Amazing Animals –Amazing Stories

When an animal finds its perfect match, it is always a special experience. Sometimes, animals come from unusual or unfortunate circumstances, and their stories are especially inspiring. Your donations make these positive outcomes for animals possible - thank you!

Twyla (pictured above)

In November 2020, Twyla, a 10-year-old Norfolk Terrier, was found abandoned outside a popular recreation area in Winchendon, MA.

She was brought to ARL and a veterinary exam revealed skin and ear infections, as well as dental disease. Twyla had suffered massive fur loss due to the severity of her skin infections. Despite her ailments, Twyla showed incredible resilience and an amazing, loving personality. Twyla spent several weeks in foster care as she recovered, and by the time she was ready to find her forever home, her fur had started to grow back. She is now enjoying her retirement years in a loving home!

Alexandria

Alexandria was one of 19 Cane Corso dogs seized in September 2019 by ARL Law Enforcement from a private breeding facility in Middleboro, MA. The three-yearold pup was terrified of the outside world – for months she was hesitant to leave her kennel. While 18 of these dogs found homes over a period of eight months, Alexandria needed extra attention and counseling to come out of her shell. Over time, and with plenty of support, Alexandria began to explore the world around her, enjoy the outdoors, and even approach new people.

After more than a year in ARL’s care, she learned confidence and how to trust. Alexandria was able to find the loving home she deserves, and today, she is continuing her recovery with her new family and two dog siblings!

Alexandria

Jackson

Jackson came to ARL in December 2020 after an astute United States Postal Service mail carrier in Cambridge noticed the eight-year-old stray along their mail route. Initially, the mail carrier built Jackson an outdoor shelter out of cardboard to protect him from the elements, and also began feeding him. But, as the temperatures started to dip, their concern for Jackson’s well-being grew. ARL’s Field Services department was contacted and responded to pick up Jackson and transport him to our Animal Care and Adoption Center in Boston. Jackson suffered from severe dental disease. After a dental procedure that included the extraction of 10 teeth, Jackson was made available for adoption and was able to find a home – just in time for the holidays!

Jackson

Weymouth LE Dogs

Early in January 2021, ARL worked with law enforcement in Weymouth, MA to remove 31 Chihuahua type dogs, from a private residence due to overcrowding and unsanitary conditions. ARL took in 21 of the dogs and after thorough veterinary exams a number were diagnosed with heart murmurs of varying degrees and dental disease. Most of the dogs were made available for adoption, and thanks to extensive media coverage of the case, the pups had no trouble finding loving families!

Weymouth LE Dog

Mike Wazowski

This adorable 11-month-old is a perfect example of why ARL is dedicated to helping community cats (cats that live outdoors). In January 2021, Mike came to ARL’s Spay Waggin’ through animal control in Westport, MA. Thought to be feral, he was meant to be neutered and returned to his outdoor home. However, Mike was suffering from a severe upper respiratory infection that had affected one of his eyes so badly it would need to be surgically removed. ARL agreed to take over his care and performed the neuter and eye surgeries the same day. Mike’s behavior was assessed, a process ARL does with every community cat. Given his friendly temperament, it was clear Mike could be adopted into a home. He recovered quickly from his surgeries and less than two weeks later, Mike found his match and is loving his new life indoors!

Mike Wazowski

To learn more about the many ways you can support the animals you love, visit arlboston.org/donate