.org/adopt.

illegal leg hold trap

Law enforcement’s photo of Wilson’s fur still caught in the illegal leg hold trap, even after it had been safely removed from his paw.

The ARL and other animal welfare organizations in Massachusetts successfully pushed for legislation in 1996 to prohibit the use of leg hold traps. By current State law setting a leg hold traps is against the law, except in a handful of specific instances.

Registered voters should contact their legislators to oppose any change to the current law. Find your legislator.

MORE WAYS YOU CAN HELP WILSON AND PROTECT ANIMALS:

If you see something, say something. If you have any information about Wilson or the leg hold trap, please contact the Westport Police Department at (508) 636-1122.

Watch out for and report animal traps. Keep an eye on outdoor pets during the summer and report any illegal animal traps that you come across to your local police department.

Donate to help animals like Wilson recover from injury and abuse…and protect them from harm in the future.


June is National Adopt-a-Cat Month

Got cats on your mind? We sure do!

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is celebrating national Adopt-a-Cat Month this June, and you should too!

This time of year, newborn kittens join the many cats already in animal shelters across the nation. With so many cats coming into our shelters in need of care and assistance finding a home, June is an excellent time to consider adopting a furry feline!

Search adoptable cats now

The staff at our Animal Care & Adoption Center locations in Boston, Brewster, and Dedham will help potential adopters find their purr-fect match.

When you arrive at an ARL location, tell a staff member that you are looking to adopt a cat.  They will ask you about what you’re looking for in a pet in terms of age, energy level, personality, and other characteristics such as whether they get along with other cats and dogs.

Many potential adopters visit shelters looking for a kitten. While kittens are absolutely adorable, they are also very energetic and their personalities, likes and dislikes are still emerging.

adopt-a-cat

Susie is a 1-year-young beautiful Snowshoe domestic short haired cat available for adoption at the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Dedham Branch. Click the image for more info on Susie.

That’s why adopting an adult cat can be a great decision for you and your family.

Here are 3 important reasons why you should think about adopting an adult cat (HINT: at ARL’s Animal Care & Adoption Centers adult cats are 1 year or older)….

  1. What you see is what you get. Adult cats have passed their critical development stages, so you’ll get a good idea of whether or not their personality and energy level is the right fit for your home.
  2. An adult cat may be an easier introduction into the family. Kittens are very delicate and young children and dogs tend to be more active and noisy than a kitten can handle. Read these helpful tips on how to introduce a cat to your current pets.
  3. You’re doing something especially kind for animals in need. There are usually many more adult cats than kittens waiting for new homes in shelters.  In the spring and summer when there are more kittens available, adult cats often wait longer for a home, too.  That’s why adult cats have lower adoption fees at ARL shelters – to encourage more people to consider an older cat!

Speaking of adoption fees, many visitors to our shelters ask what’s included in the fee. We’re glad you asked!  The fee includes a large number of veterinary and behavioral services such as:

  • Spay or neuter services (excluding some small animals)
  • Health screening and veterinary examination
  • Behavior evaluations & enrichment
  • Vaccinations
  • Microchip identification and registration
  • Heartworm test and preventative medication for dogs
  • Feline Leukemia test for cats
  • Flea, tick, and mite treatment
  • Deworming for intestinal parasites
  • Tag, collar, and leash
  • A starter bag of Hill’s Science Diet food for cats and dogs
  • And more!

THANK YOU to our media sponsor CITYSIDE SUBARU and to our media partners WBMX Mix 104.1, Clear Channel Outdoor, AllOver Media, The Pet Gazette, WBZ, WHDH, WLVI, WZLX, and 98.5 The Sports Hub for sharing the importance of cat adoptions with our community, and your readers and listeners.

adopt-a-cat

 


ARL Rescue Services On the Scene – Relocates Two Families of Geese

ARL Rescue Services helps geese families get back to nature

Spring is the start of baby bird season—and a busy time for animal rescue as bird parents sometimes choose unsafe places to bring their new babies in Greater Boston!

Last week, ARL Field Services was called in to help two separate families of geese from their temporary urban nests back to the river bank.

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Danielle Genter, senior rescue technician, carefully approaches the baby gosling who had slipped off onto a second-floor ledge.

In Brighton: News station WGBH called the ARL after a family of Canada geese had made refuge on a small patch of grass on their building’s roof.  One of the baby goslings had slipped off onto a second-floor ledge and was desperately trying to make his way back up to his family.

On the scene, ARL Rescue Services rescued the fallen baby bird and proceeded to wrangle up the mother goose and her other two goslings to move them to safety. The father goose wasn’t all that accepting of the idea his family needed to move and put up the biggest struggle.

