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There Is Still Time to Make a Difference for Animals This Year

The past twelve months have been challenging, however, you have shown that there is compassion and kindness in this world – thank you.

With your support, we adapted our programs to do everything we could to keep more pets with their families and help the animals who came through our doors.

Because of you, the following was made possible:

The road ahead is uncertain, but we know the pandemic will have a significant lasting effect on animals in need and the people who love them.

For all of us, and especially for animals in need, this has been a trying time. The pandemic has made our work much more difficult.

We launched two new programs, Keep Pets S.A.F.E. (Supporting Animals and Families Everyday) and Temporary Pet Housing, aimed at keeping pets with their families during this crisis.

To meet the increased demand for affordable care, we expanded our service area for our mobile clinics, the Wellness Waggin’ and Spay Waggin’, to improve access to care, decreasing barriers for pet owners in underserved communities – areas that are disproportionally affected by COVID-19.

These new programs, coupled with the increased demand for our programs means the need is greater than ever.

Today, you have the chance to help us meet the needs of animals and the people who love them. Your generous year-end gift will ensure that animals in need can get the care they count on including, food, sanctuary, medical care, love, and emergency rescue if they are in danger.

We hope we can count on your support by making a gift today, as we continue to work to keep pets in homes and out of shelters.

Yes I want to help animals in need

More than 35% of ARL’s funding arrives in December – now is a critical time to give to ensure we are ready to help animals and the people who love them today and in the new year.

symbolic gifts

Thank you for being there for animals during these unprecedented and challenging times.We wish for you a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!

 

Prefer to give by check? Please have your envelope postmarked by 12/31/2020 and mail to: Animal Rescue League of Boston ATTN: Development, 10 Anna’s Place, Dedham, MA 02026

Need assistance or prefer to give by phone?  Please call us Monday through Friday at (617) 426-9170 x603

Gifts of Stock not only help animals in need, they may also provide tax benefits including avoiding capital gains tax. To donate stock or other appreciated securities, contact Jackie Smith.

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), also known as IRA charitable rollovers, allow individuals who are 70½ years or older to donate to qualified charities like ARL. QCDs may help offset an individual’s required minimum distribution, which could have tax benefits. To donate by QCD, please contact your IRA custodian.

If you have a Donor-Advised Fund, you can make a grant recommendation to support ARL. 

5 Thanksgiving Foods Your Dog Should Avoid

Keep your pup joyful and healthy this holiday with these helpful tips

Thanksgiving is a time to savor delicious food, enjoy the company of our family and friends, and to show gratitude for all that we are thankful for in our lives.

While it’s wonderful to include your pets in your holiday traditions, it’s important to remember that our furry companions cannot indulge in the same feasts that we prepare for ourselves. Some of the common Thanksgiving foods that fill our plate can actually be very dangerous for your pet to ingest.

Here are the 5 Thanksgiving foods that your dog should avoid:

    1. Turkey bones are small and can become lodged in your dog’s throat, stomach, or intestinal tract. They may also splinter and cause severe damage to the stomach or puncture the small intestine.
    2. Fat trimmings and fatty foods like turkey skin and gravy are difficult for dogs to digest. In fact, consuming turkey skin can result in pancreatitis. Symptoms for this serious disease can include vomiting, extreme depression, reluctance to move, and abdominal pain.
    3. Dough and cake batter contain raw eggs, so the first concern for people and pets is salmonella bacteria. What’s more, dough may actually rise in your dog’s belly, which can lead to vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and bloating.
    4. Nutmeg is commonly found throughout the holiday season in baked goods and beverages. This spice is not safe for your pup and can cause seizures, tremors, and vomiting.
    5. Raisins and grapes, although the causes of their toxicity are unknown, can cause kidney failure in dogs.

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. 

Halloween Pet Safety Tips for a Safe Holiday

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) and Boston Veterinary Care (BVC) share important tips to keep your pets safe and happy this Halloween season.

Boston Terrier in Halloween costume

Tip: If it’s your pet’s first time wearing a costume this Halloween, spend a few days before the big holiday getting them acclimated to wearing it. Keep in mind, some pets are just not fans of wearing costumes and would much rather wear a festive collar or bandanna instead.

