Our Four-Footed Friends® Fall/Winter 2021

OUR FOUR-FOOTED

Friends Fall/Winter 2021

and how you help them

CAP E

COD C E N T E N

NIAL C

E L E B R AT I O N

Serving the Cape community since 1921

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.

Contents

1

Message from ARL President & CEO, Dr. Edward Schettino

2

Save the Date: Giving Tuesday

3

Temporary Housing Initiative Provides Lifelong Happiness

7

ARL’s Dedham Campus: Foundation for the Future

Animals Stories That Will Warm Your Heart

15

Paws to Celebrate 100 Years on Cape Cod

19

Animal Cruelty Investigation – Training the Front Lines

21

Ask the Vet: Tackling Pet Obesity

22

Ask the Behaviorist: Minimizing Separation Anxiety in Pets

Leave Your Print The Anna Harris Smith Legacy Society®

11

23

VOLUME 130 Fall/Winter 2021

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,

The change of seasons is something you can count on living in New England. No matter which season is your favorite, the dependability of this change brings me peace and solace.

Change is also in the air for ARL! By the time you read this, we will have moved into our new administration building on our historic Dedham campus. As you will read beginning on page 7, this new facility will increase our efficiencies and strengthen outcomes for the animals and communities we serve beyond our walls and throughout Massachusetts.

The building includes a dedicated hub for ARL’s mobile medical clinics, the Spay Waggin’ and Wellness Waggin’. The location provides optimal access to most major highways, allowing ARL to reach people and animals most in need, reliably and consistently. It also houses a new expansive, multipurpose training center that will provide a critically needed location for training local and state law enforcement officers, animal control officers, and animal caregivers, who play an important preventative role in keeping communities safe for animals and people. And finally, the building provides a new home for programmatic and administrative offices, which had previously been been scattered across four locations, to create greater synergy and collaboration among ARL’s programs.

1 | Fall/Winter 2021 Our Four-Footed Friends

We remain committed to our presence in Boston and Cape Cod, and our new administration building will strengthen our ability to serve these communities and neighborhoods.

Our move couldn’t have come at a more critical time – nearly two years into a pandemic that continues to affect animals and the people that love them. As you will read in the following pages, the emergency programs we created in response to COVID-19 are providing critically needed services, doing all we can to keeps pets and people together.

As with the dependability of the changing seasons, we rely on each of you and your generous support. With this 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 as you read the stories in 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!

With Gratitude,

Edward Schettino, DVM, PhD, CAWA

President & CEO

SAVE THE DATE Help twice as many animals on Tuesday, November 30

Every dollar will be matched up to $112,000 on

Text "ARLGT" to 44-321 or visit bit.ly/ARL-GT2021-online

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

Temporary Housing Provides Lifelong Happiness Meet four pets that were able to return to their families amidst crisis

500+

families helped through Keep Pets S.A.F.E.

850+

days of temporary pet housing provided

101,000+

nutritious pet meals delivered

As the impact of COVID-19 continues to affect our daily lives, ARL continues its efforts to assist pet owners and keep pets together with their families.

ARL’s Keep Pets S.A.F.E. (Supporting Animals Facing Emergencies) program was launched in April 2020 in response to the pandemic. The program offers delivery of pet food and essential supplies to clients’ homes and partner-supported community housing, temporary shelter for pets, and, when there’s no other option, pick-up service for emergency surrender of pets.

Over the course of 16 months, Keep Pets S.A.F.E. has helped more than 500 families, delivering more than 101,400 nutritious pet meals - thanks in large part to Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love® Disaster Relief Network, who donated nearly 25,000 pounds of dog food to ARL earlier this year.

ARL also turned to its vast community of supporters for a helping hand. Within a few weeks of hosting a cat food drive, donors sent ARL over 1,000 pounds of wet and dry food to distribute to local pet owners in need of assistance.

In October 2020, ARL piloted its Temporary Pet Housing initiative, available to qualified pet owners facing imminent homelessness or housing instability due to COVID-19-related circumstances. While owners deal with personal hardship, the stress over how to care for or keep their pets are alleviated knowing their animal is receiving love and care and will be reunited with them once they are situated.

