ARL Our Four-Footed Friends Fall 2013

FriendsOUR FOUR-FOOTED

and how you help themFall 2013

Puppy Doe and Middleboro Puppies:Giving a Voice to Victims of Animal Cruelty

Founded in 1899, The Animal Rescue League of Boston is dedicated to rescuing domesticated animals and wildlife from cruelty, abandonment, and neglect. The ARL carries out its mission through the following programs:

• EmergencyRescueTeam• Anti-CrueltyLawEnforcement• HumaneEducation• CenterforShelterDogs(Research&Assessment)• AdoptionCenters(Boston,Dedham,&Brewster)• VeterinaryServices• SpayWaggin’(LowCostSpay&Neutering)• PineRidgePetCemetery

We do not receive government funding. We rely solely on the generosity of our supporters to help animals in need.

Stay connected with us!arlboston.org

Facebook.com/AnimalRescueLeagueofBoston

@ARLBoston

Instagram.com/arlboston

Pinterest.com/ARLBoston

We are equipped to care for a variety of species of animals that most shelters cannot help.

Our Four-Footed Friends is a publication of the Animal Rescue LeagueofBoston,10ChandlerStreet,Boston,MA02116.Pleaseaddress all editorial and subscription correspondence to us at the address above,attentionOur Four-Footed FriendsManagingEditor.

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Managing Editor: AmiBowen

Contributing Writers: AmiBowenElizabethDobrskaMaryNeeMarciTyldesley

Contributing Photographers: ChristineS.BartonDKOPhotographyElizabethDobrskaAmeliaHughesMarciTyldesleyMariaL.Uribe

Our Four-Footed Friends |Fall2013

Our Mission

ON THE COVER:Twoofthe13puppiesrecoveredfromaSWATteamraidonahomeinMiddleboroinearlyOctober.

HerbieAdopted

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Contents

RedAdopted

2Message from the President

3Going Above and Beyond: Michelle Gelnaw, Board of Overseers

410 Minutes with Dr. Martha Smith-Blackmore

5Hope for Food Aggressive Dogs

6A Season of Rescue

8Dancing with Spheres Sculpture Debut

9Over 1000 Lives Saved During Summer 2013

10Fix-A-Feral Clinic: Humanely HelpingCats and Our Communities

11One Lucky Dog: Alice’s Story

12Volunteer Spotlight

14Puppy Doe: Stunning Cruelty that Shocked Us All

1513 Puppies Seized in Middleboro:Recovering from Cruel Conditions

16A Helping Hand from Alice T. Whitney

Save a life. Donate today! 617.426.9170 x615

arlboston.org/donate

use enclosed envelope

Wehadsomanyhappyeventsthis summer that demonstrated real progressintheworktosavelivesandprotectanimalsinourcommunities.

A few of the highlights:• 1015livessavedthissummer

through our adoption challenge•Thelaunchofanewandimprovedwebsite,makingiteveneasiertolearnmoreabout adoptable animals

• Apublishedstudythatshedsnewlightontheadoptabilityoffoodaggressivedogs

• Amazingrescuesofdomesticanimals and wildlife

• 200feralcatstreatedthroughFix-a-Feralclinics

ThencamePuppyDoeandtheMiddleboropuppies—hardreminders that there is still much progresstobemadeinthewaywecareforandvalueanimalsinoursociety. Thesehigh-profilecasesraiseimportant questions about our collectiveresponsibilitytoprotectanimalslikePuppyDoeandtheMiddleboropuppies. In the aftermath of 9/11 we were taught,“Ifyouseesomething—ifyoususpectsomething—saysomething.”Wemustbegintoapplythatlessontoanimalsandhavethecouragewhenwesee or suspect animal abuse to report ittoourlocalpolice. Wemustalsobeadvocatesforresponsiblepetownership.Wemustbeavoiceforanimalswithourfamily,friends,co-workersandneighbors.

Petownershipisabigresponsibility.Beforepeopleadoptananimaltheymustconsidertheirhousingsituation;theirfinancesandtheirlifestyle;dotheyhavethetime to care for pets? Wemustbepromotersforadoptionthroughwell-runsheltersandrescuegroupswhoinvestinmakingmatchesofhealthyanimalswiththerightpersonorfamily.Ifsomeonemustgiveupapet,weurge them to reach out to those well-runsheltersandrescuegroupsso that no animal is passed from person to person through the internet without consideration foritswell-being. Leteachofushaveourownpersonalcalltoaction:Toneverremain silent in the face of animal cruelty,tobeanadvocateforresponsible pet ownership, and to workforajustandhumanesocietywhere both people and animals are caredforandloved.

Sincerely,

MaryNeePresident

2 Our Four-Footed Friends |Fall2013

Message from the PresidentOur Call To Action

Mary spending quality time with Jelly at our Boston adoption center.

HISTORY OF THE RED BARN LOGO

The red barn in our logo reminds us of where we came from and stands asanimportantsymbolofprotectionagainstthesufferingsomanyanimalsstillendure.

The brutal treatment of horses, dogs and cats in Boston’s neighborhoods first moved Anna Harris Smith to establish the Animal Rescue League and to open animal shelters throughout the state as a refuge in 1899.