ARL’s Danielle Genter told WGBH reporters, “There’s only certain circumstances where we can move healthy wildlife… On a roof where they don’t have access to food – this would be one of those circumstances.”

geese rescues

Mama and baby patiently await rescue from our Rescue Services team

In Boston: Just a few miles down the road, another family of geese was making quite a spectacle at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. ARL Rescue Services made their way to the scene after being notified that four goslings had hatched.

Over the last month, the mother and father geese gained quite a fan base as they made their nest in an empty concrete planter near a parking garage on West campus. In an effort to keep the geese and their un-hatched eggs safe, Beth Israel had thoroughly roped off the area with caution signs warning people to keep a safe distance.

“They kind of became mascots, and people took a lot of interest in them,” said Brendan Raftery, the hospital’s maintenance supervisor. “They became quite the thing here.”

Once all four hatchlings were born safely, ARL was called in to relocate the entire family. Although hospital staff was sad to see the geese go, they felt better knowing they were safe in their new home along the river bank.

Did you know? Not all baby birds found alone or on the ground are in distress. To determine whether or not to intervene, follow this helpful flow chart.


ARL Recognizes Supporters at Whiskers & Wine

ARL staff, donors, Board members, and President’s Council members celebrate achievements in animal welfare

whiskers & wine

A big thank you to Cha-Chi Loprete for being our guest speaker!

Earlier this month, over 100 of the ARL’s biggest supporters came together at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston for the much-anticipated Whiskers & Wine Annual Meeting and President’s Council Spring Social.  The group included corporate sponsors, as well as members of our Board of Directors and our President’s Council, individuals who donate $1000 or more to help animals in need.

The event was held to celebrate the achievements in rescuing animals from suffering, cruelty, abandonment, and neglect,  all made possible thanks to the support of our generous donors.

Thanks to the wonderful staff at the Fairmont Copley Plaza, guests enjoyed delicious passed hors d’oeuvres, sipped sparkling wine, and chatted with fellow animal-lovers.

During the speaking portion of the casual cocktail event, special guest host Cha-Chi Loprete, animal welfare supporter and marketing director at WZLX, and speakers including ARL President Mary Nee, ARL Board chair Malcolm McDonald, ARL vice president of animal welfare Dr. Smith-Blackmore, and ARL director of marketing and development Ami Bowen talked about the impact of their donations on the thousands of animals who received care through ARL programs and services each year.

The speaking program concluded with an emotional video illustrating how ARL donors’ generous contributions help the animals who come to our three shelters get the care they need to find a new home.

THANK YOU once again to our generous donors for expressing your love of animals, compassion, and kindness through your support of the Animal Rescue League of Boston!

And a special thank you to our special guest host and corporate supporters of the Whiskers & Wine event…

Cha-Chi Loprete

Hingham Savings Bank

Robert Paul Properties

Unit Realty

ProPrint

Polkadog Bakery

Russo’s

Brookline Bank

Halliday Construction

Winthrop Wealth Management

Zipcar

Fairmont Copley Plaza


Mobile Spay Waggin’ Assists Martha’s Vineyard

ARL’s Spay Waggin’, Martha’s Vineyard ACOs, and dog owners working together

spay waggin dr. quigley

ARL shelter veterinarian Dr. Kyle Quigley, getting ready to assist patient Mabel, a Shetland Sheepdog

Earlier this month, ARL’s mobile Spay Waggin’ made a special trip to Falmouth to assist Edgartown, Oakbluffs, and Vineyard Haven Animal Control Officers (ACOs) in a first-of-its-kind effort to provide island residents with high-quality, affordable spay and neuter services.

Read all about this special event, as covered by The Vineyard Gazette.

Barbara Prada, an animal control officer in Edgartown for 32 years, explained that for some pet owners on Martha’s Vineyard, “getting their animals spayed or neutered was so out of reach for them financially,” and they have no options for assistance.

Currently, there are no veterinary clinics on the island that accept Massachusetts Animal Fund vouchers, which cover all the costs of spay or neuter surgery for state residents in financial need.

The Spay Waggin’ does accepted Massachusetts Animal Fund vouchers and regularly travels to Cape Cod.  All of the spay and neuter surgeries were paid for using the vouchers.

The ACOs accompanied 9 dogs on the ferry from the Vineyard to the host site in Falmouth, courtesy of Falmouth ACO Al Turner and the Friends of Falmouth Dogs.

With the help of the ACOs, Spay Waggin’ staff evaluated all the animals and prepared them for surgery.  All the animals received a post-operative evaluation and went home with instructions for their owners for care at home.

spay waggin helping martha's vineyard

ARL vet tech Bonnie Morrissey and community and shelter vet outreach coordinator Cheryl Traversi prepping for surgery.