Qualified animals begin their temporary housing journey at an ARL Animal Care & Adoption Center but the initiative depends on our large network of foster families, who have opened their hearts and homes to animals. In just 10 months, more than two dozen animals have spent over 850 days in temporary care with ARL. Thanks to your donations, incredible reunification stories like the ones you will read, are possible for pets and their families in times of great need.

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Fuzzy Butt Finds New Housing Amidst Pandemic Fuzzy Butt, a twelve-year-old Maine Coon, came to ARL after his owner lost his housing due to the effects of the pandemic. After receiving a medical exam at ARL, the cat was transferred to a foster home while his owner worked to secure a place to live. The Temporary Pet Housing initiative typically limits an animal’s length of stay to 120 days, but Fuzzy Butt’s owner encountered a number of road blocks while finding a new home. Knowing how important it is to keep pets with their families, ARL made arrangements for the cat to have an extended stay with us, while his owner stayed in a veterans shelter. After six months, Fuzzy Butt and his owner were reunited in a new living situation!

Full page photo: Fuzzy Butt at ARL Circle photo: Fuzzy Butt being reunited with his owner

Reina and Contessa's Owner Faced A Medical Emergency One-year-old Pit bull sisters Reina and Contessa arrived at ARL via a referral from Boston Animal Control when their owner suffered a medical emergency. While physically healthy, the sisters displayed signs of anxiousness, so our Animal Behavior staff spent quality time with the pair to provide enrichment and training while in our care. Leaning on one another for support, the sisters began to feel comfortable in their temporary environment, and grew to love our staff and volunteers. A month after their arrival, Reina and Contessa were returned to their owner who had made a full recovery!

Full page photo: Reina Circle photo: Contessa

Tsubee Reunited with Family 9,000 Miles Away Three-year-old Tsubee’s owners were called away to a family emergency in the Philippines, nearly 9,000 miles from home. They contacted ARL for assistance, and learned that they qualified for Temporary Pet Housing– meaning they did not have to surrender their beloved Pekinese! Tsubee found solace in a caring foster home while he awaited to be reunited with his family. Over 75 days after arriving at ARL, he was joyfully reunited with his parents!

Thomas Magnum Comforts Owner in His Final Days A local animal control officer brought eleven-year-old Thomas Magnum to ARL after his owner encountered medical challenges. The cat spent several months in a foster home, and was reunited with his owner upon his release from the hospital. However, in a heartbreaking turn of events, Thomas Magnum's owner passed away just a couple of weeks later. While the outcome was very sad indeed, his owner was very grateful to have his beloved cat beside him for comfort in his final days.

Fortunately, Thomas Magnum’s story had a happy ending – after returning to ARL, he was placed up for adoption and found a home with one of ARL’s volunteers!

Compassion can’t be quarantined

Scan the QR code to watch a video about ARL’s continued response to COVID-19 or visit bit.ly/ARL-PTC2021

Foundation for the Future

ARL has helped hundreds of thousands of animals in need since our founding over 120 years ago.

While we have evolved to meet the ever-changing need of our community, the challenges facing animals' needs and the people who love them are greater than ever. Facility investments in both Dedham and Boston will allow ARL to continue to adapt to provide solutions to these challenges.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us it is essential for our programs to be agile in order to serve the underserved when they need it most. It 7 | Fall/Winter 2021 Our Four-Footed Friends

is clear, now more than ever, that the future of animal welfare includes a strategic shift towards these preventative, communitybased solutions.

The new facility on our historic Dedham campus fulfills an immediate need to increase our efficiencies, which will strengthen our ability to do this important work as well as improve outcomes for the animals and communities we serve beyond our walls and throughout Massachusetts.

The Foundation for the Future Campaign Steering Committee Malcolm McDonald

Campaign Chair Board Chair 2012-2019

Mary Nee

Campaign Vice Chair ARL President 2012-2020

Walter Kenyon Board Chair

Cynthia Kettyle, M.D. Leadership Circle Member

José Rodriguez-Villalobos Board Member

Laura Tomasetti Board Vice Chair

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

“We are extremely excited for this new state-of-the-art facility that will provide critically needed space to expand educational services, allow for a quicker dispatch of ARL's mobile outreach vehicles, increase our organizational efficiencies, and strengthen the outcomes for animals and communities in Massachusetts.”

