Our Four-Footed Friends Fall/Winter 2020

OUR FOUR-FOOTED

Friends Fall/Winter 2020

Your unwavering support continues life-saving work for animals during the COVID-19 pandemic

and how you help them

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 the following programs: Advocacy Animal Care & Adoption Centers (Boston, Dedham, & Brewster) Anti-Cruelty Law Enforcement Community Programs Boston Veterinary Care Field Services Community and Shelter Medicine Spay Waggin’ (Affordable Spay and Neuter Services) Wellness Waggin' (Affordable Veterinary Services)

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.

Contents 1

3-12

Message from ARL President & CEO, Dr. Edward Schettino Compassion Can't Be Quarantined: ARL Continues Life-saving Work for Animals During the COVID-19 Pandemic

13

Paws to Celebrate Goes Virtual

14

26.2 Miles for Animals in Need

15

Meet Aimee Christian, ARL Vice President of Animal Welfare and Veterinary Medicine

17

Ask a Vet: The Dangers of Personal Protection Equipment for Animals

19

Donor Spotlight: Karen Tosh & Tracey Maclin

Save the Date: #GivingTuesday is Tuesday, December 1

20

VOLUME 128 Fall/Winter 2020 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.

Managing Editor: Lisa Graham | Photographers: Angela Altobelli; Margot Andreasen; Mike DeFina Contributing Writers: Kelly Danso, Mike DeFina; Lisa Graham; Edward Schettino; Jackie Smith

Message from ARL's President

Dear Friends, The world we live in today is starkly different since our last publication of Our Four-Footed Friends. However, one factor remains constant, animals still need kindness and care - especially those who are sick, injured, and abused. This may be truer now than ever before.

ARL’s strategic focus over the last few years has been to keep pets happy, healthy, out of shelters, and with their families. We developed innovative community programs, the majority of which were mobile, allowing us to meet people and their pets where they live, and to provide low cost wellness and spay/ neuter services.

Needless to say, the pandemic created major logistical challenges: Our community partner organizations had to shift their operations, and federal and local mandates requested that we postpone any non-critical surgery or procedure to preserve personal protective equipment (PPE) for our human medicine counterparts.

This meant that many medical procedures

1 | Fall 2020 Our Four-Footed Friends

needed to be halted, except for emergencies.

However, as you will see in the following pages, ARL adapted and responded. We utilized the capabilities that distinguish us from other animal welfare organizations, assessed the need, and mobilized.

We created our Keep Pets S.A.F.E. (Supporting Animals Facing Emergencies) program to provide pet food and supplies to the communities we serve. We also established telemedicine consultations, giving pet owners access to our veterinarians from the safety of their home.

We went out into the community, provided contactless pick up, provided much-needed medical care, and then returned the pet back to their family. And, in October, we began offering temporary housing for pets whose owners may be facing housing instability due to the pandemic.

We secured and delivered 55,000 meals for pets, took in over 1,292 animals from cases of animal cruelty and neglect, and our entire animal care staff reported to work on a daily basis to care for the animals in our shelters.

I have much gratitude, especially during these uncertain times. We have a long road ahead, as the pandemic has changed some of the ways that we are able to help. With your generous support, we can continue to adapt to the world around us and be prepared to leap into action when animals are in need.

I hope that you will read the stories in the following pages and know that you are the reason we were able to accomplish all we did.

You are truly a champion for animals.

With Gratitude,

Edward Schettino, DVM, PhD President & CEO

Thank You

to our amazing supporters

for helping animals in need

during these uncertain times

3

Compassion Can’t Be Quarantined Your unwavering support continues life-saving work for animals in need In March 2020, Massachusetts declared a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many organizations were forced to close their doors, but ARL did not. While some temporary operational changes were needed, no animals were turned away.

Thanks to your support, ARL is prepared to face emergency circumstances such as these head-on.

Your donations allowed us to continue our critical care for animals in need both behind-the-scenes and on the front lines. You gave us the ability to nimbly shift our operations to focus on the areas where we could be the most help to the people and animals in our community.

“I am so grateful for the incredible dedication of our donors, volunteers, staff, and community over the recent months to keep our vital operations going,” says Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL President & CEO. “The next few pages demonstrate just a fraction of the important work for animals that YOU made possible during this uncertain time.”

