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WBZ Cares: Volunteers Help Keep Animal Rescue League of Boston Running

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BOSTON (CBS) – Each month, WBZ Cares highlights a worthy non-profit organization and tells the story of what that organization does for the community. This month’s organization, The Animal Rescue League of Boston, has been working tirelessly for more than a century to rescue and care for animals in need, and now boasts three shelter locations.

There’s quite an expansive volunteer network in place that helps socialize shy and fearful animals and get them adopted into their forever homes. The League’s volunteer base has grown by leaps and bounds over the years.

“There’s 520 [volunteers] now yeah, there is a lot of them,” said Debbie Vogel, Associate Director of Volunteer Services at the Rescue League.

She says every new volunteer coming in takes part in a training program that includes learning how to care for cats and dogs at three behavior levels, ranging from level 1 (extremely friendly pets) to level 3 (the extremely fearful).

“If they wanted to move on…really start with working on some of the behavior plans with some of the dogs that really need it,  they could go through level three or mod-squad training to learn how to really change the behaviors of how to change these dogs and make them much more adoptable, and much more family friendly,” she said.

Vogel says volunteers know they are making a difference in the lives of the animals they touch.

“Maybe we’re the first person that was ever kind to this animal,” she said. “Or maybe we’re the person that turned around so that this animal can move from the back to the adoption center. And there is a lot of pride in that, and they put a lot of effort into it.”

Volunteer Betsy Jones works with shy and fearful cats.

She said her job involves gaining their trust through talking to them, reading body language, getting them used to human touch, treats, and play–and just finding out what makes them comfortable.

“Some of them have never even experienced any human interaction, so you just want to slowly introduce yourself and sometimes it takes a while, but most of them get there.” Jones said.

Jones admits the work is not always easy to do.

“I have gotten my war wounds,” she said.

She says the temporary pain is worth the long-term gain.

“You know, we help the ones we can,” she said. “Seeing an animal who’s gone from being so scared to being so trusting, doing an 180, there are just no words to describe it.”

The goal is to ensure every animal finds a home.

For more information about The Animal Rescue League of Boston, visit. <a href=”http://www.arlboston.org”>www.arlboston.org</a> or the <a href=”http://www.cbsboston.com/wbzcares”>WBZ Cares section</a> on the CBSBoston.com website during the month of March.


Dog Days Of Summer Can Be Deadly For Pets In Cars

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BOSTON (CBS) — As Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start to summer, many pet owners will be hitting the roads.

Dr. Edward Schettino, Director of Veterinary Medical Services at the Animal Rescue League of Boston, advises travelers bringing their furry companions along to plan accordingly and not leave them alone in the hot weather inside or outside the car at any time.

Rule of thumb:  “Plan for your pet as you would plan for yourself.”

“You need to make sure that you have the proper itinerary where you are able to stop, take your pet out of the car,” he said. “Have your pet take a walk, fresh water, fresh food. Also planning your trip where you’re not leaving your pet in your car unattended – it is very, very important,” he said.

Leaving pets unattended in a vehicle is the most common cause of deadly heat strokes among pets, according to Schettino. Even when outdoor temperatures are just 70 degrees, it can get as high as 100 in a car in a matter of minutes.  Even if the windows are open “just a little bit,” he said.

“Pets do not sweat the way people do to alleviate the heat, they can’t get out,” Schettino said.

“People believe that they are doing nothing wrong. They are running inside the shop getting a coffee. The weather is nice outside it is 60, 70, or 80 degrees; they don’t feel hot, their pets are out with them for the day. They feel that everything is wonderful. They go inside the store — they are delayed and they come back to a fatal experience, which is bad” he said.

In August of 2016, Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bill that protects pets left in hot cars and Good Samaritans who break them out to save them.

The fine can be up to $500 for anyone who neglect animals in hot cars. The law also places restrictions on owners leaving dogs tethered in extreme weather.

If a passerby happens to see an animal in a hot car, Schettino offers the following tips to help save a pet.

“First, they can look to see if the owner is around ask anybody that’s around: ‘Do you know who owns this car?’ If they are unable to find the person who owns that car or drives that car with the pet inside, they should contact the police department.  If the police department doesn’t respond and it’s a fatal situation, people can actually break into that car to save that pet’s life as long as they follow those steps.”

Schettino says when in doubt, leave your pet at home.

“There’s plenty of people and services that can take care of your pet,” he said.

Rescued Puppies From Puerto Rico Arrive In Boston, Will Be Up For Adoption

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BOSTON (CBS) – Looking to adopt a dog?