- Dr. Edward Schettino, President & CEO

The New State-of-the-Art Facility in Dedham This new building will increase our ability to coordinate and dispatch services to meet the changing needs of animals thorough mobile medicine, education, and collaboration. The consolidated facility will also allow ARL to realize immediate and significant cost and operational efficiencies.

MOBILE MEDICAL OUTREACH CENTER The building will include a dedicated hub for ARL’s mobile medical clinics, the Spay Waggin’ and Wellness Waggin’. This space will be the heart of ARL’s community-based efforts and a critical asset that will support our unwavering commitment to bring accessible and affordable veterinary and wellness care directly to those who need it most, right in the communities where they live.

The center will also be equipped with medical supplies and ample storage space for increased capacity to respond to animal emergencies.

EDUCATION & TRAINING CENTER FOR ANIMALS AND PEOPLE A new multi-purpose training center will provide a critically needed location for training local and state law enforcement officers, animal control officers, and animal caregivers, who play an important preventive role in keeping communities safe for animals and people. These training resources are critical to expanding the network of professionals who can aid ARL in confronting animal cruelty head-on.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION A new home for ARL's programmatic and administrative offices, which were currently scattered across four locations, to create greater synergy and collaboration among ARL’s programs. This will allow for more innovations that drive positive outcomes for animals and the people who care for them.

Join us and Help to Build Our Foundation for the Future The cost of this new state-of-the-art facility is $16.7M; $13.7M has been secured through a combination of financing and ARL resources. We aspire to raise a minimum of $3M, through philanthropic support from individuals and foundations, while at the same time growing annual fund support.

We are pleased to report that ARL was fortunate to have a number of early supporters who made gift commitments that have helped us to reach more than 94% of our goal! Thank you to the following individuals and families for their inspiring generosity: Platinum The Solomon Family Gold The Rabe Family Connie and Peter Lacaillade Walter and Lee Kenyon Louise and Kurt Wulff Lisa A. Clifton Silver The Beardsley-Tomasetti Family Rich Davey and Jane Willis The Kettyle Family The McDonald-Passoni Family The Ridill Clowder José Rodriguez-Villalobos and Chris Lapan

Bronze Rich Kelly and Carol Akerson Renee Knilans Rod and Barbara Macdonald Norman and Kathleen MacLeod Jane and Jeffrey Marshall Christina and Daniel Nagler Mary Nee and Jim Chapin Tara and Christophe Oliver Nadine Pellegrini and Douglas Stoddart Alisa Plazonja and Dmitry Gurevich Christopher Primiano Dr. Edward Schettino and Eunapio DeNovaes Dr. Stephen Spiegelberg and Denise Saltojanes

Corporate Partners Shawmut Design and Construction A & A Window Products Clifford & Galvan Contracting Florence Electric *as of 11/2/2021

K & K Acoustical Ceilings Pizzotti Brothers Masonry The Waterproofing Company Peregrine Mechanical Fire Systems Inc.

Please join us by supporting the mission and the future of the Animal Rescue League of Boston through a multi-year investment in this capital campaign. Your generosity will help build our impact and enhance our programs to keep more animals safe and healthy in Greater Boston and across Massachusetts. We would be deeply honored to include your name among our early supporters and generous donors for this project.

As ARL does not receive government grants or public funding (with the exception of limited COVID-19 relief funding), we must rely on the exceptional generosity of supporters like you to achieve our goal.

We have a limited number of naming opportunities still available. For more information, please contact Jackie Smith at jsmith@arlboston.org or 617-226-5608

Feeling the Fall Chill in the Air?

Cozy up with these animal stories that will warm your heart

Well-known for our Animal Care & Adoption Centers, ARL finds homes for thousands of animals each year. And while every adoption is a special experience for both the pet and owner, some animal stories are so incredibly moving that we can’t help but share them. Your donations make these positive outcomes possible – thank you!

