Our Four Footed Friends Fall/Winter 2015

OUR FOUR-FOOTED

Friends Fall/Winter 2015

Animal Hoarding A Growing Community Problem

Spay Waggin’ Helping Animals in Need on Martha’s Vineyard

Clear the Shelters Day Adoption Success

and how you help them

ON THE COVER:

Mikey, the blue-eyed kitten on the front cover, met his new family at the ARL’s Boston shelter over the summer.

Abigail Adopted

Our Mission

F

ounded in 1899, the Animal Rescue League of Boston is dedicated to rescuing domesticated animals and wildlife from suffering, cruelty, abandonment, and neglect.

The ARL carries out its mission through the following programs: • Emergency Rescue Team • Anti-Cruelty Law Enforcement • Animal Care and Adoption Centers (Boston, Dedham, & Brewster) • Spay Waggin’ (Affordable Spay & Neutering) • Pine Ridge Pet Cemetery

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 AnimalRescueLeagueofBoston @ARLBoston arlboston

Our Four-Footed Friends | Fall/Winter 2015

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 League of Boston, 10 Chandler Street, Boston, MA 02116. Please address all editorial and subscription correspondence to us at the address above, attention Our Four-Footed Friends Managing Editor.

——————————————

VOLUME 118

—————————————— Managing Editor: Ami Bowen Contributing Writers: Angela Altobelli Ami Bowen Lisa Graham Mary Nee Caitlin Oates Contributing Photographers: Angela Altobelli Christine S. Barton Bedford Police Department Marcy Ford Lisa Graham Becky Leuenberger Brian O’Connor Deb Ratner Kim Roderiques Marci Tyldesley Maria L. Uribe Debby Vogel

Contents

2

Message from the President: Together, we accomplished so much

4

Animal Hoarding — A Growing Community Problem

6

Leaving a legacy

8

Behind the Scenes: Shelter animals get a healing hand

9

Warm and Fuzzy Success Stories

10

Adoption Success on National “Clear the Shelters Day”

11

Adopt-a-Cat and Adopt-a-Dog Month Highlights

12

Introducing the ARL’s Feline Mod Squad

13

Thank You to Our Corporate Partners!

14

ARL Rescue Services Team on the Scene Charlie Adopted

16

Wilson: Brave Cat Survives Ordeal with Steel Leghold Trap

18

ARL Joins Coalition to Improve the Protection and Treatment of Farm Animals

20

People and Paws at the ARL

Save a life. Donate today!

617.426.9170 x 615

arlboston.org/donate

use enclosed envelope arlboston.org 1

Message from the President Together, we accomplished so much

A

s I watch the leaves turn and the holiday decorations go up, I keep asking myself, “where did 2015 go?” It seems like just yesterday we were ringing in the New Year, and yet here we are again.

At the same time, I am also amazed at the depth and breadth of compassionate care thousands of animals received this year through ARL programs and services. Together, we accomplished so much on behalf of animals in need.

Animal hoarding, a major area of focus for the ARL, has been on the forefront of our work over the past months. In the summer of 2015, the ARL’s law enforcement team responded to 7 different hoarding situations. From these cases, we took in over 100 animals to ARL shelters, all requiring veterinary care, behavioral rehabilitation, and longer-term shelter.

On average, our law enforcement team actively investigates and monitors 6-8 hoarding cases in cities and towns across Massachusetts every month.

Because the ARL is considered an expert resource for responding to and managing animal hoarding situations, more local and state authorities are turning to us for assistance in a crisis — straining our resources to manage the sudden influx of animals.

Even among animal welfare advocates, many know very little about how frequently hoarding situations occur in Massachusetts. To help raise awareness about this urgent and serious community problem, we dedicated our President’s Council Fall Educational Forum to the topic of animal hoarding.

Former WCVB anchor and animal advocate Susan Wornick moderated a highly informative discussion between Dr. Gary Patronek, a founder of the Hoarding of Animals Research Consortium, and Lt. Alan Borgal, director of the ARL’s law enforcement team. You will find highlights of this discussion captured on pages 4 and 5.

To give a voice to another group of animals silently suffering, the ARL also joined the effort to end the extreme

confinement of farm animals. A coalition of national and local animal welfare organizations are working collaboratively to secure a spot on the 2016 ballot for a measure that would end the use of battery cages and gestational crates by 2022.

We believe this measure supports basic humane principals that farm animals can lay down, turn around and spread their wings. The measure also reflects the growing consensus that humane and safe food sources benefits animals and people alike.

Thanks to dedicated ARL volunteers who pounded the pavement asking registered voters to sign the petition and the large response from our social media followers who joined the cause, the coalition successfully collected the 95,000 signatures needed to move to the next phase of consideration for the 2016 ballot. We will keep you posted on progress.

We also continue to turn our attention to communities where we find animals in need. Sometimes these are in places we least expect, as was the recent case when our Spay Waggin,’ the ARL’s mobile spay and neuter surgical unit, received a call for help from animal control officers on Martha’s Vineyard.

Because year-round island residents in financial need had no access to affordable spay and neuter options, the island is currently struggling with pet overpopulation. After coordinating two spay/neuter clinics for Vineyard pets in Falmouth, the Spay Waggin’ made its maiden voyage on the ferry across the Vineyard Sound to help animals get the veterinary care they needed closer to their homes.

Even as we responded to the immediate needs of animals this year, we continued to invest time and energy into thoroughly exploring emerging trends in animal welfare and challenges in our community to develop a strategic plan for the organization’s future.

