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Who Did This To Puppy Doe?

Appeal for help in fatal “Puppy Doe” dog torture case

Boston, MA–The Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Boston, Quincy Police Department and Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey are asking the public’s help in identifying the person responsible for a horrific case of animal torture.

“Puppy Doe,” the young adult female dog pictured in the photo above was found alive August 31, 2013, in the vicinity of Carrolls Lane in Quincy, near the Whitwell Street playground and the campus of Quincy Medical Center.

She weighed less than half what a normal, healthy dog of her size should. Due to the extent of her injuries, she could not be saved by veterinarians.

“We need anyone who knows who owned and abused this dog to contact authorities,” District Attorney Morrissey said.

“The injuries cataloged in the post-mortem examination are grotesque and indicate consistent starvation and abuse over an extended period of time,” Morrissey said. “It is highly unlikely that this level of sadistic cruelty could be shown to one animal and not be part of a pattern involving other animals or perhaps vulnerable people. We need to find the person who did this and see what else they are doing.”

“Words cannot adequately describe the shocking suffering that Puppy Doe endured or capture the urgency in identifying who did this to her,” explains Mary Nee, president of the ARL.

According to Dr. Martha Smith-Blackmore, vice president of animal welfare at the ARL, who performed the necropsy, Puppy Doe was likely 1 to 2 years old. In addition to being starved and beaten on many occasions, causing fractures to the head and body, she appears to have undergone some kind of crude cutting to create a serpent-like split to her tongue. The dog had also been stabbed in the eye in the days prior to being found in Quincy.

“I spoke with Quincy Police Chief Paul Keenan and we share a sense of urgency here, as does the Animal Rescue League,” District Attorney Morrissey said, adding that he has assigned a prosecutor with experience and training in animal cruelty cases to assist in the investigation.

“We do not have reason to believe or disbelieve that the dog was originally from Quincy before being found near the park,” District Attorney Morrissey said. “We are asking anyone from eastern Massachusetts to contact us if they believe they recognize this dog.”

“It is prudent to proceed as if the perpetrator or perpetrators have moved on and are now aiming this cruelty and violence at another target and needs to be stopped.”

Anyone with information about Puppy Doe should contact:

The Animal Rescue League of Boston
Law Enforcement Services
(617) 226-5610
cruelty@arlboston.org

Quincy Police Department
Det. Thomas Pepdjonovich
(617) 745-5774

 

**UPDATE: We have been deeply moved by the outpouring of support for Puppy Doe and the knowledge that so many of you share our sense of shock at the pain purposely inflicted on this young dog.

The ARL relies solely on donor support to pursue cases of animal cruelty and neglect like hers.  From the law enforcement services to the veterinary forensics involved, it is highly resource-intensive work.

If you would like to help us  remain ever-ready to answer the next call to assist in a case like Puppy Doe’s, please donate now.**

Dragons at the League, Oh My!

A Stray Bearded Dragon Finds a Home

08-20 Roscoe & Lex

Roscoe with his foster, Lex.

We’ve been focusing a lot on cats and dogs this summer for the ASPCA Rachael Ray Challenge, but did you know that the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) takes in a variety of small animals including all sorts of reptiles? Thanks to our well-trained staff and volunteers we are able to care for animals that most shelters are not able to take in.

Roscoe came to our Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center a few weeks ago. A woman had found the stray bearded dragon out on the street and it was clear that he was in rough shape when he came in.

One of our animal care & adoption agents, who has a lot of experience with reptiles, knew exactly what to do. She prepared a warm habitat for him and “an epic chopped salad” to feed his appetite. She could tell that something was wrong with him and after bringing him to the vet she discovered that not only was Roscoe underweight, but he also had a serious problem with his right leg and was unable to use it. This is something that Roscoe would have to learn to live with.

Roscoe with his new family.

Roscoe with his new family.

Our animal care & adoption agent took him home for a week of foster care and much needed TLC. He didn’t have an appetite, so she had to force feed him food, water and medication. After a few days Roscoe’s condition improve significantly and he was soon available for adoption.

We luckily found him a wonderful home with a father-daughter duo who is well versed in sick and injured bearded dragons.  It is satisfying to know that another life was saved!

If you’re thinking about getting a reptile for your family, please call us first at 617-426-9170 or visit our adoptables page, we just might have the pet you’re looking for.

 

Billerica Goat Rescue

Goat on the Loose Caught by ARL’s Field Services Team

Thanks to a job well done by our Field Services Team, a goat from Billerica was caught on Wednesday, after running on the loose for two days. The goat is now safe and has been transported to our Dedham Animal Care & Adoption Center where she will remain until an owner comes forward. If no owner is found, then she will be available for adoption soon!

Animal Art is Here to Stay

Local Artist Gives Lobby Art on Permanent Loan

Mildred, an ARL alum.

Mildred, an ARL alum.

Thanks to South End artist, Paula Ogier, the art in our Boston lobby will be staying up indefinitely!

Paula dropped in at the Animal Rescue League of Boston one day in January 2013, just to take a breather from her work and visit the kitties, and she ended up adopting Tippi. “Tippi was a cautious stray who has blossomed into a playful spirit,” says Paula. “The transformation you make in an animal’s life with the gift of a home is more than matched by the magic they bring as a friend and family member.”

