Blog
Home / Blog
Thank You for Helping Animals this Giving Tuesday!

1,440+ Animal Lovers Came Together to Raise More Than $400,000

Thanks to the generosity of our incredible community, animals in need are getting the essentials they rely on including food, safe shelter, medical care, compassion, and life-saving rescue when danger strikes.

Special thanks to the donors listed below who made gifts of $100 or more.
Please note, honor wall names are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

Merle Adelman
Robert E. Alan
Cathy L. Albanese
   in memory of Jasmine and Madison
Dylan and Leigh
Ann Alexander
Morah Alexander
Danah Al-Husaini
Elenore J. Alickman
Sylvia A. Allen
Elizabeth N. Allred
Janice Anderson
Katrina Anderson and
Michael Denomy
Slater Anderson
Natalia Andrade
Jacqueline Annino
Michael Arnold
   in memory of Sammy
Paula Attridge
in memory of James J. Doty & Divot
Karalyn R. Auclair
Mary J. Avelino
Sandra Azzalina and
David Querusio
Mary and Robert Bainbridge
Anthony and Lisa Baker
Constance M. Balodimos
Kathryn A. Bard
Stephen and Sarah Barkhuff
Eva S. Barrett
Elizabeth Barry
   in memory of Mack Barry
Emma Baumgartner
and Brian Schwartz
Elizabeth Baxter
Lisa Baxter
Kathleen and
Kevin Beatty
Leslie Becker and
William Loomis
Eric Belson
Brenda A. Bennett
Deborah Benton
Noa Berlin
Robert Berstein and
Sara Mayer
George Best
Cameron Bickel
Harvey Bidwell and
Nancy Binner
James G. Biggar
Phyllis Birnbaum
Jeanne Blanchard
Lisa and Michael Blanck
Doree Blanco
   in memory of Snoop Dogg
Rosalie V. Blum
Zachary Blume
Jonathan Blumenfeld
Taylor Boas
Kathleen Boisvert
William Bonn and Ruben Ceballos
Susan Bosco
   in honor of Dan Clevenger,
   Julie Mackin, and Izzy
Brian Bostak
Cynthia J. Bostwick
Mark Boucher and Dr. Peter Gherardi
Maria Bougioukos
Brian E. Boyle and Polly Marmaduke
Thomas J. Boyle
Loretta and Francis Bradley
Paula Bramwell
Anne L. Brav
Jeffrey Breed
Jason Breen
   in memory of Lucy
Francis M. Brennan
Geraldine Brennan
and Barbara Prato
Melanie Brennan
Robert and Sandy Brennan
Jill L. Bresky
Peter C. Britton
Bruce E. Brolsma
Lawrence A. Brown
Maggie Bruck
Amber Bruski
Pamela S. Bryson
Mary and Shaun Buckley
Katherine Bui
Lynne G. Bumpus
Samantha Burgess
Owen and Robin Burns
Don G. Burstyn
Gail Butler
Edward Cahill and
Kathleen Mooney-Cahill
Cynthia L. Cajka
Patricia Caldwell
Beth Campbell
Janet Campbell
   in memory of Sophie
Karen Campbell
Meredith Campbell
Lynne Canavan
Bonnie Cannon
Cape Cod Classics Car Club
Michael Caplan
   in memory of Nicole Caplan-Mason
Valerie M. Carbone
Alan and Sally Carruth
Kay W. Case
Edward and Gloria Casieri
Judith E. Cassano
Lisa Cassidy
Paul Cavanaugh
Kimberly Chambert
Connie Chan and Mary Jane Treacy
Debby Chaplic
Dennis and Ann Charette
Dr. Pamela A. Chatis
Sampurna Chatterjee
   in honor of Leo
David Chavolla
   in honor of Dr. Christina Newlin
Shirley G. Chicione
Mary E. Chin
Lee and Jane Chirgwin
Leslie Y. Chiu
   in memory of Spenser
Carrie Christopher
Eric Christophersen
Ruth and Timothy Churchill
Jo Anne Clancy
Joyce Clapp
Janet A. Clifford
Victoria Coburn
Nicole Codispoti
   in memory of Jo Freedman
Barrie and Mark Coffin
   in memory of June Morse
Lee A. Coffin
Pamela Coill
Anne Coleman
Virginia F. Coleman
Maura Colling
Commonwealth Cares Fund, Inc.
   in honor of Tejas Borse
Dennis Condon and
Robert Cummings
Ellen Conklin
Kathleen Connelly
Sara A. Connerty
Lisa Connolly
Donna R. Cooper
Lynn Cornelius
Joanne Corrigan
Lidia Cossi
William Costello
John and Mary Cotton
Mary Cotton
Wendy R. Cramer
Keith and Linda Crews
Gordon C. Crighton
Albert Cripps
Sandra Criss
Patricia J. Crow
Joanie Crowell
Helen D. Cuddy
James Cullen
Barbara Cummings
Colleen Cunningham
Laura Curran
Cynthia Curtis
Jean D’Addieco
Gina Dailey and Mark Greeley
Edward P. Dalton
Judith E. Dancik
Susan Daniels
Maria Daversa
Gloria Davies
Judith R. Davis
Susan Davis
Susan G. Davis
Anne de Leon
Sylvia and Robert DeLuca
Jamie L. Demas
Edmund J. Dennehy, Jr.
Alan K. and
Isabelle DerKazarian Foundation
Judith Dermer
