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ARL’s Wellness Waggin’ Visits Senior Pet Owners in Dorchester

ARL partnership with Boston Senior Home Care expands to seven locations

This past week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Welness Waggin’ made a stop at a Dorchester apartment development to provide more than a dozen pet owners with low-cost pet wellness services.

The newest stop expands ARL’s growing list of senior housing developments the organization visits regularly through an ongoing partnership with Boston Senior Home Care.

For many pet owners in Boston, accessibility to services is a major barrier to maintaining overall pet health, however, ARL’s Wellness Waggin’ is just one program that bring services directly to where they’re needed most, to help pet overcome these types of barriers.

Parking outside the Franklin Field Elderly Community Center, more than a dozen pet owners living in the Franklin Field apartments were able to easily take advantage of the low-cost, high-quality services the Wellness Waggin’ provides.

For 10 dollars, pets receive a brief veterinary exam, rabies and distemper vaccines, flea treatment and microchip, if needed.

These services would cost hundreds in a traditional veterinary clinic setting.

This newest stop for the Wellness Waggin’ is part of an ongoing partnership with Boston Senior Home Care, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting older adults, individuals with disabilities, and families throughout Greater Boston, with social services and resources to live safely and independently.

ARL began its partnership with the organization in 2018, and now has seven sites throughout neighborhoods in Boston to provide senior pet owners with basic services and pet supplies.

These wellness events offer a wonderful opportunity for ARL to connect with senior pet owners in Boston, and to provide services that are accessible just steps from their door.

How You Can Help

ARL continues to expand its services to reach more pet owners in need, however we cannot do this work alone.

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.

ARL does not receive any government grants or public funding and relies solely on the donations of individuals like you to keep animals happy and healthy– YOU make our important work possible. 

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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

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LEADER OF THE PACK

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BEST IN SHOW

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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

Severely Injured and Burned Stray Kitten in Care of ARL 

Burned kitten likely injured in vehicle engine compartment

 A three-month-old kitten is in the care of the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), after being found in a Dorchester parking lot with injuries likely due to being inside a vehicle engine compartment.

The kitten sustained a multitude of injuries, including burns, and ARL is asking for the public’s support to help provide her with the care she needs.

Cynthia was found in a grocery store parking lot in Dorchester in late October, with the Good Samaritan finder realizing the kitten was in distress and needed help.

The finder took the kitten home for a few days, but soon realized she needed medical intervention.

Upon arrival at ARL’s Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center, Cynthia received a comprehensive veterinary exam, which revealed abrasions, lacerations, and second-to-third-degree burns on her head, neck and abdomen.

Given the pattern and appearance, it’s likely the kitten suffered thermal burns while hiding in the engine compartment of a vehicle.

Although it will take some time, Cynthia is an amazingly resilient and friendly kitten, and is expected to make a full recovery and live a normal life.

Once the healing process is complete she will made available for adoption, however, at this time there is no timeline on when that may happen.

How You Can Help

Cynthia’s medical care is already in the thousands, and ARL reminds the public that the organization does not receive any government grants or funding, relying on the generosity of like-minded individuals to make a difference in the lives of animals in need.

Please consider donating to the care of Cynthia and animals like her.

Supporter Spotlight: Kim Roderiques

Kim Roderiques is a seemingly never-ending source of enthusiasm, commitment, and compassion!

Kim’s philanthropic journey began at the age of eight with a lemonade stand fundraiser for muscular dystrophy research. This act of kindness would set the stage for a lifetime of selfless giving. Since then, Kim’s selfless nature has only intensified, and she now proudly supports dozens of Cape Cod non-profit organizations.

Kim’s involvement with ARL goes way back. Her family adopted their first dog, Snubby, from ARL’s Brewster location in 1975! Her family ended up adopting a few more dogs from ARL over the course of her childhood, and in 2001, Kim returned to ARL’s Cape Cod location with her husband to adopt their dog, Jack.

Kim notes that she and her husband’s experience adopting Jack was what inspired her to get more involved. Saying that the experience was incredibly beautiful and heartwarming, she notes, “They honestly cared about Jack, and us, and wanted to make sure we were the right match for each other. And all along the way, the staff interacted with each other with such comradery and compassion. I knew I wanted to do something to help this amazing place”.

Starting with her photography skills, she began capturing the essence of ARL’s adoptable animals, swiftly transitioning into a dedicated volunteer photographer for fundraising events.

