Pet of the Week: Highway

  This is Highway. He is about 2-years-old and is a Shepherd mix.  He is very playful and can be jumpy. He used to live outside and when he first came to us he had mange and didn't trust people. He now loves to play tug and go on Long walks with his people. He has turned into a very affectionate and loving boy which is completely opposite from the terrified and antisocial sick dog he used to be. He does like other dogs but is barrier aggressive. He plays well in play group and enjoys chase with the other dogs of similar personality. He does have prey drive though which we Attribute to him having lived outside as a stray and probably had to hunt. So no cats. Also he can be a little spooked at times so a firm hand is needed on his leash at …

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Oakdale School and Community Completes Successful Blanket/Towel Drive

The blankets and towels are used to clean and line their cages, bathe the animals, and provide warm bedding.

  It's been a month, since Dedham's Chrissy Doyle told us about her 3rd Annual Blanket & Towel Drive for the local Animal Rescue League. An animal lover herself, Chrissy has instilled the same appreciation and desire to help in her two children at the Oakdale Elementary School in Dedham. Two years ago, daughter Grace (grade 4) and son Mickey (grade 2) rallied their classmates and collected “dozens” of blankets and towels to donate to Dedham's Animal Rescue League. Last year, other classes and more Oakdale teachers got involved in the drive. The results were a success and yielded even more linens for the family to donate.  The Animal Rescue League has been helping animals since 1899. The blankets and towels are used to clean and line their …

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Pet of the Week

Dakota: Young Husky Mix Needs a Home

Dakota is available for adoption through the Animal Rescue League of Boston's Dedham Shelter.

My name is Dakota and I am 1-and-a-half-year-old Husky mix. My family brought me to the Animal Rescue League of Boston's Dedham shelter because they no longer had time for me. I am sweet and friendly with beautiful eyes. I am very playful, love people and like to play with toys. As for animals, I previously lived with dogs and cats and get along fine with both. I can be excitable and jumpy so the shelter recommends that I go home with children 13 years old and older. I will be spayed before going home and I am up to date on vaccines.  If you are interested in welcoming me into your home, please call the shelter at 781-326-0729 or stop by and visit.  Adoption Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 1:00-6:30 Saturday-Sunday: 12:00-5:30 Closed Monday's and …

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Pet of the Week

Sophie the Guinea Pig Makes Great 1st Pet

She was surrendered because the family didn't have time for her any more.

Sophie is a 3-year-old guinea pig who was surrendered to the shelter because her family no longer had time for her. She is a very sweet and good natured little pig. Sophie is working on her litter box training and is doing very well. She loves her "salads" and hay. She squeals when ever she hears a bag crinkle hoping that it's a carrot for her! She is hoping for a family that will give her lots of love and attention. Sophie would be a good match for any family and as a first pet. She seems to like other guinea pigs so would also be a good companion for your current guinea pig. For more information on Sophie please call the shelter at 781-326-0729 or stop by to visit with her. Adoption Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 1:00pm-6:30pm Saturday-Sunday: …

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Pet of the Week

Maxie is Looking for a 'Forever-Home'

The six-year-old rescue cat has lived at the shelter the longest.

Editor's Note: Today we start a new column: Dedham Patch's Pet of the Week. It is in partnership with the Animal Rescue League of Boston's Dedham branch. Look for a new Pet of the Week each and every weekend on Dedham Patch. Hello my name is Maxie and I am six years old. I have long, beautiful black fur. I am very sweet, charming and independent. I have been here the longest at the shelter waiting for my forever-home. I love to use scratching posts, roll around in cat nip and look out the window. Also, I don't mind being brushed, which is a good thing with my long hair. My ideal family would be one with older children and other pets. Being six years old, I am eligible for our "Seniors for Seniors" which is 50 percent off my adoption fee …

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Dedham Animal Shelter Calls for Donations for Massive Renovation to Improve Quality of Life

ARL of Boston's Dedham shelter will receive a multi-million dollar renovation later this year, shelter officials said.

Far too often families adopt a pet next to a family surrendering theirs - or worse asking the Animal Rescue League to euthanize one. With help of a public fundraising effort, ARL officials hope to change that at the Dedham shelter with a major overhaul. Built in 1985, the shelter on Anna's Place fit the mold of its day, but manager Lisa Lagos said Saturday at an open house that they've outgrown the facility - and much has changed in research of animal behavior and needs. The renovation includes a new cat and dog area, a new outside dog space as well as a small surgery room.  But those features aren't what has many within ARL most excited. For the first time, they will have separate locations for adoptions and animal surrenders, which will …

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