Donna DeSantis
Winnie Desprez
Andrea Desrosiers
and Frederic Yarm
   in honor of Boothby and Duffy
Barbara and William DiAngelis
Michael Diener and Barbara Soojian
Francis L. Dilworth, Jr.
Paul and Liz DiMaria
Paul and Karen DiMaura
Tammy Diorio
Sarah Dittemore
Mark Dmohowski
Reva Dolobowsky and Jeff Howe
David Donahue
Kerry C. Donahue
Joseph J. Donnelly
Olga M. Donohue
James and Van Loc Doran
Alexis and Jeff Dorst
Jerome Doucette
Michele and Mark Dougherty
Tom and Alice Dowd
Judeth Drake
Sharon Drewicz
David L. Driscoll
Christine Droney
Claude J. Dubin
Herbert Ducey
   in memory of Sadie
Nicole and Shawn Duhamel
Dianne Durso
Chris Ecklund Groundwater
William R. Eddows
Joan Eldridge
Kurt and Judith Erensoy
Heidi Erlacher and Christine Donahue
   in memory of Ozzy Erlahue
Christine G. Espino
Peter Evans
Patti Faff and Skye
Arleen Fallon
Mary K. Fallon
Sandra Farrow
Cynthia Fawcett and Joseph Webb
Ashley Fawkes Rogers
and Charlie Rogers
Sarah Feldman
   in memory of Atreides
Marsha Ferrara
Mason Fields
David Fike
Alisa Fine
   in honor of Ruby Queen
Sandra A. Fischer
Elizabeth Fisher
Frances Fisher
Janet Fisher
Sheila M. Fitzgerald
Maggie Flatley
Emily Flax
Judith Florell
   in honor of Ari Resnick
   and Vera Schroeder Resnick
Malcolm Flynn
Kimberly Fontes
Mark and Priscilla Ford
Michael T. Ford
Joseph Forjan
Dr. Lisa R. Fortuna
Andrea and Steven Frank
Alice S. Freedman
Peter and Georgina Friedenberg
Lara Fury
Kathleen Gabriel
Mila Gaddy
Theresa Gaglio Tripp
   in memory of Ollie
Hanna Gao
   in honor of Luigi Mario
Alan V. Garofalo
Margaret Gavenonis and
Robert Raco
Donna G. Gay
Amanda Geaney
Dr. Pamela D. Gerardi
Chris Gervais
Leslie Ghorbani
   in honor of Cameron and
Grace Ghorbani and Rachael Ghorbani
Kim Giampietro
John and Mary Gier
Lisa Gigliotti
Dorothy A. Gillis
Pamela Girardi
Louise M. Gladyszak
Lisa Glover and James Leitch
Jennifer and Joseph Godlewski
David Goldenheim
Dianne B. Gollrad
   in memory of Cleo
Cathleen Gonzales
Steven C. Goodwin
Diane Gorrow
Milena Gostanian
   in memory of Lucy in the Sky
   with Diamonds
Sally and Don Gould
Richard and Barbara Grady
Deborah Gray
Carmine A. Greco
Eric Green
   in memory of Anne Marie Sawchak
Anne M. Grenier
Carol A. Griffin
Axel Grippo
Kenyon B. Grogan
Anne Gross
Dr. Yvette S. Groszmann
   in memory of Gaucho
   and Dad
Joseph and Margaret Guiod
Atul Gupta
Howard Guthermann
Mary Jo Haggerty
Eugene and Teresa Haley
Donna and Michael Hall
Kevin and Elaine Hallisey
Mary Happ and James Hinds
Sharon Hargraves
Cynthia A. Harper
Richard Harrison
Nancy M. Hausman
Marilyn Hayes
Janis Heffel
Ronald Heinricksen
and Henry Anderson
Eric Hemmert and Keith Bisset
   in memory of Barney and Lucy
Helen R. Henderson
Winifred Hentschel
Bryan Hercules
Geraldine Herr
Rachel Herschenfeld
David and Elizabeth Hettrich
Elaine Hill
Deborah Hills
William E. Hohenberger
Lisa Holt and Michael Brown
Mary E. Hooker
Nancy and Charles Hovey
Andrea J. Howley
Fredericka Huber
Jamilyn Hughes and Joseph Yanchik
Elisabeth D. Hulihan
Brian Hyde and Joe Fiorello
Morton S. Isaacson
Saki Iwamoto
Mary Jackson
Jeannine L. Jarvis
Emilie Javorsky
Neal Johnson
Virginia Johnson
and John Mara
Joseph and Julia Miglin
Charitable Scholarship Trust
Heather and James Joyal
John and Alison Kaar
David and Gail Kahn
Elfreda Kallock
William and Susan Kams
Billie J. Kanavich
Charles F. Kane, Jr.
and Heidi Huttom
Brian and Beth Kaplan
Charles and Phyllis Kaplan
Ellen K. Kaplan
Julianne Kaputa
Leslie and Richard Kates
Vicki and Jeffrey Kaufman
Linda M. Kaufmann
Bridget Keane
Gaston Kelly
Mary Kelly and Robert Lexander
Meg Kenny and Dave Deschamps
Bo Kim
Andrew Kindman
Lelia King and Adam Howes
Joan M. Kirchner
Elizabeth C. Kirk
Susan Kline
Jaclynn Knecht
James T. Knowles
Grace Geller and Zachary Koenig
Susan and Joe Koors
Ellen and Jonathan Korb
Helen and Richard Kosinski
Virginia A. Kosmo
Christina Kowalewski
Christine Kromer
Maria T. Kuntz
Susan Kurtzman
and Lila Coddington
Lanny Kutakoff
   in honor of Lisa Lagos
   and Alicia Muller