Senior dogs thrive in their golden years Scooter, a 15-year-old Shih-Tzu mix, and Baby, a 16-year-old Miniature Poodle, were brought to ARL when their owner passed away. Because the dogs were an older bondedpair, they were initially overlooked by potential adopters. Senior animals typically have a longer length of stay at ARL – but it’s always worth the wait.

After nearly two months in our care, Scooter

and Baby finally met the perfect family! “Baby and Scooter have settled in nicely,” shares ARL adopter Cindy Jones. “I was working in the yard and Scooter went flying by with Baby chasing him; they were obviously having so much fun. We are all bringing so much to each other’s lives.”

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Bonded pigs find new home after two years Turner and Hooch were surrendered to ARL in 2019 when their owner could no longer care for them. Upon arrival, these bonded potbelly pigs showed off their playful personalities, following visitors around the paddock begging for a pet, and gently accepting fruit from staff and volunteers.

While loveable, pet pigs like Turner and Hooch are limited in the types of homes they can be adopted out to, so they remained at ARL’s Brewster campus for several months – hoping to meet their match.

Sometimes a change of scenery can make all the difference, so the duo was transferred to ARL’s Dedham campus. With no successful adoption inquires in this location, the pair were moved to foster care. As luck would have it (two years later) a family initially looking for a puppy stumbled upon the pigs’ online profile and knew they would both be the perfect fit for their farm. “Turner and Hooch have been happily exploring their new home,” says ARL adopter Erica Formhals. “Their tails are always wagging and they are so well-bonded!”

Puppies find safe place to heal after loss

Just two weeks after their birth, Almond and Cashew tragically lost their mom due to postpartum complications. Because the Parson Russell Terriers could no longer rely on their mother for food at this critical stage of life, the puppies required bottle feedings round-the-clock. “It was very important to wake them every four hours and give them the nourishment they needed because they are very vulnerable at that age,” explains experienced ARL foster parent Margy Ronna.

As the weeks passed, this resilient duo made tremendous progress in their foster home. They transitioned to solid food and learned how to walk, and eventually run. Growing bigger and stronger every day, Almond and Cashew became healthy enough for adoption and are both thriving with their caring new family – together!

Stray cat gets a second chance at life

While community cats can be extremely adaptable and resilient, there are still many dangers for animals living on the streets.

For two-year-old Baby, the one danger she couldn’t avoid was a moving car. When discovered by a Good Samaritan, Baby was in distress. Her face was caked with blood, she displayed lameness in her front legs, and was clearly in need of urgent treatment. Her founder contacted us, and an ARL representative met them at the scene and brought Baby in.

“Upon exam, x-rays indicated a pneumothorax, a condition where air escapes the lungs and becomes trapped in the chest cavity,” explains ARL Lead Veterinarian Dr. Emily Forline. “We performed an emergency procedure to save her life.” Post-surgery, Baby was transported to a quiet foster home to make a full recovery. In fact, her foster family was so captivated by her resilience and sweet nature, they decided to adopt her!

Misty Adopted

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

Paws to Celebrate

100 Years of Helping Animals on Cape Cod

ARL is proud to be of service to Cape Cod for 100 years, from 1921–2021! For a century, ARL has been a dedicated resource for the Cape providing compassionate care to animals in need. While locations, staffing, and services have evolved, we have remained committed to serving animals in need keeping them safe and healthy in the communities where they live. We’re so excited about this important milestone that we have been celebrating all year long.

This September, Cape-based supporters gathered at two Paws to Celebrate events to celebrate the centennial. Attendees were welcomed by Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL President & CEO, who acknowledged the collaborative achievements of donors, staff, and volunteers alike throughout ARL’s presence on the Cape.

The historic Chatham Orpheum Theatre hosted attendees who enjoyed popcorn and prosecco; and supporters at the Truro Vineyards event sipped specialty cocktails while listening to a live performance from Zoë Lewis, a local musician.

Both events featured, The Way Home, A Century of Finding Loving Companions for Shelter Animals, an exclusive documentary produced by

photographer Kim Roderiques and cinematographer Geoffrey Bassett.

