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Supporter Spotlight: Mary Jane Treacy & Connie Chan

For Connie and Mary Jane, a shared love of animals has been a constant throughout their lives. After years as professors in Boston—Connie in clinical psychology and Mary Jane in the humanities—they retired to Cape Cod, where they embraced a new chapter filled with four-legged family members and a commitment to animal welfare.

Their journey with ARL began years ago at our Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center when they added a cat named Gigi to their family. They then became clients at Boston Veterinary Care for Gigi and the rest of their felines.

When Connie and Mary Jane moved to the Cape, they decided to adopt a dog from the Brewster Animal Care & Adoption Center. This led to a life-changing decision to adopt Keiki, a terrified puppy who came to ARL on a recent transport. Though they initially envisioned an easygoing dog, fate had other plans. When Connie and Mary Jane arrived at the shelter, they discovered a frightened black puppy, hiding under her bed in fear. Something told them that despite her special needs, she was the one.

Her transformation was slow but profound. Initially, Keiki was so timid, she would only eat in her crate. But with patience and love, she blossomed into a cherished companion. Despite challenges, including a broken finger for Mary Jane after an incident with a twisted leash, Keiki has been part of their family for over a decade. Her name, which means “child” in Hawaiian, reflects their deep love for her.

A year after Keiki’s adoption, another furry friend entered their lives. Connie happened to see a
puppy named Leilani at another rescue. Though she initially resisted the idea of another dog, Connie soon found herself calling Mary Jane to set up a meeting. Leilani and Keiki bonded instantly, and today, they are inseparable companions.

Connie, who grew up in Hawaii, has loved animals since childhood and would show kindness to every stray she met. Mary Jane grew up with many beloved family cats. Today, they extend that compassionby creating pollinator-friendly gardens in their yard, advocating for wildlife, and of course, supporting ARL.

They are passionate about helping more challenging pets, like Keiki, find the loving homes they deserve. They also recognize the importance of ARL’s wide-ranging services, spay and neuter programs like the Spay Waggin’, and support for a variety of animals, not just dogs and cats. On the Cape, where resources for animal welfare can be limited, ARL plays a crucial role in ensuring that animals in need receive the care and attention they deserve.

Looking ahead, they hope their support will help more animals like Keiki heal and find loving homes. Grateful for the network that brought Keiki into their lives, they wish for others to experience the same joy and life-changing connection that pet adoption has brought them. For Connie and Mary Jane, animal welfare is not just a worthy cause—it’s a lifelong commitment. Through their generosity, they continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals, the families who adopt them, and the community.

5 Thanksgiving Foods Your Dog Should Avoid

Keep your pup happy and healthy this holiday season

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, good food, and great company – including our pets! While it’s tempting to slip your dog a little taste from your plate, some holiday favorites can actually cause serious harm.

Before your pup partakes in Thanksgiving the feast, here are five foods to keep off their menu:

    1. Turkey Bones
      They might seem like a classic treat, but turkey bones can easily splinter and get lodged in your dog’s throat or digestive tract. This can lead to choking, internal injuries, or even surgery. So skip the bones and opt for a dog-safe chew instead.
    2. Fat Trimmings
      Rich, fatty foods are tough for dogs to digest and can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition. Watch for signs like vomiting, abdominal pain, or lethargy, and keep the greasy leftovers far from your pup’s bowl.
    3. Raw Dough and Cake Batter
      Unbaked dough can potentially rise inside your dog’s stomach, causing bloating and severe discomfort. And if the batter contains raw eggs, there’s also a risk of salmonella. Let your pup “help” in the kitchen by supervising, not taste-testing.
    4. Nutmeg
      This seasonal spice adds warmth to pies and lattes, but it’s toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause tremors, seizures, and vomiting. When baking, keep spiced treats safely out of reach.
    5. Raisins and Grapes
      Even tiny amounts of raisins or grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs. Since the reason for their toxicity is still unknown, it’s safest to steer clear altogether.

There are safer ways to include your dog in the celebration!

The best way for your pet to partake in the holiday cheer? Stick with traditional treats that are safe for dogs and cats! Food puzzles and interactive toys like a Kong filled with plain yogurt, peanut butter and 100% real pumpkin are a great way to keep your canine entertained and feeling satisfied all holiday long.

Bonus tip: Keep your vet’s emergency number handy. Should your pet become ill, contact your pet’s veterinarian or the local animal hospital’s number! A quick call to either of them can give you life-saving advice or even help you avoid a trip to the ER. 