3 | Fall 2020 Our Four-Footed Friends

Keeping Pets with the People who Love Them While ARL's long-term vision always included a focus on preventative community-based initiatives, the pandemic demanded that ARL respond quickly and intentionally, aligning our strengths and capacity to make the biggest impact.

After years of collecting our own data and administering surveys through our Healthy Animals – Healthy Communities Initiative, we built solid relationships with many Greater Boston communities that we identified as facing limited access to animal-related resources. Unfortunately, these neighborhoods are the same ones disproportionately affected

by COVID-19.

“In times of crisis, people often need someone to trust, to listen, and to provide minimal barriers to getting them the critical resources they need,” says Sam Fincke, ARL Community Initiative Coordinator. “For the foreseeable future, many of our neighbors will continue to be faced with tough decisions regarding their beloved pets due to emergency medical, financial, or personal reasons.”

As a response to the pandemic, ARL launched its Keep Pets S.A.F.E (Supporting Animals Facing Emergencies) program to provide critical services for qualified residents of Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan, including: Contactless delivery of pet food and essential pet supplies to clients’ homes and partner-supported community housing; Pick up and transfer of pets to provide critical veterinary care and return them to their owner; Temporary emergency shelter for pets, and pick up and return of the pet to their owner or a designated caregiver; Arrangements for emergency surrender of pets with pick up service.

Over 719 of these services were provided to families through Keep Pets S.A.F.E. from April through August. For two clients, this initiative had a profound impact.

Sampson suffered a severe tail injury and required an expensive surgery. Telemedicine, emergency medical treatment, and multiple rounds of transportation were all available to him when he needed it most. Sampson received the critical resources he needed to heal and stay with his family when the high cost of care would have otherwise separated them.

Mitzu

Mitzu needed temporary shelter when her owner was admitted to the hospital. In August, ARL received a call from a case worker in Boston regarding a cat in need of help. Her owner had fallen ill, and no one knew when she would be back to care for her. Fortunately, we got permission from the owner to enter her home.

When our agent arrived at the residence, she heard a quiet meow, and a little gray Tabby cat with an ear tip came crawling out from under the bed. She brought Mitzu and her belongings to ARL for compassionate care, while she waited for her owner to feel better. “This cat was an emotional support animal for her owner, so making sure they could reunite was very important,” says ARL Animal Field Agent, Anna Chaletzky.

Fall 2020 Our Four-Footed Friends | 4

ARL was also able to deliver 55,000 nutritious meals to dogs and cats in Massachusetts, and drove over 225 miles to deliver a portion of this donated food to our friends at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) and Second Chance Animal Shelter.

ARL delivered 55,000 meals to pets in need

“At the beginning of the pandemic, we thought about how ARL could pivot, and use our core strengths – specifically mobility and veterinary care – to implement additional supportive services to our community, in this time of even greater need,” says Cheryl Traversi, ARL Director of Community Services.

ARL’s Wellness Waggin’ also shifted gears to continue to provide critical pet wellness resources. For the health and safety of our human service agency partners, we temporarily relocated our mobile veterinary operations to ARL’s Dedham Campus, utilizing the Transport Waggin’ for contactless pick-up and dropoff of pets from the historically underserved neighborhoods we assist. We also began offering telemedicine to our clients in the community.

“By continuing these critical veterinary wellness services, we helped over 489 animals – many with serious, yet treatable, medical

5 | Fall 2020 Our Four-Footed Friends

ailments and behavioral concerns, such as ear infections, ingrown nails, and house-soiling,” says Dr. Emily Forline, ARL Senior Veterinarian and Medical Supervisor for Community and Shelter Medicine.

When it was safe to do so, the Wellness Waggin’ set up a temporary location at the Grove Hall Branch of the Boston Public Library in Dorchester, and returned to its normal weekly stops at three Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) locations in Greater Boston.

For the first time in more than a decade, ARL’s Spay Waggin’ made its return to Boston.

In September, the upgraded state-of-theart mobile surgical unit hosted a special spay/neuter and pet wellness clinic in East Boston to bring expanded high-quality and accessible veterinary services to this historically underserved community.

In collaboration with the Massachusetts Animal Fund (MAF), the Spay Waggin’ provided eligible pet owners with vouchers to cover the cost of spay/neuter surgery and associated services, such as vaccinations. Many of the clients had been on the city’s waiting list for six months to a year, due to both demand and COVID-19 related restrictions.