Ten puppies rescued in Puerto Rico arrived at Logan Airport Thursday.

The dogs were found abandoned in the streets.

They’re now with the Animal Rescue League of Boston and will be ready for adoption starting Tuesday, as soon as they clear medical screening.

puerto rico puppy Rescued Puppies From Puerto Rico Arrive In Boston, Will Be Up For Adoption

One of the rescued puppies from Puerto Rico (WBZ)

The ARL is working with All Sato Rescue, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing the number of abandoned dogs in Puerto Rico.

Adoption information can be found here.

Squirrel Rescued After Getting Stuck In Randolph Dumpster

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RANDOLPH (CBS) — A dumpster-diving squirrel had to be helped after getting his head stuck in a hole, the Animal Rescue League of Boston said.

squirrel1 Squirrel Rescued After Getting Stuck In Randolph Dumpster

(Animal Rescue League of Boston)

The organization tweeted out photos showing the squirrel’s head stuck in a Randolph dumpster Thursday morning.

squirrel2 Squirrel Rescued After Getting Stuck In Randolph Dumpster

(Animal Rescue League of Boston)

They said they carefully removed him from the hole using soap to make him more slippery, and took him to the New England Wildlife Center in Weymouth.

Animal Rescue League Saves Raccoon In Tree With Head Stuck In Jar

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WOBURN (CBS) — The staff of the Animal Rescue League are no strangers to strange calls–so they knew just what to do when a raccoon got his head stuck in a plastic jar Thursday.

The ARL got a call from Woburn’s animal control officer saying the critter had panicked and climbed a tree.

raccoon jar 1 Animal Rescue League Saves Raccoon In Tree With Head Stuck In Jar

The raccoon was up a tree with a jar stuck on his head. (Animal Rescue League of Boston)

“He appeared to be healthy and uninjured, but the jar posed a number of dangers—induced panic from the enclosed space, inability to eat or see, and the possibility of falling out of the tree,” the ARL wrote in a release.

They decided they had to go up 25 feet into the tree to get him, rather than wait for him to come down.

raccoon jar 4 Animal Rescue League Saves Raccoon In Tree With Head Stuck In Jar

ARL Senior Rescue Agent Mike Brammer removed the jar. (Animal Rescue League of Boston)

ARL Senior Rescue Agent Mike Brammer “essentially had to play ring toss” with the jar, using an 11-foot pole to remove it from the animal’s head.

The jar came off–and the raccoon never even had to come down from the tree.

UPS Driver Helps Rescue Kittens From Frigid Cold

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ROXBURY (CBS) – Lou Lou and Ladybug are two lucky kittens.

The five-week-old kittens were rescued by a UPS driver who was making deliveries right before a brutal blizzard blew into the region.

ups cat rescue 3 UPS Driver Helps Rescue Kittens From Frigid Cold

(Animal Rescue League photo)

The driver noticed the kittens, both female, clawing at a Roxbury doorstep in a desperate effort to get out of the cold.

The driver then called the Animal Rescue League, which responded and brought the kittens to its Dedham shelter.

Lou Lou and Ladybug were thin, dehydrated, cold, and hungry. The kittens are being treated for upper respiratory infections, shelter officials said.

The kittens will spend a few weeks in foster care to heal and put on some weight before they are available for adoption into a loving home, officials said.

Animal Rescue League Frees Muskrat From Chain Link Fence

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NEEDHAM (CBS) — A muskrat who found himself in a pickle is probably thankful the Animal Rescue League of Boston stepped in to help.

The Needham rodent found himself stuck upside down in the bottom of a chain link fence over the weekend.

“It took a little finesse but ARL Rescue Services was able to get him free,” the organization tweeted.

“It’s likely he was found upside down because he fiercely tried to free himself when he got stuck and in a panic got himself turned around,” the ARL told WBZ-TV.

They added that the animal “wasn’t exactly cooperative.”

He was not hurt and after he was rescued he ran away.

Man Faces Animal Cruelty Charges For Neglecting Emaciated Dogs

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ROCHESTER (CBS) – It’s a sight even veteran eyes at the Animal Rescue League haven’t seen too often. Two-year-old Bentley, a pitbull mix, so emaciated his ribs and spine are showing. His companion, a nine-year-old mastiff named Ace, is in better condition but still malnourished.

“It’s shocking, when I saw them for the first time I was shocked,” ARL spokesman Michael DeFina.

The dogs were rescued from a home in Rochester on Wednesday, their conditions even worse just two days ago. They were noticed through the front door by an alert Eversource worker who was at the home to shut off the utilities because the owner was moving.

