Sick Puppy Brought in for Treatment, then Abandoned at Hospital

BOSTON, Nov. 3, 2014 – A desperately ill puppy brought to Boston’s Angell Animal Medical Center on Oct. 27 is on the mend following three days in intensive care and continued convalescence in a foster home.  But now she faces a new challenge: finding a loving forever home in which to live out her life.

“Ursula,” was surrendered to the MSPCA-Angell on the same day her previous owner brought her to the organization’s 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital, complaining that the dog was listless and had stopped eating.  Upon discovering Ursula was in fact quite sick and would need round-the-clock veterinary care to get well, her owner opted to surrender the three-month-old teacup Poodle.

The MSPCA took responsibility for the dog—as it has done thousands of times before under similar circumstances—and to date has spent nearly $2,000 to diagnose and treat her ailments.  Ursula’s care has been paid for via Spike’s Fund, which provides emergency medical treatment for homeless animals in need.

The tiny Ursula is so small that she can fit into a coffee cup, and now that she’s getting better she can soon be placed for adoption (credit: MSPCA-Angell)

The manager of the MSPCA’s Boston adoption center, Alyssa Krieger, stressed that such a large expenditure comes at a difficult time.  “We’ve had a number of large surrenders and other special needs cases come through the door in recent months—animals that have required significant and costly medical care—and as a result this critical fund’s balance is extremely low,” she said.

“This fund is a lifeline for the hundreds of dogs, cats and other animals who come to us every year with urgent medical concerns that we must address before putting them into new homes.”

Krieger has appealed to members of the public who may wish to offset the cost of Ursula’s care to consider donating to Spike’s Fund by clicking here.  Donations to Spike’s Fund are  tax-deductible and go directly toward the care of homeless animals in the MSPCA’s Boston adoption Center.

Ursula Gets the Care She Needs But Loses Her Home
Ursula was first examined by Dr. Roxanna Khorzad of Angell’s Emergency & Critical Care Unit.  She was hypoglycemic and suffering from a massive infection, possibly of the bladder.  Ursula was immediately admitted and the veterinary team administered intravenous fluids and antibiotics.  She was also placed on a carefully calibrated feeding program to help stabilize her condition.  After two days the young pup was well enough to be discharged.

Now out of the hospital, Ursula is in a foster home where she is recovering.  After a week or so, she will be ready for adoption.  “She’s a fantastic puppy but, like all puppies, she needs a dedicated owner who’ll ensure she gets plenty of exercise—as well as behavior training,” said Krieger.

Readers interested in adopting Ursula can contact the adoption center at adoption@mspca.org to learn more about her.

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.  Ursula represents just one of the many animals who arrive every day—and whose futures are brighter as a result of the care they receive.

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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