Karen A. LaFrance
Anne Lambert
Shirley A. LaMotte
Maureen Lane
Sharman Lappin
Brond Larson
   in memory of Willow
Kathleen Larson
Pam Larson
Richard and Laura Lavoie
Margaret E. Law
Judith LeBlanc
Elizabeth A. LeBoeuf
Jonathan R. Leehey
Carol A. Legere
Karen J. Leggett
Jeffrey and Sally Leinicke
Donna Lennon
   in memory of Cleo
Joanne Lerette
Walter and Irene Lesniaski
Terri Levin
Jan Levinson
Scott Lewis
Ruiting Lin
   in memory of Pepper and Pam
Anne R. Lindsay
and Dr. David J. Schwarz
Lauren Lineback
   and Allen Joseph Cavicchi
   in memory of Linda A. Lineback
Robert Lingeman and Jane Howe
Anne-Marie and Bill Litchfield
Lydia Liu
Deborah L. Loesel
James and Maureen Loible
Susan M. Lombardi
   in honor of Deb Cobb
   and Mike Kyslowsky
Laurie Lovett
Daniel Lowe
Susan Luckfield
   in honor of Whitney Tropeano
Kevin and Maryellen Luttrell
Karen Lynch and Richard Madden
Robin M. Lynch Nardone
   in memory of Bruin
Sarah Lyons
Gerald MacDonald
Lev Macht-Greenberg
Monique and John MacLellan
Barbara Magarie
Erica Magnus and Jane Margesson
   in honor of Ruka
Ari Magnusson
Martha Mahoney
Joseph and Penny Majike
Clare P. Malone
Marie Manis
Neal G. Manning
Elaine Marchand and Paul Murphy
Jennifer Marchand
   in memory of Zoe
Patricia and Steven Margles
Christine Marholin
Gail Marlowe
Marc P. Marsan
Carolyn Martin
Gilbert Martin
Donna Rae Martinez
Susan M. Masterson
Barbara Matteson
in honor of Anne-Marie Litchfield
Rosemary H. Matthews
Deborah N. Mauger
   in memory of Odie and Muttley
Doreen A. Mayhew
Debra and Michael McAleer
   in honor of Emily Rossetti-McAleer
Andrea and Read McCaffrey
Brian T. McCarthy
Elena and Paul McClanahan
James and Nancy McConnell
Margo McCool and David Widing
Natalie McCormick in honor of Basil
Malcolm McDonald and Susan Passoni
Mike McElroy
Karen and Warren McFarlan
Cassandra McGowen
   in memory of Maya Lee Kaul
Tom McIntyre
   in memory of Hazle, Ciena,
   Lucent & Qwestie
Bryan McNamara
   in honor of the
   Sun Life Local Giving Committee
David and Lori McWeeney
Julie M. Mead
Gay L. Meixel
Marie K. Melaragni
Karen S. Melican
   in memory of Melissa Thorndike
Kathleen Melkey
Samantha Menapace
Elisabeth Merchant and Gerard Cedrone
Charles and Rosemary Michaud
Lauren Mifflin
Andrew and Marilyn Mikita
Elinor Milder
   in memory of Jacoby
Lily Miller
Brian Milligan
James J. Milton
Annette and Richard Miner
Evelyn Minis and Nick Ratti
William Miniscalco
Marjorie S. Minkoff
Richard Minutillo
Carmel Mitchell
Bert and Julie Molinari
Katherine Moloney
   in honor of Sophia
Brooke Moncrieff
Dr. Margaret E. Monsell
Julie Moore
Danyel Moosmann
Mary Moosmann
Janice Moquin
Janet E. Morehouse
Mark Morelli
Nancy S. Moren