"East Boston was identified as an area of great need, which was further compounded

by COVID-19," says Aimee Christian, ARL Vice President of Animal Welfare and Veterinary Medicine. "ARL's mobile vehicles joined together to increase our capacity to help, and our continued partnership with ABCD will further allow ARL to broaden its reach in this great community."

ARL’s Wellness Waggin’ was also on-site that day to provide low-cost preventative veterinary care for animals whose owners were referred by community partner ABCD’s East Boston location. The East Boston Shaw’s location also hosted a pet food and supplies drive, which ARL distributed to the day’s clients via the Transport Waggin’.

Thank you to our Keep Pets S.A.F.E. Partners Action for Boston Community Development, American Humane Feed the Hungry Fund, the Banfield Foundation, Best Friends Animal Society & the Rachael Ray Save Them All COVID-19 Relief Grant, Boston Senior Care Home Care, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Loyal Companion, Mayor Walsh and the City of Boston, PetSmart Charities, and donors like you!

“COVID changed everything and I’ve been waiting to get Eva's spay surgery for more than eight months.

I know how important it is for her but couldn’t afford it, especially now. I told my friends about this and they’re going to bring their dogs and cats here too. We need this here because I love my dog and need her to be healthy.”

- ARL Spay Waggin' client

7 | Fall 2020 Our Four-Footed Friends

Caring for animals at ARL takes a village When ARL temporarily suspended its adoption services, our extensive network of foster families became more critical than ever before. “This incredible group of over 240 volunteers opened up their hearts and homes at a moment’s notice, allowing ARL to increase its impact at a time when it was most essential,” says Associate Director of Volunteer Engagement, Debby Chaplic.

Over 465 animals were transferred from our Animal Care and Adoption Centers into a home environment, which allowed us to accomplish two things: give each animal a respite from the busy shelter environment, and give ARL the increased capacity to intake animals as the need arose.

Without our foster care program, animals like Kiddy may not have had a successful outcome. This two-year-old cat faced difficult medical conditions, including an enlarged liver and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).

Fortunately, he was paired with a foster parent who could give him the intensive care that he desperately needed. In fact, their bond grew so strong that Kiddy ultimately became a permanent part of their family!

Additionally, after the Massachusetts eviction moratorium expired on October 17, ARL began its new Temporary Pet Housing Initiative, offering up to 120 days of shelter in a foster home. Any pet owner who is experiencing housing instability, or is at imminent risk of homelessness is potentially eligible for this service – with priority given to existing clients of ARL’s Wellness Waggin’.

Kiddy

As anticipated, ARL saw an influx of animals come through our doors. From mid-March through August, 1,216 animals came to us via owner surrenders, law enforcement cases, animal control assists, stray pets brought in by concerned citizens, and rescued domestic animal and wildlife.

Staff remained busy performing wellness checks and surgical procedures, and continued to work with and develop personalized training and enrichment plans for the soon-to-be adoptable animals.

When our Animal Care & Adoption Centers reopened to the public, the demand for adoptable animals was higher than ever before. “We received hundreds of phone calls from families looking to adopt a companion animal, once they realized they would have ample quality time to dedicate to them at home,” says Boston Animal Care Manager, Carolyn Curran. “Conducting adoptions by appointment has been an adjustment, but our committed staff, over 700 dedicated volunteers, and very supportive community have made it possible to continue our operations in the safest way possible.” Since March 16, ARL has found permanent homes for more than 760 animals.

Boston Veterinary Care (BVC), whose proceeds benefit ARL programs, quickly shifted its operations to a contactless model for veterinary appointments, and pick-up of medications, preventatives, and pet food.

The clinic also began offering telemedicine appointments so that clients could connect with their veterinarian in the convenience of their own home. “Despite the pandemic, our clients still needed us,” says Boston Veterinary Care Medical Director, Dr. Nicole Breda. “We received a lot of positive feedback from pet owners who were grateful that BVC was able to continue its operations safely and efficiently.”

Fall 2020 Our Four-Footed Friends | 8

Robin & Family In May, the two-year-old Puggle got loose from her owner in a busy parking lot. Months later, she was spotted in a wooded area with a new litter of puppies! After receiving proper nutrition and medical attention for parasites, scrapes, and wounds, the Puggle family was placed in foster care, and subsequently all found their forever homes!