“It broke my heart,” said Susan Sweeney of Eversource. “The poor dogs were so happy to see somebody which made me believe they were just left there.”

Sweeney says when she went to the door, she could see the dogs in a frail state. Happy to see her.

bentley 1 Man Faces Animal Cruelty Charges For Neglecting Emaciated Dogs

Bentley, a 2-year-old pitbull mix, was found emaciated inside a vacant house. (Rochester Police Department photo)

“I looked in and he was very friendly,” Sweeney said. “He was wagging his tail.”

She immediately called police.

“We noticed inside of the house was full of animal waste, a lot of dog urine and feces. There were a couple of small bowls but no food or water was available,” said Rochester police Sergeant Robert Small.

Police were able to track down the owner 33-year-old Tyrone Mendes, who they say admitted he had fallen on hard times, the dogs were neglected as a result.

tyrone mendes Man Faces Animal Cruelty Charges For Neglecting Emaciated Dogs

Tyrone Mendes faces animal cruelty charges. (Rochester Police Department photo)

“He said he didn’t have money to take care of the dogs properly. It’s too bad he hadn’t reached out for help,” said Sgt. Small.

Bentley weighs only 20 pounds, though rescuers say this time last year he was 30 pounds heavier, an indication of the trauma he has suffered. There was also scarring on his face and around the ears which they believe is the result of fighting over scraps of food with Ace.

While Mendes faces animal cruelty charges, the dogs face more than malnourishment. “When they came here they had a lot of fear and anxiety,” said DeFina.

The goal now is to ease that fear, restore the dogs to health, and find them loving new owners.

Mendes will be summonsed to court at a later date to face the charges.

WBZ-TV’s Beth Germano and Gary Brode contributed to this report.


‘Feisty’ Skunks Rescued After Spending Days Trapped In A Bulkhead

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QUINCY (CBS) — Most Quincy residents, including some of the animals, have enough of the snow.

Two skunks recently trapped inside a bulkhead in Quincy for days needed to be rescued by the Boston Animal Rescue League (ARL).

skunks Feisty Skunks Rescued After Spending Days Trapped In A Bulkhead

Two skunks stuck in a bulkhead in Quincy (Photo Courtesy: Animal Rescue League of Boston)

The animals were “agitated and feisty,” according to the ARL.

skunk2 Feisty Skunks Rescued After Spending Days Trapped In A Bulkhead

A skunk stuck in a bulkhead is rescued (Photo Courtesy: Animal Rescue League of Boston)

They tweeted, “with some careful maneuvering ARL Rescue Services were able to get them out and on their way safely.”

Despite their good intentions, the ARL agents could not avoid being sprayed.

Lucky Squirrel Saved After Being Stuck In Burlington Dumpster Drain

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BURLINGTON (CBS) – A lucky squirrel has a new lease on life after being rescued from a dumpster drain.

A crew from the Animal Rescue League of Boston rescued the squirrel after its head became stuck in the drain for more than 20 hours. It is now being treated for unspecified injuries.

squirrel in dumpster drain 1 arl boston pic Lucky Squirrel Saved After Being Stuck In Burlington Dumpster Drain

A squirrel is rescued after being stuck for hours in a dumpster drain. (Photo: Animal Rescue League of Boston)

The squirrel was “tired and skin raw from trying to wriggle free,” the ARL tweeted. 

squirrel stuck in dumpster drain burlington Lucky Squirrel Saved After Being Stuck In Burlington Dumpster Drain

The squirrel was freed after being stuck for several hours. (Photo: Animal Rescue League of Boston)

The League reminded people to never slather an animal that is stuck with oils in an attempt to rescue it.

People should instead call animal control or an animal rescue group such as the ARL.

Pet Parade: Pit Bulls At The Animal Rescue League Of Boston

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BOSTON (CBS) – Three adoptable pit bulls from the Animal Rescue League of Boston were featured this week on Pet Parade.

Gronk. (WBZ-TV)

The first one was Gronk, a five-year-old pit bull mix.  He’s been with the agency for awhile, possibly because people are intimidated by his size, a solid 70 pounds, but he’s very friendly and lovable.  He also loves exercise.

Polly. (WBZ-TV)

Polly is a one-year old, who is “chill” and loves playing with her toys. Their owner returned her because they had to move.

Both dogs are crate trained.

Wildebeest. (WBZ-TV)

Wildebeest is a friendly, sweet and young pit bull mix who came to the agency as a stray. He also enjoys other dogs and exercise.