Angela L. Morencey
Elaine M. Moriarty
Elizabeth Moroney
Carolyn S. Morrill
Julie Morrison
Harriet Moss and Paul Rosenberg
Linda Moulton
Cathy and Alvaro Moura
Justine and James Mullen
Theresa Murch
Jane A. Murray
Peter and Kathryn Muse
Danielle Myers
Dwight and Martha Myers
Kristine P. Nagle
Suzanne E. Nagle
Christopher and Julie Nahil
Randall and Linda Nash
Kathleen and Ralph Needleman
Lisa Neubauer-Wong and
Robert Wong in memory of Rudy
Janis and David Newcomb
Cristin Newkirk
Elizabeth Nicholson
Karen Nicholson in honor of Zac
Raymond Nomizu
Maxine D. Oborsky
Audrey O’Connell
   in memory of Mickie and Cisco
Patricia and Gene O’Flaherty
Joan O’Handley
Barbara Ohanian
   in memory of Molly
Margaret O’Hearn
Sherry Oliver
Jeffrey A. Olsen
Maria O’Malley in memory of Copper
Theodore Oparowski and Mariya Greeley
   in memory of Bruno Macarelli
Moira Orr-Mullane
Anna Oskarsdottir
Karen O’Toole and Robert Reetz
Deborah F. Owen
Kristin M. Palmer
Jennifer Chow and John Papandrea
Linda M. Paquette
Kieran Parikh
Faith and Arnold Paul
Paws & Whiskers Pet Supply and Bakery
Roberta Peach
Gustavo Pena and Kerry Weiss-Pena
   in memory of Wally and Cordie Weiss
Edward and Maria Penberthy
Hilary Penizotto
Virginia Pepe
Linda and Winfield Perry
Melissa Perry
Robin Perry
Slocumb Perry
Phyllis Petro in memory of Eric Petro
Dorothy A. Phillips
Susan Phillips-Gray
   in memory of Howard Gray and Lily
Eileen Pironti
Benjamin Pomicter
Alexandra B. Porter
Roderick and Julia Powell
Elizabeth and Robert Pozen
Thomas and Arlene Pregman
Jennifer Querbes
Chris Quincy
Jeanette Quinlan
R. Elna Rapp
Rebecca Rastogi
   in memory of Eric Petro
Molly Reagan
   in honor of Maddie & Quinn
Barb and Phil Reed
Mary Regan
Trish Regan and Dan Cibotti
Michael Reily
Mary M. Remien
Lauren Repp
Michael and Joan Reynolds
Jody W. Rice-Hines
Patricia Richards
   in honor of Taffy and
   Zoe Richards
Lindsey Richardson
Nancy E. Ridill
Jill Riker
Debra Robbins
Peter and Beverley Robbins
Roger Robinson
Dr. Kenneth Rock and
Carol Glauberman-Rock
Suzanne Rodday
Darlene Rogers
James and Patricia Rohan
Barbara A. Romano
   in memory of Hannah,
   Emmyou and Eddie
Judith Rosen and Chuck Dresner
Alanna and Jasper Rosenberg
   in memory of
   Penny Rosenberg
Amy Rosenfeld and Lisa Walsh
Dorothy Ross and Blake Cady
Martina and John Roth
Rosanne and Christopher Roth
Ina Rothenbuecher
Paul Roycraft
Carol A. Rubel
Martha Rullman
Ralph and Deborah Ryall
Conor Ryan
Rosetta and Daniel Sabbag
Olivia Sacks
John P. Salerno
Marilyn W. Santoro
John and Janice Sarno
Dacey Sartor
Shirley Saunders
The Savastano Family
Susan Savoy
Barbara A. Sawtelle
Michael Schell and
Kathleen O’Connor Schell
Michael Schlafman