Her passion soon led her to orchestrate her own initiatives, including photo books and documentaries. And most recently, Dogs in the Province Lands photo book! This lavishly illustrated coffee table book features dogs in the extraordinary location of the Province Lands, Cape Cod. Kim graciously donated her time and talent to ARL free of charge, and all the proceeds from each book sale and photography session were donated to ARL.

This project was no small undertaking. In fact, Kim typically spent 3-4 days per week working until sunset, photographing over 200 dogs over the course of the project, all while working her regular full-time job at her family’s clothing store!

All of this hard work has more than paid off though. Dogs in the Province Lands has raised more than $70,000 and counting for ARL! The book will be available for purchase in Cape Cod bookstores this summer.

Kim’s creativity has always been an incredible asset for her fundraising efforts. She says that creating projects like this allow her to give back to organizations she cares about in ways she is not able to do directly through her own donations.

These projects also allow her to connect with people and animals from all walks of life, and see the common thread that weaves them all together – the love of their dogs. It proves the saying “everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong” to be very true.

Dogs in the Province Lands book cover

Beyond fundraising, Kim’s loving nature shines as she fosters connections between people and animals, celebrating the universal love shared by dog owners.

View a list of local, independent bookstores where the Dogs in the Province Lands photo book is sold.

 

ARL Pups Visit Red Sox and Most Iconic Play Yard in Boston

Boston Red Sox employees enjoy an ARL playdate

This past week, a trio of lucky pups in the care of the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), took a day trip to Fenway Park to brighten the day of more than a dozen employees of the Boston Red Sox.

The event, held in an event space inside Fenway, was part of an employee wellness effort, to give workers a chance to step away from their desks for a little bit and spend some time with dogs and to learn a little more about ARL’s programs, services and mission to help animals in need throughout Boston and Beyond.

These types of employee events are wonderful initiatives, as spending time and petting an animal offers a host of mental health benefits, including reducing stress and improving mood.

ARL thanks the Red sox, and is thrilled to have had the opportunity to further spread the joy that animals provide, and to partner with another iconic Boston institution, although we should point out that being founded in 1899, ARL actually predates the Red Sox, who were established in 1901!

For Vincenzo, October and Sersi, it was a chance to get out into the world, meet new people, and have a little fun!

The pups enjoyed running around the outdoor space, playing and accepting treats, pets and toys from Red Sox employees.

The day ended with the pups getting a glimpse at the diamond from the famed Green Monster seats.

ARL Hosting Fee-Waived Small Animal Adoption Event

Small animals make wonderful companion pets

This weekend, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) will host a fee-waived adoption event for small animals, including guinea pigs, rabbits, mice, and hamsters, at all three of its Animal Care and Adoption Centers.

For those thinking of adding a small animal (or two) to the family, it’s a perfect time to do so!

ARL hosting a fee-waived small animal adoption event this weekend.

The event will run from Friday, November 8, through Sunday, November 10 at ARL’s Boston, Dedham, and Brewster Animal Care and Adoption Centers.

Hours of operation are 1-6 p.m.

Currently, ARL has nearly three dozen small animals available for adoption, with many more in foster care waiting their turn.

The organization has seen a dramatic rise in small animal surrenders in the past few years, particularly guinea pigs.

Small animals make wonderful pets – they’re social, relatively quiet, great for small living spaces, and may be an option for those living in properties that may not allow dogs or cats but do allow small animals.

ARL’s Adoption Forward process, a conversation-based, application-free process designed so the needs of both the animal and adopter are understood and compatible with one another, will remain the same for this special adoption event.

Visit an ARL Animal Care & Adoption Center from November 8 through November 10 from 1:00pm-6:00pm:

Boston: 10 Chandler Street, Boston, MA 02116
Dedham: 55 Anna’s Place, Dedham, MA 02026
Brewster (Cape Cod): 981 Main Street (Rte 6A), East Brewster, MA 02631

Prospective adopters must bring a photo of the enclosure their pet will live in to ensure it meets our requirements.

Stray Dog Likely Hit by Car in Care of ARL 

Stray dog required amputation of severely fractured leg 

A one-year-old dog found as a stray and in need of an emergency surgery after likely being struck by a car is currently in the care of the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) and recovering well following the trauma. 

The dog, now named Vincenzo, was found in Roxbury and initially rescued by Boston Animal Control.

He was later transported to ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center after receiving initial treatment at an emergency veterinary hospital.