Thenineteenthcenturyhasbeencalledthegoldenageofthehorse.Inurbanareas,horseswerevitaltotransportation, commerce, and public safety—theypulledthefireenginesafter all! In spite of their importance, thestandardsofcareforworkhorsesvaried widely. AnnaHarrisSmithdedicatedmuch time and resources to helping Boston’sworkinghorses.ManyspenttimeintheredbarnatourDedhamlocation,ahavenfromthepoor,sometimescrueltreatmenttheytoooftensuffered. HorsesmaynolongerroamthestreetsofBoston,butclearlyanimalcrueltyandneglectstillexisttoday.

Every Thursday is #throwbackthursday!

Visit arlboston.org/news every Thursday for a photographic blast from the ARL’s past.

Throughouther13yearsofservice,MichelleGelnawhasinitiatedandembraced new ideas and approaches to animalcareandwelfareattheARL. Michelle’shistorywithusstartedwhenherfamilyadoptedtwocatsfromourBostonadoptioncenter.Becauseherfamily’slifestylemadeowningadogchallenging,shedecidedtovolunteerattheARLtowalkdogs. As she passed through the cat room to get her canine charges for theday,itstruckherthattheshelter’sfeline residents did not get the same opportunitiestomoveandsocializeasthedogs.Ofcoursesocializingcatsismoredifficultthandogs,butMichellestartedtalkingwithshelterstaffabouthowtogetcatsoutandinteracting. Thestaff ’senthusiasmfortheideareallyimpressedMichelle.“IlovetheARL’swillingnesstotrynewthings,”sheexplainedinourphoneinterview.“Yousee a problem, and the ARL is open to exploringsolutions.” Thecatplaygroupcameoutofthesediscussions and continues to run on a weeklybasis.Theresult:betteradoptionmatchesandfewercatscomingbacktotheshelter. “Manypeoplearelookingforcompanion cats, and shelter staff couldn’ttellthemhowacatwoulddowithothercats,”saidMichelle.“Oncewestartedtheplaygroup,catscouldstretch,play,andinteract,whilewe’dgainalotofknowledgeabouthowthey’ddowithothercatsandtheirpersonalitiesingeneral.” Michelle’sinterestsinsupportinginnovationinanimalwelfarealsoextendedbeyondtheadoptioncenter’sfourwalls.

Whileworkingintheshelter,shewasdisheartenedtoseesomanykittenscomingin,theoffspringofstrayandferalcats.Shestartedtothinkaboutwhatcouldbedonetostop the problem before it started and learned shelter staff were exploring thepossibilityofrunningaferal trap-neuter-releaseprogram. ShejumpedatthechancetohelplaunchtheARL’sFix-A-Feralclinics,andcontinuestosupporttheinitiativeasadonor,trapper,andvolunteer.Readmoreabouttheprogramonpage10. AccordingtoMichelle,“Fix-a-Feraladdressesmanyissuesatthesametime—fewerkittensonthestreetandintheshelter,andbetteroverallhealthforaferalcolony.” MichellealsosupportstheARL’seffortstohelppeoplewithlowerincomesmaintaintheirpet’shealth.“Manypeoplecannotaffordpreventativeveterinarycareortospay/neutertheirpets.Theycarefor

theirpetsanddon’twanttogivethemup,buttheycaneasilyfindthemselvesunderwater.” ShecitedSpay&NeuterDayinBostonduringwhichtheARLandotherorganizationsprovidevaccines,fleatreatments,andspay/neuteringforreducedcosttolowincomecityresidentsasanexampleoftheARL’sabilitytolookatthewholeproblem. “TheARLisbigenoughtohaveanimpact,andsmallenoughtohaveflexibilityinthewaytheyaddressaneedinthecommunity.”

We thank Michelle not only for her decade plus of service, but also for supporting a progressive response to emerging animal welfare issues in our communities.

Going Above and BeyondSupporting innovative thinking at the ARL

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What Michelle loves most about the ARL:• Thededicated and inspiring people she works alongside• Thephilosophy of kind and humane treatment of

animals and people• Theability to see the whole problem and openness

to exploring solutions

Michelle Gelnaw visiting with Washington in our feline suite where shelter cats can go to get some extra R&R.

4 Our Four-Footed Friends

The practice of transporting animalsfromacommunitywithasurplus population to one where demandoutstripssupplyhasexplodedand shows no signs of waning in importancetomanyanimalwelfareadvocates.TheNortheastinparticularhasbecomeareceivingregionfromanimalsheltersintheSoutheastandfor the large homeless dog population inPuertoRico.

Since the practice first began, however, many veterinarians have expressed concern about the health and safety of animals traveling on a transport, as well as controlling the spread and transmission of disease.

WesatdownwithDr.MarthaSmith-Blackmoretodiscusstheissue. Asthechair-electoftheAmericanVeterinaryMedicalAssociation(AVMA)’sAnimalWelfareCommittee,

Dr.SmithofferedspecialinsightsintotheAVMA’sjust-releasedpolicyontherelocationofanimalsforadoption.