A Paws-itive Partnership: ARL and Copeland Subaru Find Homes for Dogs

The “Bark & Bagels” adoption event, part of the nationwide Subaru Loves Pets® month, successfully connected local families with adoptable dogs in Hyannis

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) received support for local shelter animals through grant funding from Copeland Subaru Hyannis and an adoption event held on Saturday, October 18 which helped two dogs, Penne and Barney, find new homes in the community. The effort was part of Subaru Loves Pets®, a national Subaru initiative to support the lives of as many shelter animals as possible. ARL brought five dogs to the event and two were adopted. Barney was at ARL for 4 weeks and was the Brewster location’s longest shelter resident.

A black and brown dog sitting outside next to two people.

Barney with his new family!

“Pets make all of our lives better and Copeland Subaru is happy to do our small part in helping to find good homes for our furry friends. We appreciate our growing partnership with Animal Rescue League and look forward to growing this into a year-round event,” said Bryan Scarpellini, Managing Partner of Copeland Subaru Hyannis.

ARL organized the pet event, in collaboration with Copeland Subaru Hyannis, to raise awareness for Cape Cod pets in need. During the month of October, Copeland Subaru Hyannis and over 630 Subaru retailers nationwide worked with the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) to provide grants to local partner shelters resulting in over $3 million in donations.*

ARL staff posing outside next to a table with ARL materials

ARL staff outside of Copeland Subaru Hyannis

Subaru is proud to have donated over $70 million since 2008 to national and local organizations that help in the adoption, rescue, transport, and health of over 700,000 animals and pets. In addition to hosting the pet adoption event, Copeland Subaru Hyannis helped celebrate the seventh annual National Make A Dog’s Day by encouraging the local community to do something special for the dogs in their lives, adopt a shelter dog, or volunteer at an animal shelter and share the experience on social media using the hashtag #MakeADogsDay.

More information about Subaru Loves Pets.

*Subaru retailers provided grants based on previously selected tier to local shelter before October so it could be used throughout the month.

Supporter Spotlight: Kira Weaver

With an infectious personality and an unwavering commitment to helping animals, Kira has opened her home to 28 fosters so far—17 dogs and 11 cats—since moving to Boston three years ago.

Her love for animals is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Originally from California, Kira grew up in a home that always had three or four dogs at a time, along with a variety of other pets including tortoises, hamsters, geckos, and even a snake! She credits her parents for helping to shape her values and instill the love and compassion for animals she has today.

One of the most defining experiences came from Diesel, her family’s dog who suffered a slipped disc at age two. His condition required extra patience and care, which she and her family provided wholeheartedly until his passing at the age of five. This opened her eyes to just how much animals need us, and how much we need them. His impact was so profound that she bears a tattoo in his honor, forever reminding her of the lessons of patience, compassion, and empathy she learned from him.

A small gray and white dog in a wheelchair outside in the grass.

Diesel

Kira wanted to help more people experience that special bond, and though she was not ready to commit to adopting, she thought fostering would be the perfect way to experience the joy of animals, while helping others. So, on a flight home from a trip, and after a quick Google search, she found ARL and applied to be a foster.

Just two weeks after moving into a new apartment, she welcomed in her first foster – a tiny kitten named Gus who had ringworm, a foster experience that would make many hesitate. Kira didn’t grow up with cats, but she embraced the opportunity as a learning experience, allowing her to care for more cats and kittens in the future.

From tiny kittens to big-headed bully breeds, she embraces every foster opportunity with the same level of love and enthusiasm. She says even in moments of chaos with a litter of kittens or a rambunctious puppy, she is able to reflect on her experience with Diesel, which instilled the patience and compassion necessary to work through any experience fostering throws at her.

Kira cites the incredible community that supports both the animals and volunteers as one of her favorite parts of working with ARL. But her passion for animal welfare extends beyond providing temporary homes. She deeply values the work that ARL does, emphasizing not only adoption services but the additional resources ARL provides, such as dog training, advocacy work, and programs like the Spay Waggin’® and Wellness Waggin’® that provide accessible veterinary care to those in need.

Kira’s story is one of selflessness, energy, and an unshakable belief in the power of rescue. Whether it’s taking in a sick kitten, helping a shy dog find their confidence, or simply spreading awareness about the importance of fostering, she pours her heart into everything she does. Her dedication serves as an inspiration to others, proving that even temporary care can have a lifelong impact on an animal’s future.

Learn more about fostering at the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

ARL Welcomes New Chief Financial & Operating Officer

We’re excited to have Vikram Mathur join ARL’s leadership team

Vikram brings 20 years of experience in corporate finance and business strategy across diverse industries, including hospitality, insurance, and e-commerce. Throughout his career, he has led initiatives in financial planning, operational efficiency, and strategic growth, raising and managing millions in revenue and funding.

Guided by a long-standing personal commitment to animal welfare, Vikram pursued a Master of Science in Animals & Public Policy at Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, where he focused on the intersection of human-animal relationships, policy, and community impact. He also completed his capstone externship with ARL, gaining first-hand insight into the organization’s programs, advocacy, and operations.

