Former New England Patriot quarterback comes to the rescue after 60 dogs surrendered to MSPCA

A man familiar with Massachusetts football sports fans made an impact on a local organization without stepping out on the field.

Former New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer and his family, who describe themselves as ‘Boxer people’, visited the MSPCA’s Boston Adoption Center shortly after the surrender of 60 of the dogs from a single property in June. During the visit, they were moved not only to make a donation to support the dogs’ care, they also decided they wanted to adopt one of the puppies themselves. The puppy was too young to be officially adopted, but the family was so excited about their new addition that they couldn’t wait to bring her home to introduce her to her two Boxer brothers.

“[MSPCA-Angell Vice President of Animal Protection Mike Keiley] asked us if we would be interested in fostering the mom while she was raising the puppy,” Hoyer recalled. “We said sure, if we’re going to adopt a puppy anyway, we might as well have her now and give her mom a good life.”

The Hoyers knew shortly after they took the dogs home that they would like to keep them together permanently. “Seeing the situation [the mother] came from and seeing her grow each and every day, seeing her open up to become the dog she was meant to be is pretty awesome and gratifying,” Hoyer said.

The experience showed Hoyer and his family the importance of fostering. “The reason we support MSPCA is that they do such a great job advocating for animals and being able to do that [foster an animal] for them if you’re able to is such a wonderful thing,” he added.

The Hoyer’s adoptions of both the mom, now named Coco, and the puppy, now named Chanel, were finalized on August 20.

As the MSPCA-Angell’s population of homeless animals grows across its shelters in Boston, Methuen, Salem, and Centerville on Cape Cod, the organization is always in need of foster homes.

“Foster homes provide so much help for us,” explained Keiley. “Not only do they free up space in our shelters, but they give the animals a loving home while they wait to find their adopters, and the humans that are fostering can experience the love and joy of a having pet, just like the Hoyers did.”

Those interested in fostering may find more information at mspca.org/foster.

“Several of the Boxers from the same surrender are still in foster and waiting to find their forever homes,” Keiley added. “They’re available to adopt fee-free during our adoptathon this week, as are dozens of other really great dogs!”

More information on the adoptathon, which continues through Sunday, August 25, at the MSPCA’s four shelters, as well as Worcester Animal Rescue League, Dakin Humane Society, Berkshire Humane Society, and Thomas J. O’Connor Adoption Center, can be found at mspca.org/feewaived.