“Daylilah”, “Peluche”, and “Savanna” in Critical Condition
BOSTON, March 19, 2025 – Three chihuahuas now being treated at Angell Animal Medical Center are lucky to be alive after surviving a fire in their Springfield home the night of March 17, the MSPCA-Angell announced today.
Four-year-old “Daylilah” and her five-year-old siblings, “Peluche” and “Savanna”, were transported by emergency crews to a local veterinary hospital following the fire. Upon examination, doctors there realized the dogs were in severe respiratory distress and suspected they might also have some neurological issues.
“The dogs arrived in critical condition and, after a night in intensive care, local veterinarians knew that they needed more advanced treatment,” explained Mike Keiley, vice president of the MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection Division. “Given the tenuous state of their health and prolonged hospitalization expected, the dogs’ owners surrendered them in Springfield, which is when we were called.”
After working with the hospital to ensure that the dogs were stable enough for transport, the MSPCA-Angell coordinated for the dogs’ arrival in Boston the evening of March 18, after which they were immediately rushed to intensive care.
“We were contacted because we’re really the only animal welfare organization in Massachusetts that’s able to take on dogs like these, given the level of care they need,” Keiley elaborated. “We have world-class veterinarians and the most state-of-the-art equipment at our hospitals, to hopefully save their lives.”
“Once we’re out of the woods, we can work to place them into loving homes through our adoption centers, but right now all we’re thinking about is getting these dogs into stable condition,” he added.
Around-the-Clock Care Needed
The three chihuahuas are in oxygen cages and being given various fluids and medications as Angell veterinarians look to treat damage caused by smoke inhalation.
“There were other animals involved in this fire that unfortunately perished, but these dogs are fighters,” Keiley elaborated, noting that several dogs and cats died. “The chihuahuas are fighting for survival, and we’re doing everything we can to help them.”
The dogs are being given around-the-clock care, but, according to Keiley, it is not yet clear when they may recover.
“We’re giving everything we’ve got to keep these dogs alive,” he said. “We’re hopeful that they may start showing signs of improvement in the coming days, but right now we’re in a holding pattern, waiting to see how they react to the treatments they’re currently on.”
The MSPCA-Angell will post updates on the chihuahuas’ statuses on its social media pages. Those interested in donating to help offset the more than $20,000 cost of caring for them are asked to do so at mspca.org/givingday.