For more information, visit the arlboston.org or their locations in the South End, Dedham or Brewster.

Pet Parade: Animal Rescue League Of Boston

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BOSTON (CBS) – If you’re looking to add a four-legged friend to your family, three dogs up for adoption through Animal Rescue League of Boston could be perfect for you.

Siblings Toby and Zoey visited WBZ-TV’s Pet Parade this week, along with Yago.

Toby and Zoey are 9-year-old puggles but you would never guess that’s their age. They love people and are content to go on long walks or just hang out and watch TV.

Toby and Zoey from Animal Rescue League of Boston. (WBZ-TV

The pair is up for adoption because their original owner died. Though they are bonded, Animal Rescue League is considering allowing them to be adopted separately.

Yago is a pit bill mix. He is a 3-year-old stray who is sweet, energetic, and loves to see other dogs.

Yago is up for adoption. (WBZ-TV)

A home with no cats would be best for Yago, who can go on long walks and loves toys. He is described as full of life an energy.

For more information on these dogs and other animals, visit the Animal Rescue League of Boston website.

Kitten Sealed In A Box And Abandoned On The Side Of The Road Has Police Looking For Culprit

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MALDEN (CBS) – A kitten is suffering no ill effects after being abandoned on the side of Hawthorne Street in Malden on Wednesday.

An MBTA driver spotted a sealed cardboard box with holed punched into the sides on Wednesday afternoon. Inside, the driver found a two-month-old female kitten.

The kitten is in good health and is not suffering heat-related problems, despite being abandoned in Wednesday’s hot and humid weather.

However, the Malden Police Department and the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Department is seeking the public’s help to find out who is responsible for abandoning the kitten – a crime in Massachusetts punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Anyone with information on this case should call Malden Animal Control at 781-397-7171, ext. 1302, or ARL Law Enforcement at 617-426-9170.

Mass. Residents Reminded Not To Tether Dogs During Heat Advisory

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BOSTON (CBS) – With temperatures expected to reach the mid-90s on Tuesday, pet owners in Massachusetts are being reminded that it’s against the law to leave dogs tethered outside during a heat advisory.

The Animal Rescue League said in a press release that many people may not be aware that the laws about tethering changed in 2016.

The new regulations state “A person shall not leave a dog outside when a weather advisory, warning, or watch is issued by a local, state, or federal authority, or when outside environmental conditions including, but not limited to, extreme heat, cold, wind, rain, snow, or hail pose an adverse risk to the health or safety of the dog, unless the tethering is for not more than 15 minutes.”

Officers with the ARL or the MSPCA can issue a $50 fine for the first offense, $100 for a second offense and $300 and possible loss of ownership for subsequent offenses.

“This stature is important on a variety of fronts,” ARL Law Enforcement Director Lt. Alan Borgal said in a statement. “Tethering a dog in these conditions for hours on end is cruel. What if the dog knocks his water bowl over? Being in the extreme heat leads to heat stroke or dehydration very quickly. Tethering a dog can also cause physical harm and mental distress. These laws are in place to protect animals, and to ensure that they are being taken care of properly.”

(WBZ-TV Graphic)

A heat advisory is in effect for several counties until 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Underweight, Injured Puppy Slowly Recovering After Being Lost For A Month

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BOSTON (CBS) — A young puppy who recently arrived at the Animal Rescue League of Boston has a long road ahead of recovery ahead.

Eight-month-old Charlotte was lost and on her own for about a month. “It’s miraculous she even survived,” said the ARL.

She was was severely underweight when she arrived, weighing only about half of what she should. She will also need surgery to fix a fracture in her leg.

Eight-month-old Charlotte is recovering at the Animal Rescue League of Boston (WBZ-TV)

“Charlotte was originally transported from a rescue group in Alabama, but her former owner picked her up at a parking lot in Connecticut just over the Massachusetts border – she was lost just 4 hours after being adopted,” said the ARL.

The organization expects it will take two months for Charlotte to recover from the surgery. In the meantime, she remains very skittish around people.

Edward Schettino of the ARL said, “We don’t know what happened when she was lost for 30 days but she’s afraid of a lot of people. We’re working intensively with her with our behavior management team in order to get her a little more accustomed to people, realizing that people aren’t so bad and she’s definitely coming around.”

Taking care of Charlotte has already cost the ARL thousands, they said. The organization is hoping donations from the public will help cover some of her medical fees.


Middleboro Kennel Owner Accused Of Animal Cruelty

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BOSTON (CBS) — Middleboro police filed animal cruelty charges against a commercial kennel owner Thursday over the unsanitary conditions the Animal Rescue League of Boston says they rescued two dozen animals from last month.