As we close 2015, I am happy to report we are in the final phase of our analysis and discussion. I look

2 Our Four-Footed Friends | Fall/Winter 2015

Mary Nee, ARL president, saying hello to Tiger, a kitten at the ARL’s Boston shelter.

forward to sharing with you in 2016 a strategic plan that will guide the ARL in the coming years as we work to assist more animals in need and, most importantly, prevent abuse and neglect before it happens.

At this time of year, I know there are many organizations locally, nationally, and internationally asking for your support. I also imagine there could be many causes and issues you care about and want to solve. For these reasons, I am truly honored you have chosen to give to the ARL in the past.

While you read this edition of Our Four-Footed Friends, remember that the ARL receives no public funding to respond to hoarding situations or bring the Spay Waggin’ to Martha’s Vineyard.

Only with your support can animals like Wilson, Johnny Cash, Jordan, and Myrtle — all cats and dogs featured in this edition — get the help they need to lead safer, healthier, and happier lives.

I ask you to express your dedication to improving the protection and treatment of animals in Massachusetts once again with a donation to the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

On behalf of everyone at the ARL, thank you for your kindness and generosity for animals in need.

Happy holidays to you and all the animals in your life!

Sincerely,

Mary Nee President

SOMETIMES IT’S GOOD TO SEE

DOUBLE

Many companies offer matching gift programs that will double, even triple your donation to the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

3 things to ask your human resources department…

Does your company or firm match charitable donations?

If you made your gift during the past year, will your firm match it now?

If you are a retiree, will your company match your gift? Some do!

THANK YOU for helping MORE ANIMALS get the care and assistance they need, when they need it most. arlboston.org 3

From left: Susan Wornick, former WCVB anchor; Dr. Gary Patronek, a founder of the Hoarding of Animals Research Consortium; and Lt. Alan Borgal, director of the ARL’s law enforcement team, discussing the complex topic of animal hoarding at the ARL’s Fall Educational Forum.

Animal Hoarding — A Growing Community Problem

A

nimal hoarding is a serious, yet under-recognized community problem that is responsible for substantial animal suffering.

The ARL has confronted animal hoarding for decades, yet in the past few years, the situations have become increasingly frequent and complex.

The ARL’s law enforcement team actively investigates and monitors 6-8 hoarding cases a month, and took in over 100 animals from hoarding situations alone in less than 12 weeks during the summer of 2015.

To help the public better understand the critical role they can play in getting help to the animals in a hoarding situation, the ARL dedicated the President’s Council Fall Educational Forum to the topic. Former WCVB anchor Susan Wornick moderated a discussion between Dr. Gary Patronek, a founder of the Hoarding of Animals Research Consortium, and the ARL’s director of law enforcement Lt. Alan Borgal.

Dr. Patronek and Lt. Borgal offered their expert insights and perspectives to educate the audience about the impact of hoarding on animals and the community. Here are some of the highlights of their discussion: Q: What is the profile of an animal hoarder?

Dr. Patronek: Although 70% of the subjects who come to the attention

of authorities are unmarried females, studies show that there are an equal ratio of men and women animal hoarders.

Animal hoarders come from many different educational, economic, and cultural backgrounds – trauma nurses, veterinarians, classroom aides, and professors. They appear very functional in public.

Q. What is the impact of a hoarding situation on animals?

Lt. Borgal: In hoarding homes, there is no sanitary space. The animals, the hoarder, and sometimes other adults and children are literally trapped in their own filth.

We often find hoarders have fed their animals straight from a can and the cans pile up inside a home — we have walked over piles several feet high in some situations.

Animals have no access to adequate drinking water or veterinary care.

They are often infested with external parasites like fleas.

The animals in the household are constantly competing for food and attention, making for a very dangerous living situation for both the animals and the humans.

Q. How do you find out about and respond to animal hoarding situations?

Lt. Borgal: Hoarding cases are often accidentally discovered when a repair

4 Our Four-Footed Friends | Fall/Winter 2015

company or other emergency service is called in. If someone in the home has a medical problem and an ambulance is called, for example.

Hoarders are usually very concerned that someone will take their animals away from them and can become very emotional when confronted. That’s why the ARL approaches suspects very sensitively and respectfully to try to establish trust with an individual.

It can take a longer period of time, but once we establish trust, we can start helping the animals and determining what, if any, other human services agencies should get involved.

If a hoarder is not willing to cooperate, we move ahead with getting a court order to remove animals and start the process to prosecute them on felony charges.

Many animal hoarding cases do break down, requiring a crisis response

Thank you

to our anonymous challenge donor and everyone who gave during the ARL’s Cruelty Prevention Fund Drive to help protect more animals from harm!

“I don’t think most people understand the true problem involving animal hoarding.

It is not as it might appear — the innocent collection of a pet lover, intent on building a coterie of love and affection. Instead, it can be just the opposite — the evidence of an unstable personality risking the lives of animals who often times are inadvertently underfed, overfed or sadly, uncared for.

I applaud the ARL for its education and action protecting all involved. “ Susan Wornick, former WCVB anchor, animal advocate, and moderator of the ARL’s Fall Educational Forum

(Continued from page 4) which strains the resources of social service agencies, local law enforcement, and animal welfare organizations like the ARL. Q. Is there a solution to animal hoarding?

Dr. Patronek: Because a variety of factors and complex psychological conditions cause hoarding, there’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Just as a variety of stakeholders must cooperate to intervene, investigate, and address a hoarding problem, a variety of stakeholders must work together to monitor a hoarder’s adherence to a plan to manage the situation.

