“Balboa” Recuperating in Organization’s Care
BOSTON, May 1, 2026 – The MSPCA-Angell is working to learn more about the circumstances surrounding an underweight stray dog found in Dorchester, the organization announced today.
The Cane Corso mix, called “Balboa” by staff, was brought to Angell Animal Medical Center by Boston Animal Control on April 22.
“When Balboa first arrived at our emergency room, he was weak and significantly underweight—to the point that his ribs and hip bones were clearly visible,” explained Dr. Emily Hussey, who performed Balboa’s initial physical exam at Angell. “His body temperature was also dangerously low.”
Angell Animal Medical Center veterinarians consider a dog’s body temperature to be normal between 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Hypothermia can occur when a dog’s temperature drops below 95 degrees. On his initial exam, Balboa’s temperature was 94.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Thankfully, Balboa came to us when he did. Our veterinary staff were able to begin stabilizing him by providing heat and offering supportive care,” said MSPCA-Angell Vice President of Animal Protection, Mike Keiley. “Now that he’s more stable, we’re continuing to prioritize his care while also working to learn more about how he came to be in this condition—and at the MSPCA-Angell, we’re grateful to be able to do both.”
Power in Numbers
MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement is working with Boston Animal Control to learn more about Balboa’s past.
“Boston Animal Control is one of our Massachusetts Animal Shelter Support (MASS) coalition partners. Since joining forces in 2024, we’ve made steady progress in addressing the dog population crisis by providing resources to stray dogs and helping them find homes,” said Keiley. “I’m hopeful that through our partnership—and with the help of the public—we’ll be able to better understand Balboa’s history.”
The MSPCA-Angell asks that anyone with information contact MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement by phone at (617) 522-6008 or (800) 628-5808 or online at mspca.org/tip.
The Road Ahead
After a few days in the MSPCA-Angell Animal Medical Center’s supportive care unit in Boston, where inpatients receive round-the-clock care, Balboa was moved to the organization’s animal care and adoption center.
“Getting Balboa back to a healthy weight is going to take time, and although he’s very food-motivated, we need to reintroduce food slowly to prevent refeeding syndrome,” Keiley noted.
“Before we make him available for adoption, he’ll first go to foster care to continue his recovery. We’ll get a better sense of his personality in a home setting, especially as he gains strength. Once he’s back to a better body condition, he’ll return to the shelter where he’ll be neutered and then ready to adopt.”
“There are still a number of unanswered questions about Balboa’s past. It’s possible his former owner was struggling to care for him,” said Keiley. “If that’s the case, we want them—and anyone else facing a difficult time—to know that we’re here to help connect them with resources.”
Anyone in need of pet assistance can find more information about available programs on the organization’s website and is encouraged to reach out.
“We recognize that times are especially challenging right now, and we want to support animals and the people who care for them. When our community comes together, we can help keep pets and their families together.”
Those who would like to donate to help support this mission and offset the cost of Balboa’s care—and others like him—are asked to give at mspca.org/balboa.
