Our Four-Footed Friends® Fall/Winter 2022

Our Mission

The Animal Rescue League of Boston is an unwavering champion for animals in need, committed to keeping them safe and healthy in habitats and homes.

We carry out our mission through programs and services that benefit animals and our communities:

Animal Care & Adoption Centers

Behavior & Training

Pet & Community Health

Protection & Prevention

Volunteer Engagement

The Animal Rescue League of Boston does not receive government grants or public funding (with the exception of limited COVID-19 relief funding) and relies on the generosity of our supporters to help animals in need.

VOLUME 132 Fall/Winter 2022

Our Four-Footed Friends is a publication of the Animal Rescue League of Boston, 10 Anna's Place, Dedham, MA 02026. Please address all editorial and subscription correspondence to us at the address above, attention Our Four-Footed Friends Managing Editor.

Message from ARL’s President & CEO

Dear

Friend,

Last year as I was writing this letter for the Fall/ Winter OFFF, we were planning our move into our new administration building on our historic Dedham campus. We have all settled in nicely and have already reaped many rewards.

We have increased efficiencies by having a dedicated hub for ARL’s mobile medical clinics, the Spay Waggin’ and Wellness Waggin’, and hosted numerous events in our Rabe Family Education & Training Center; all staff meetings, dog training classes, and trainings for local and state law enforcement officers and animal control officers.

The driving force behind all we do, is our belief that communities are stronger when pets are in them, and that everyone should be able to enjoy the benefits of pet ownership, regardless of barriers such as location and cost. That is why today, in addition to the animal care and adoption programs so many rely on, ARL is focused on how we can keep the human animal bond intact, through proactive, preventive, community-based solutions.

To accomplish this essential goal, we have been strategically building our community partnerships to help keep pets together with their families, in homes and out of shelters. We recognize that we are stronger when we work together with others, and that collaboration amplifies our individual strengths and collectively helps us accomplish more than we ever could have imagined.

As you will read on the following pages, you made a difference for so many incredible animals and people. From Violet, the pig featured on our cover, to the ponies and the beagles, you helped by providing the necessary resources to rehabilitate and find each of them an incredible home, so they can live the life they deserve in peace and happiness, filled with love.

We are also investing in our own team and ARL’s future as the local leader in animal welfare, by sponsoring Officer Paul Luongo through the police academy. As you read Paul’s journey, please know that you made this vital investment possible with your generous support, which we rely upon. With this support, we can continue to provide the necessary resources to leap into action when animals are in need, and strengthen our foundation to be there in the future.

I hope that as you read the stories on the following pages you know that you are the reason we are able to accomplish all we did. You are truly a champion for animals!

Gratitude, Edward Schettino, DVM, PhD, CAWA President & CEO

With

These Little Piggies… Went Home!

This four-year-old pot-bellied pig was surrendered to ARL when her owners could no longer care for her. Violet was raised as a house pet, spending the majority of her days indoors with her family. Needless to say, adjusting to her new surroundings was a challenge. Violet would charge, bark, or nip to keep staff and volunteers inside the paddock with her. It became clear that Violet’s behavior was actually her way of communicating that she craved human attention. Upon this realization, ARL developed a behavioral plan using positive reinforcement to help Violet overcome her separation anxiety. Intelligent Violet learned quickly and settled into life at ARL. Six months later, a pig lover from Virginia fell in love with Violet’s photos and drove over 500 miles to Massachusetts to adopt her. Violet is loving life in her new home and is the jewel of her family’s eye!

Adeline, Oliver Twist, and Fernando were all surrendered to ARL by their previous owners. Aside from being off the charts adorable, all three piglets were very social and friendly from the start. In fact, Adeline and Oliver Twist caught the eye of producers from ABC’s Good Morning America and made their debut on national television as part of the Betty White Challenge! It wasn’t long after the segment aired that this threesome found a loving home to grow up in –all together!

Eleven-month-old sibling pigs from another animal welfare organization were surrendered to ARL. Since Gizmo and Twister arrived together, they were considered a bonded-pair and needed to both be adopted by the same owner. Upon arrival, the pair immediately displayed their playful and affectionate side. They loved interacting with staff and volunteers, and would do just about anything for a snuggle, scratch, or snack. Bonded pairs typically having a more challenging time being adopted – but not these two! Within a few months, the duo found the perfect home and are thriving in their new environment!

Violet

Adeline

Fernando

Oliver Twist

Gizmo

Becoming a Massachusetts Special State Police Officer

Officer Paul Luongo may be new to our Law Enforcement department, but he is no stranger to the organization.