   in memory of Lobster
Peter and Cynthia Schliemann
Connie J. Schlotterbeck
Malisa and Andrew Schuyler
Terry L. Scribner
Patricia Scully
Priscilla Seaward
Nancy L. Sencabaugh
Brian Sharkey
Jennifer and Michael Shea
Jennifer Shea
Paula Shea
Helen L. Sicotte
Adam Silverleib
Cassie Silverman
Mary Simard
Michael A. Simpson
Susanne B. Simpson
Nancy A. Skowyra
James and Saundra Slater
Eugene Slaven
William and Katherine Slocum
   in honor of Kelly Slocum
   Lancaster & Family
Jeanne Smallcomb
Nancy and Ted Smethurst
Arthur Smith
Donald W. Smith
Emma Smith
Robin G. Smith
   in memory of Marble and Phoebe
Sean and Jeanne Smith
Dan and Ros Smythe
Melanie Spector
   in memory of Boris, the best boy
Joyce Spencer and Ginny Adams
Patricia and Peter Spencer
Sarah and Michael Stanlick Kimball
Antoniya T. Statelova
Deborah Steven
Patricia Stiles
Dorothy Strauss
Karla Streett
Barbara P. Strickland
Megan Subsick
   in honor of Alex
   and Shelby Subsick
Liz Sullivan
Patricia Sutherland
   in honor of Karen O’Sullivan
Emily Swanson
Martha Taft
Rudolph and Dora Tanzi
Bethany Tarpley
Stephanie Tatum
Patricia N. Taylor
Bruce and Sarah Taymore
Leah Tedesco
Edward C. Thaute
Merna A. Therieau
Roberta D. Thomae
Alexandra Thomas
Shelly L. Thomas
Amy J. Thompson
Timothy D. Thornton
   in honor of Kelly and Abbey
Matthew Tirrell
Hian-Thai Tjen
Susan Tocio
   in honor of Alex “Papa” Doka
Elizabeth C. Toftner
Diane Torres
Karen Tosh
   in honor of Whitney Tropeano
MaryEllen Travassos
Cheryl Traversi
Barbara A. Trocchi
Richard and Stephanie Trowel
Debrah A. True
J. Barry Tubman
Deborah L. Tumber
Darlene S. Turcotte
Maureen Turner
Elizabeth Turnock
Andreas Uehlin
Robert Van Sickle
Raimund and Anne Vanderweil
Margaret and Dennis Vargo
Karen B. Vaters
Ava Vatsky
Charles Veith
Victor C. Velez
Normand Viens and
Linda Govone
Wascar Villalona
Dorothy A. Vitagliano
John and Bess Vyhnanek
Donna L. Wade
   in honor of the Wade Family
Edward J. Walker
Pamela W. Ward
Deirdre Wassell
Michael and Susan Weber
Susan F. Weinz
Jane Weir
Dianne Wesselhoeft
Bonnie and Donald Westfall
R. Bruce and Susan Wheltle
Dr. Priscilla L. White
Sarah M. White
Mary Ellen Whitehead
Donna M. Whiting
Amy and William Whitsett
Janet C. Wigren
Gerrie Wilson
Mary L. Wlodyka
Andrea H. Woods
Jennifer Worhach
Amelia Wren
Valerie Wriede
Carol Ayres Wright
Curtis and Linda Wright
Kelly Wright
   in honor of Simon & Salem
Alicia and Jeremy Yamin
Maureen C. Yauckoes
Barbara and William Young
Patricia L. Young
Robert Young and
Michelle Apuzzio
Lixi Yu
Susan Yurkus
Antonia F. Zaccaria
James and Janice Zafarana
Gianluca Zampini
Marianna Zanni
Michael and Mily Zanni
   in honor of Zara
Roberta and Richard Zonghi