Her artwork was originally displayed at the League as part of Washington Gateway Main Street’s temporary Moving Gallery. The goal of displaying artwork here was to liven up the space and create an instant connection with animals before entering the adoption center. After seeing how her art transformed the lobby and receiving so much positive feedback about her artwork, Paula decided to give the collection on permanent loan to the League.

Thank you, Paula for brightening up our lobby and warming the hearts of our visitors, before they even step foot into our adoption center.

Paula paints pet portraits, and also creates art for use on products. View her art or schedule your pet portrait session.

Toto the Tornado Kitten

When a tornado hit Brimfield, MA back in June, the area was devastated. Volunteers banded together to help clean the area up. A tree worker was clearing debris when he came across the tiniest survivor of the storm, a 2-week old kitten.

Thought to be swept up by the wind into the tree, the kitten was taken to the emergency operations center and was in need of immediate care. Luckily, the League’s Rescue Team was already there aiding in efforts to help other animals. We assumed care of the kitten until he was healthy enough for adoption. Two months later, Jonathan Hall, a volunteer paramedic during the tornado, came to adopt the kitten now named Toto.

Toto’s whirlwind adventure has now been turned into a children’s book. All proceeds will benefit the League, so purchase your copy here today.

Lt. Alan Borgal Named One of America’s Top Animal Defenders

In honor of National Justice for Animals Week, the Animal Legal Defense Fund named America’s Top 10 Animal Defenders, including our very own Lt. Alan Borgal.

Alan has worked at the League for 37 years and continues to be a true advocate for animals. As Director of the League’s Center for Animal Protection, he has saved countless animals’ lives. In 2007, Alan recieved the “Heroes Among Us Award” presented by the Boston Celtics. He also received the  Vartkes K. “VIC” Karaian Award in May of this past year for his work in supporting environmental health in the community.

We would like to congratulate Alan on this well-deserved honor and thank him for everything he does for animals in need!

I played ball with Big Papi

Nana, a 10 month old spayed female pit mix is looking for a new home. She has been a shelter resident for a few months now and has won one of the staff’s ‘most improved’ awards.

She’s a friendly and loveable lady whose activities in the shelter include playing fetch with her human friends and romping around with her fellow shelter dogs in our play yard. In fact, Nana was able to combine her favorite activities during a visit from David ‘Big Papi’ Ortiz, a member of the Boston Red Sox. She was the star that day, she loved running to the fence to retrieve the ball and would immediately give it back to Ortiz. Nana was not phased by all the cameras, other dogs, or people, she just really loved having a chance to play ball in the yard.

Nana would love to go to a home where she can play fetch regularly and cozy up on a warm bed at the end of the day. Being a young lady, she’s still learning her manners and would benefit from continuous daily obedience training. Stop by South End shelter on 10 Chandler Street or call our Adoption Center at 617-226-5602 for more information about Nana.

David Ortiz Meets Young Donor

November 15, 2011: Red Sox star David Ortiz spends some time with Josselyn Siegel of Wilmington, a young philanthropist who donated $100 to the League by selling her handmade clay creations.

“We were so touched by her wonderful gift from the heart,” says Melanie Sheffield, director of the President’s Council at the Animal Rescue League of Boston. “It’s especially meaningful to see philanthropy begin at such an early age. It says a lot about the kind of person Josselyn is, and the adult she will someday become.”

Thank you Big Papi

Yesterday was a great day for the Animal Rescue League of Boston. Big Papi’s visit inspired and uplifted the League’s staff and garnered extensive coverage on the evening news. This event will attract many more adopters to our shelter and help find forever homes for needy animals.

Big Papi enjoyed a tour of the Boston Shelter where he met the cats, dogs and other animals that are available for adoption. Afterwards, he revealed his genuine care and concern for animals as he played ball with the dogs in the yard.

My special thanks go to Big Papi, event sponsor PopChips, to the staff and volunteers who worked so hard to make this event a success, and to the many League supporters who came to the shelter to meet Big Papi and bring attention to the needs of the animals in our care.

Jay Bowen
President

Our Shelter Tour with David ‘Big Papi’ Ortiz

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) had the pleasure of taking David ‘Big Papi’ Ortiz on a quick tour of the Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center yesterday.

He was greeted in the lobby, by long time resident, Sapphire and an ARL adoption agent “Oh you like me little girl” – Ortiz said to Sapphire, the two bonded quickly.

He also spent time with a kitten, named Francis, who was recently rescued from a drain pipe by the League. Francis, whose fur resembles a Lion’s main, impressed Ortiz, he told Veterinary Technician, Jessica Wright, that as a child he always wanted to adopt a Lion but now he is happy with his 3 year old Terrier, Foxy.

The tour was full of moments of laughter, Ortiz was down-to-earth, friendly and funny! When we took him to see the dogs, he took his time making sure each dog received a treat and some special attention. Ortiz immediately gravitated to our largest resident commenting on his size and how similar they were.

Photo courtesy of Boston.com, Kristi Palma

Photo courtesy of Boston.com, Kristi Palma

When we told Ortiz about our Field Services Department, he was impressed by the scope of our services. As an animal lover, he recognizes the importance of the work that the ARL does and told us how much he appreciated the opportunity to get to meet the animals and see behind the scenes. Everyone at ARL is so thankful for him taking the time out of his busy schedule to visit.