Hired in 2019 as ARL's Animal Care and Transport Agent, Luongo was immediately thrust into the daily workings of a number of departments. In this role, he assisted with community programs like the Wellness Waggin’, moved animals between ARL’s Animal Care & Adoption Centers in Boston, Dedham, and Cape Cod, and was involved in Field Services and Law Enforcement operations.

Shortly after his hiring, ARL responded to a breeding facility in Middleboro, MA, seizing 24 animals, and ultimately charging the property owner with numerous counts of animal cruelty.

For Officer Luongo, it was a first glimpse into an area of animal welfare that captured his attention.

“I came to ARL with the goal of eventually moving into some form of animal law enforcement, and the Middleboro case was eye-opening in this aspect,” Luongo said. “It was obviously a sad situation, but the scale of the case and the amount of work involved really reinforced that I was ready to help prevent cruelty situations like this from happening in the future.”

“When an opportunity in the department opened up, I approached Luongo and offered to sponsor him as a recruit – a first for the organization,” shares ARL Director of Law Enforcement, Joe King. Paul eagerly accepted the offer, and underwent an intensive five-month training program at the Reading Police Academy, where he studied alongside dozens of recruit officers for municipalities and other areas of law enforcement from throughout the state.

“The academy experience was very difficult. For five months, five days a week, eight hours a day, I began each morning with physical training, followed by either classroom or tactical training,” Luongo said.

Upon graduation in June, newly minted Officer Luongo began the next phase of his training; real-world scenarios, along with a reminder of what he had been missing being out in the field. “It was exciting to graduate, but I was most excited to be working with animals,” Luongo said. “After 5 months of being away from the field, I’m super grateful to be back doing what I love, and I look forward to seeing what is next.”

As Officer Luongo begins his career as a Massachusetts Special State Police Officer, he represents ARL on the frontlines combating animal cruelty and abuse. He will benefit greatly from the experiences of both ARL Law Enforcement Director Joe King, a former Massachusetts State Police K9 Handler, and ARL Investigative Specialist Lt. Alan Borgal, who has been a part of ARL’s Law Enforcement department for more than 40 years.

“I’m obviously still learning, but the experience our law enforcement department has is extensive,” Luongo said. “From advice on writing warrants, to court appearances, to everything in between, Joe and Alan’s experience helps me every day. I have a lot to learn, but I’m doing what I love and am in the right department to grow as an officer.”

Scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/ARL-LE to learn more about what it means to work in Humane Law Enforcement

“I enjoyed the journey, and to put on a uniform for the first time was very surreal.”

-Officer Paul Luongo

Going the Extra Mile for Animals in Need

ARL always goes to great lengths to provide animals with everything they need to recover from a difficult circumstance, and to find a home where they will thrive. And then there are times where ARL goes the extra mile to help animals in need – both figuratively and literally!

Our Little Ponies

ARL collaborated with the Berkley Police Department and Animal Control to rescue nine ponies from a farm due to unsanitary conditions and inadequate access to food and water. Deceased animals were also discovered on the property, and the owner was charged with 13 counts of animal cruelty. ARL took in three of these ponies: Owen, Lass, and Kate. The ponies, classified as “thin to emaciated”, were immediately put on a strategic refeeding plan and received both extensive veterinary and farrier care. Several months later, all three ponies regained their strength and found loving homes.

The Cat Came Back

Rowdy’s story became a world-wide sensation after she escaped from her carrier inside Boston’s Logan International Airport, while being unloaded from a flight. A major transportation hub full of dangerous places to hide, ARL immediately offered its assistance and expertise to help locate the cat. ARL loaned Massport humane traps, and assisted the agency to determine the best locations to place them for success. Nearly three weeks later(!), Rowdy found her way into one of the traps and ARL staff brought her into care. Upon arrival, Rowdy received a medical exam to rule out any injury that could have been sustained during her few weeks on the run. Awarded a clean bill of health, Rowdy was given temporary accommodations until her owner could fly up from Florida to reunite with her.

The Beagle Boys... and Girls

ARL prides itself on being a local non-profit, focused on making an impact in the communities in which we live. Every so often, out-of-state organizations will request our expertise and assistance. Over the summer, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) selected ARL as one of its partners to assist in the removal of approximately 4,000 beagles from a mass breeding facility in Virginia. This historic effort made headlines around the globe. ARL’s Transport Waggin’ drove 1,000 miles to pick up over two-dozen puppies and bring them to safety. At our facilities, the beagles enjoyed lots of TLC as they learned to live life outside of confinement, receiving medical treatment, ample food and water, behavioral exercises, and much-needed socialization. Unsurprisingly, the adorable pups all found loving homes quickly. “ARL was honored to be a part of such a massive rescue effort, alongside HSUS and other animal welfare partners,” shared ARL President & CEO Dr. Edward Schettino.