As with other relapsing conditions, hoarding requires constant follow-up and support from animal welfare and social service agencies. Sadly for some, hoarding can be a never-ending cycle.

Lt. Alan Borgal, director of the ARL’s law enforcement team, with Moose, an ARL alum from the Boston shelter.

What is the ARL’s Law Enforcement Team?

The ARL is one of only two animal welfare organizations with special Massachusetts state police officers on staff who actively investigate crimes against animals.

The two officers and one coordinator on ARL’s law enforcement team work to protect animals from harm in many ways, including: • Ensuring the safety of animals after a report or tip about suspected neglect and abuse – Example: A neighbor reports seeing a dog chained and kept in the backyard in extremely cold weather.

• Educating pet owners about the lawful treatment and care of animals in the state – Example: Officers will explain shelter requirements for farm animals mandated by law in Massachusetts.

• Supporting local police departments in the investigation and response to animal-related crimes – Example: When two deceased puppies were discovered in Revere, the ARL’s Lt. Alan Borgal provided expertise on the collection of evidence and assistance investigating leads in the case.

• Assisting the prosecution of animal-related crimes by providing veterinary forensics and testimony in court.

• Monitoring known animal hoarders to provide guidance and support with animal care, and connections to other health and human services agencies.

See Something, Say Something.

Learn more about what you can do to prevent animal cruelty at arlboston.org/take-action.

arlboston.org 5

Leaving a Legacy Helen Frank: A legacy of kindness According to her family, Helen Frank — known affectionately as “Auntie”— absolutely loved animals.

At her homes in Belmont, Massachusetts, and Easton, Maryland, she greeted the cardinals, blue jays, chickadees, and squirrels who visited her porch railing looking for the bird seed she put out for them.

She befriended a peacock who lived near her Maryland home. The peacock happily dozed in a tree in Helen’s yard during the day, and would come right up the stairs to her sliding door to say hello.

Deer often strolled across her property and she became very fond of a

3-legged deer that returned year-afteryear to her yard.

A well-loved and cared for cat always lounged by her side right up to the moment she passed away.

Helen Frank with her great niece Courtney Romero at her home in Massachusetts.

Helen’s compassion for animals extended well-beyond appreciation for the animals around her home. She supported a long-list of animal welfare organizations and their work on behalf of animals in need.

“Auntie always tried to help animals in need as ARL does every day,” says Romero.

Her great niece Courtney Romero explained that she cared very deeply about helping as many animals as she could during her lifetime and through her estate planning.

Frank for her generous bequest to the ARL and to her family for sharing her story.

We are grateful to Helen

Christine Barton: A legacy of dedication

Christine Barton, a dedicated ARL volunteer.

Frisky Adopted

ARL shelter cat Frisky stretches his legs in the Christine Barton feline suite.

For four years, Christine Barton dedicated her spare time to caring for and photographing the animals at the ARL’s Boston shelter.

Christine doted on many animals in the shelter, helping to socialize cats with attention and patience.

generous donation to outfit the ARL’s new feline suite. The feline suite gives especially shy or nervous cats the opportunity to stretch their legs, look out the window, and rest in a quiet space on the upstairs floor of the ARL’s Boston shelter.

In this day and age of social media, having high quality photos is essential to helping animals find safe and loving homes as quickly as possible.

Understanding this, Christine cleverly and expertly captured the personalities and spirits of hundreds of adoptable animals on film.

“Christine was a dear friend and fellow animal advocate,” Michelle says. “She would love that cats have a safe and fun place to play, climb, and interact with staff and volunteers while they wait for a new home.”

She often expressed her desire to “just do good” to fellow volunteers, who felt inspired by her commitment and enjoyment of her volunteer work.

Christine Barton’s devotion

When Christine sadly passed away earlier this summer, fellow volunteer Michelle Gelnaw decide to honor her cat-friendly friend by making a very

6 Our Four-Footed Friends | Fall/Winter 2015

We are grateful for

to the ARL and to Michelle Gelnaw for making such a special gift in memory of a kind and gentle person.

Hug them today, help them tomorrow

5 Steps to Leaving a Humane Legacy Many compassionate members of our community want to create a better, more humane community for animals…now and in the future. You can start building a humane legacy that reflects your compassion and kindness TODAY by taking these five steps.

1 Talk with the Animal Rescue League of Boston more about your interest in helping animals.

2 Include the ARL in your will or trust.

3 Add the ARL as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy.

4 Name ARL as a beneficiary of your retirement plan.

5 See the positive effects of your support start right away.

MEET THE PETS who inspired members of the Anna Harris Smith Legacy Society to ensure animals in our community will get the help they need, when they need it most.

“I’m proud to support the ARL’s work for animals in need now and in the future.”

— Kelly McKernan,

ARL Board of Directors

“I can’t think of a better way to demonstrate my eternal commitment to the mission and work of the ARL than to become a member of the Anna Harris Smith Legacy Society. My beloved Susie and Sidney couldn’t agree with me more.”

— Barbara Burg, ARL Board of Directors

START THE CONVERSATION NOW…

If you have included the ARL in your estate plans or are interested in joining the Anna Harris Smith Legacy Society, please contact Caitlin Oates, Senior Manager, President’s Council — 617.226.5690 or coates@arlboston.org

arlboston.org 7

Behind the Scenes Shelter animals get a healing hand Animals with serious injuries and medical issues come to ARL shelters every day in desperate need of a wide range of veterinary care.