“I feel extremely fortunate to be able to use my skillset for an organization whose mission is to help animals and the people who love them,” said Mathur. He looks forward to making sure ARL’s financial operations support the ever-evolving needs of ARL and plans to strengthen systems to ensure ARL’s innovative programs are efficient and cost-effective.

Welcome to ARL, Vikram!

How to Prepare Your Pet for Spooky Season

In Massachusetts, Halloween means busy city streets filled with trick-or-treaters, neighborhood block parties, and plenty of creative costumes. While it’s a fun and spirited time for people, the holiday can be overwhelming—or even dangerous—for pets. With a little planning, you can help your four-legged family members stay safe and comfortable while you enjoy the festivities.

4 Tips to Protect Your Pets This Halloween:

  1. Keep candy and chocolate out of reach. The bowl of candy that we make easily accessible for tiny trick-or-treaters is also at paws-length for our pets. Even small amounts of chocolate, xylitol (found in sugar-free candy), and caffeine is toxic to dogs and cats and can cause seizures, liver failure, and even death. If you suspect your pet has eaten something dangerous, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away.
  2. Be careful with decorations. If your goal is to create the perfect spooky ambiance for all the Halloween festivities, keep in mind that many decorations are not pet-friendly. Faux spider webs, glow sticks, and plastic toys can be harmful if swallowed. Lit candles or jack-o-lanterns can be knocked over by curious pets, leading to burns or even fires.
  3. Create a calm space. The doorbell constantly ringing, a flurry of strangers in costumes, and loud noises can overwhelm pets- especially those who are typically skittish or anxious. Set you cat or dog up in a quiet room with their favorite toys and a TV or white noise to help ease their stress.
  4. Check your pet’s ID. With doors opening and closing all night, there’s a risk of pets slipping outside. Make sure their ID tags and microchip information are up to date so you can be reunited quickly if they get lost.

Halloween can be a wonderful holiday for the whole family—but for pets, it comes with hidden risks. By keeping treats out of reach, decorating with care, reducing stress, checking IDs, and being mindful about costumes, you can ensure your pets stay safe and comfortable. With just a few simple precautions, the holiday can be fun, festive, and worry-free for everyone.

Carve Out Some Fun This Halloween!

Download our free pumpkin carving templates featuring cute animal designs.

ARL Featured in Hill’s Pet Nutrition 2025 State of the Shelter Pet Adoption Report

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is proud to be featured in Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s newly released 2025 State of the Shelter Pet Adoption Report!

Hill’s surveyed a socioeconomically diverse group of 2,500 current and prospective pet owners to better understand the growing challenges in animal welfare—namely, the increase in shelter pets and the decline in pet adoption rates.

The report also spotlights insights from ARL President & CEO, Dr. Edward Schettino, underscoring the importance of addressing adoption barriers that individuals in our community face every day. By identifying these challenges, the data helps us better understand what pet parents need to make adoption more accessible, equitable, and sustainable.

 

At ARL, this knowledge is essential. It allows us to strengthen our programs, improve the adoption experience, and, most importantly, provide even greater support to both our communities and the animals in our care.

We’re grateful to partner with Hill’s Pet Nutrition in this vital work, and we encourage you to explore the full report here: Hill’s Pet Nutrition – State of the Shelter Pet Adoption Report.

Check Your Car Hood—Kittens May Be Hiding Inside

Two Kittens Found in Car Engines in Taunton and Brockton Now in ARL’s Care

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is the only large animal welfare organization in Massachusetts with a dedicated Community Cats program to address the health and safety of the population of more than 700,000 feral, semi-feral, and outdoor cats throughout the state.

Meet Sparky

In Taunton, a six-week-old kitten was heard meowing from under the hood of a parked car. Two sisters, Myah and her sibling, followed the sound and found the tiny kitten nestled inside the engine compartment.

“We were getting into our car and heard a meow,” recalls Myah. “We looked under the cars but didn’t see anything. Then I told my sister we have to look under the hood and, sure enough, when I opened it, we saw her hiding!”

The kitten, now named Sparky, weighed just 1.4 pounds but was otherwise healthy. She is currently in foster care, where she’ll stay until she reaches a healthy weight, is spayed, and ready for adoption. Best of all—Sparky already has a home lined up with her rescuer.

Sparky

 

Meet Pisces

Sparky isn’t alone. In Brockton, a five-month-old male kitten was also found hiding in a car engine. Named Pisces, he arrived at ARL’s Dedham Animal Care & Adoption Center with a burn on his hind leg, singed whiskers, and signs of an older injury. At 5.8 pounds, Pisces is undergoing wound care and will be neutered before becoming available for adoption in the coming weeks.

