MSPCA-Angell searching for adopter for dog with permanently damaged back legs after 26 animals seized from home; more up for adoption soon

BostonA six-year-old Shih Tzu mix that was one of over a dozen dogs rescued from a Middleborough residence where they were living in filthy conditions without regular access to food and water is seeking a loving home with the MSPCA-Angell.

His kneecaps are permanently popped out due to totally luxated patellas, as he is lovingly known at the MSPCA Boston Adoption Center.

According to Mike Keiley, vice president of animal protection at MSPCA-Angell, Gumby’s inability to bend his hind legs clearly affects how he walks, but there isn’t a surgical solution for his injuries.

He is still mobile, though, and we are confident that he will lead a happy life with adopters who are prepared to support him in finding his own unique path in the world because of how gregarious and lively he is.

“We’re going to do everything in our power to locate those individuals,” he continued.

Since collaborating with local authorities to seize the animals on October 18, the MSPCA has been providing care for eight dogs, six horses, two cats, and one guinea pig. All 17 of the dogs implicated were initially cared for by the charity, however several have since been returned to Middleborough Animal Control.

We can now begin searching for adopters because all of the animals were turned over to our collective care just [November 7], stated Keiley. As soon as the animals are ready, we want to put them so they can live in the caring homes they are entitled to.

Over the course of the upcoming weeks, the MSPCA-Angell anticipates that the animals will be made available for adoption at various times.

According to Keiley, each animal has a different level of need, which dictates when they will be prepared to move into new homes. Along with the guinea pig, the cats are currently up for adoption. However, many of the dogs require dental care and spay/neutering, which we are providing for the canines in our care as well as those with Middleborough Animal Control.

Most of the canines are thought to be between five and six years old. Shih Tzus, Poodle and Maltese hybrids, and Corgis are among the breeds.

As early as this week, the first batch of those dogs—including Gumby—should be available for adoption. For information on available animals’ statuses and adoption procedures, prospective adopters are encouraged to keep an eye on the MSPCA’s available animal page at mspca.org/adoptadog.

Keiley stated that it will take at least a few weeks for the six horses to be prepared for adoption when they finish their rehabilitation at Nevins Farm in Methuen.

He clarified that the horses undoubtedly require additional time with us before they are suitable for new homes. They have been on refeeding regimens to address their thinness when they came to us, but they also require dental and foot care.

The horses are between six and twenty-two years old. As information about their adoption statuses becomes available, the MSPCA will share it on its social media channels.

Although we are appreciative of the opportunity to assist these creatures, the sheer volume of them at once has put a significant strain on our resources. According to Keiley, the MSPCA initially housed all 17 dogs at the Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston.

He went on to say, “We have never done that before.” However, we determined that it was best for the dogs to be together while our experts assessed them, so we realized we had to take any necessary steps to make that happen.

According to Keiley, the MSPCA-Angell will have to pay more than $25,000 to care for the animals in Middleborough. Please visit mspca.org/middle to make a donation to assist defray that expense.

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