OFFF: What are the major concerns surrounding the transport of animals for adoption?Dr. Smith: The biggest concern was for animal and public health — that animalswithmostlyunknownmedicalbackgroundsandlackingmuchpreventivecarewouldspreadlargeamounts of infectious disease from the placetheywereleavingtotheplacetheyweregoing. Incraftingapolicy,theAVMAwantedtoensureorganizationscouldpursuetheirpassionforsavinglivesinahealthyandsafewayforallanimals,people,andcommunitiesconcerned.

OFFF: What are the key points in the AVMA’s policy?Dr. Smith: Along with addressing healthandsafetyconcernsinapolicystatement,theAVMAwantstoensurecommunities assess their local animal populationfirst.

Anassessmentwouldrevealtowhatextentthere’sarealversusaperceivedshortageofadoptableanimals. Themajorgoalofthepolicyistoprovideorganizationswithguidanceon conducting transports in a safe andhumanemanner.Italsooffersthe public a point of reference for the standardsofcaretheyshouldexpectfromanygrouptransportinganimalsforlocaladoption.

OFFF: The AVMA will also launch a public service campaign. Can you give us some details?Dr. Smith:Thecampaigntalksabouthowrelocatinganimalscanimprovewelfareandsavelives. It also raises awareness for learning more about the shelter or rescuegroupyou’readoptingfromtomakesurethehealthandsafetyofanimals and people are considered andaddressed. Goodanimalwelfarepracticesshouldalwaysbeanimportantconsideration for the public when deciding where to adopt a pet!

10 minutes with Dr. Martha Smith-Blackmore on… National recommendations for the relocation of animals for adoption

Dr. Martha Smith-Blackmore, vice president of animal welfare at the ARL, gets a kiss from Scooby.

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Hope for Food Aggressive DogsCenter for Shelter Dogs study sheds new light

“Itisjustamazinghowpeoplewhojustsaidthattheirdoggrowlsorevenbitesoverfoodordeliciousitemsstill did not consider it to be food aggressive,”explainedCSDresearchteammemberAnastasiaShabelansky.“Weevenaddedafoodaggressiondefinitionintothesurveyquestiontomakesurepeopleunderstoodwhatitmeansandtheystillanswered‘no.’”

Sheaddedthatownersoffoodaggressivedogsratedfoodaggressionin general as a less challenging problem thanownersofnon-foodaggressivedogs.“Thisisanotherstudythatreflectshowthedog-personrelationshipmayimpactthejudgmentortoleranceofaspecificdogbehavior.”

CSDhopesthestudy’sfindingswillhelpsheltersmoreappropriatelyusethe results of food testing as a warning, rather than an indication of whether a dogissuitableforadoption.

“Wesuggestthatsheltersconsidereachdogasanindividualandlookatallthefactorsaboutthatdog,”saidSeanaDowling,InterimExecutiveDirectorofCSD.“Therearemanyadopterswho,ifthedog’sonlyissueisguardingfood,areabletomanagethat.”

Historically,shelterdogsthatdisplayedfoodaggressivebehaviorssuchasstiffeningtheirbody,showingteeth, growling, snapping, or biting in theshelterenvironmentdidnothaveverybrightfutures.

“WhenIfirststartedworkingwith shelters, I learned that dogs who werefoodaggressivewereregularlybeingputtosleep,”wroteDr.AmyMarderinarecentblogpostreportingonthefindingsofnewresearchshecontributedtofromtheARL’sCenterforShelterDogs(CSD).

The trend prompted researchers atCSDtowonderhowconsistent wasthebehaviortheysawinthe shelterwithwhatadog’sownerexperiencedathome.

The team also wanted to explore theowner’sperspectivesonfoodaggression,specificallydiditaffecttheir feelings towards their dog?

BecausealldogsenteringtheARL’sadoptioncentersareevaluatedusingtheCSD’sMatch-UpIIShelterDogRehomingProgram,researcherswereabletoselectfoodaggressiveandnon-foodaggressivedogsfromtheBostonsheltertoincludeinthestudy.Researchers used either an online surveyortelephoneinterviewtofollowupwithadoptivefamilies.

Noneofthedogsreceivedabehaviormodificationprogramforfood aggression while in the shelter, andalladoptivefamiliesofthefoodaggressivedogsreceivedtherecommendationthattheyavoidbotheringthedogwhileeating.

CSDresearchersconfirmedarelationshipbetweenbehaviorobservedintheshelterandbehaviorinthehome.

Behavior in the shelter was not 100% predictive of behavior in the home, however. CSD discovered that food aggressive behavior faded for just about half of the dogs in the home. Interestingly,almostaquarterof the dogs that had not shown foodaggressionintheirbehavioralevaluationdidshowitinthehome.

Ofthedogswhodiddisplay food aggression:

• Almostalloftheadoptersdidnotconsiderthebehaviorachallengetokeepingtheirdogasapet.

• Mostoftheadoptersindicatedthattheywouldadoptthesamedogagain.

• Evenwhenaskedexplicitly aboutfoodaggressivebehaviors,owners who reported that their dog displayedthesebehaviorsdidnotconsidertheirdogfoodaggressive.

RosieAdopted


A Season of Rescue

Over 1300 rescue activities

this season!