A black and white kitten sitting in a cat kennel with a burn above on of its legs.

Pisces

Why Cats Hide in Car Engines

While unusual, cases like Sparky’s and Pisces’ are not uncommon. Kittens and community cats often seek warmth and shelter inside car engines, especially in wet or cold weather. Sadly, this can lead to injuries . To help prevent these accidents, ARL encourages everyone to tap the hood of your car and do a quick visual check before starting the engine—especially during colder months.

Lend a Paw to Cats in Need

Because there is no government funding for this important rescue work, animals must rely on individuals to get the care they need, when they need it most, 365 days a year. Donate now to help Sparky and Pisces, and other vulnerable community kittens.

New England Patriots Visit ARL

Building on the Patriots’ Mission to Help Pets Find Homes

Dr. Dana Kraft and the New England Patriots Foundation visited the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Dedham Animal Care & Adoption Center for a special volunteer day!

New England Patriots players and Dr. Dana Kraft met and “trained” pups Brandy, Mary, Jack, Whiskey, Hera, and Remi. And they even got to meet our resident pig, Gordy.

Patriots and team outside against a wooden fencing looking into a paddock containing a pig

We’re so thankful to the Kraft family, along with players Brenden Schooler, Andy Borregales, Caedan Wallace, Mike Onwenu, and Bryce Barringer, and the entire New England Patriots Foundation for helping give our animals the love and care they deserve.

Want more puppy love + Patriots smiles? Check out the full image gallery.

Two Patriots players are playing with a puppy outside

About the Patriots Foundation

In 1994, Robert Kraft established the New England Patriots Foundation as a way to give back to the communities the team calls home. Since then, the foundation has focused on supporting individuals and families who are often overlooked or marginalized. Through year-round programs and partnerships with local nonprofits, the foundation continues to strengthen communities and make a lasting impact across New England. Learn more about the Patriots Foundation.

Supporter Spotlight: Jeanne Lesczcynski & Diane DiCarlo

Jeanne and Diane have spent 31 wonderful years together, dividing their time between Massachusetts and the sunny shores of Florida. Their days are filled with activities they love—golf and tennis, gardening, theater, and most of all, giving back to the causes that are closest to their hearts. But there’s one thing that has always been at the center of their lives: their love for animals.

For Diane, animals have always been more than just companions—they’ve been family. As a child, she cared for a variety of animals, including dogs, horses, donkeys, and even sheep. Jeanne shares a similar bond with animals, having grown up with a cherished half-collie, half-sheltie who lived to the remarkable age of 18. Their current rescue dog, Rocco, has been a beloved member of their family for years, and they often joke that he’s the one who truly keeps them on their toes!

Jeanne and Diane’s journey with ARL began when a friend invited them to our Paws to Celebrate event in Dedham. What they witnessed that day—rescued animals finding love and care—left an indelible mark on their hearts. It was at that moment that they knew they wanted to be a part of something bigger, something that would make a lasting difference in the lives of animals and people alike.

Becoming monthly donors was a natural choice. As Jeanne puts it, “it’s the easiest way to give—you don’t have to think about it, and it’s always there when you need it.”

For Jeanne and Diane, their monthly support ensures ARL can continue to provide lifesaving services for animals and their families year-round. They understand the importance of consistent, reliable funding for nonprofits, allowing them to plan and grow their impact. When it comes to choosing where to direct their donations, Jeanne and Diane look for a nonprofit that is transparent and has a tangible local impact.

“We want to see where our money goes and know it’s making a difference,” they explain. This is why they are particularly drawn to ARL’s community programs like the Spay Waggin’® and the Wellness Waggin’®, which bring critical services directly to the communities that need them. “It’s not just about rescuing animals—it’s about keeping families together,” they say, proudly highlighting ARL’s holistic approach to animal welfare.

But Jeanne and Diane’s philanthropy doesn’t stop at animal welfare. Jeanne, a retired microbiologist, is a passionate advocate for environmental preservation. She is a long- time Board Member of the Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown, and a former Board member of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. She has worked to protect Florida’s Mangrove habitats, even purchasing properties to prevent them from being developed. She received Certification as a Florida Master Naturalist this past year. Diane’s philanthropy extends to political and humanitarian causes, including organizations like the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, and the Red Cross.

Jeanne and Diane’s deep commitment to animals, conservation, and social causes makes them not only incredible supporters of ARL but also compassionate change-makers in every corner of their community. Their generosity is a beacon of hope, ensuring that animals and people alike receive the care, protection, and love they deserve.

ARL is deeply grateful for the generosity of Jeanne and Diane and all monthly donors, whose consistent support makes a lasting impact. Their kindness and dedication ensure that animals receive the care, protection, and love they deserve, strengthening the bond between pets and the people who cherish them.

Learn more about monthly giving.