With the month of October almost half over, Halloween 2021 is right around the corner! You may be a fan of the spookiest time of year, but for your pet, this haunting holiday can be truly scary.

Not to worry though, enjoying the festivities and keeping your pets safe is easier than you think – Follow these 3 tips to ensure your pet has a safe Halloween this season:

1. Keep your pets inside. The Halloween season often brings out tricksters who might taunt or harm an animal left outdoors. It’s always a good idea to keep pets inside with proper, up-to-date identification. If your pet must be outdoors, be sure to keep them leashed and an eye on them at all times.

2. Stash the sweet treats. Chocolate, especially darker chocolates, are highly toxic to cats and dogs. Additionally, many candies and gums contain Xylitol. This sugarless sweetener is highly toxic to pets. Always keep chocolate and candies out of your pet’s reach.

3. Be careful with costumes. If you decide to dress your pet up for this festive holiday, costume safety is key. Keep these costume safety tips in mind:

  • Always supervise your pet while they’re wearing a costume.
  • Make sure your pet’s costume fits properly and does not restrict their movement.
  • Be cautious of loose or dangling pieces that pets could potentially choke on.
  • Ditch the masks or other accessories that could potentially make it difficult for your pet to breath or obstruct their vision.

No plans for Halloween? Spend the day getting to know some of our adoptable animals.

 

What’s Happening on Beacon Hill

With the legislature returning from August recess, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Advocacy Department continues to focus on ensuring animal’s voices are being heard on Beacon Hill.

Nero’s Law Advances 

Nero’s Law, filed after the tragic death of Sgt. Sean Gannon and injury of his K-9 partner Nero in 2018, would insure that police dogs have access to immediate care and transport in the event of life-threatening injury.

S.1606, sponsored by Senator Mark Montigny, and H.2547 sponsored by Representative Steven Xiarhos, have moved forward in the legislative process. At the hearing back in July, ARL’s Director of Law Enforcement, Joe King, testified in support of this law. A former K9 handler with the State Police, King underscored the importance of the bond between an officer and these dogs. Thanks to the overwhelming support of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, these bill received a favorable report from the committee.

Hearing on Kennel Regulations

ARL testified in support of H.2148 and S.1322, An Act protecting the health and safety of puppies and kittens in cities and towns, sponsored by Representative Linda Dean Campbell and Senator Harriette Chandler. These bills would protect animals across Massachusetts by preventing the sale of puppies and kittens under 8 weeks, prohibiting roadside sales, creating regulation for commercial boarding and training kennels, and updating kennel laws.

Currently, the only statewide standards for a kennel are that they be sanitary and humane. Looking for more information about what to look for when you board your pet? Check out our Board Safely™ campaign, which encourages pet owners to do their own research before leaving their pet in the care of a boarding kennel or daycare facility.

Hearing on Housing and Breed Concerns

Many of the animals surrendered to ARL’s shelters are surrendered due to housing issues. This session, ARL worked with Representative David Rogers and Senator Anne Gobi to file H.1437 and S.885, An Act to maintain stable housing for families with pets in an economic crisis and beyond.

ARL testified in support of legislation that would prohibit insurance companies from refusing to cover, canceling, or charging more for homeowners or renters insurance based on the breed, size, weight, or physical appearance of a dog. Data shows that breed is not a reliable indicator of dog bites, and further, that visual identification is often inaccurate in determining breed.  

Included in the bill this session were some new provisions to help keep families and pets together during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Although the State of Emergency has ended, ARL will continue to advocate for protections in housing.

Have questions on ARL’s advocacy efforts or want to get involved? Please email advocacy@arlboston.org

September is Champions Circle Month!

And we’re celebrating our Champions all month long.

ARL’s Champions Circle members provide reliable support in the form of monthly gifts. With their recurring contributions, members give animals the critical support they need now, and dependable support that ARL can count on, ALL YEAR LONG.

As we continue to navigate the pandemic, this type of support is vital and we are so grateful.


To our current Champions Circle members,

Thank you!