Not only was he suffering from a fractured leg which was likely the result of being hit by a car, he was emaciated, and during his initial exam at ARL, he was diagnosed with a heart murmur.

Vincenzo was in a tremendous amount of pain due to his injury, the fracture had begun to heal incorrectly, exacerbating the pain and impacting his gait and quality of life.

ARL’s shelter and community medicine team decided amputation was the best course of action, and following his surgery, Vincenzo is healing, is on a refeeding plan to gain weight safely and slowly, and is also starting to discover something he had likely been without previously – toys!

Vincenzo is currently in foster care and ARL’s veterinary staff continues to monitor his heart murmur, but it’s expected this affectionate and playful pup will be ready to find his new home sometime in the next week.

Critical Care

Vincenzo’s injuries were not only severe, but impacted his quality of life.

ARL’s shelter and community medicine staff provides the highest standards of animal care and are able to respond quickly to help animals like Vincenzo.

With surgery, diagnostics and other medical needs, Vincenzo’s cost of care is well into the thousands, and ARL relies solely on the support of like-minded individuals like yourself to make it possible to help Vincenzo and animals like him.

You can help Vincenzo and animals like him receive everything he needs to recover and find the home he deserves.

ARL Hosts Boston City Councilor at Mattapan Wellness Waggin’® Visit

Wellness Waggin’ helps keep pets in homes and out of shelters

This past week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) hosted Boston City Councilor Enrique Pepén at its weekly Wellness Waggin’ stop in Mattapan, to showcase ARL’s efforts to help keep pets happy, healthy, and in homes and out of shelters.

Pet owners are struggling, and ARL is thrilled that Councilor Pepén had the opportunity to see first-hand the organization’s efforts to provide essential services for pet owners in need.

ARL’s Wellness Waggin’ served its first clients in 2019, and serves pet owners in Mattapan, Dorchester, Roxbury, East Boston and Hyde Park.

The Wellness Waggin’ provides low-cost, comprehensive pet wellness services for pet owners in communities that face barriers including lack of access to veterinary care and financial hardship pertaining to pet care.

“Because of this, she’s been able to actually keep the dog and be able to continue to afford giving him services, keep up-to-date with any vaccinations, keep up-to-date with the physicals,” Pepén said after speaking with a dog owner using the service. “So this is, quite frankly, life changing.”

To date, the program has served nearly 17,000 since its inception, 11 percent of which are from Mattapan.

In partnership with Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD), ARL’s Wellness Waggin’ makes weekly stops at ABCD locations in Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, with rotating stops in East Boston.

For 10 dollars, pets receive the following services:

  • Physical exam
  • Rabies vaccine
  • Distemper vaccine
  • Flea treatment
  • Microchip

Not only does the Wellness Waggin’ provide low-cost veterinary services as the aforementioned services would cost upwards of 300 dollars in a traditional veterinary setting, but with its mobility, low-cost, high-quality veterinary care is more accessible than ever for pet owners in these communities.

ARL is a Resource

It has never been harder to own a pet in Boston.

Aside from being the fourth most expensive to live in the U.S., it’s also one of the most expensive cities in the country for veterinary care.

ARL is a resource for pet owners, and the Wellness Waggin’ is just one arm of the organization’s community programs to assist pet owners.

Other programs include the Spay Waggin’®, Keep Pets S.A.F.E. (Supporting Animals and Families Everyday), Temporary Pet Housing, just to name a few.

ARL to Recognize Hill’s Pet Nutrition with Animal Advocate Award

Animal Advocate Award winners exemplify compassion and commitment to advance ARL’s mission

During its upcoming Paws to Celebrate event its historic Dedham Campus, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) will recognize Hill’s Pet Nutrition, for the company’s commitment to improving the health and wellbeing for animals not only in ARL’s Animal Care and Adoption Centers, but throughout the communities ARL serves.

ARL’s Animal Advocate Award honors distinguished philanthropists and compassionate organizations who have made outstanding contributions to ARL and actively advance the well-being of animals in our community.

ARL is thrilled to recognize Hill’s Pet Nutrition for their extraordinary generosity and achievements in improving the health and wellbeing of animals.

They not only help meet the unique nutritional needs of the animals in our Animal Care & Adoption Centers, they also transform the lives of pets in our community by supporting our pet food pantry and pet adoption.

They are committed to good and their impact extends across the globe!