8

Rescuing and rehabilitating injured animals From a hawk with a broken wing, to a cat stuck in a chain-link fence, to a bearded dragon crossing a high-traffic street, ARL received over 1,200 phone calls from both Animal Control Officers and Massachusetts residents for assistance with animals needing our help.

Helping formerly neglected animals find new homes

In early spring, Nikki, a friendly stray, was rescued along with other members of her community cat colony. She had been suffering from wounds caused by an embedded collar, and needed extensive surgery and medical treatment for her injuries to prevent a potentially fatal infection. She spent five months on medication, and had her wounds cleaned and monitored frequently. Despite her long road to recovery, Nikki remained cheerful and loving – and found her forever home soon after being put up for adoption!

In June, ARL was contacted for assistance with a male swan that was injured by fishing equipment while caring for his mate and offspring. Our agents, in partnership with Woburn Animal Control, carefully scooped up the swan with a large net and brought him to a local wildlife rehabilitation center. Thankfully, his wounds were treated quickly and he was able to be reunited with his family within a matter of hours.

Sadly, instances of alleged animal cruelty, neglect, and abuse have not lessened amidst the pandemic. Animals saved from cruel situations can have many complex health and behavior issues. They’re sick, frightened, and in desperate need of love and kindness. During the course of only five months, ARL initiated 168 law enforcement investigations, involving 1,292 animals.

The largest of these cases happened on the island community of Martha’s Vineyard.

In July, Edgartown Animal Control and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) identified the property of a local cat breeder as unsanitary and overcrowded, creating a dangerous environment for the animals.

ARL was called in to assist. All day and into the evening, we worked to carefully transport 70 cats and kittens to safety, and to assist police so that felony animal cruelty charges could be brought against the person responsible. Over the next few weeks, all of the felines received intensive intervention for potential Zoonotic diseases and parasite infections. Many of the cats have since moved into long-term foster homes while the case proceeds through the legal process.

Fall 2020 Our Four-Footed Friends | 10

Sharing important resources with pet owners

Keeping animals safe and healthy – the need has never been greater

Pet owners continued to have access to ARL’s free Pet Behavior Helpline for advice on basic behavioral concerns they may be experiencing with their cat, dog, bird, or small animal. Over 255 pet owners contacted us for advice on topics such as excessive barking, crate training, house soiling, and ideas for keeping your pet occupied while working from home. “We’ve seen a huge influx in phone calls and emails to our Pet Behavior Helpline now that people are spending more time at home, and because of the increase in animal adoptions,” says ARL Animal Behavior Manager, Laney Nee.

While it is difficult to predict the on-going impact of this global crisis, one thing remains constant: animals in Massachusetts are still in need. Your support today ensures that tomorrow, and in the coming months, ARL can continue to respond to emergencies, adapt to the evolving needs of our community, and keep all the animals in our care fed, safe, and healthy.

YOU are the reason the animals featured in this edition of OFFF were given a second chance. Thank you for being an unwavering champion for animals!

A rapid shift to utilizing digital technology meant streamlining ARL’s methods of communication. “Once we realized that inperson interactions and gatherings would be suspended indefinitely, we had to quickly figure out the most efficient way to share important organizational updates and pet health and safety resources to our clients and supporters in real-time,” says Lisa Graham, ARL Director of Marketing and Communications.

“We quickly shifted our efforts to more virtually-based communication and events to keep the dialogue going from a safe distance.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic, ARL shared more than a dozen timely articles in 26 local and national news outlets to guide pet owners through the health crisis. Topics included how to safely use cleaning products around your pet, socializing and occupying your pet while at home, minimizing your pet's anxiety when returning to work, and proper disposal of masks and other personal protective equipment (see Pg.17 for more on this subject).

11 | Fall 2020 Our Four-Footed Friends

For the latest news on how ARL is taking action for animals in need, bookmark arlboston.org on your web browser, sign up for our e-newsletters, or follow us on social media: @AnimalRescueLeagueofBoston @ARLBostonRescue @arlboston The Animal Rescue League of Boston Animal Rescue League of Boston

Noodles & Millie

Fifteen-year-old Noodles is blind, and leans (literally and figuratively) on his pal Millie for support. The inseparable duo are currently looking for their perfect home - together!