Jordan, for example, came to the ARL’s Boston shelter, after suffering from neurologic symptoms at the City of Boston shelter. Diagnosing the cause and determining a treatment plan for the frail 4-year-old Yorkie required extensive lab work, testing, and eventually exploratory surgery.

The results of his tests indicated Jordan had an inoperable liver shunt.

Because of his young age and relatively few clinical symptoms, Dr. Erin Doyle, the ARL’s lead veterinarian for shelter veterinary services, believed there was a solution for Jordan.

“Using the information from Jordan’s lab work, we were able to develop a plan his new family could use to help him manage his condition in a new home,” said Dr. Doyle.

A few weeks after his diagnosis, Jordan’s new mom, who happens to work at an emergency veterinary clinic, saw him in the shelter and decided to bring him home.

Like Jordan, Myrtle, a 3-year-old fuzzy tabby, also came to the ARL’s Boston shelter because of medical issues. She was blind in both eyes and the ARL conferred with a veterinary ophthalmologist to get additional information to determine the right course of treatment.

Working together, shelter veterinarians and the ophthalmologist determined Myrtle had cataracts and retinal detachment. Removing her eyes represented the best option to ensure her comfort and overall health. Dr. Kyle Quigley, the ARL’s lead veterinarian for community veterinary services, removed Myrtle’s eyes.

Myrtle recovered quickly from her surgery and was soon ready for her new home.

Even birds can use a healing hand sometimes.

Jordan a 4-year-old Yorkie, needed extensive testing to determine the cause of his neurologic symptoms.

Myrtle suffered from retinal detachment and cataracts. She needed to have her eyes removed.

When Angel, a big and bold cockatoo, began picking his feathers, the ARL called in an avian veterinary specialist to find out if his behavior indicated an underlying medical condition.

After a test to see if he had an infection came back negative, Angel required additional enrichment activities to help him

alleviate stress and boredom to stop the feather picking.

“When an animal comes to the ARL with a treatable injury or manageable medical problem,” said Dr. Doyle, “we take the steps we do to minimize an animal’s pain and discomfort, and help them as much as possible to lead a healthier life.”

Many shelter animals need a healing hand to find a home…

Shelter animals have no one to pay for their treatment, surgery, or rehabilitation.

Nina The ARL receives no government or public Adopted funding to provide veterinary care for the thousands of animals who come through our shelters each year.

To help cover the veterinary costs of animals in need, in 2015 the Alice T. Whitney Helping Hands Fund generously offered to match dollar for dollar donations from the public that support providing medical care to animals like Jordan and Myrtle.

“Sometimes animals need a healing hand to have a chance at a better life,” explained Jane Whitney Marshall, a longtime ARL supporter and former director who established the fund in memory of her grandmother Alice.

“When an animal needs more extensive veterinary care, we want the ARL to be able to answer the call for help.”

Visit arlboston.org/alice-t-whitney-helping-hand-fund to learn more and make a donation.

8 Our Four-Footed Friends

Warm and Fuzzy Success Stories Johnny Cash: Living a healthier life on Martha’s Vineyard Johnny Cash, an affable 3-year-old pit bull mix, lives on Martha’s Vineyard with his family. His owner Sabrina Luening understood the many health and behavior benefits of neutering a dog and very much wanted to get her cherished pet the veterinary care he needed.

Unfortunately, like many pet owners on the island, Luening had a hard time finding affordable options for Johnny.

The cost of spay and neuter surgery can range up to several hundred dollars.

Barbara Prada, an animal control officer (ACO) in Edgartown for 32 years, explained that for some pet owners on the Vineyard, “getting their pets spayed or neutered was out of reach for them financially,” and they have no other options for their animals.

She added that because of the lack of affordable spay and neuter services, the popular summer tourist destination known for quaint harbor towns, lighthouses, and sandy beaches, is also struggling with pet overpopulation.

After learning about the ARL’s Spay Waggin’ and the high-quality, affordable spay and neuter services the mobile surgical unit provides to animals on Cape Cod and the South Shore, Prada and other ACOs on the Vineyard contacted the ARL. “Animals on the island need assistance and the ACOs on Martha’s Vineyard have limited resources on the island to help. Bringing the Spay Waggin’ to them seemed like a natural solution,” explains Cheryl Traversi, community veterinary services manager at the ARL. Due primarily to logistical challenges, ACOs first brought cats and dogs from Vineyard animal shelters, rescue groups, and residents over on the ferry to meet the Spay Waggin’ in Falmouth, Massachusetts.

While a great first step, the ACOs

Thanks to you!

Johnny Cash with his owner Sabrina Luening.

Johnny Cash and thousands of other animals received the help they need to lead a safer and healthier life.

knew that in order to help animals most, they would need to bring the Spay Waggin’ to the island.

So on a crisp day in late October, the Waggin’ made its maiden voyage across the Vineyard Sound to help animals like Johnny Cash get the veterinary care they needed.

The Good Dog Goods store in Oak Bluffs and the Martha’s Vineyard Animal Shelter hosted the Spay Waggin’s island visit. During the visit, pet owners, the Tisbury and Oak Bluffs animal control officers, and the local animal rescue group brought Johnny Cash and 12 other cats and dogs to the Spay Waggin’ for spay and neuter surgery and other preventive care.

“The ARL’s Spay Waggin’ literally changed Johnny Cash’s life for the better,” explained his mom. “Now that

he’s neutered, I know that he’ll be more amazing than he already is!”