Click here to see a list of our members

Not yet a member? Now is the perfect time to join the over 840 compassionate people who are already a part of this amazing group!

 

While it is difficult to predict the ongoing impact of this pandemic, one thing remains constant – animals in Massachusetts are still in need. 

And when disaster strikes, Champions Circle members are there to answer the call for help.

Champions Circle members provide the unwavering support that sustains life-saving measures and second chances for animals all year long.

By becoming a Champions Circle member today, you are ensuring that animals in need will the care they deserve, even during difficult times.


Will you help us reach our goal of 50 new members?

I WANT TO JOIN!

Why does monthly giving matter?

 

    • The effects of the pandemic continue to reverberate throughout our community. Pets and the people who love them are still in need, and your support is critical to helping them.
    • 60% of ARL’s funding comes in during the last quarter of the year- and most of it during the last 2 weeks in December – yet animals need help every day. Monthly support from Champions Circle donors provides animals with care and assistance when they need it most.
    • Monthly giving is a convenient, affordable, and efficient way to make a difference in the lives of animals in our community.
    • Spreading out your donation in smaller increments throughout the year makes your giving budget work harder and creates an even bigger impact for animals.

Join by September 30 and receive an exclusive 2022 wall calendar!

Each September, we send members an exclusive wall calendar featuring some of the many success stories that their monthly support made possible.

 And, when you join the Champions Circle before the end of the month, we will send one to you so you can look forward to 2022 with uplifting adoption stories and joyful photos!


JOIN TODAY AND GET YOUR CALENDAR!

The calendar is a special gift that portrays the incredible impact of this community of dedicated supporters. It’s a small token of our appreciation for their unwavering support of animals in need.

 

In addition to the calendar, you can expect:

Champions circle gifts

What your monthly gifts mean for animals in need:

Champions Circle symbolic gifts

Don’t miss your chance to get your calendar by signing up for monthly giving before midnight on Thursday, September 30, 2021!

It’s easy to join…

  • Use our secure online form by clicking here
  • Call Derek at (617) 426-9170 x162 to set up your monthly gift over the phone
It’s Kitten Season!

The warm weather of the spring and summer seasons are a critical time for outdoor and community cats and kittens.

 “Kitten season” is in full swing and we have seen a significant increase in the number of kittens in need of life-saving care.

 These tiny creatures are born outside and at the mercy of the elements. They are at risk of injury, disease, or worse. Left without someone to care for them, they are in serious danger.

three kittens together

You can help them!

Join us for this year’s Kitten Shower, as we bring awareness of the reality of kitten season and rally support to help these fragile babies.

This is your chance to help kittens get the chance they deserve at a safe and healthy life in a home.

 Here’s how:

    1. Make a gift today to provide kittens and cats with the care they need– Gifts of $100 or more will be recognized on the Kitten Kuddler Wall of Honor
    2. Send critically-needed supplies from our Kitten Shower Registry directly to those in need
    1. Help spread the word by participating in our Cutest Kitten (or Cat) Photo Contest – submit a photo of your feline by:

Your support can mean the difference between a challenging life outdoors and a happy, secure home for these vulnerable animals.  

Have you found kittens outside and don’t know what to do?

Call ARL right away by dialing (617) 426-9170, then press “1” and “1” again. Click here to read more and download our flyer

P.S. Though things are re-opening and life may feel more normal, the pandemic continues to have a significant impact on the welfare of companion animals. Just one effect of COVID-19 was the delay or prevention of routine care like spay and neuter surgeries. As a result, the number of stray or unowned cats could rapidly increase, putting more animals at risk. Please consider a gift to help these vulnerable animals today.

ARL’s Spay Waggin’ Hosted at Zoo New England’s Franklin Park Zoo

Inaugural visit coincided with World Spay Day

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) launched its newest Spay Waggin’ location this week at the iconic Franklin Park Zoo, to serve residents in surrounding communities seeking low-cost, high-quality spay and neuter services for their dogs or cats.

The kickoff also coincided with World Spay Day, an international day of action promoting spay and neuter.

Twenty six pets received the important surgery, and ARL and Zoo New England were also joined by the Massachusetts Animal Fund and members of the media to mark the occasion.

