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

BOSTON – The MSPCA-Angell is looking for a loving home for a very special six-year-old Shih Tzu mix who was among more than a dozen dogs rescued from a Middleborough home where they were living in unsanitary conditions without consistent access to food and water.

Gumby, as he is affectionately known in the MSPCA’s Boston Adoption Center, has fully luxated patellas, which means that his kneecaps are permanently popped out.

“Gumby can’t bend his hind legs, which obviously impacts how he walks, but there’s unfortunately no surgical fix for his injuries,” explained MSPCA-Angell Vice President of Animal Protection, Mike Keiley.

“Despite that, he’s still mobile and, given how friendly and spirited he is, we know that he’ll be able to live a happy life with adopters who are willing to help him navigate the world in his own special way.”

“We’re going to pull out all the stops to find those people,” he added.

The MSPCA has been caring for eight dogs, six horses, two cats, and one guinea pig since working with local authorities to seize the animals on October 18. The organization initially cared for all 17 of the dogs involved, but has since returned some to Middleborough Animal Control.

“All of the animals were surrendered to our collective care recently [November 7], which means we’re now able to start looking for adopters,” said Keiley. “We want to place them as soon as they’re ready, so these animals can experience the loving home environments they deserve.”

The MSPCA-Angell expects the animals to become available for adoption at different times over the next several weeks.

“All of the animals have varying levels of need, which determines when they’ll be ready to go to new homes,” Keiley elaborated. “The cats are available for adoption now, as is the guinea pig, but many of the dogs need dental work, as well as spay/neuter, which we’re doing for the dogs in our care, as well as those with Middleborough Animal Control.”

The majority of the dogs are believed to be about five or six-years-old. Breeds include Shih Tzus, Maltese and Poodle mixes, and a Corgi.

The first group of those dogs, including Gumby, is expected to be ready for adoption as early as this week. Interested adopters are asked to monitor the MSPCA’s available animal page at mspca.org/adoptadog for updates on their statuses and directions on how to adopt.   

According to Keiley, the six horses will continue rehabilitating at Nevins Farm in Methuen for at least a few weeks before they will be ready for adoption.

“The horses definitely need more time with us before they’ll be fit for new homes,” he explained. “When they came to us, they were thin, so they’ve been on refeeding plans to address that, but they also need dental and hoof work.”

The horses range in age from six to 22-years-old. The MSPCA will post updates on their adoption statuses on its social media platforms as they become available.

“We’re grateful to be in a position to help these animals, but taking in such a large and unexpected number at once has really strained our resources,” expounded Keiley, noting that the MSPCA utilized space at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston to initially house all 17 dogs.

“We’ve never done that before,” he added. “But we decided it was best for the dogs to be kept together and evaluated by our staff, so we knew we needed to do anything it would take to get that done.”

Keiley estimates the MSPCA-Angell will spend upwards of $25,000 caring for the Middleborough animals. Those who would like to donate to help offset that cost are asked to do so at mspca.org/middle.