11

Paws to Celebrate ARL donor recognition event goes virtual On Wednesday, October 7, over 110 supporters got a “front row” seat to ARL’s 3rd Annual Paws to Celebrate. This year’s event focused its theme around ARL’s ability to adapt and continue operations during these uncertain times – all thanks to our generous donors!

Attendees logged into the live event from the comfort of their homes, enjoying the fun party favors shipped right to their door. Goody bags included animal-themed mocktail and cocktail recipes from Tito’s Vodka, ARL swag items, photos and stories of animals helped during the pandemic, and more!

The evening began with a tribute to ARL’s former President, Mary Nee, who retired earlier this year. ARL Board Chair Walter Kenyon spoke about Mary's incredible work for the animals in our community during her over sevenyear tenure.

ARL’s current President & CEO, Dr. Edward Schettino, expressed his gratitude to our donors, volunteers, and staff for their dedication during this crisis. He reviewed our organization’s

CJ

progress to date, and reflected on ARL’s ability to nimbly shift our operations to focus on the areas where we could be the most help to the animals and people we serve. Dr. Schettino’s remarks were followed by a video which showcased heartwarming stories of the animals and people ARL assisted since March.

Throughout the event, 11 furry guests also made cameo appearances. Mini horses Noodles and Millie, and CJ the Cockatoo were removed from situations of neglect. Robin the Puggle was reunited with her five puppies after giving birth to them in a wooded area and fleeing when help arrived. Janie the Hound Dog found her forever home after being transferred from an outside shelter. Alfie the stray kitten received emergency surgery to amputate his badly-fractured leg.

The event concluded with a question and answer session from the audience, and with more information about how you can continue to support ARL’s important work during this crisis by texting "PAWSARL" to 44-321 to make a donation.

Alfie

Janie

13 | Fall 2020 Our Four-Footed Friends

Thank you to our generous sponsors Leader of the Pack

Best in Show 360PR+ Aon Grace and Ted Fey Mintz Loomis Sayles

26.2 Miles for Animals

Top Dog Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation

Kirkiles & Associates Insurance in Partnership with Starkweather & Shepley

Ellen and Gilbert Forest, in honor of Chi Chi

Tito's Richard Kelly and Carol Akerson

Grossman Marketing Group

Top Cat AAFCPAs

TigerRisk

Century Bank

Walter and Lee Kenyon

Herb Chambers Liberty Mutual MFS

Willis Towers Watson Winthrop Wealth

Animal Advocate Alison Erbig and William Goldberg

The McCreary Family

Dedham Savings

Wade Gulbransen

Deloitte Services LP

And to our event committee: Mary Bainbridge, Beth Baker, Kristin Casey, David Cawley, Rich Davey, Alison Erbig, Richard Kelly, Walter Kenyon, Cynthia Kettyle, Elena Kirkiles, Constance Lacaillade, Anne-Marie Litchfield, Patti Lotane, Mark & Mikki Manganaro, Christina Nagler, Tara & Christophe Oliver, Alisa Plazonja, Chris Primiano, Heather & Park Ridill, Kim Roderiques, José Rodriguez-Villalobos, and Laura Tomasetti

Boston Marathon cancellation doesn’t slow ARL runners Paws to Celebrate wasn’t the only event that went virtual this year.

On September 7, two extraordinary individuals reaffirmed their commitment to helping animals in need by a running 26.2 miles along the streets of Boston.

Corey Adams, ARL Data Training and Support Specialist, and Molly Quinn, ARL volunteer, took on the socially-distanced run over Labor Day to raise $25,000+ for ARL. Fellow staff and volunteers stationed themselves along the virtual “course” with cold beverages and snacks to refuel, as well as signs of encouragement.

“ARL truly has a special place in my heart,” says Corey. “Not only do I work here, but this organization has given me one of the greatest joys in my life, my rabbit Chestnut!”

Molly shares similar sentiments.

"My love of animals and my commitment to advocating for them started at a very young age," says Molly. "I have since adopted two of my own rescue cats Manny and Cleo."

Very special thanks to our runners, and to ARL’s Boston Marathon team sponsor, Loyal Companion!

Fall 2020 Our Four-Footed Friends | 14

Meet Aimee Christian ARL Vice President of Animal Welfare and Veterinary Medicine

Earlier this year, ARL welcomed Aimee Christian as the new Vice President of Animal Welfare and Veterinary Medicine.

