“Paloma” Needs Surgery to Save Her Broken Leg
BOSTON, Mass., June 12, 2023 – Not much is known about Paloma’s past, but she has suffered more trauma than any young dog should. The nearly one-and-a-half-year-old Pit Bull mix came to the MSPCA’s Boston Adoption Center on June 8 with a serious injury—she had been hit by a car, and her back right leg was broken.
“Paloma was brought to us by Bellingham and Franklin Animal Control,” explained MSPCA-Angell Director of Adoption Centers and Programs, Mike Keiley. “Officers found her Tuesday night [June 6] on Depot Street in Bellingham. Witnesses reported seeing her get hit by a car around 7:30.”
Animal control brought her to a local vet, who determined that not only was her leg broken, but she had recently had puppies.
“The [animal control] officers knew this dog needed more help than they could give her, so they called us,” he added.
MSPCA Steps Up Amid Ongoing National Shelter Crisis
“We’re the only organization with the resources to give this dog the care and rehabilitation she needs and the ability to find her a new loving home if no owner steps forward,” Keiley elaborated.
“Right now, those resources are stretched to the limits with more than 100 dogs currently in our care, but we knew we needed to step up and help this special dog.”
“Now, we also need adopters to step up,” he added.
Surgery on the Horizon
Shelter staff say that Paloma is a sweet and friendly dog who would be a great fit in many different kinds of households.
“Paloma is a remarkable example of how resilient dogs are,” Keiley said. “Despite what she’s been through, she’s happy and wagging her tail. We’re confident that she’ll be a perfect pet for the right adopters when she’s ready to find them.”
Angell orthopedic surgeons believe they can save Paloma’s injured leg from amputation through surgery, which is expected to cost at least $5,000. Those who wish to donate to help offset that cost may do so at www.mspca.org/Paloma.
Adopters Wanted!
Paloma will not be ready to go to her new home until after surgery, but interested adopters are encouraged to visit the Boston Adoption Center during open hours, which are Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 3:00 pm. Keiley says adopters should also consider the dozens of other dogs in the MSPCA’s care that are in need of homes.
“In order for us to be able to continue helping local dogs like Paloma while also taking in dogs from overcrowded shelters in other parts of the country, it’s critical that we find homes for the dogs in our care.”
The MSPCA is holding special dog adoption events over the next several months with the goal of placing 2,500 dogs into new homes by the fall. The first event, called Hot Fur Summer, takes place June 12 through June 18. Adoption fees will be waived for all large breed dogs aged one and older. Those interested may visit www.mspca.org/dogs for more information.