Of the many dogs that were spayed/neutered, the most notable were mother and father Pit Bull-type dogs who had parented 22 puppies in the last 7 months!

The ARL’s Spay Waggin’ and Vineyard ACOs hope to arrange another visit in the coming weeks to help more pet owners in financial need.

For a schedule of the Spay Waggin’s upcoming stops on the South Shore and Cape Cod, visit arlboston.org/spay-waggin

DID YOU KNOW? Animal control officers in Massachusetts may request Massachusetts Animal Fund vouchers for homeless animals being cared for in  a municipal animal control shelter, for pets owned by residents who have demonstrated financial need, or for feral cats in your community.

Up to five vouchers may be requested on one form, and the requests must be made for specific identified animals – no general requests accepted. Learn more about the Mass Animal Fund’s spay/neuter voucher program.

 

 


Impressive Turnout for Humane Lobby Day 2015!

ARL participated alongside notable local and national animal welfare organizations

On May 13, 2015, staff and volunteers proudly represented the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) at Humane Lobby Day held at the Massachusetts State House. Strong attendance of both state representatives and citizen animal advocates reinforced to legislators how important animal welfare is to their constituents.

ARL staff standing behind table

ARL staff and volunteers participated in Humane Lobby Day 2015 at the Massachusetts State House to show support for the cause of animal welfare and to thank legislators who have helped push through important laws impacting animal rights.

ARL staff and volunteers welcomed all Humane Lobby Day participants to speak with us about who we are and the important work that we do in the community. All were impressed by ARL’s courageous Rescue Services team, our awesome adoptable shelter pets, and our continuous efforts to educate the public about animal welfare and safety.

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ARL staff spoke with state representatives and citizen animal advocates about what makes our local organization unique.

A big THANK YOU to our fellow Humane Lobby Day partners- The Humane Society of The United States, MSPCA, and ASPCA for giving animals a voice and asking state legislators to pass laws that benefit both animals and humans alike!

Lincoln, a rescue dog

MSPCA rescue, Lincoln, stole the show. He was adopted by Massachusetts State Senator Karen Spilka after meeting one another at last year’s Lobby Day!

The Animal Rescue League of Boston will continue to support legislation that enhances and improves protections for animals, and to oppose reforms that endanger the welfare of animals in Massachusetts. Continue to check our legislative agenda for updates on the status of legislation impacting animal welfare in Massachusetts.


May is Tick and Flea Awareness Month

6 helpful tips to protect your pet from sneaky parasites

As the days get longer and warmer, pets and their owners are eager to get out and enjoy the fresh air. Although spring is the start of picnics, strolls through the park, hiking, and other outdoor activities, it also marks the beginning of tick and flea season.

Ticks and fleas are small parasites that live off the blood of cats, dogs, humans, and other mammals.

tick

Photo courtesy of avma.org

Ticks typically hide in leaves or grass and climb onto an unsuspecting animal when it brushes by. If a tick burrows into your pet’s skin, they may transmit serious illnesses, such as Lyme Disease, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Areas with sandy soil, trees, rivers, and the presence of deer usually signify a dense tick population.

Fleas are much more agile and can jump from one animal or object to another with ease. Flea eggs are resistant to many cleaners and flea control products, which means they have the ability to grow into an adult and cause risk to your pet. A flea bite can cause Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD), Anemia, Tapeworm, and Rickettsiosis, which may result in skin conditions, lethargy, or other serious health effects.

Keep your pet covered with these 6 helpful tips:

  1. Tick and flea preventative should be administered year-round starting at 8 weeks of age. Although ticks and fleas tend to show up in the warmer months when more time is spent outdoors, larvae and adults can hide out in a multitude of places, such as other animals, bushes, and shrubbery, as well as in flooring, carpets, and sofas in your home.
  2. Don’t give ticks and fleas a chance to invade your home. Outdoors, cover waste bins, crawl spaces, and overgrown grass and shrubbery where ticks, fleas, and infected wildlife could hide. Indoors, vacuum carpets and sofas frequently and periodically wash your pet’s blankets, bed, and fabric toys in hot water and dry on high heat.
  3. Pets are good about hiding the “evidence.”  Cats, in particular, are very good at grooming adult fleas and ticks off of themselves. Just because you don’t see them, doesn’t mean they’re not there.
  4. Make “tick checks” part of your routine. When you settle down with your pet for their daily scratch session, pay extra close attention. If you spot a tick, remove it right away with a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull directly outward with steady force. Don’t forget to disinfect the bite area thoroughly after tick removal.
  5. Your pet may not show symptoms of being bitten by a tick or flea right away. In most cases, you will not actually see a tick or flea unless your pet has an allergic reaction to the bite(s). Only a blood test taken by your pet’s veterinarian can confirm an illness was transmitted by a tick or flea.
  6. Don’t wait, start now. If you haven’t already, ask your veterinarian about starting a preventative tick and flea treatment plan for your pets.