A true celebration of the human-animal bond, the documentary showcases stories of animals and the families who adopted them from ARL. From dogs and cats to donkeys and geese, Cape residents share the impact of their companions on their lives and their deep connections to ARL. It is full of tales of unconditional love, growth, and happy memories, and evokes both laughter and tears with beautiful stories woven by Kim and brilliantly captured by Geoffrey.

As a companion piece to the documentary, Kim published a photo book also titled, The Way Home, featuring a collection of images related to ARL’s rich history on the Cape, as well as photos of animals that have been adopted from the Brewster Animal Care & Adoption Center. The production of this book has been graciously sponsored

by Agway of Cape Cod, and is available at Agway’s three locations.

Reserve Your Tickets for "The Way Home"

Public screenings of “The Way Home” documentary are scheduled for: • November 30, 7:00pm at Cotuit Center for the Arts • December 17, 6:00pm at ARL Dedham • December 18, 2:00pm at ARL Dedham Scan the QR code to reserve tickets or visit arlboston.org/cape-documentary

15 | Fall/Winter 2021 Our Four-Footed Friends

Thank you to our Paws to Celebrate host committee and sponsors: Mary and Bob Bainbridge, Grace Fey, Tony Guthrie, Brian Hyde and Joe Fiorello, Michael Kaplan and Matt Bell, Susan Kurtzman, Connie and Peter Lacaillade, Patti Lotane,Sharon Mabile, Trish Regan, Heather and Park Ridill, José Rodriguez-Villalobos and Christopher Lapan, Kim Roderiques, Carol Warshawsky, and Cape Cod 5 Foundation

From top-left to bottom-right: Jim Chapin, Mary Nee, Walter Kenyon, Dr. Edward Schettino ; Christopher Lapan, José Rodriguez-Villalobos, Barry Hartunian; Kim Roderiques, Theresa Richards, Trish Regan; Denise Fritschy; Peter and Connie Lacaillade; Andrea Rosenthal, Kim Roderiques; Kim Roderiques; Shannon Hatch, Dawn Lee, April Hatch; Trish Regan, Walter Kenyon, Dr. Edward Schettino.

Kim Roderiques: A Champion for Animals Kim Roderiques has a tremendous history with ARL. Her family first adopted from us more than 45 years ago and she continued that tradition by adopting Jack, a Lab/Golden Retriever mix with her husband in the early 2000s. Since then, she has become a pillar of support for the organization whose dedication and compassion are evident in the films and photos she has produced to benefit ARL. She is not only a talented photographer and storyteller, but also a dedicated and devoted volunteer who selflessly uses her talents to support animals in need at ARL. As we celebrate a century of service on Cape Cod, Kim’s efforts have helped preserve ARL’s rich history in the Cape Cod community, while helping us establish a new chapter for the next 100 years. In recognition of all of her efforts, Kim was awarded ARL’s 2021 Champion for Animals Award, acknowledging that she has gone above and beyond to help animals in need. Kim is truly a champion for animals!

Cape Cod Challenge Match Raises over $41K for animals in need

This year, ARL hosted an extra special Cape Cod Challenge Match to further celebrate our centennial.

With generous donations from local Cape-based businesses and individuals, every gift was matched dollar for dollar up to $17K, raising a combined $41K for animals on Cape Cod. Thank you to all of our supporters, including the Challenge Match donors!

Agway of Cape Cod, Bryden & Sullivan Insurance Agency, CertaPro Painters, Curley Direct, Eastham Dog Owners Association, Edward Moloney Equity Resources Inc, Elvira Hand, Friends and Family of Marie Flynn, Litchfield & Litchfield, Mid-Cape Home Centers, Murphy’s Air Conditioning, Platinum Auto Service Inc, Ready Rooter, Reel Grit Sportfishing, Team Guthrie Mabile, Trish Regan, Truro Vineyards & South Hollow Spirits, The Yard Gard, Yuengling Traditional Lager.

Sponsor Spotlight: Quirk Auto Dealers A special thank you to Mr. Daniel J. Quirk and Quirk Auto Dealers for their generous sponsorship of ARL’s Field Services vehicle! This new vehicle will contribute directly to helping hundreds of animals in need each year, by allowing ARL to respond to a myriad of situations and emergencies across Massachusetts.