She also added that while pet overpopulation remains a problem on the island, “having access to the affordable spay and neuter services that ARL’s Spay Waggin’ provides is critical to making sure there are no homeless animals on Martha’s Vineyard.”

In November, the Spay Waggin’ made one more return trip to the island to help animals before winter and plan to starrt on-island clinics back up in the spring.

“Everyone on the Spay Waggin’ is very excited to be a part of improving the lives of animals on Martha’s Vineyard,” said the ARL’s Traversi.

“And we’re very glad to hear that the community feels the same way.”

Spay Waggin’ staff before the clinic.

Dr. Quigley operating on the Vineyard.

arlboston.org 9

Adoption Success on National “Clear the Shelters Day” On Saturday, August 15, animal shelters across the nation celebrated “Clear the Shelters Day,” an NBCUniversal initiative to help find animals homes during the busy summer season. Nationwide, more than 400 shelters participated and over 19,000 cats, dogs, small animals, and birds went home with new families during the oneday adoption event.

The ARL served as the lead shelter partner in Massachusetts for Clear the Shelters Day. As the lead partner, the ARL worked closely with NBCowned New England Cable News and Telemundo to raise awareness about the importance of adoption, highlight the compassionate care and behavioral training shelter animals receive, and call attention to the benefits of adopting from a shelter.

WBZ AM and Clear Channel Outdoor also provided additional promotion for Clear the Shelters Day to help reach as many potential adopters as possible.

“Animal shelters are at their highest capacity during the summer, so having the support of NECN, NBCUniversal, and other media partners to encourage adoption during this time of year is incredibly important to finding safe and caring homes for as many animals as we can,” said Maryann Regan, director of shelter operations at the ARL. Thanks to a generous grant from the ASPCA, the ARL’s shelters in Boston and Brewster and “pop-up” mobile adoption location at the Norwood Petco offered $50 off the adoption fees of all adult cats and dogs.

Other ARL supporters also sponsored reduced adoption fees for small animals and the shelters provided all adopters on Clear the Shelters Day with a Super Pet VIP pack, stuffed with fun and helpful items for new pet owners.

At the end of a very busy day in our shelters, more than 40 animals — three times as many as on the same day in 2014 — went home with new families.

In perhaps the best story of the day, one family came to the Boston shelter

THANK YOU

to the Logan and Lucy Rescue Fund for Shelter Animals and everyone else who gave during the Spring Into Action Fund Drive to provide compassionate care for ARL shelter animals!

More than 40 animals found homes with families from Greater Boston and Cape Cod on Clear the Shelters Day.

The ARL’s mobile location at the Norwood Petco made it easy for adopters to meet a new furry family member.

asking to adopt a cat no one else wanted.

They had a shy cat and had called on the ARL’s rescue services team in the past to retrieve her from inside the walls of their home in Brighton. They heard about Clear the Shelters Day and very much wanted to support the ARL during the special event.

This lovely couple decided to adopt Inky, a 3-year-old black and white

10 Our Four-Footed Friends | Fall/Winter 2015

tuxedo cat. He had been having a hard time finding a family who was willing to accept his shyness and quirky personality.

Thank you to the ASPCA and our media partners NBCUniversal, NECN, Clear Channel, and WBZ AM for spreading the word about the importance of animal adoption.

SPECIAL THANKS to our media partners for helping cats and dogs find homes this year!

AllOver Media, Clear Channel Outdoor, MeTV, The Pet Gazette, ThisTV, WBMX Mix 104.1, WBZ 1030, WCVB TV5, WHDH, WLVI, WZLX, and 98.5 The Sports Hub. Scarlett (left) and Lucy (right) were two of many cats and dogs who headed home with their new families during national Adopt-a-Cat and Adopt-a-Dog month.

Adopt-a-Cat and Adopt-a-Dog Month Highlights Because so many people looking for a new pet gravitate to kittens and puppies, the ARL took full advantage of the opportunity to share all the benefits of adopting an adult animal during national Adopt-a-Cat Month in June and Adopt-a-Dog Month in October.

In support of these national adoption months, the ARL launched the “Got Cats on Your Mind?” and “Bark if You Love October” public awareness campaigns with the generous support of Cityside Subaru.

Cityside also sponsored the ARL’s Adopt-a-Cat Month campaign in 2014.

“We were excited to partner again with the ARL because it’s clear everyone at the organization loves and cares about animals as much as we do,” declared Rick White, general manager at Cityside Subaru.

“Whenever Cityside Subaru can help bring pets and people together, we very much like to help.”

During Adopt-a-Cat month, outdoor billboards, television, and radio public service announcements told viewers and listeners to “give a cat a chance at a better life” and adopt.

The announcements also included information about the veterinary

services all adoptable cats receive including spay or neuter surgery and vaccinations at the ARL prior to going to a new home.

For Adopt-a-Dog month, the ARL ran a two week advertising campaign on WCVB TV5 and MeTV promoting the positive reasons to adopt an adult dog from an ARL shelter, including the comprehensive behavioral evaluation all adoptable dogs receive.

With the support of Cityside Subaru and our media partners, 150 cats in June and 44 dogs in October all found homes with loving families.

PUT YOUR PAWS TOGETHER FOR...

Subaru 790 Pleasant St., Belmont, MA 02478 Your support during Adopt-a-Cat and Adopt-a-Dog Month helped more shelter animals find safe and loving homes.