In this role, Aimee oversees ARL’s animal welfare and veterinary programs, including the Animal Care & Adoption Centers in Boston, Dedham, and Brewster; Community Services; Community and Shelter Medicine; Law Enforcement; and Boston Veterinary Care (BVC). Working alongside the President & CEO, she ensures that all animal care operations are running efficiently and effectively and remain aligned with the organization’s strategic plan.

Aimee brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her new role, most recently holding the position of Vice President of Community Medicine at the ASPCA. In that role, she served communities in New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami, and worked for nearly 15 years overseeing the ASPCA’s high quality, highvolume spay/neuter and basic veterinary care programming nationwide.

Aimee recently sat down with OFFF to discuss how her prior experience will help propel ARL into its next chapter as an animal welfare leader in Massachusetts, as well as her initial thoughts on the organization after a few months on the job. Here’s what she had to say:

15 | Fall 2020 Our Four-Footed Friends

OFFF: Prior to joining ARL, was there anything about the organization that sparked initial interest?

Aimee Christian (AC): A good friend of mine who’s very familiar with ARL described the organization to me as small but mighty – and it’s absolutely true! This organization has so many capabilities. I’ve been so impressed by the talent and commitment of the staff and volunteers who do so much in and around the Boston area to help animals and the people who love them.

OFFF: Expanding services into communities of need is a cornerstone component of ARL’s vision for the future. How can your experience in this area help ARL expand?

AC: The future of animal welfare is in the communities we serve, and ARL has already done a great job recognizing this and taking action. I am currently building upon the great work ARL has already done by joining the Spay Waggin' and Wellness Waggin' services together where possible, and increasing the days of services for the Spay Waggin’. This will allow us to better serve people and pets in Boston as well as keep our commitments to the animals and people of the South Shore.

And there’s fine-tuning to make sure we are doing all we can to have the biggest impact in the areas we’re needed most.

OFFF: Why is it so important for ARL to bring its services into our communities?

AC: Many animal welfare organizations across the Northeast have done a great job placing animals in homes, providing basic and preventive care, and performing spay/neuter procedures.

As animal welfare continues to evolve, ARL has emerged as a leader with our mobile, community-based programs.

As the population in our Animal Care & Adoption Centers continues to decrease, the next phase is to have our shelters continue their necessary functions while focusing the medical work in the communities where pet owners love and care for their animals, but may not have access to veterinary information or services.

OFFF: What has stood out to you during your first few months at ARL? AC: ARL’s volunteer base is tremendous.

We have volunteers who have dedicated their time for more than a decade because they love what our organization does and that we’re true to our mission.

Additionally, the support of our donor base is incredible. Without our donors, none of this work would be possible.

My job is to be a steward of these donor dollars and ensure we’re using the money as productively and efficiently as possible.

Chase

Adopted

Fall 2020 Our Four-Footed Friends | 16

Ask a Vet: The Dangers of PPE for Animals Gibbs required surgery after swallowing disposable masks

For all of us, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) has become a way of life.

Many news outlets and other resources continue to explain the proper way to wear a mask – but very few have addressed how to properly store or dispose of them.

For one animal, the improper disposal of PPE almost cost him his life. Gibbs, a nine-year-old Miniature Schnauzer, came to ARL in August after having emergency surgery to remove two paper masks that he had ingested. Fortunately, Gibbs made a full recovery and found his forever home soon after!

Gibbs’ story presented an opportunity for ARL to partner with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), Massachusetts Veterinary Medicine Association (MVMA), and other local agencies to share this important pet safety message with the public.

Why is PPE potentially dangerous for domestic animals and wildlife? OFFF spoke with Dr. Nicole Breda, Medical Director for Boston Veterinary Care (BVC) to find out: OFFF: When there’s a glove, mask, or other piece of PPE on the ground, why would that be enticing for an animal?

Dr. Breda: PPE, both gloves and masks, are full of scents that may be appealing to pets or wildlife. Think specifically of the mask you breathe into; it’s going to smell like food, which is enticing for any animal.

17 | Fall 2020 Our Four-Footed Friends

OFFF: What are the dangers of an animal ingesting a piece of PPE? Dr. Breda: The materials that make up PPE are not digestible and can cause a variety of issues that may be life-threatening. An intestinal blockage is a real possibility, and would certainly be a medical emergency.

