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Transcript of 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.
——————————————VO LUME 1 1 4——————————————
Managing Editor: AmiBowen
Contributing Writers: AmiBowenElizabethDobrskaMaryNeeMarciTyldesley
Contributing Photographers: ChristineS.BartonDKOPhotographyElizabethDobrskaAmeliaHughesMarciTyldesleyMariaL.Uribe
Our Four-Footed Friends |Fall2013
Our Mission
ON THE COVER:Twoofthe13puppiesrecoveredfromaSWATteamraidonahomeinMiddleboroinearlyOctober.
HerbieAdopted
arlboston.org1
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
arlboston.org3
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.
arlboston.org5
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
6 Our Four-Footed Friends |Fall2013
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.
arlboston.org7
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
8 Our Four-Footed Friends |Fall2013
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
arlboston.org9
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!
10 Our Four-Footed Friends |Fall2013
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
arlboston.org11
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.
12 Our Four-Footed Friends |Fall2013
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.
arlboston.org13
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!
14 Our Four-Footed Friends |Fall2013
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.
arlboston.org15
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
16 Our Four-Footed Friends |Fall2013
Foxy, seen here after her life-saving surgery, is now home with her family.
arlboston.org17
“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
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
facebook.com/SpayWaggin