Hit by a Car and Critically Injured, Homeless Chihuahua gets Second Chance

BOSTON and Methuen, Mass. Sept. 22, 2014 – The streets can be mean for any dog left to fend for herself, and they were especially cruel to two-year-old “Annette,” found huddled on the side of a Lawrence, Mass. street on Sept. 4 after having been struck by a car.

The Lawrence police department responded to call about the frightened and injured dog and, upon arriving at the scene, transported Annette to a veterinary clinic in Lawrence.  The department launched a social media campaign to try and identify the dog’s owner—and to raise money to pay for her care—but no owner came forward, leaving Annette’s future in doubt.

Fortunately, the MSPCA-Nevins Farm stepped in, as it has thousands of times before in situations to secure urgent medical care for homeless animals before they are placed for adoption.

MSPCA-Nevins Farm to the Rescue
Mike Keiley, director of the Noble Family Animal Care and Adoption Center at Nevins Farm, offered to take in Annette and for the adoption center to cover the cost of her surgery.  “It’s in these moments that we realize how vital a resource the MSPCA is to the community,” he said about the decision to assume responsibility for Annette’s care.  “We are proud to be there to rescue, treat and re-home animals suffering through the most precarious of circumstances.”

A frightened Annette rests at the Lawrence Police Dept. before she was brought to Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston (credit: Lawrence Police Dept.)

Keiley arranged for Annette’s transport to the MSPCA’s Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston.  On Sept. 12, Dr. Nick Trout of Angell’s surgery service performed a delicate three-hour operation to repair Annette’s fractured pelvis, ensuring that once she recovers she can go on to live a normal and healthy life.

Annette’s medical bill was covered through the MSPCA’s Pet Care Assistance Program—which, in addition to providing financial support for pet owners who cannot afford veterinary care for the animals—pays for the medical care of homeless animals in the MSPCA’s three adoption centers, as well as those seized in animal cruelty investigations.  Additional funding was provided by the MSPCA-Nevins Farm’s Angels for Animals fund, which pays for the medical care of homeless animals in the adoption center.

“We are profoundly grateful to donors who fund these crucial programs, which enables us to care for nearly 13,000 animals every year in our three adoption centers,” said Keiley.

Annette’s Long Road Ahead

Annette is recovering in a foster home and, according to Keiley, will soon be available for adoption.  “She’s still in the early part of her recovery so it may be a few weeks before she can go home, but we view that as a positive as it ensures we have the time we need to find her the perfect forever home.”

The MSPCA-Angell’s three state-wide animal care and adoption centers take in, and place into new homes, thousands of homeless dogs, cats and other animals every year.  Annette represents just one of the many animals who arrive every day—and whose futures are brighter as a result of the care they receive.  Readers can contribute directly toward the care of these animals by clicking here.

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The MSPCA-Angell is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary medicine and provides direct hands-on care for thousands of animals each year. Founded in 1868, it is the second-oldest humane society in the United States. Services include animal protection and adoption, advocacy, humane education, law enforcement, and world-class veterinary care. The MSPCA-Angell is a private, non-profit organization. It does not receive any government funding nor is it funded or operated by any national humane organization. The MSPCA-Angell relies solely on the support and contributions from individuals who care about animals. Please visit www.mspca.org and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mspcaangell