“We are excited for the opportunity to offer a second Spay Waggin’ stop in the City of Boston,” said Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL President and CEO. “Zoo New England has been incredibly supportive of this initiative, and it will allow ARL to serve even more animals in the Greater Boston area.”

“We are happy to partner with the Animal Rescue League to bring this important service to residents who live near Franklin Park Zoo,” said John Linehan, Zoo New England President and CEO. “We care deeply about the health and well-being of animals, and we hope that this opportunity provides ease to residents in caring for their pets.”

The Spay Waggin’ will return to the Franklin Park Zoo on a monthly basis and will be parked near the Zebra entrance at the Zoo.

To make an appointment, visit arlboston.org/spay-waggin or call 1-877-590-SPAY (7729).

About the Spay Waggin’

ARL’s Spay Waggin’ is a state-of-the-art mobile spay/neuter clinic that has provided the service for more than 65,000 animals since first hitting the road in 2000.

While the Spay Waggin’ has primarily served the South Shore, South Coast and Cape Cod communities, in 2020 the Spay Waggin’ returned to the city with a stop in East Boston, and the new Franklin Park Zoo stop will further broaden the reach to Metro Boston residents.

The Benefits of Spay/Neuter

There are numerous reasons to spay/neuter your pet, including:

    • Curb pet overpopulation and make your pet healthier
    • Reduce the number of homeless pets euthanized – In the U.S., an estimated 6-8 million homeless animals enter animal shelters every year
    • Spayed or neutered dogs and cats on average have a longer lifespan than intact animals
    • Increased longevity of altered pets involves the reduced risk of certain type of cancers including uterine cancer and cancers of reproductive tract
    • Spaying females prior to their first heat cycle has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer, uterine infections, and uterine cancer
    • Reduce unruly behavior

Are you looking for high-quality, low-cost pet wellness care? Check out ARL’s Wellness Waggin’. 

Looking to Lend a Paw?

Your gift today, in any amount, can help support efforts to spay/neuter animals.

Spay and neuter symbolic gifts

Spread the Love—Join the ARL’s Champions Circle

During the month of February, as many celebrate love and affection, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is Spreading the Love to highlight the love we share for our furry and feathered friends!

Animals give us so much. They provide comfort, happiness, and, of course, love. And animals have been a huge support for so many during these difficult months.

Here are 3 way to join us and Spread the Love:

1. Express your love for animals by making a gift 

2. Make a gift in honor of a love one and send a special Valentine’s Day message with an eCard or a mailed card

3. Become a Champions Circle member and help animals in need all year long

ARL’s Champions Circle is a special group of 800+ dedicated individuals who provide support in the form of recurring (usually monthly) donors. Their generosity provides the critical support to keep animals safe and healthy all year long.

Monthly giving matters

Champions Circle 2021 Symbolic Gifts

Monthly giving is a convenient, affordable, and efficient way for you to make a difference in the lives of animals in our community.

    • 60% of ARL’s funding arrives during the last quarter of the calendar year, yet animals need help every day.
    • Spreading out your donation through the year makes your giving budget work harder to create an even bigger impact for animals.
    • Monthly support from Champions Circle members allows ARL to plan for the future, as well as respond to animals when they need it most.

Champions Circle members’ on-going generosity provides much needed support for animals in need, including:

    • Emergency rescue, anti-cruelty efforts, and advocacy to protect them.
    • High-quality, veterinary care to keep them healthy.
    • Shelter and adoption services to find them loving homes.
    • Community-based services to keep pets with the people who love them.

If you’re interested in joining this dedicated group, here’s how:

Use our secure online form or call Derek at (617) 226-5662 to set up your gift over the phone.

Thank you for being a Champion for animals in need, and thank you for Spreading the Love!

If you would prefer to make your monthly gift by check, please contact Derek at (617) 226-5662 or click here to send an email request

Tis the Season for fun contests!

Help spread cheer this season by participating or voting!

Ugly Sweater Contest

Did you know that the third Friday in December marks National Ugly Sweater Day? What better reason to break out your ugliest holiday sweater and pose with your pets!