Squiffy Adopted

Animal Cruelty Investigation Training the front lines

Every day, ARL’s Humane Law Enforcement Department investigates crimes against animal cruelty and neglect. And, as a leading animal protection authority in Massachusetts, we also routinely partner with state and local agencies to train those who are on the front lines.

In fact, ARL provides annual training for hundreds of law enforcement and animal control officers, veterinarians, and prosecutors. This specialized training is essential to ensure animal protection laws are correctly enforced, and animal cruelty investigations are conducted properly.

In September, ARL addressed cadets at the Massachusetts State Police Academy, covering many aspects of animal protection laws and highlighting what the State Police should do when they encounter a criminal act involving an animal.

“State Troopers are often the first to respond to incidents throughout the Commonwealth, and they need to be familiar with law pertaining not only to people, but animals as well,” explains Joe King, ARL Director of Law Enforcement.

“This training session was vital in ensuring these cadets are prepared once they leave the academy and get out into the field.”

Additionally, ARL collaborated with two national animal welfare organizations to host several virtual training sessions for hundreds of attendees across the state.

ARL co-hosted three webinars with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). The first session focused on the importance of veterinary forensics and crime scene analysis. The second session focused on the unique aspects of investigating farm animal cases. The third session focused on large-scale animal seizures.

ARL also partnered with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), to present the complexity of dog fighting investigations and the distinct nature of animal crime search warrants and seizure.

Each of these training sessions provided a wealth of information to those involved in the investigative or prosecutorial process. ARL uses these opportunities to discuss examples of real cases and their outcomes as not only an important learning tool for their counterparts in the field, but also to ensure more transparent and collaborative investigations in the future.

Learn what it means to be a Humane Law Enforcement Officer

Scan the QR code to watch ARL’s Coffee & Conversations webinar presented by Joe King, ARL Director of Law Enforcement or visit bit.ly/ARL-CoffeeAndConversation_8-26

19 | Fall/Winter 2021 Our Four-Footed Friends

State Police Supports Too Hot for Spot®

Since 2013, ARL’s Too Hot for Spot® campaign has reminded pet owners about the dangers of leaving an animal in a hot vehicle. Thanks in part to the campaign and ARL’s advocacy efforts, a Massachusetts’ law was passed in 2016 prohibiting the confinement of any animal in a motor vehicle when extreme heat or cold could reasonably be expected to threaten the health of the animal.

This year, ARL partnered with the Massachusetts State Police to help deliver this important summer safety message. Gathering at the State Police Headquarters in Framingham, ARL joined State Police K-9 units to address local media.

“Keeping an animal in a hot vehicle is dangerous, potentially deadly and illegal,” stated Massachusetts State Police Colonel Christopher Mason. “The Massachusetts State Police, along with law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth will be steadfast in enforcing this law to keep animals in Massachusetts safe.”

ARL also collaborated with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDot) to display over 195 annual Too Hot for Spot® billboards across the state.

Ask the Vet

Tackling Pet Obesity

We always want to make our pets as happy as they make us, but sometimes our generous nature can lead to overfeeding. Offering large meals, table scraps, or too many treats can easily lead to weight gain and obesity. OFFF sat down with Dr. Emily Forline, ARL Senior Veterinarian & Medical Supervisor, to discuss this growing pet health concern.

OFFF: We know obesity is a problem for humans, but how common is it for pets?

Dr. Forline (DF): As with humans, obesity in pets is at epidemic proportions. Recent studies show nearly 60% of dogs and cats in the U.S. are classified as overweight or obese. Just a few extra pounds can significantly impact your pet’s health and life expectancy.

OFFF: What are the health concerns for an obese pet?

DF: Extra weight puts excess strain on their heart and joints. It also makes conditions like osteoarthritis, hypertension, diabetes, and other medical problems more difficult to manage. Additionally, obesity can shorten a pet’s lifespan.

OFFF: How does a pet become obese in the first place?

DF: Many factors can contribute to it, such as access to too much food and treats, and lack of exercise. But there are also medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, that can cause weight gain, which is why it’s important to bring your pet in for annual veterinary exams.

OFFF: How can we manage our pet's weight?