“I commend everyone who has joined us in making special accommodations to ensure that these beagles are cared for and find the homes they so richly deserve.”

-Dr. Edward Schettino ARL PRESIDENT & CEO

No Job

Is Too Big, No Pup Is Too Small

ARL worked with the Malden Police Department to take in a one-year-old Chihuahua that was abandoned amidst a long heatwave. Two-pound Bailey was emaciated, suffered from fur loss, and was covered in skin lesions. The pup received months of extensive medical care, which included medicated baths to soothe his skin, and a refeeding plan to help him gain weight steadily. Timid upon intake, Bailey eventually realized that he had a hopeful future ahead and really opened up to staff and volunteers. Bailey is making tremendous progress in foster care, where he will stay until he is healthy enough for adoption.

The Sun Comes Out for Annie

Suffering from second-degree burns covering 20% of her body, Annie was found abandoned along a busy road in Norwood, MA. The mixed-breed dog was in intense pain and in desperate need of medical treatment. ARL emergently treated the burns covering Annie’s head, shoulders, front limbs, and abdomen. She also received a pain treatment plan and medication to help her heal and relieve her awful discomfort. Annie’s story garnered an incredible outpouring of support, as concerned animal lovers offered heartfelt notes of encouragement, and donations to help sustain her ongoing care. Annie’s slow recovery continues despite the heart-breaking and cruel circumstances that brought her to ARL. She is showing the resilience in animals that our organization sees every day.

Scan the QR code or visit arlboston.org/news for more amazing animal stories

We Our Community Partners!

Over the last few years, it has become even more evident that organizations are stronger when they work together. Collaboration amplifies our individual strengths and collectively helps us accomplish more than we could ever have imagined. As a local animal welfare non-profit, ARL has been strategically building our community partnerships to help keep pets together with their families.

Last year alone, ARL served over 23,000 animals living in neighborhoods surrounding Boston, Dedham, and Cape Cod. Through our partnerships and collaborations with other animal welfare organizations, human services non-profits, and others, ARL has gained a greater ability to provide low-cost accessible services and meet animals and the people who love them, where they live.

ARL's Community

Partners

Action for Boston Community Development

Boston Animal Care & Control

Municipal Shelter

Boston Senior Home Care

Codman Academy Charter Public School

Dorchester YMCA of Greater Boston

Massachusetts Animal Fund

Massachusetts Department of Transportation

Massachusetts State Police New England Center & Home for Veterans New England Revolution

Noble & Greenough School

The BASE

Town of Brewster – Animal Control and Police Department

Town of Dedham – Animal Control, Police Department and Fire Department

Town of Dennis - Animal Control

Town of Eastham - Animal Control

Town of Harwich - Animal Control

Town of Orleans - Animal Control and Police Department

Zoo New England

Scan the QR code or visit arlboston.org/community-partners for a current list of partnerships

Behind every animal success story, is our incredibly compassionate, dedicated, and talented staff and volunteers. ARL's 100+ staff and 1,000+ volunteers work tirelessly to help animals in need and the people who care about them. Thank you for all you do!

Scan the QR code or visit arlboston.org/get-involved to join our pack

Legislative Session Ends with Several Victories for Animals

Did you know... Approximately 6,000 pieces of proposed legislation are filed at the beginning of each two-year session; and less than 6% of those proposed will actually become law? Fortunately, the 2021-2022 legislative session, which ended on July 31, resulted in several victories for animals in Massachusetts.

Subsidized Spay/Neuter Surgery

When the legislature passed its budget in July, one of the provisions provided $100,000 for the Massachusetts Animal Fund, a non-profit ARL works with closely to provide subsidized spay and neuter surgeries for low-income pet owners. Over the past several years, our two organizations have hosted a number of clinics in areas where access to high-quality, low-cost veterinary care is limited.

Wildlife Protection Massachusetts became the last state in the U.S. to join the Interstate Wildlife Compact, which will prevent convicted poachers from hunting in Massachusetts. Additionally, attempts to expand hunting and trapping, including an effort to overturn a 300-year-old tradition of prohibiting hunting on Sundays, were thwarted thanks in part to ARL’s continued advocacy efforts.