Michael Perette, a Middleboro resident, faces five felony animal cruelty charges, as well as 23 misdemeanor neglect and abuse charges. The charges stem from a Sept. 24 incident during which the organization seized 24 animals from the in-home kennel and breeding business, Peretti Cane Corso.

Dogs, birds, a donkey and a peacock were among the animals removed from the kennel facility, which animal control officers described as “dangerous” for the animals. They said the animals had been subject to bad conditions for a long time, and though they were not seriously injured, they also were not in good condition.

A dog taken from a kennel in Middleboro who is now being cared for by the Animal Rescue League (WBZ-TV)

According to the organization, they and other shelters are still caring for the animals and that they are doing well. They say the animals are not currently up for adoption due to trauma caused by their previous surroundings.

Perette is still allowed to operate his business and is still in possession of almost two dozen animals. His arraignment is scheduled for Dec. 11.

Pet Parade: Animal Rescue League Of Boston

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BOSTON (CBS) – Two dogs up for adoption through Animal Rescue League of Boston visited WBZ-TV’s Pet Parade this week.

Pantera is a 2-year-old who is sweet and friendly. Though this pup is a bit reactive when unleashed, Pantera is ultimately friendly with other dogs.

Pantera. (WBZ-TV)

This would be a great dog for anyone interested in a pet that would be good on hikes and runs, or just hanging out at home.

Luigi, described lovingly as an “old man,” is an 8-year-old Chihuahua mix with some medical issues that are being treated.

Luigi. (WBZ-TV)

He’s sweet, friendly and nice, and is a “typical Chihuahua.” Though he has had some issues in the past, Luigi would be a good dog for someone who wants to put in the time and effort to maintain his health.

For more information, visit the Animal Rescue League of Boston website.

Stray Cat Found Frozen To Shipping Container In Dedham Recovering At ARL

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DEDHAM (CBS) — A stray cat that was found frozen to a shipping container in Dedham is now recovering at the Animal Rescue League of Boston. The cat, named Schooner, was found early last Wednesday, stuck to a container outside TGI Friday’s along Providence Highway.

“It’s likely that Schooner’s fur was wet and with bitter cold and real-feel temperatures well below freezing, once the cat came in contact with the container he was immediately stuck. It’s unknown how long the cat was frozen to the container,” said the ARL.

Schooner did not have hypothermia but was very thin, dehydrated, and had the “typical bumps and bruises of living outdoors,” including a fractured tooth.

Schooner was found frozen to a shipping container in Dedham (Photo Via Animal Rescue League of Boston)

After Schooner is neutered, his tooth is fixed, and he gains some more weight in a foster home, he will be ready for adoption.

Beaver Rescued From Edge Of Charles River In Wellesley

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WELLESLEY (CBS) – A “distressed beaver” was rescued Thursday afternoon from a spot on the Charles River where he had likely been trapped for four days.

The beaver had reportedly been seen in the same location below a footbridge over the Cordingly Dam Fish Passage since Sunday, according to the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

He was trapped “right at the edge of the rushing water,” in a potentially dangerous situation for both the beaver and his rescuers.

The beaver is lifted to safety (via ARL.)

The ARL assisted Wellesley Animal Control to corral the beaver with two nets and raise him to the surface of the footbridge — while a crowd of onlookers watched.

The rescuers were able to coax the beaver into a carrier and then transported him to a wildlife rehabilitation center. He did not appear to be injured but is likely malnourished.

Officers coax the beaver into a carrier (via ARL.)

65 Cats Removed From Property Of Martha’s Vineyard Cat Breeder

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EDGARTOWN (CBS) – A Martha’s Vineyard cat breeder is facing felony animal cruelty charges after police removed 65 cats from her property Wednesday.

The building where the cats were kept was described as too hot and having an overwhelming odor of animal waste. (Photo credit: Animal Rescue League of Boston)

The Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Unity inspected the property in 2019 after complaints of sick cats being sold off the island surfaced. Edgartown Animal Control received a similar complaint in June.

Sixty-five cats were removed from an Edgartown home Wednesday. (Photo credit: Animal Rescue League of Boston)

On Wednesday, ARL law enforcement, Edgartown Police, Edgartown Animal Control and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources executed a search warrant at the home of Jennifer Winsper, 48. The ARL said in a statement that it found conditions in the building where the cats were kept had poor air quality, an “overwhelming” odor of animal waste and was very hot.

The cats will likely need weeks of veterinary care and treatment, the ARL said.

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