Looking for even more ways to make a difference for animals? Explore our Ways to Help page to see how you can get involved.

ARL Hosts Adoption Event To Celebrate Hill’s Milestone

Waived Adoption Fees for Boston Pets Ages 1+ Through December 14

ARL is teaming up with Hill’s Pet Nutrition (Hill’s) to offer WAIVED adoption fees for animals at ARL’s Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center one year and older through December 14th! Adopters will also receive a New Pet Parent Kit from Hill’s, which includes a starter bag of Hill’s Science Diet, a coupon and post-adoption tips.

The event is part of Hill’s “Sweet 16 Million Adoptions Celebration,” which honors the milestone of 16 million pet adoptions supported by the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program since its inception in 2002.

“We are thrilled to join Hill’s in this national celebration by offering waived adoption fees at our Boston location. This partnership ensures that more deserving animals like Fiona find the comfort of a home this holiday season.” said ARL President and CEO Dr. Edward Schettino.

The Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program provides discounted, science-led nutrition to over 1,000 North American animal shelters every day, including for the dogs and cats at ARL. As a proud partner of the program, ARL is excited to join shelters nationwide in celebrating this achievement and help deserving shelter pets in Boston find homes this holiday season. During the adoption campaign, Hill’s will contribute up to $200,000 to offset adoption fees at select Food, Shelter & Love partner locations in the United States and Canada.

ARL’s Animal Care & Adoption Centers in Boston, Dedham, and Cape Cod (Brewster) are open Wednesday through Sunday from 1pm to 6pm.

View all of ARL’s adoptable animals looking for a home for the holidays!

ARL Receives Largest-Ever Donation For New Boston Shelter

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) received a $2 million gift from Arthur and Paula Rabe on November 13, 2025.

The contribution will go towards the ARL’s capital campaign to construct a new three-story, 35,000 square foot $48 million facility in the South End.

“Our Boston shelter is the heart and soul of ARL, but it is outdated and no longer meets the standard of care that animals deserve and that we can provide,” said Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL President & CEO.

A revamped facility will better meet the needs of local animals, including transports from across the country. ARL has seen an increased demand for animal services in the last five years due to the ongoing housing crisis, food insecurity and high cost of veterinary care. ARL has had a 100% increase in the number of pet meals provided to owners facing barriers, and a 104% increase in low-cost wellness exams for pets in the community.