Maizy Adopted October 2015

Thank you from everyone at the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

arlboston.org 11

Introducing the ARL’s Feline Mod Squad

THANK YOU

Feline Mod Squad volunteers provide additional training, socialization, and attention to shelter cats like Athena (lower left).

Meet the newest behavioral training troop to hit our shelters: the ARL’s Feline Mod Squad. Short for Feline Behavior Modification Squad, the 18 volunteer members help train and socialize shelter cats using innovative techniques.

“The ARL’s Feline Mod Squad developed very organically,” explained Debby Vogel, manager of volunteer and educational services.

Many feline volunteers have been working with the ARL for several years and over time, had learned about and used training methods with the cats they cared for on their daily rounds.

Separately, the ARL had established a volunteer-based Canine Mod Squad to give dogs in the shelter more attention and training. The canine squad consistently provided critical assistance to animals who needed more significant

support in order to be successful in their new homes.

As a result, “we thought creating a group of specialized volunteers for felines provided an opportunity to not only recognize their hard work, but also make it possible to expand the amount of enrichment and training cats receive while they are with us,” said Vogel.

Shyness, for example, is the #1 behavioral issue the ARL sees in cats coming into the shelter. Unfortunately, the behavior can seriously impact how quickly a cat finds a new home.

“The cat that runs and hides when a potential adopter approaches their cage is less likely to get adopted,” explains Dot Baisly, shelter enrichment and behavior manager at the ARL. “Thanks to our Feline Mod Squad, we’re able to work with the cats every

12 Our Four-Footed Friends | Fall/Winter 2015

to the 18 members of the Feline Mod Squad!

You truly make a difference in the lives of animals every day. day using simple target training — with tuna fish on a tongue depressor, for instance — and clicker training methods to condition shy cats to become more socialized.”

The conditioning training also provides cats with mental stimulation and a healthy way to communicate.

For cats like Athena, a sweet 7-yearold grey tabby, having the extra support from the Feline Mod Squad made all the difference. Athena experienced such extreme shyness, she would swat at potential adopters who came by her cat cubby in the shelter.

Members of the Mod Squad worked with her to overcome her extreme shyness, and after 192 days of waiting, Athena found a home.

Thank You to Our Corporate Partners!

Sephora at the Prudential Center Sephora at the Prudential Mall selected the ARL as the store’s “Values Inside Out” 2015 charity partner.

In addition to raising money and hosting an in-store meet and greet with an ARL adoptable pup, store employees have volunteered at the Boston shelter.

Sephora staff provided assistance with marketing projects, socializing kittens, and collecting signatures for the farm animal ballot initiative.

Sephora staff members helping to socialize a litter of kittens.

Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar In early September, Eastham’s famous Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar generously donated all the proceeds from a full day of sales of food, ice cream, mini-golf, and tee shirts to the ARL’s Brewster shelter. Brewster shelter staff joined the fun during the lunch- and dinner-time rush, sharing information about adoptable animals, volunteer opportunities, and special swag for pet owners to raise awareness for the organization.

Jack Bakker, volunteer supervisor, and Nolan Allen, shelter staff member, greeting the crowds at Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar.

Cape Cod Young Professionals The Cape Cod Young Professional selected the ARL’s Brewster shelter as a 2015 recipient of a charity table at the group’s annual Back to Business Bash. Hundreds of young professionals on Cape Cod attend this annual networking event in Hyannis. The ARL had the opportunity to mix and mingle, and share information about adoptable animals, volunteer opportunities, and our work on behalf of animals on Cape Cod. Jack Bakker and Caitlin Oates, senior manager, President’s Council, welcoming visitors at the Back to Business Bash.

R E A LT Y G R O U P

Very special thanks to our Snack Hero Unit Realty for supporting our President’s Council Fall Educational Forum.

arlboston.org 13

ARL Rescue Services Team on the Scene Keeping “Faith”: Escaped dog settled in at home Within just minutes of arriving at her new home, Maya, a rescue cattle dog from Tennessee, was loose, frightened, and on the run in Norfolk, Massachusetts.

The skittish pup heard gunshots in the distance and was so startled she took off running, dragging her leash behind her.

Because she was unfamiliar with her surroundings and her name, Maya stayed on the run.

“We will be forever indebted to Brian, Bill, and the ARL team for saving Faith’s life and bringing our sweet cattle dog home.”

— Aislynn Rodeghiero

Luckily she stuck close to the neighborhood where her new family lived.

After 7 weeks with no success at getting Maya back, her owners called the ARL’s rescue services team for help.

“Seeing her weaken and tire with no ability to do anything was heart wrenching,” said Maya’s new mom, Aislynn Rodeghiero.

The team set up a humane drop net and lured Maya with chicken. Within minutes she entered the net and the rescue services team reunited Maya with her owners.

Her owners changed her name to Faith and she has settled into her new home life, with two other dogs and cats to keep her company.

From left: Brian O’Connor, manager of rescue services; Aislynn Rodeghiero; Faith; and Bill Tanguay, senior rescue technician at the ARL. Photo courtesy of the Boston Globe

Dino the Cockatoo: Pet bird finally brought in after months on the fly After several months of living out in the wilds of Brookline, Massachusetts, pet cockatoo Dino is finally back in his cage.

At the beginning of the summer, Dino accidently escaped from his owner who spent several weeks trying to find someone who could help bring her bird back home.

Dino the Cockatoo

In the meantime, Dino moved into a south Brookline neighborhood where residents quickly grew weary of his early morning screeching and penchant for eating the siding and roofing on their homes.