We Need Your Help! Foster a Kitten, Save a Life

The ARL is seeking on-call foster families for neonatal kittens

four cute neonatal kittens

Foster a neonatal kitten, save a life! If you live in South End or in close proximity to Dedham, apply to be an on-call volunteer today!

If you live in the South End of Boston or in Dedham/very close proximity to our Dedham shelter and have a flexible schedule, a cozy home, and big heart, please read on….

Our Boston and Dedham shelters developed the On-CallNeonatal Kitten Foster Program in response to the need for trained individuals to care for abandoned nursing kittens found in Massachusetts each year, primarily between the months of May through October.

The term “neonatal” refers to a kitten during its0-4 weeks of life. Kittens at this stage are very delicate and are completely reliant on their mother for protection, warmth, and nutrition.

When a neonatal kitten comes in without a mother, it’s up to human caregivers to step in to provide care for these little ones.

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the on-call neonatal kitten foster program:

Q: What do neonatal foster volunteers need to do?

A: We’re looking for foster families who are available on-call to take in one to three kittens at a time for a minimum of 4-5 weeks, with some flexibility on an emergency basis.  Prior experience preferred, but not necessary.

You need to be able to stay with the kitten(s) for a significant part of the day and dedicate bottle-feeding time every 2-4 hours.

Q: Will I get training?

A: Yes, absolutely!  We will provide you with:

  • Foster care orientation
  • Neonatal kitten bottle feeding training
  • A bottle and KMR (Kitten Milk Replacement) formula starter kit

We also provide emergency contacts, so you have access to support 24-hours a day when you are fostering kittens in your home.

Q: Where will I need to go to pick up kittens?

A: We are looking for foster volunteers who live close to our Boston shelter located at 10 Chandler Street, Boston, MA, and our Dedham shelter located at 55 Anna’s Place, Dedham, MA.  Because kittens frequently come in at the end of the day, we need volunteers who live in close proximity who can quickly and easily come pick them up.

Q. How do I apply to become a neonatal kitten foster volunteer?

A. Click here to fill out a foster volunteer application

For more information about the ARL’s Neonatal Kitten Foster Program, contact:

CCurran@arlboston.org at our Boston Shelter

BFinn@arlboston.org at our Dedham Shelter

Though caring for neonatal kittens requires time and patience, helping a fragile newborn become a healthy adoptable kitten is an extremely rewarding experience!

Additional fostering opportunities

We’re also looking for foster families to care for:

  • Cats with medical conditions
  • Cats with behavioral challenges, such as litter box training and fearfulness.
  • Dogs with behavioral challenges, such as anxiety and fearfulness.

Training is always provided!


April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Awareness Month

Animal cruelty comes in many forms, including physical abuse, neglect of basic care, abandonment, dog fighting, and animal hoarding. Because many studies have demonstrated a strong link between cruelty to animals and other forms of domestic and community violence, prevention plays a critical role in improving the safety and welfare of both animals and people in Massachusetts.

Know your state’s animal cruelty laws

In 2014, the ARL’s Center for Animal Protection assisted in over 300 animal law enforcement cases. Unfortunately, this is a small number when you consider the startling statistic that 4 out of 5 animal cruelty cases go unreported.

We all have a role to play in prevention. Be aware and get to know the animals in your neighborhood. If you suspect animal cruelty, call your local authorities right away.  Help raise awareness and educate others about this issue.

Learn the 7 most common warning signs of animal cruelty and take action!

While most of us recognize that punching, kicking, burning, choking, or hitting an animal with an object are acts of animal cruelty, there are also several more subtle warning signs of animal cruelty to watch for that could indicate mistreatment, neglect, or abuse:

  1. Howling or barking for a sustained period of time or hearing an animal cry in pain with higher pitched, more persistent vocal sounds than usual.
  2. Singed, matted, chronically or excessively dirty hair or fur.
  3. Wounds, unusual scars, hair loss, frequent limping often on different legs, or signs of improper nutrition such as weight loss or prominent visible ribs.
  4. Animals kept caged or tied with little room to move for long periods of time or without regular interaction with people
  5. Lack of protection from the weather or fece- or debris-strewn living areas for animals.
  6. Collars, leashes, or halters so tight they visibly dig into the animal’s face or neck.
  7. A large number of animals coming or going from a property.

If you know of or suspect animal cruelty, report concerns to your local authorities. Click here to learn more about how you can prevent animal cruelty.