“We are fortunate to have Hill’s as a partner and supporter. They do so much for animals and the field of animal welfare, and often do not get the recognition they deserve,” stated ARL President and CEO Dr. Edward Schettino.   “We are honored to present Hill’s with our Animal Advocate Award.”

ARL will present a representative of Hill’s Pet Nutrition with the award on Sunday, October 20, during its annual Paws to Celebrate event at ARL’s Dedham Campus, which is a gathering of like-minded ARL supporters to celebrate their contributions and see first-hand how their support and involvement is helping animals in need, and the people who care for them.

Yes, let’s talk about dogs and cats!

The following is an op-ed written by ARL President and CEO Dr. Edward Schettino 

Dogs and cats have received an unprecedented amount of media coverage over the last few weeks, but for all the wrong reasons.  And the online memes and songs about pets have kept the conversation going. The comments can be painful, but provide an opportunity to share more about the importance of the human-animal bond and its impact on Greater Boston.

At the turn of the 19th century, Anna Harris Smith, a social worker from Dorchester, was called to action after seeing the cruel mistreatment of working horses and the number of stray and homeless animals in Boston.  She advocated for a centrally located shelter to care for them and remarked, “while getting dogs and cats off the street is work worth doing, the teaching of thoughtful kindness is the work that changes families, communities, and a nation.”

On March 13, 1899, thanks to Anna’s efforts, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) was officially incorporated and began helping millions of animals heal, find homes, and stay with their families, while protecting them from cruelty and neglect. Not only did Anna witness the impact on animals, but also saw the effects this cruelty and neglect had on children and adults.

In the first 125 years since our founding, ARL has provided over 6 million animals with care. Our animal care and adoption centers not only provide a temporary home for animals in need, but veterinary services, dog training, behavior help, humane education, humane law enforcement, and community programs.  With kindness and compassion, we now help care for more than 20,000 animals annually.

However, today’s economic challenges, such as the rising cost of living and the housing crisis, are felt all across the Commonwealth.  And, when people struggle, pets also struggle.

Recent studies and data show that these issues deeply affect the animals we love and threaten to separate people from their pets due to cost of care, lack of access, and limited support.  For example, across the US, 12% of people have surrendered a pet because they couldn’t afford veterinary care and 14% of pets end up in shelter due to housing issues[1].  In fact, Boston has been listed as one of the least pet-friendly cities in America, ranking as among the highest for veterinary costs[2].

Scientific research also repeatedly cites the profound positive impact of pet ownership on individual well-being and community health[3].  Pets help reduce conditions such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and contribute to improved mental health, particularly among veterans, seniors, and children.

Pets are family for nearly 50% of Massachusetts households[4], which is why we are doing everything we can to keep pets in homes with the people who love them. From pet food and supplies, to affordable care, to temporary pet housing, and more, we are answering the call for help so that pets can stay where they belong – with their families and out of shelter.

In recent years ARL’s programs and services have expanded and evolved, reflecting emerging issues, advancements in veterinary and animal care, and community needs.  Today, animals in our care are staying longer, have increased medical and behavioral needs, and require more time and financial resources than ever before to treat their unique needs.  And every day we push our boundaries by going beyond sheltering to address the root causes of the issues facing animals and the people who love them.  Through partnerships with communities facing barriers and leading human service organizations in Greater Boston, we help animals heal and thrive, keep pets and people together, and keep families together.

As one of the largest nonprofits in the Commonwealth we are now writing the next chapter in our long history and reinvesting to the city of Boston, its residents, and its pets, for the next 125 years and beyond.  We have committed to rebuild our Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center at our current home in Boston’s historic South End with a new facility, a critical and long-term investment which will provide animals with the highest standards of care for generations.

Today’s challenges for pets and their families are more complicated, more nuanced, and more urgent than ever before, requiring action, innovation and collaboration, and most of all, more compassion.  We must all recognize the intersection between animal welfare and human health, and continue to reimagine how we can work together to make our communities a better place for pets and people.

Dr. Edward Schettino is President & CEO of the Animal Rescue League of Boston

[1] https://www.lendingtree.com/debt-consolidation/pet-debt-report/

https://todaysveterinarybusiness.com/pet-shelter-relinquishment-081224/

[2] Most Pet-Friendly Cities in 2024 (wallethub.com)

[3] https://habri.org/assets/uploads/Health-Care-Cost-Savings-Report.pdf

[4] https://www.pawlicy.com/blog/us-pet-ownership-statistics/