14 Our Four-Footed Friends | Fall/Winter 2015

When Dino’s story caught the attention of the Boston Globe and local television news, the ARL rescue services team stepped in to offer assistance in his capture in the hopes of bringing him in before winter.

Working alongside other concerned rescuers, the ARL relied on a bit of bird psychology to bring in this feathered friend. Cockatoos can become jealous of other birds, so the team set a special trap with a lure bird to draw Dino’s attention.

Apparently green with envy, Dino entered the cage and his rogue wanderer days were over.

Rare Brown Pelican Discovered in Southborough When ARL senior rescue technician Danielle Genter responded to a call in Southborough, Massachusetts, for an injured bird under a tractor-trailer, she did not expect to find a brown pelican.

“I thought it was two ducks and I got closer and I realized it was one giant bird,” said Fred Perry who discovered the bird while at work at Guigli Ernest & Sons Inc. in Southborough. “I’ve never seen a pelican in my life.” He immediately called the ARL for assistance for the animal.

Brown pelicans are typically found along coastal areas of the southern and western U.S. Sightings in Massachusetts — particularly in a community so far inland — are very rare.

After retrieving the young and weakened bird from under the truck, Genter brought the pelican to Tufts Wildlife Clinic for treatment.

Senior rescue technician Danielle Genter with the young brown pelican discovered under a truck in Southborough.

Though veterinarians attempted to rehydrate and nourish the pelican, the young bird was too starved to recover. He sadly passed away a few days after his rescue.

THANK YOU

for sponsoring the ARL’s Too Hot For Spot summer pet safety campaign on Cape Cod

Thank you from everyone at the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

arlboston.org 15

Wilson: Brave Cat Survives Ordeal with Steel Leghold Trap At the end of May, the Westport, Massachusetts animal control and police department contacted the ARL’s law enforcement team asking for assistance with a cat caught in an illegal trap.

A concerned citizen had spotted the approximately 6-year-old orange and white cat struggling and dragging a heavy metal object attached to his right leg. The stray cat who had been roaming the neighborhood for several weeks was clearly in pain and unable to free himself as much as he tried.

Wilson Adopted

Officials later identified the metal object as an illegal steel leghold trap.

Leghold traps are a hunting device widely considered inhumane due to the severe injury they can inflict on an animal, such as bone fractures, amputations, or even death. Once a trap is set, any animal can trigger it, putting domesticated animals such as dogs and cats like Wilson at risk.

After capturing the injured cat, Westport animal control and police rushed the cat to Mass-RI Veterinary ER animal hospital in Swansea.

Although his right leg was freed from the steel leghold trap, veterinarians observed that his front paw was incredibly swollen with superficial wounds and that he could not move his right leg properly.

Westport authorities called on the ARL’s law enforcement team for assistance investigating the case, as well as help with the cat’s veterinary expenses and finding him a permanent home.

A few days later, the injured cat came to the ARL’s Boston shelter to begin his recovery. Along with his new name, Wilson got a cat cubby with warm blankets and follow-up veterinary care.

Wilson the cat got his front paw caught in an illegal steel leghold trap (pictured right). Miraculously, he did not lose his leg.

Just days after his ordeal, Wilson miraculously had only a faint limp when he walked and the swelling in his right paw was almost completely gone.

After spending just over two months in ARL’s Boston shelter, Wilson was back up on his feet and heading home with his new family.

16 Our Four-Footed Friends | Fall/Winter 2015

Photo courtesy of the Bedford Police Department

This young raccoon got his back left leg caught in an illegal steel leghold trap. He was found stuck on a fence after he tried to climb it with the trap still on his leg. As the x-ray shows (top left), the trap broke his bones and caused an unrecoverable injury.

Steel Leghold Traps What You Need to Know Though Wilson was very lucky to keep his leg, more often animals suffer amputations and even death as a result of becoming trapped in this illegal hunting device.

In fact, the cruel suffering that animals stuck in leghold traps endure inspired the ARL to team up with other animal welfare organizations to push for legislation to prohibit their use. In 1996, the ARL and others successfully helped pass legislation making it illegal to use or possess a steel leghold trap.

Unfortunately, recently proposed legislation seeks to loosen or eliminate restrictions on the use of this dangerous and inhumane device.

TAKE ACTION!

Call your state legislators today to tell them to uphold the current ban on steel leghold traps.

VISIT malegislature.gov/people/search to find your state legislator today.

3 FAQs about the dangers of illegal steel leghold traps… is a steel leghold trap? It is a hunting device used to capture so-called nuisance animals 1 What to keep them away from communities, livestock, endangered wildlife, and public water systems.

Fortunately, there are other legal and more humane methods out there. does a steel leghold trap work? The force of the steel “jaw” on a leghold trap snapping 2 How shut on an animal’s leg inflicts serious damage and pain, and most animals react by frantically

3

trying to pull their leg out of the trap, causing further injury.

Are there any other risks using this type of trap? Once a leghold trap is set, any animal can trigger it. If not found soon enough, the victim can die from blood loss, starvation—or other deadly circumstances such as falling prey to other animals.

If you SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING…

If you come across an illegal animal trap, contact your local police department immediately.

arlboston.org 17

ARL Joins Coalition to Improve the Protection and Treatment of Farm Animals The ARL and other national and state animal welfare organizations have joined forced to form a newly developed coalition, Citizens for Farm Animal Protection, to end the cruel confinement of farm animals on industrial-style factory farms.

