The MSPCA-Angell found homes for 732 dogs from June 1 through August 31 — the most ever during that period in the organization’s more than 150-year history, it announced today.

“Finding homes for so many dogs this summer not only allowed us to keep up our robust transport schedule, we also increased the number of dogs we brought here, which provided much-needed relief to shelters in other parts of the country that are overwhelmed by the number of dogs in their care,” said Mike Keiley, MSPCA-Angell director of adoption centers and programs.

The MSPCA transported 485 dogs to Massachusetts from out-of-state this summer, a nearly 30% increase over the same period last year.

“We set out this summer with a goal of helping as many dogs as we possibly could, and, thanks to the people who’ve stepped up and adopted, we’ve been able to keep up a relentless momentum,” he added.

“Unfortunately, the crisis hasn’t slowed down, so we can’t either.”

Dog Adopters Desperately Needed in Down Economy
To continue fighting the ongoing crisis, the MSPCA is extending its planned slate of special adoption events through year’s end, beginning with the Awwtumn Dog Adoptathon, a fee-reduced adoptathon for large breed dogs aged one and older.

During the week-long event — September 11 through September 17 — those dogs will be available to adopt for $100, a savings of at least $250 that can be put toward the care of these new pets. More information may be found at mspca.org/dogs.

The MSPCA at Nevins Farm is waiving adoption fees for mice this weekend — Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10 — following a massive surrender of more than 500 mice from a single home in Essex County.

“We have never seen a situation like this before,” said MSPCA-Angell Assistant Director of Adoption Centers and Programs, Bryn Rogers. “We are glad the original caregiver is getting assistance and are hopeful we never see something like this again.”

“Now, we’re hoping we can do the impossible — find homes for 250 mice in just two days,” Rogers added. “Our volunteers and staff have rightly started calling this the Mouse-pocalypse adoption event!”

During the adoptathon, the typical $15 fee for mouse adoptions will be waived. Nevins Farm will also be providing starter kits to the first 75 adopters who take home a mouse or pair of mice. The kits — valued at $60 — include a tank to house the mice, bedding, bottles, bowls, and huts.

More information about the adoptathon may be found at www.mspca.org/feewaived.

“Suki”— a one-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle mix known as a Cavapoo — had a bleak prognosis when she first came to the MSPCA-Angell. She had a heart condition that could be fatal if left untreated.

Suki is suffering from Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), a condition marked by an abnormal blood vessel outside of the heart that does not close properly after birth. Her owner was not prepared to handle such a grave illness, with a lengthy recovery, so they surrendered her to the care of the organization.

“It’s a good thing that Suki was brought to us when she was,” said Dr. Caroline Choi of Angell Animal Medical Center’s surgery service. “The longer the condition goes untreated, the worse it gets and, if left untreated long enough, it can eventually lead to congestive heart failure.”

Dr. Choi performed an open chest surgery known as a lateral thoracotomy to occlude — or close — the PDA on August 16 at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston — and now the MSPCA is turning its focus to finding Suki the perfect new home. The organization is expecting high demand for Suki, so it is asking interested adopters to submit an inquiry at www.mspca.org/bostonadopt — and not come to the Boston Adoption Center directly to inquire.

It was a typical June day when a homeowner in Marlboro County, South Carolina spotted something incredibly distressing through their front window—a dog with a neck injury so severe the person believed someone had tried to cut the poor animal’s head off. Local police and animal control responded to the scene, and they were surprised by what they found.

“Authorities said when they arrived, the dog was happy to see them, greeted them warmly and jumped right in their van, despite the horrific injury,” explained MSPCA-Angell Director of Adoption Centers and Programs, Mike Keiley. “They brought him to Marlboro [the Humane Society of Marlboro County] where staff immediately had him checked out by a vet.”

The veterinarian discovered and removed the cause for the brutal injury—a deeply embedded buckle collar—and cleaned the wounds while shelter staff canvassed the neighborhood looking for the dog’s owner.

An Unclear Past and a Brighter Future

“This level of cruelty calls for charges against whoever did this, but no one in the area claimed the dog or had any leads on a potential owner,” Keiley elaborated. “So staff in the shelter turned all of their attention to treating the dog and trying to find a new home for him, but, given the immense challenges facing shelters right now, they knew they needed help, and that’s where we came in.”

The dog—now named Roger—was transported to the Northeast Animal Shelter (NEAS) in Salem June 24. Veterinarians there plan to remove damaged tissue and try to close the wound on Roger’s neck. Treatment is expected to take two-to-six weeks and cost up to $6,000. Those who would like to donate to help offset that cost may do so at www.mspca.org/roger.

Foster Home Wanted at a Time When “Big Dogs” Are Difficult to Adopt

Roger is known to be a quiet and friendly dog who loves sitting on people’s laps, giving them hugs, and holding their hands with his paws. He also gets along well with other laid back dogs.

“We want Roger to be as comfortable as possible throughout his treatment,” added Keiley. “Having him in a home with people who are committed to helping him and will make sure he’s able to get to his necessary appointments will be key in ensuring he’s able to make a full recovery.”

Those interested in fostering can learn more on the MSPCA’s website.