All you need to do to enter is to submit a photo of yourself in your most festive sweater with your favorite animal friend OR a photo of your pet in holiday attire or accessories. Photos can be sent to marketing@arlboston.org or tag us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Contest opens: Wednesday, December 9

Deadline to submit your photo: Wednesday, December 16 at Midnight

Voting: Begins at 9AM on Friday, December 18, National Ugly Sweater Day!

    • Four finalists will be selected by ARL and votes will be cast on social media.
    • Each entry will be assigned a number. To vote, comment on the social posts with the number of your favorite finalist. Please, just one vote per person, but you can ask your friends and family to vote!
    • The winner will be announced at 5pm on Friday, December 18.
    • The winner will receive ARL Swag and bragging rights!

Coloring Contest

Show off your creativity and coloring skills in this contest that is suitable for all ages!


Download our printable coloring sheet by clicking here.

 

barn coloring page

We’re asking contestants to show us how you would decorate our Dedham Barn for the Winter Holidays.  Make it as festive as you like, but don’t forget to add animals!

We have many adoptable livestock animals that would make the scene look perfect.

ARL Barn animals

All you need to do to enter is to submit your completed coloring page by emailing marketing@arlboston.orgor tagging us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Contest opens: Wednesday, December 9

Deadline to submit your coloring page: Tuesday, December 22 at Midnight

Voting: Begins at 9AM on Monday, December 28

    • Finalists will be selected by ARL and votes will be cast on social media.
    • Each entry will be assigned a number. To vote, comment on the social posts with the number of your favorite finalist.
      Please, just one vote per person, but you can ask your friends and family to vote!
    • The winner will be announced at 5pm on December 28.
    • The winner will receive ARL Swag and bragging rights!

 

Giving Tuesday 2020

December 1st is #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving back to the causes closest to our hearts.

To celebrate this day of giving, ARL’s Board of Directors, past Board members, Leadership Council, and President & CEO have come together with unique challenge: raise $155,000 between now and 12/1 and they will match it!

This year of extraordinary need calls for extraordinary measures, and this our largest match ever!

COVID-19 has created challenges and strained ARL’s limited resources. During this difficult year full of uncertainty, animals and the people who love them need you now more than they ever have before.

Gifts made before midnight on 12/1 will be DOUBLED, dollar for dollar, up to $155,000, to provide food, sanctuary, medical, love, and emergency care to animals in need.

This is your chance to DOUBLE your impact, and provide hope, comfort, and stability to an animal in need during a tumultuous time.

 There are THREE ways to have TWICE the impact:

1 icon

Make your gift today

2 icon

Set up your own Facebook Fundraiser

3 icon

Share this post with your fellow animal lovers

symbolic gifts


THANK YOU to our generous match donors for this incredible challenge:

Barbara Burg & Priscilla Golding

David Cawley & Lisa Buesking

Lisa A. Clifton

Randi Cohen & Al Ossorio

Richard Davey & Jane Willis

Craig Davis & Steve Vondran

Sadhana & Frederick Downs

Quentin P. Faulkner

Grace & Ted Fey

Ellen & Gilbert Forest

Judith F. Gregg

Jeffrey A. Kaplan

Richard Kelly &
Carol Akerson

Dr. Holly L. Kelsey

Walter & Elizabeth Kenyon

Cynthia &
William Kettyle

Constance &
Peter Lacaillade

Lee Ann & Michael Leahy

Roderick & Barbara MacDonald

Jeffrey & Jane Marshall

Malcolm McDonald &
Susan Passoni

Kelly & Brian McKernan

Christina & Daniel Nagler

Mary Nee & James Chapin

Tara & Christophe Oliver

Alisa M. Plazonja

Christopher B. Primiano

Heather & Park Ridill

José Rodriguez-Villalobos &
Christopher Lapan

Sydney Rosen and The Mike and
Toni Rosen Family Fund

Dr. Edward Schettino

Dr. Stephen Spiegelberg &
Denise Saltojanes

Laura Tomasetti &
David Beardsley

Donations of $100 or more will be included on ARL’s #GivingTuesday Wall of Honor on arlboston.org