Domesticanimalsandwildlifecangettrapped,displaced,injured,orotherwisedistressedbyaninfinitenumberofcauses.Fromhighintrees,tothemiddleofquicksandmudflats,tospillwayswithsurgingcurrents,tounderbackyardshedsandinbackalleys,theARListheonlyanimalwelfareorganizationinMassachusettsthathasanentiredepartment dedicated to rescuing animals from these situationsandmanymore. OurdedicatedRescueServicesTeamistrainedtohandlejustabouteverypossiblerescuescenario,

including assisting law enforcement in cases ofcrueltyandneglect. Theteamcoveredagooddealofgroundthisrescue season answering calls coming from local authorities,concernedcommunitymembers,andpetowners.Theyhelpeddogsandcats;deerandsquirrels; geese and pigeons; goats and swans, to namejustafewspecies.Asyoucanseeinthephotosfromthisseasonofrescue,thishighly-skilledteammadeadifferenceinthelivesofanimals inourcommunity.

From June to September 2013, theRescueServicesTeamcompletedover1300rescueactivities.

Despitewhatconventionalwisdom

tellsus,catsdon’talwayscomedownfromtrees.

This summer, Rescue Servicesretrieved

over 40 felines from precarious perches.

This season’s most intense rescue occurred in Leicester when a raccoon got stuckunderabuildinginawaterway.

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Just in time for July4festivities,

Rescue Services escorted a family of ducks across a

footbridge on Storrow Drive totheEsplanadeandintotheCharles.

AtholAnimalControlputinanemergencyrequesttoRescueServicesforhelpwitha stray cat they found under a porch with an illegal leghold trap clamped to one of its legs.OurRescueTeamcaughtandtransportedthecattoCummingsSchoolofVeterinaryMedicineatTuftsUniversity,whereveterinarianshadtoamputatethecat’slegduetotheextentofitsinjuries.NownamedPhilbert, hecontinuestorecoverfromhisordeal.

TheRescueTeamworkedwithtwolocalfiredepartmentsandthePlymouthCountyTechnicalRescueTeamtoextricatea deer stuck in the mudflats in Marshfield.Forherworkonthescene,theARL’sseniorrescuetechnicianDanielleGenterreceivedacertificateofappreciationfromtheAnimalControlOfficersAssociationofMassachusetts.

Thoughhewasunderstandablywaryofpeople,thispoorCanadaGoosedesperately

needed human assistance to remove an arrow shot through its head. Rescue

ServiceswasabletobringhiminandtakehimtotheNewEnglandWildlifeCenterforrehabilitation.Herecoveredandwas

releasedafewweekslater.

Perhaps the most famous goat in Massachusetts history, thislittleladyroamedBillericapeeringintoofficewindowsandprancingthroughbackyards.SheevenhadherownhashtagonTwitter.HerwalkaboutwascutshortonceRescueServicesgotthecall,andshespenttherestofhersummerholidayatourDedhamshelter.

BE A LIFESAVER - LEAD SPONSORBostonPrivateBank&TrustCo.andKellyMcKernan

GIVE A HOMETheBealCompaniesHollyBurdonMalcolmMcDonaldandSusanPassoniNancyZ.BenderInsuranceAgency,Inc.

LEND A PAWAnonymousDaVinciRistoranteEatonVanceManagementEdwardsWildmanPalmerLLCInternationalPosterGalleryMyers+ChangDavidO’DonahoeandDianePienta

BE A FRIENDAnonymousBeaconServices,IncGibsonSotheby’sInternationalRealtyAdrianaHeintzMichaelandLeeAnnLeahyMintzLevinCityCouncilorBillLinehanMountWashingtonBankPolkaDogBakeryRiskStrategiesCompanySouthEndFormaggio


JustafterMemorialDay,theARLunveiled“DancingwithSpheres,”a12-foottallstainlesssteelandbronzestatuebyDavidPhillips. Brookline-residentTonyLopeswanted to commission an artist who could recreate the sense of awe he feels whenlookingatanexceptionalpieceofpublicart.Healsowantedtofindsomeonewhosharedhisdeeploveforanimals.HebroughttheconcepttoPhillips,whosedistinguishedportfolioofpublicartincludesthefrogsatBostonCommon’sTadpolePlayground. “DancingwithSpheresishereatthedogplayyardattheARL’sBostonadoptioncentertoremindusoftheloveandcareanimalsaddtoourlives,”saidPhillipsofthepiece. Thankyoutoallofoursponsors,especiallyco-leadsponsorsBostonPrivateBank&TrustCo.andKellyMcKernan,SeniorVicePresidentInvestmentManagement&TrustandARLBoardMember,andDKOPhotographyforcapturingtheday.

Wedancedwithspherestostartthesummer,andateonionringstofinishitoff!

Eastham’sfamousArnold’sClambargenerouslydonatedalltheproceedsfromsalesoffood,icecream,andmini-golfontherestaurant’sfinalweekendoftheseasontotheARL’sBrewsterShelterandWildCareofCapeCod.

ThankyoutoArnold’sforawonderfulwaytocloseoutthesummer!

