Photo: MSPCA-Angell
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — MSPCA-Angell is looking for any information regarding the owners of an emaciated stray dog found in Boston earlier this month.
According to the organization, the three-year-old poodle mix, known as Fiyero, was discovered on Genova Ave. in Dorchester. MSPCA-Angell Vice President of Animal Protection, Mike Keiley said they are trying figure out if the reasons behind why the young pup is in the condition that he is in.
“Fiyero’s background at this point is kind of a mystery,” Keiley explained in a statement. “All we know right now is that he was found outside and was incredibly skinny when he was brought to our care, which is obviously concerning. He was also very matted.”
The non-profit estimates that Fiyero's recovery will take several weeks. After spending several days in an emergency room at Angell, he was eventually moved to a clinic where Keiley said they will reassess his progress and slowly help him gain weight. Using a nine-point score to assess a dog's weight, with nine being classified as obese and one being classified as emaciated, Fiyero was assessed as a one.
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“The first week an emaciated animal is with us is critical,” Keiley said. “We have to slowly feed them under close supervision to get them back to a healthy weight in order to avoid something called Refeeding Syndrome."
The organization is requesting donations to help cover the cost of Fiyero's treatment which is estimated to be several thousand dollars. Keily said the request is coming as their resources are already being stretched thin caring for the hundreds of animals in the shelter. They are also in need of additional foster homes to help with cases like Fiyero.
MSPCA-Angell recently hosted a pet food drive to help owners following the loss of their SNAP benefits amid the government shutdown.
The animal shelter asks that anyone with information contact MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement by phone at (617) 522-6008 or (800) 628-5808 or online at mspca.org/tip.