DF: The best way to prevent your pet from becoming overweight is to feed them the appropriate number of calories for their age, activity level, breed, and health conditions; and to make sure that they’re getting daily exercise. More importantly, going in for regular veterinary exams can lead to an earlier diagnosis and intervention for many diseases before they significantly impact your pet’s quality of life.

OFFF: If our pet is overweight, how do we help them slim down?

DF: The first step is to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian, who can help you determine the quantity and type of food your pet will need to reduce their weight safely. They can also make suggestions on how to increase their level of exercise gradually to prevent injury.

21 | Fall/Winter 2021 Our Four-Footed Friends

Ask the Behaviorist

Minimizing separation anxiety in pets

As COVID-19 restrictions continue to change, we may not be spending as much time at home as we have been recently. Adapting to new routines can not only be challenging for the humans in our household, but also for our pets. OFFF sat down with Laney Nee, ARL Behavior Manager, for advice on how to make transitions in schedules as seamless as possible.

OFFF: What are the main causes of separation anxiety?

Laney Nee (LN): The top causes are fear, frustration, or even something health-related. Boredom results when the pet is not being challenged or stimulated enough.

OFFF: What steps can owners take to minimize anxiety?

LN: Start with a routine to alleviate the stress of the unknown. Keep mealtimes, walks, and playtime on a consistent schedule. If your dog is not crate trained, consider doing so, by offering them high-value treats and toys to use during independent playtime. Your pet will learn that the crate can be their own personal and happy space, whether you’re at home or not.

OFFF: What’s a critical part of establishing a new routine?

LN: Start slow! Repetition, patience, and rewarding calm behavior is key to a successful transition.

OFFF: What if pet owners need additional support?

LN: Glad you asked! ARL offers a FREE Pet Behavior Helpline that can be reached by calling (617) 226-5666 or emailing behaviorhelpline@ arlboston.org. We also offer group, private, and semi-private dog training classes in Boston and Dedham for basic and advanced canine learning. Register at arlboston.org/services/dog-training.

Heading back into the office?

Scan the QR code to watch more tips to set your pet up for success, hosted by ARL Animal Behavior Manager Laney Nee or visit bit.ly/ARL-CoffeeAndConversation_12-9 Fall/Winter 2021 Our Four-Footed Friends | 22

Leave Your Print

The Anna Harris Smith Legacy Society® Animals have a profound impact on our lives. Their unconditional love is unparalleled, and the joy they bring is truly remarkable.

Just as animals have touched your life, you can forever touch the lives of animals by including the Animal Rescue League of Boston and the animals we serve in your legacy giving.

Legacy gifts are a powerful investment that provide life-saving services to animals when they need it most, including community programs to keep pets with their people, animal protection to confront cruelty and abuse at its root causes, and adoption services to help thousands of animals each year get the second chance they deserve.

With a legacy gift to ARL, you’ll become a member of the Anna Harris Smith Legacy Society®, an exceptional circle of supporters who are passionate about helping animals now and after their lifetime. Named for ARL’s founder, members carry on Anna’s revolutionary spirit of generosity and compassion.

“I love the mission. Not only is rescue a huge part of what ARL does, but certainly education is part of it, as well as veterinary care. ARL is a great resource to have in our community, so I have made the decision to designate a portion of my estate to go to ARL so that hopefully that contribution can help with ARL’s mission.”

– Trish Regan, Anna Harris Smith Legacy Society member

Interested in learning more, or have you already included ARL in your plans?

Contact Jackie at (617) 226-1508 or jsmith@arlboston.org Or visit arlboston.org/anna-harris-smith-legacy-society

23 | Fall/Winter 2021 Our Four-Footed Friends

Thank you for making our work possible!

Kobe Adopted

Animal Rescue League of Boston 10 Anna’s Place Dedham MA 02026

WE'VE MOVED!

Our administrative offices have moved to 10 Anna's Place in Dedham, MA. Please note that the addresses of our Animal Care & Adoption Centers remain the same.

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

Stay connected with us!

@AnimalRescueLeagueofBoston

The Animal Rescue League of Boston

@ARLBostonRescue

Animal Rescue League of Boston

@arlboston

www.arlboston.org