Dancing with SpheresCelebrating art and animals at the sculpture debut

ARL Board Chair Malcom McDonald (left); artist David Phillips; donor Tony Lopes; ARL President Mary Nee (right), pictured in front of Dancing with Spheres.

Iconic Arnold’s Clam Bar Raises Almost $4500 for ARL’s Brewster Shelter

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This summer, the ARL decided toparticipateinthe2013ASPCARachelRayChallenge,anationwidecompetitionamong50shelterstoincrease pet adoptions from June 1 to August31.Thegoal:1200in12weeks.

An ambitious goal, but necessarily so.

AccordingtoMaryannRegan,theARL’sdirectorofshelteroperations,summertime is the busiest time of yearfortheARL’sadoptioncenters:“Wehavethemostanimalscominginduringthespringandsummer,sowe’vegotourworkcutoutforuseveryyearwhenitcomestofindingthemsafeand

lovinghomesasquicklyaspossibletohelpasmanyanimalsaswecan.” Throughthegenerosityofmediapartners including the Boston Herald, theMBTA,IBEW,andClearChannelCommunications,theARLraisedawarenessforsavinglivesbyadoptingashelterpetandforthemanyanimalsinourcarelookingforhomes.Eachshelteralsohostedseveralsuccessfuladoptionevents,includingtheTakeMeHomeTodayAdoptathonoverLaborDayweekend. After three months of concerted communityoutreach,ARL’stotalstoodatanimpressive1015livessaved.Eachshelter also saw increases in the number ofadoptionsfromsummer2012:

• Boston saw a 5% increase with 485dogandcatadoptionsduringsummer2013vs.461duringsummer2012

• Dedham saw a 41% increase with 209duringsummer2013vs.148duringsummer2012

• Brewster saw a 44% increase with 203duringsummer2013vs.141duringsummer2012

The focus on adoptions this summeralsoprovidedtheopportunityfor more people to learn about what theARLdoesallyear-roundtosavedomesticated animals and wildlife fromsuffering,cruelty,abandonment,andneglect.

Over 1000 Lives Saved During Summer 2013Participation in ASPCA Rachel Ray Challenge nets big increase in cat and dog adoptions

Thanks to the tireless efforts of staff, volunteers, community partners, and the individuals and families who opened their hearts to an animal in need, more cats and dogs — significantly more — found forever homes.

Those 1015 won big!


Whileferalcatstendtoavoidhumancontact,theyoftenliveincloseproximitytopeople,especiallyinurbanandsuburbanareas. As a result, concerns about controllingtheirnumbers,minimizing“nuisance”behaviorssuchasyowlingandsprayingrelatedtobreeding,andmaintainingtheirhealthareveryrealconcernsforanimalwelfareadvocatesandpeoplelivingalongsideferalcolonies. CallstotheARL’sRescueServicesTeamandadoptioncentersfrompeople complaining about feral cats roaming their neighborhood or wondering what to do about a feral momcatandherkittensarenotanuncommonoccurrence. Toprovideahumanesolutiontocommunityconcerns,staffattheBostonadoptioncenterbegantoexploretrap-neuter-release(TNR)programs.Atthattime,TNRshadeffectivelyhelpedstabilizethegrowthandimprovetheoverallwelfareofferalcatcoloniesworldwide. Thankstoagenerousdonor,theARLlauncheditsownFix-a-FeralTNRclinic, which now runs four times a year.Ourgoalistotreat75catsperclinicand,asofthiswriting,wehavespayed/neuteredover275in2013. ClinicsareheldonSundaysandarefullystaffedbytrainedvolunteers,includingveterinariansthatoffertheirservicesforfree.Trapperswho feed and help maintain feral catcoloniesbringincatsearlyinthemorningandthecatsareevaluated.Thecatsarespayed/neuteredandvaccinated,andreceiveadditionalmedicalattentionifnecessary.

AnimportantpartoftheTNRapproachtomanagingthesizeofferalcoloniesisfindingthe“friendlies,”catsthataremorelikelystraysthantrueferals.AtalltheFix-a-Feralclinics,staffandvolunteersinvesttimeinassessingeachcattofindthosewithadoptionpotential. Heinz57,awonderful6-year-oldallwhitecatwithbeautifulgreeneyes,forinstance,cameinthispastApril.Staffatthe clinic could tell from his demeanor thathecouldadapttolivinginsidewithpeople.WhileatourBrewsteradoption

center,hemetawonderfulfamilythattodayhecallshisown. Meanwhile,thetrueferalsarereturnedbacktotheircolonieswheretheycanconcentrateonday-to-daylivinginsteadofbreeding,reproducing,andprovidingforoff-spring.Theyaretrulyhappierandhealthier cats!

Fix-A-Feral ClinicHumanely helping cats and our communities

Trappers bring feral cats like this one to the ARL’s Fix-a-Feral clinics to get spayed/neutered and vaccinated.

Thank you to Bertucci’s in Kenmore Square and Flour for feeding

staff and volunteers at our 2013 Fix-A-Feral clinics.

Learn more about Heinz57arlboston.org/Heinz57

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Alice,a7-monthmixedbreed,gotofftoaveryroughstartinlife. AlicearrivedonatransportfromLouisianatotheARL’sBrewstershelterwhenshewasjust7monthsold.Whenhefirstexaminedher,ARLveterinarianDr.KyleQuigleyimmediatelynoticedshewashavingtroublewithherbacklegs.