ARL began construction on the new facility over the summer after announcing the project in October 2024. ARL is working with Animal Arts, a Colorado-based architecture firm dedicated to creating animal spaces for animal welfare organizations and veterinary hospitals, and Boston-based architect Jonathan Garland with JGE to design the building’s exterior.

“This new building will provide an accessible, affordable center so people who desire an animal can share their lives with one,” said donor Arthur Rabe.

The Rabe family has contributed to the ARL Boston since they adopted their cat Jill in 2007. They reside with their son Logan and their other cat Paul in Chestnut Hill.

You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

Build a Happier, Healthier Life With Your Dog Through Training

Training your dog is one of the best investments you can make in their happiness and well-being. A well-trained dog is more confident, less stressed, and better equipped to handle new situations. Whether you’re starting with a playful puppy or helping an older dog sharpen their skills, consistency and patience are key. Training is also an incredible bonding experience for you and your pet!

When it comes to your canine companion, few things are more important than training. Whether they are a puppy or a senior, our pets are consistently learning and can always work on their manners.

5 Essential Dog Training Tips

  1. Enroll in a class. From puppy kindergarten to advanced agility courses, there are classes available for every age and ability.
  2. Focus on the positives. Reward your pet with praise and high-value treats for responding to a command correctly. Consistent positive reinforcement makes it more likely for your dog to repeat the behavior.
  3. Keep it short. Limit at-home sessions to 15 minutes, up to 3 times per day, to keep your pup’s attention span.
  4. Commit to a schedule. Our pets thrive when they have a structured routine and repetition is critical to reinforce your pet’s new skills.
  5. Teach an old dog new tricks. If your dog has a firm grasp on the basics, introduce new commands for them to work on.

Enroll in an ARL Dog Training Course

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) offers a range of classes at our Dedham campus, led by certified trainers. Our programs teach commands, build trust, and strengthen your bond with your dog. From basic manners to agility, there’s a class for every pup! Explore courses and register today.

Fall Into Healthy Grooming Habits

An Important Part of Your Pet’s Routine

Regular grooming is a key part of your pet’s overall health. It’s a simple way to prevent discomfort, infections, and other health issues before they start. Each grooming session is a perfect chance to check your pet for early signs of trouble, like a skin irritation, ear infection, or overgrown nails that could affect their mobility. By taking the time to care for them, you’re helping your best friend feel their very best.

Here are the top 3 grooming questions asked by clients of Boston Veterinary Care (BVC), ARL’s clinic with a mission:

  1. How do I clean my pet’s ears?
    – Use a cat or dog-specific ear cleaning solution. Never use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol!
    – Gently hold your pet’s ear flap open and squeeze a few drops into the ear canal.
    – Fold the ear flap back and gently massage the base of the ear to help loosen debris.
    – Use a cotton pad to gently wipe the inside of the ear, removing dirt and moisture.

    BVC Pro Tip: If your pet’s ears have a bad odor, redness, or discharge, check in with your vet!

  2. How do I trim my dog’s nails?
    – Use dog-specific clippers to cut each nail at a 45-degree angle, right where the nail begins to curve.
    – Clip small amounts at a time to avoid cutting off too much of the nail.
    – If the nail bleeds, pat Styptic powder or corn starch onto the tip and let it dry.

    BVC Pro Tip: Ask a family member or friend to hold your dog and distract them with treats while you do the clipping.

    3. How do I brush my cat’s fur?
    – Introduce a brush or comb gently and pair it with treats and praise.
    – Brush in the direction of fur growth and focus on areas prone to matting, such as the chest, abdomen, and behind the ears.
    – If you do encounter mats, gently tease them apart with your fingers or a de-matting comb. Severe matting should be addressed by a groomer

    BVC Pro Tip: Check for fleas and other skin issues during grooming sessions.

Schedule an Appointment with BVC

BVC provides a full range of high-quality outpatient veterinary services to pet owners in the Greater Boston Area. A mission-driven clinic, BVC’s profits support ARL’s animals. Request an appointment today.