An End to Simulcasting

Despite dog racing being made illegal in the Commonwealth since 2009, simulcasting these races from other areas of the country have continued. Legislators decided to end that practice, and beginning in 2023, greyhound racing will no longer be transmitted in Massachusetts.

Nero's Law

ARL took part in a special ceremony with Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker as he signed Nero’s Law, legislation that was born out of tragedy. In 2018, Sgt. Sean Gannon with the Yarmouth Police Department, was shot and killed while serving a search warrant; and his K9 partner Nero, was critically wounded. At the time, Nero could not be treated at the scene due to state law. The passage of Nero’s Law ensures that police dogs like Nero have access to emergency care and transport by first responders, should they be wounded in the field.

Puppies & Kittens to be Refiled, Again

Despite the wins for animals during this session, there is much more work to be done. Atop ARL’s legislative agenda for the last few years has been, An Act protecting the health and safety of puppies and kittens in cities and towns. This comprehensive bill would prohibit the sale of puppies and kittens under eight-weeks-old, prohibit the roadside sale of animals, and establish statewide regulations for kennel facilities. ARL is sure to see this bill refiled in some form for the 2023-2024 session.

Your Pet

BOARD SAFELY ™

For several years, ARL has strongly advocated for the establishment of regulations for pet daycare and boarding kennel facilities in the state. Sadly, our organization has seen numerous instances of animals being injured or killed due to a lack of proper oversight and regulations for these facilities. In fact, ARL’s Board Safely™ safety campaign provides important information to help guide pet owners when choosing a facility that is safe, and fits the needs of both pets and their owners.

Scan the QR code or visit arlboston.org/board-safely to learn more about how you can board your pet safely in Massachusetts

ARL Out and About

Too Hot for Spot® media demonstration at Gillette Stadium, hosted by the New England Revolution (Revs). Rev's players Omar Gonzalez and Andrew Farrell joined ARL in speaking about the dangers of leaving your pet in a hot car.

Paws to Celebrate: Animal and Pet Parents on Cape Cod

“Boston” may be in our name, but our organization supports animals across all of Massachusetts, including Cape Cod. While locations, staffing, and services have evolved, ARL has been committed to keeping the Cape community a safe and healthy place for both animals and people, since 1921.

Each year, ARL takes a ‘Paws to Celebrate’ those who help make an impact. Cape-based supporters gathered at both Chatham Bars Inn in August and Truro Vineyards in September to do just that. At each event, attendees were welcomed by ARL President & CEO, Dr. Edward Schettino, who highlighted the collaborative achievements of donors, staff, and volunteers alike throughout ARL’s presence on the Cape. The beautiful Chatham Bars Inn hosted invitees who enjoyed light bites and sangria; and supporters

at Truro Vineyards sipped specialty wine and cocktails while listening to a live performance by American Idol contestant and ARL volunteer, Natalia Bonfini.

Both events featured a video, which showcased heartwarming stories of the animals and people ARL has assisted throughout the past year and throughout the pandemic. The video highlighted the impact that COVID-19 had in our community, and how ARL pivoted operations to support those animals and families most in need. Through supply deliveries, affordable veterinary care, and our temporary pet housing initiative, ARL’s mission remained strong –even through the uncertainties of these challenging times. This was only possible because of our dedicated supporters.

From top-left to bottom right: Dr. Edward Schettino, Junior DeNovaes, Mary Nee, Jim Chapin, Denise Fritschy (top circle image), Natalia Bonfini, Barry Hartunian, José Rodriguez-Villalobos, Christopher Lapan, Dr. David Griffiths, Andy Urban, Jane Urban, Walter Kenyon, Lee Kenyon, Heather Ridill, Park Ridill, Alan the French Bulldog (bottom circle image), Connie Lacaillade, Kim Roderiques

Ask the Behaviorist

ARL prides itself on treating each animal as an individual. A vital component to this innovative approach to animal welfare is providing holistic care, which includes behavior and enrichment pathway planning. Our organization is privileged to have on-staff behavioral experts and highly-skilled volunteers who support animals at each of our Animal Care & Adoption Centers. Our Four-Footed Friends (OFFF) recently sat down with Danielle Stanevicz, ARL Feline Behavior Supervisor, to learn more about how she assesses and trains cats.

OFFF: How soon after a cat arrives at ARL do you start the behavior process?