“She had almost no muscle development in her hind limbs and was having trouble doing many activities,” explained Dr. Quigley. Further x-rays revealed that Alice’s hips were severely disabled and would require extensive and expensive surgeries as she grew older.

Inspiteofhermedicaloutlook,theBrewstershelterfoundawonderfuladoptivefamilyinRachelDewees,fiancéDavidThornton,andson,Daniel,ofSandwich,MA,forAlice.ThefamilyagreedtotakeAliceasafosterpetandtostartheronphysicaltherapytobuildstrengthinherlegsbeforesurgery. TherapistsatCapeAnimalReferralandEmergency(CARE)generouslyoffered to do underwater treadmill sessionswithAliceatnocost.UsingthebuoyancyofwatertotakestressoffAlice’sjoints,therapistshelpedherexercisesafelyandbuildcriticalmuscletoneandcontrolinherhindlegs. The results of the underwater therapywerenothingshortofamazing.WhenAlicewentinforthescheduledsurgeryonherhips,herdoctorsdetermined she had built up her musclesandgainedsuchsignificant

mobility,theynolongerneeded tooperate. AccordingtoDr.Quigley,“Herrecoveryandthemusclemassthatshedevelopedweretrulyremarkableandatestamenttothepowerfulbenefitsofphysicaltherapy.Aliceisoneluckydogtohavefoundsuchagreatfamilyandtohavereceivedthecareshedesperatelyneeded.” Alice’sfosterandnowadoptivefamilyhasaslightlydifferentspin.“EveryonekeepssayinghowluckyAlice

istohavehadsomanychancesandsomanychampions,butwefeellikewe’retheluckyones,”smiledRachelDewees.“She’sacompletedelightandhasbroughtsomuchjoytoourfamilyinashortperiodoftime.Welovehertopieces.” Withanexcellentprognosis,Alice continues her water treadmill therapytwiceweeklyatCARE,andenjoysregularromps,walksandswimsatBarnstable’sSandyNeckBeachwithherfamily.

One Lucky DogAlice’s New Lease on Life Thanks to Cape Cod Community

ARL veterinarian Dr. Kyle Quigley holding Alice.

Alice doing one of her underwater treadmill sessions at CARE.

Alice with her family, Rachel Dewees, fiancé David Thornton, and son Daniel.

Theanimalsinourcarerelyonthemanyspecialvolunteerswhopourtheirtimeandloveintokeepingthemhappyandhealthy.Ourvolunteershelpus understand, respect, and respond to theindividualneedsofeachandeveryanimalinourthreeadoptioncenters.We’reshiningthespotlightonsomeofthe most dedicated and inspirational peoplewithwhomwehavethedistincthonortowork.

Welcome back Dann Brown DannleftanoticeablevoidattheARL’sBostonadoptioncenterwhenhelefttoattendschoolinMissouriin2012.

Whenhebeganvolunteeringin2009,theanimalsinstantlytooktohim—andhetothem.Manydays,he could be found down on the floor playingwithdifferentcatsinourcare,andbringingeventheshyestkittenoutofhershell.Dogsbarkedandwaggedtheirtailsinhappyrecognitionwhenhewalkedintothekennels,lookingforwardtotheirturnwithDann. Nowthathehasreturnedfromschool,DannisbackattheBostonshelterformore!Truetoform,manydaysyouwillfindhimonceagaindownon the floor or face to face with his manyfurryfriends.

The Mod Squad AmySutherland,MariaUribe,MicheleSmith,KateHanson,andMalMalmecompriseagroupofelitevolunteersknownaffectionatelyattheARLas“themodsquad.”Eachwentaboveandbeyondtheaveragevolunteercommitment,takingtrainingclassesandothercoursessuggestedbytheARLinordertodevelophigh-leveldogcareandtrainingexpertise. Workingtogetherasateam,theyprovideessentialsupportintheBostonadoptioncenterfordogswithavarietyofhealthandbehavioralissues,makingsurethat,evenatthebusiesttimes,everydoggetstheindividualenrichmentheorsheneeds.Theyalsohelpwithadoptions—takingpictures,helpingwith introductions, offering tips and advicetopotentialadopters,andmore. EverymemberoftheMod SquadhasvolunteeredattheARLfor4yearsormore.Thisyear,MariaUribecelebratedaspecialmilestone:10yearsvolunteeringwiththe ARL and counting!

Alice Elliott Sometimes,animalsinneedofsomeextraTLCwillgotofosterhomes.Veryyoungkittensorpuppieswhomaynotdowellintheanimalshelter

environment,ananimalinneedofamorelengthyrecoveryperiodfromsurgery,oracatordogwhoneeds to do some training in a home environmentbeforeadoption areallexamples. Foralmost10years,Alicehascontinuedafamilytraditionofwelcoming dogs and cats of all ages into herhome.ShehelpsalloftheARL’sshelterswithanimalsthatneedlong-term fostering as a result of medical treatment,andhastakenonanimalswithchallengingbehavioralissues. AliceandhermotherfirstbeganfosteringfortheARLin2004.Theybondedwiththeiranimalsand Alice cherished the time spent pursuingtheirmutualloveofanimalstogether.Thoughhermotherpassedawayin2011,Alicebelievesthefosterworkshecontinuestodohonorshermother’smemory.