    When Feeding Pets Becomes a Struggle

    More families need help keeping their pets fed

    No one should ever have to choose between feeding themselves and their pets. Yet for the 1.1 million Massachusetts’ residents whose budgets are affected by current events and changes in family food support, this hardship is a stark reality.

    Many of our family members, friends, neighbors, and colleagues are experiencing food insecurity, leading to an increase in stress and serious health risks from poor nutrition. And when people go hungry, their pets go hungry, too.

    Pets are family. They give us unconditional love in return for our meeting their basic needs of food, water, shelter, and care. A companion animal also drastically improves our physical and mental well-being, especially during these uncertain times. But what happens during a national hunger crisis when putting kibble into the bowl is a challenge?

    The cost of owning a pet is rising rapidly. The average cost of food, supplies, and routine veterinary care for a cat or dog is over $1,000 annually. When this high cost is combined with an emergency – such as a sudden health issue, a change in housing, or another unforeseen circumstance – owners face the difficult decision of what to do next.

    Fortunately, organizations like the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) are here to help. ARL provides pet food and essential supplies to clients living in Greater Boston and on Cape Cod who are facing financial hurdles. In 2025 so far, ARL has provided meals to 1,524 pets on a monthly basis

    Times are tough. In this season of giving, it’s more important now than ever to lend a paw to help pets in the community.

    1. Help stock ARL’s pet food pantry. So far this year, an unprecedented 1,300 owners have called ARL seeking pet food. Our resources are stretched to the limit, and we need your help to keep pets fed. You can make an immediate impact in the fight against pet hunger today.

    • Donate Food Directly: View our digital wish lists of our most critically needed pet food. Items are shipped directly to ARL.
    • Organize a Drive: Start a pet food collection drive at your school, university, workplace, or place of worship to gather donations from your community.
    • Drop Off Donations: Bring unopened, unexpired, shelf-stable pet food directly to ARL’s Animal Care & Adoption Centers in Boston, Dedham, or Cape Cod (Brewster). Drop-off hours are Wednesday through Sunday, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
    • Make a Financial Gift: Monetary donations allow us to purchase exactly what is needed most. You can make a secure gift online.

    2. Donate to your local food bank or human service organization. When we take care of humans, we also take care of their pets. Dozens of organizations in the Greater Boston area, including Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) continue to be a critical resource for families, providing assistance with food, housing, and other basic needs. ARL currently distributes pet food at ABCD Food Pop-Ups in Mattapan and East Boston, ensuring that as families receive help, their beloved animals are cared for, too.

    ARL staff members work to hand out pet food at ABCD pop-ups

    No one should ever have to give up their beloved companion because pet food is too expensive. If you need assistance, you’re not alone. View a full list of ARL’s free and low-cost services to help you keep your pet.

    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.

    The Rising Cost of Veterinary Care

    ‘It blew me away’: Skyrocketing veterinary bills are hitting Massachusetts pet parents hard

    By Dana Gerber Globe Staff, Updated November 7, 2025

    Article excerpt:

    Edward Schettino, president of the Animal Rescue League of Boston, said the private equity push is “a large part” of climbing prices. According to data from Pitchbook, the number of private equity deals in the veterinary industry began ramping up about a decade ago, cresting in 2021, just as the pandemic drove a boom in pet ownership. The trend has drawn the ire of Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, who last year accused private equity firms of jacking up vet prices.

    “Back in the day, most veterinary practices were owned by individuals or families, and that has dramatically changed over the years,” Schettino said, adding that mounting labor costs associated with a veterinarian shortage are also playing a part.

    As a way to help defray costs for pet owners, the Animal Rescue League of Boston in 2019 launched the Wellness Waggin’®, a mobile vet clinic that offers $20 exams in Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, and East Boston, where there are few other providers, Schettino said.

    It’s still not enough. Compared to this time last year, Schettino said, the nonprofit has seen a 78 percent increase in the number of dogs and cats being surrendered to them due to cost of care, representing hundreds of pets.

    Read the full article on bostonglobe.com

    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.