“Minnie” is a Lot of Dog to Handle, but the MSPCA-Angell won’t give up until she’s in the Perfect Home
BOSTON, July 22, 2019 – For adoption center workers at Boston’s MSPCA-Angell, finding the right fit between dogs and would-be adopters is always the highest priority—and in the vast majority of cases those efforts result in successful adoptions, with dogs placed in homes that are well matched to their personalities, habits and interests.
But matchmaking can be tricky, and it sometimes hits a snag. Such is the case with Minnie, a two-year-old Doberman Pinscher-Pit Bull mix who’s been adopted and returned to the shelter a record four times.
“We’ve gotten really good at aligning adopters’ lifestyles and interests with the needs of adoptable pets, and setting adopter’s expectations for how animals will behave in their homes, but it’s never a perfect science,” said Anna Rafferty-Foré, associate director of the MSPCA’s Boston adoption center.
“No dog demonstrates that more than Minnie, and none of us can recall a dog who’s been adopted and returned four times. But we’re not giving up until we find the perfect home for this special dog,” she said.
A Lot of Dog to Handle
Minnie was first adopted on Feb. 26 of this year but returned in March because her soaring energy proved too much for both the humans and resident dog in her new home. She was adopted again on April 16 and returned within a week. A third adoption took place on July 9 but lasted only two days. In all of these cases Minnie was returned mostly because she is too energetic, and she overwhelmed her new adopters.
“Minnie needs a ton of physical and mental stimulation because she’s young, very fit and smart—a wonderful combination of traits for any dog, but it’s those same traits that make her a challenging dog to place,” said Rafferty-Foré.
Despite her highly active demeanor, Minnie’s previous adopters describe her as loving and loyal. She adores sharing naps with people and loves jumping on laps to soak up attention and praise. These are qualities that are prized by all dog adopters, and ones the MSPCA hopes will shine once she’s in the most appropriate home.
The MSPCA is pulling out all the stops to find the perfect adopter for Minnie. Included in her adoption fee is seven weeks of beginner obedience training to help her master basic commands like sit, stay and come, and to walk more skillfully on a leash.
The MSPCA’s Animal Welfare and Training Specialist, Shelley Harrison, will also be providing ongoing support for Minnie’s adopter.
According to Rafferty-Foré, the most appropriate adopter for Minnie would have abundant energy him or herself. “She’ll need at least two walks per day and a lot of play time. We also think she’d do best as an only dog and in a home with older vs. younger kids.”
Anyone interested in adopting Minnie is encouraged to visit her during operating hours or email adoption@mspca.org for more information.
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