Mini Poodle-Mix was Hungry and Thirsty upon Arrival, now Thriving after Some Well-Deserved TLC
BOSTON, May 7, 2020 – A six-year-old Mini Poodle-mix now named Sassel was found tied to a tree in Melrose, Mass. inside the Middlesex Fells Reservation and brought to Angell Animal Medical Center by a good samaritan on May 1, the organization announced today.
Sassel—who wore no ID tags and was not microchipped—was skinny and hungry upon arrival, and the Angell veterinary staff made him comfortable until the adoption center team could take over his case the following day.
Sassel is serving a mandatory seven-day stray hold, set to expire tomorrow, May 8th. If no one comes forward to claim him, the MSPCA will place the dog for adoption. And adoption center staffers are confident they can find the spirited pup a wonderful new home.
“He is so cute and outgoing—just a very friendly dog who we think will do wonderfully in almost any home,” said Victoria Odynsky of the MSPCA’s adoption center in Boston.
“Although we presume abandonment, we have to allow for the possibility that he got lost and then tethered by someone who hoped his owner would find him. But, if no one claims him, we will set about finding a wonderful adoptive home.”
In the meantime, Sassel is enjoying as much attention as the staff can shower upon him, as well as nutritious food, a comfortable bed, and plenty of time outdoors.
The MSPCA is doing all it can for Sassel even as it serves the broader community during this unprecedented time.
COVID-19 Pandemic Bites Deeper, Impacts Operations
Since the pandemic began, the MSPCA has had seven animals surrendered because of COVID—three of which were surrendered because their owner died or became too ill to care for them, and four because of the financial impact of the pandemic.
One of those cats is Heidi, who was surrendered to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm in Methuen on May 1 after her owner died. Heidi is also from Melrose and, at seven years old, this reserved but friendly cat is looking for a second chance at life, even as the pandemic rages on.
The MSPCA-Angell’s three animal care and adoption centers—in Boston, Methuen and Centerville on Cape Cod—have now placed more than 400 animals into new homes since the pandemic began, and has doubled down on efforts to support vulnerable pet owners who’ve been impacted by the foundering economy.
To date the organization has distributed more than 124,000 pet meals to food pantries around the state and offered subsidized healthcare to more than pets.
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