Additionally, the wires found in some face masks can puncture the lining of the intestinal tract, and may also cause sepsis (an infection of the bloodstream), which can be fatal.

OFFF: What are the signs that an animal may have ingested not just PPE, but any foreign object?

Dr. Breda: There are a number of signs that an animal may have ingested something they shouldn’t have, including: vomiting, loss of appetite, lack of energy, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. If an animal exhibits any of these signs, you should seek veterinary care immediately.

OFFF: How should a piece of PPE be properly discarded?

Dr. Breda: It’s simple. When you’re finished with a piece of PPE, place it in a covered waste container.

If you’re outdoors and a covered waste container is not available, place the PPE in a zipped pocket, purse, car glove compartment, or anywhere it can be securely stored until it can be disposed of properly. If placed in a non-covered waste container, any domestic animal or wildlife can very easily access it.

Gibbs This nine-year-old dog required emergency surgery to remove the PPE equipment he ingested.

Donor Spotlight: Karen Tosh and Tracey Maclin Tracey Maclin and Karen Tosh are quietly passionate about their love and appreciation for animals. As a retired family lawyer and a law professor, their professional lives involve helping and teaching others, while their personal lives are filled with countless examples of their dedication to saving animals.

They personally champion animal welfare, and chose to support ARL to amplify those efforts.

Karen was “born to love animals”, and her family had many dogs and rabbits, while Tracey’s appreciation for animals evolved over time. Since they met, Tracey and Karen’s home has been sanctuary for many rescue dogs, but Tracey fondly remembers their first pet, a yellow lab named Democrat, who was their companion for 15 years. Today, their poodle mix Pippin and beagle mix Benny, both rescued from shelters, are strong personalities in their home.

Karen believes that a person’s character is reflected in their treatment of animals. She prides herself on the high level of care they have given to the animals in their life, and for providing them with a voice. Both she and Tracey are motivated to protect animals from 19 | Fall 2020 Our Four-Footed Friends

suffering, and they choose to support ARL because of its success in addressing the root causes of cruelty and neglect.

Many years ago, this hard-working pair learned the often-unknown plight of horses and donkeys who are sent to slaughter, and were compelled to help. Since then, they have supported the rescue of many of these animals, and currently care for 6 rescued miniature horses at their home and a nearby farm. If not for space limitations, they would certainly rescue more!

Though Tracey considers their philanthropy to be “just a drop in the ocean”, they work diligently to provide animals with the compassionate care they deserve, both personally and by supporting ARL. He thoughtfully explains, “I’m only here for a little while, but I will do what I can.” He feels it is part of his life’s work to care for their animals and support nonprofits that do the same.

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

Save the date...

Help twice as many animals on Tuesday, December 1

Every dollar will be matched up to $155,000 on

Text "ARLGT" to 44-321 or visit bit.ly/ARLGT-2020

Gifts of $100 or more will be acknowledged on the Wall of Honor at arlboston.org

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

ARL is HERE TO HELP Animals in Need Are you struggling to keep your pet?

Let us help you decide what is best for your family Call (617) 426-9170 and dial the extension for the location nearest you: Boston x140; Dedham x404; Brewster x305.

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

Call (617) 426-9170, press option 1 Field Services’ hours of operation are Tuesday – Saturday, 9:30AM – 5:30PM; closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Thank you for making our work possible!

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

Call (617) 426-9170 and dial the extension for the location nearest you: Boston x140; Dedham x404; Brewster x305.

Are you concerned about outdoor cats in your neighborhood?

Call (617) 426-9170, press option 1 Field Services’ hours of operation are Tuesday – Saturday, 9:30AM – 5:30PM; closed on Sundays and Mondays.

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

Call (617) 226-5666 or email behaviorhelpline@arlboston.org.

An ARL representative will get back to you within 48 hours.

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

Call (877) 590-7729 or email spaywaggin@arlboston.org.

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

Call (617) 426-9170 x110 or email cruelty@arlboston.org. Your calls are confidential; however we will require some information to file a valid police report.

Stay connected with us!

@AnimalRescueLeagueofBoston

The Animal Rescue League of Boston

@ARLBostonRescue

Animal Rescue League of Boston

@arlboston

www.arlboston.org