Dani Stanevicz (DS): Our behavior assessment begins the moment a kitten or cat enters our doors. We take into consideration any historical information we have on the cat, and from there set them up in a comfortable place in one of our Animal Care & Adoption Centers. For some cats, this could be a quiet kennel, a staff member’s office, or a large feline suite. During their stay, every cat gets daily human interaction and enrichment that suits their needs.

OFFF: What common behaviors do you see in cats at ARL?

DS: Through ARL’s Community Cat Program, we receive hundreds of cats from feral colonies that lived a good portion of their lives with limited human contact, and are therefore shy. We also see under-socialized cats from overcrowding situations where an abundance of cats were in one home and did not receive the individual attention necessary in order to be comfortable around humans. We also see a number of cats that have a limit on the amount of physical interaction they want at any given time. When they have had enough touching, the cat could respond by running away, hissing, swatting, or biting. This is simply a form of communication and not aggression; we call this “high arousal behavior”. Scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/ARL-Feline to learn more about ARL’s Feline Behavior Program

OFFF: What is different in regard to assessing and working with cats versus dogs?

DS: Cat training and behavior is a fairly new concept in animal welfare. Until the last few years, resources were limited, but we are learning so much about cat behavior every single day. Unlike dogs, most owned cats spend all their time inside the home, so they don’t require training on things like leash-walking. But, cats still need training and what we have discovered and implemented here at ARL, is that you can train cats just as easily as dogs! We use rewardbased, positive-reinforcement clicker training. ARL has successfully taught cats how to sit, wait, and fun tricks like giving high-fives and jumping through hoops! Always consider training your cat; it is a great way to form a bond with them and also to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.

OFFF: What resources does ARL provide to adopters of a behaviorallychallenged cat?

DS: Prior to adoption, we typically require several visits with the cat, and follow our Adoption-Forward philosophy to guide our in-depth conversations to ensure its mutually the right fit. Transparency is a huge value of ARL’s so we also provide the cat’s complete behavior (and medical) history during their time with us. We also have a post-adoption program, in which we follow up with the adopter at regular increments to check in. Of course, we always encourage adopters to reach out to us any time with questions! At ARL, we’re committed to supporting a pet -and their owner- throughout their lifetime!

OFFF: Finally, what do you love most about your job?

DS: There are three main things. I love the cats themselves. I love seeing the positive changes a cat makes on their journey with us. And I absolutely love getting happy updates from adopters; seeing cats continue to make progress in their forever homes brings me a sense of fulfillment and happiness that is hard to put into words!

Ways to Give

Sit. Stay. Rollover… Your IRA to help animals!

Did you know... Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), also known as IRA charitable rollovers, allow individuals who are 70½ years or older to donate to qualified charities like the Animal Rescue League of Boston. QCDs can help offset an individual’s required minimum distribution, which may have tax benefits. To donate by QCD, please contact your IRA custodian.

Give Securities... To Give Security

Did you know... Your gift of securities today can provide the security of safe shelter and loving care for an animal in need. Gifts of Stock, Bonds, and Mutual Funds not only help animals in need, but also may provide you with a tax benefit and avoidance of capital gains taxes. To donate stock or other appreciated securities, contact Jackie Smith at jsmith@arlboston.org or 617-226-5608.

Other Ways to Support Animals

The Animal Rescue League of Boston is pleased to accept donations of cryptocurrency and gifts from Donor-Advised Funds (DAF). To donate cryptocurrency, visit bit.ly/ARL-crypto. To donate through your DAF, visit arlboston.org/donor-advised-funds or contact your DAF manager. You can also donate online at arlboston.org or mail your donation (checks payable to the Animal Rescue League of Boston) to: Animal Rescue League of Boston, c/o: Development, 10 Anna’s Place, Dedham, MA 02026.

ARL's Tax ID or EIN is 04-2103714

Scan the QR code or visit arlboston.org/donate to learn more about the many ways you can give to support the animals you love.

Thank you for being a champion for animals in need!

Animal Rescue League of Boston

10 Anna’s Place

Dedham MA 02026

ARL is Here to Help Animals in Need!

Are you struggling to keep your pet?

Do you know of a domestic animal that is sick, injured, or abandoned?

Were you forced to vacate your current living situation due to COVID-19, and need temporary housing for your pet?

Are you concerned about outdoor cats in your neighborhood?

Do you need free behavior advice for your dog, cat, or small animal?

Are you seeking affordable spay/neuter surgery for your cat or dog?

Have you witnessed suspected animal cruelty, neglect, or abuse?

ARL has the resources you need. Learn more by scanning the QR code or visit arlboston.org/here-to-help