Volunteer SpotlightA love of animals in action

The Mod Squad from left to right: Amy Sutherland, Maria Uribe, Michele Smith, Kate Hanson, and Mal Malme.

Alice Elliott holding Lavender

Dann Brown saying hello to Charlie.

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You can help too!Visit arlboston.org/volunteer to learn about volunteer opportunities

Thank you to our corporate team volunteers including:

• TheBostonCompanyforspendingadaydoingathoroughfallcleanupatourBostonadoption center — it looks great!

• TheeditorsofThePatchnewspapers!Notonlydidyousharenewsaboutoursummer adoption goal of “1200 in 12 weeks,” but you took time out to walk dogs in our Boston adoption center.

• TIFforcanvassingtheSouthEndwithflyersaboutoursummeradoptiongoal!


ThesamedaysomanylivesweresavedattheARL’send-of-the-summerTakeMeHomeAdoptathon,PuppyDoe,ayoungadultdogfoundtortured,starved,anddumpednearaquietparkinQuincy,Massachusetts,washumanelyeuthanizedatanemergencyveterinaryclinicontheSouthShore. Concernedaboutthenatureandextentofherinjuries,aswellasheremaciated condition, the treating veterinariangotintouchwiththeARL’sCenterforAnimalProtectiontotapourveterinaryforensiccapabilitiesandlawenforcementexpertise. Thankstoyoursupport,wewereable to answer the call to action on behalfofPuppyDoeandbringhercasetotheattentionoftheNorfolkCountyDistrictAttorney.

What Is Happening in the Case? Inmid-September,theARL,theQuincyPoliceDepartment,andtheNorfolkCountyDistrictAttorneytogether issued an appeal to the public for information about who owned and abusedPuppyDoe. TheQuincypoliceassignedathree-personteamofdetectivestopursue the multiple leads that poured intothedepartment. OnOctober28,thepoliceannounced an arrest in the case and the suspect was charged with 11 counts of animalcruelty.

What Is the ARL Doing? AfterbringingPuppyDoe’sabusetotheattentionoftheDA,theARLhascontinuedtoprovideon-goingsupporttotheinvestigation. Ourinitialforensicanalysisprovedcrucial to establishing the extreme brutalityoftheabuseinflictedonPuppyDoe,andwewillprovideadditionalforensicconsultationandtestimony asrequired. OurspecialpoliceofficeranddirectoroftheARL’sCenterforAnimal

ProtectionalsocontributedhisexperienceandexpertisetoQuincypolice.

Only 1 in 5 cases of animal cruelty is ever even discovered. Last year alone, the ARL assisted in 1,500 cases of cruelty and neglect — most of which never made the headlines.

Puppy DoeStunning Cruelty That Shocked Us All

What Can You Do?Learn more at arlboston.org/take-action

Our law enforcement team and Center for Animal

Protection act as a resource to local authorities dealing with

cruelty and neglect cases and issues. Our rescue services

team, adoption centers, and network of foster volunteers

also provide care, treatment, shelter, and aid in finding a

home for animals recovering from cruel conditions.

Thank you for keeping us ever-ready to

answer the call for help!

InvestigatorscontinuetopursuejusticeforPuppyDoe,ayoungadultfemaledog that suffered a shocking level of abuse.

A week after the public appeal for information in the case, hundreds gathered at the Vigil for Puppy Doe to memorialize her and draw attention animal cruelty issues.

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DuringadrugandweaponsraidonahomeinMiddleboroinearlyOctober,policefound13pitbullpuppiesjammedintoasmallcrate.Thoughfouradultpitbulls were also found in the home in good condition, the puppies were all filthy,emaciated,anddehydrated. Thelocalveterinarianwhoprovidedurgentcaretothepuppiesdescribedthemas“littleboneracks,”andbelievedatleastoneofthepuppieswouldn’thavemadeitthroughanothernightifauthoritieshadn’tfoundhim. MiddleboroAnimalControlcontacted the ARL for help, and within 24hoursoftheirdiscoveryallbutone

oftherescuedpupscheckedintothethreeARLadoptioncentersinBoston,Dedham,andBrewster.Theonepuppytoosicktotravelremainedunderthecareofthelocalveterinarianuntilhecouldjoinhissiblingsafewdayslater. Aswidelyreportedinthemedia,thepuppieshadclearlybeenlivingincruelconditions. Lt.AlanBorgal,directoroftheARL’sCenterforAnimalProtection,suspectedthedogs’previousowner,nowunderarrest,hadaside-businesssellingdogs:“Ithinkthiswasacaseofa‘backyardbreeder’—anindividualwho’snotaprofessionalbreederand

justtryingtomakeaquickbuck.Theydon’tputalotofcareintotheanimal.” As of this writing, the puppies are allinfosterhomesreceivingextraloveandattention.Thefocusisongettingthemhealthyandreadyforadoption.In spite of their rough start on life, theselittleguysandgalsaresnugly,playful,andsweet-as-can-be!