This fall, the coalition began the work to qualify a measure for the 2016 ballot which proposes to phase out the extreme confinement of egg-laying hens, breeding pigs, and veal calves in battery cages and gestational crates. By 2022, farms must provide these animals with enough room to turn around, lie down, and stretch their limbs.

Mary Nee, president of the ARL, explained the inspiration for the ARL’s involvement in this initiative: “The cruel confinement of farm animals is inhumane and also threatens the health and safety of Massachusetts residents through increased risk of food borne illness.”

“When there’s an effort to improve the protection and treatment of animals – whether they are companion, working, or farm animals – the Animal Rescue League of Boston is there to help.”

Numerous studies show that egg operations that confine hens in cages have higher rates of salmonella, the leading cause of food poisoning-related death in America.

In addition to the modest requirements for farm animals, the ballot measure also proposes that shell eggs, as well as whole, uncooked cuts of pork and veal sold in Massachusetts come from suppliers who are compliant with these same standards.

With help from volunteers across the state, ARL volunteers and supporters among them, the coalition successfully gathered the 95,000 signatures in support of the ballot measure needed to move to the next phase of consideration.

The next steps: evaluation of the 95,000 signatures by the Massachusetts Attorney General and the collection of additional signatures this Spring.

18 Our Four-Footed Friends | Fall 2015

Rosie Adopted

While Rosie, the adoptable pig pictured above, had ample space to move at our shelter, many farm animals on industrial-style factory farms are kept in crates so small they cannot even turn around.

Ten states in the US have passed similar laws, and farmers in Massachusetts are already required to abide by the non-confinement regulations. Additionally, many

local and major food retailers, including McDonald’s and Walmart, are currently working with food suppliers to make similar reforms.

Mary Nee, ARL president, speaking at a coalition gathering at the Massachusetts State House.

To demonstrate the cramped conditions of extreme confinement methods, the ARL brought this demonstration cage to signature-gathering events.

Extreme confinement on industrial-style factory farms include: • Egg-laying hens packed into battery cages so small that they cannot spread their wings. Their amount of “personal space” is smaller than an iPad. • Breeding female pigs restricted to two-foot wide gestational crates that do not allow them to take more than one step forward or backward.

• Veal calves restrained in crates too narrow to turn around or fully recline.

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arlboston.org 19

People and Paws at the ARL Dogs on Cape Cod author hosts book launch event to benefit the ARL’s Brewster shelter In June, Cape Cod photographer Kim Roderiques decided to celebrate the launch of her book, Dogs on Cape Cod, by hosting a fundraising event at the beautiful Wequassett Inn in Harwich, Massachusetts to benefit animals in need at the ARL’s Brewster Shelter.

The event brought together 150 attendees and raised over $2,500.

Dogs on Cape Cod captures over 255 vibrant photos of dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes frolicking leash-free against the breathtaking backdrop of Cape Cod. Roderiques and her publishers very generously agreed to donate a portion of the proceeds from the book to the ARL’s Brewster Shelter.

Thank you Kim Roderiques for your incredible generosity and support!

Paws on the Beach: A Friendraiser for the ARL On a breezy evening in August, ARL Leadership Council member Connie Lacaillade and her husband Peter graciously hosted a “friendraiser” cocktail party event at their beautiful home in Chatham, Massachusetts.

As a longtime supporter of the ARL, Connie wanted her guests to understand in a very personal way why she cares so

much about the work the organization does for animals in need.

Explained Connie, “Having an organization like the ARL that can help injured and abused animals recover and find homes, and take action to protect animals from harm makes our community a better place to live.”

Thank you Connie and Peter Lacaillade for introducing the ARL to new friends and animal welfare supporters.

The President’s Council Fall Educational Forum At the end of October, over 40 of the ARL’s biggest supporters came together at the Ink Block South End in Boston for the President’s Council Fall Educational Forum. The group included members of the ARL’s Board of Directors and President’s Council, individuals who donate $1,000 or more annually to help animals in need.

20 Our Four-Footed Friends | Fall 2015

Former WCVB anchor and animal advocate Susan Wornick moderated a discussion between Dr. Gary Patronek, animal hoarding expert and founder of the Hoarding of Animals Research Consortium, and Lt. Alan Borgal, director of law enforcement at the ARL. The two discussed the complex topic of animal hoarding and how the ARL approaches situations where animals and people are at risk.

Thank you to our special guests Susan Wornick and Dr. Gary Patronek, host Ink Block South End, and corporate supporters Unit Realty, Baroo, Whole Foods South End, Formaggio, Boston Audio Rentals, and Boston Veterinary Care.

animals can’t say

“ thank you”, but we can!

JOIN THE ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE OF BOSTON’S

PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL We gratefully acknowledge annual gifts of $1000 or more with membership in the ARL’s President’s Council. Members receive special acknowledgments and benefits based on their gift level.

MEMBER BENEFITS A dedicated personal contact at the ARL Tickets to ARL special events and VIP shelter tours Member-only merchandise and awards Insider-update emails and newsletter Recognition in annual reports and more The ARL receives no government or public funding.

We rely entirely on the kindness and generosity of supporters like you to help animals in need.

ARLBOSTON.ORG

LEARN MORE about the ARL’s President’s Council

Contact Caitlin Oates, Senior Manager, President’s Council 617.226.5690 or coates@arlboston.org arlboston.org 21

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

Give a gift that’s especially WARM AND FUZZY this holiday season!

Visit arlboston.org/holiday to make a donation to the ARL in honor of special people and pets in your life.

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