Thanks to your support, the 13 Middleboro puppies have a brighter future in safe and loving homes!

13 Puppies Seized in Middleboro Recovering from Cruel Conditions

Two of the 13 puppies who all have a second chance, thanks to you.

ItwasthekindofsituationconfrontingCandaceRiveraearlierthisyearthatinspiredlong-timeARLsupporterJaneWhitneyMarshalltofirstestablishtheAliceT.WhitneyHelpingHandFundfiveyearsago. OnaThursdaymorningthathadstartedjustlikeanyother,Candace’sbelovedfamilydogFoxywasaccidentallyhitbyacar.Thoughthepetite4-year-oldChihuahuahadsomehowmanagedtosurvivetheimpact,sheneededemergencysurgery,whichCandacesimplycouldnotafford. Thefamilyhadfallenonhardtimesfinanciallyandtheydidnothavethe$4,000itwouldtaketosaveFoxy.Humaneeuthanasiawastheonlyotheroption,butwasunthinkabletothedistraughtCandace. JaneWhitneyMarshallestablishedtheAliceT.WhitneyHelpingHandFundinmemoryofhergrandmother

—acontemporaryandfriendofARLfounderAnnaHarrisSmith—toensure limited economic means did notpreventcaringownerslikeCandacefromprovidingvitalcarefortheirpetsintreatablemedicalemergencies.

Thanks to you, more than 360 pets received critical veterinary care that their families could not afford without financial assistance.

LuckilyforCandace,afrienddirected her to the ARL and she learned shequalifiedforassistancethroughtheFund.Foxyreceivedtheemergencycaresheneededandafterseverallengthysurgeries,countlessdaysofmedicaltreatment, and rehabilitation, she went hometoherfamily.

ThespiritandgenerosityofAliceT.Whitney,describedinaboardtributeas“alwaysreadytoextendahelpinghandtothoseinneed,”livesonthroughallthesecondchancesprovidedbythefundthatbearshername.

Remember the ARL’s Alice T. Whitney Fund this #GivingTuesday on December 3. Learn more at arlboston.org/givingtuesday2013

Helping Hand from Alice T. WhitneyMaking sure those with limited economic means have access to veterinary care

Notevenayearold,theARL’sYoungProfessionalsGroupmembershipnumbershaverapidlyexpandedasanimal-loversfromallovergreaterBostonhaveenthusiasticallyembracedtheopportunitytonetworkwith peers with similar interests and concernsaboutanimalwelfare. Thissummer,ARLYP’ersenjoyedcomplimentarysummerappetizers,cocktails,raffleprizes,andgreatconversationsattwodog-friendlyoutdooreventsattheSeaportHotelin

Boston.Membersalsoaddedtotheirfallwardrobeatanexclusive“SipandShop”eventhostedbyBeaconHill’sJ.McLaughlinwith15%of salesgoingtotheARL. Visitarlboston.org/ypformembershipinformation.

Special thanks to our generous hosts the Seaport Hotel and J. McLaughlin!

If you’re between the ages of 21-35 and want to help animals, join our Young Professionals Group today!

All members receive:• InvitationstoexclusiveYoungProfessionalsevents.

• SpecialdiscountstoanumberofparticipatingpetsupplybusinessesthroughoutBoston.

• DiscountticketstoARLeventsandmore.

• Pettrainingtipsanddemonstrations.

Membershipfeeisanannual$25tax-deductibledonationtohelptheanimalsinourcare.

Visit arlboston.org/yp

ARL’s Young Professionals Group Continues to Grow


Foxy, seen here after her life-saving surgery, is now home with her family.

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“IamchoosingtoleavealegacywiththeARL for many reasons, but the main one isthatIknowthatthemoneyIamgivingto the ARL will go directly to save animals’ lives,aswellastobringjoytothefamiliesthat adopt an animal into their home. The ARL is unlike any other non-profit.”

– Glenn Mekelburg

LegacyLeave a LegacyFOR A HUMANESOCIETY

The Anna Harris Smith Legacy is comprised of caring individuals who

have elected to help secure future animal

care by providing a bequest to the Animal

Rescue League of Boston in their estate plans.

For more information about how you can

help support the ARL now and into the future,

please contact Caitlin Oates at 617.226.5690 or

[email protected].

Thank you!

Animal Rescue League of Boston | 10 Chandler Street | Boston, MA 02116-5221

Payyourrentorgetyourbelovedpetemergencyveterinarycare.

How could you choose?Givelow-incomefamiliesandtheirpetsthespecialgiftofloveandtime.

Which would you choose?

Donate to ARL’s Alice T. Whitney Helping Hand Fund on GivingTuesday

Spread the Word About Spay Waggin’!

SAVE THE DATE:December 3, 2013

Making monthly scheduled stops throughout the South Shore and Cape Cod on an appointment-only basis.

Find out when it’s coming to a location near you.

arlboston.org/givingtuesday2013

[email protected]

facebook.com/SpayWaggin

ARL Our Four-Footed Friends Fall 2013

Lifestyle

Transcript of ARL Our Four-Footed Friends Fall 2013