The LuvPug Foundation

The LuvPug Foundation The LuvPug Foundation is a non profit organization to help homeless & disabled animals everywhere

03/30/2025

Last week, we posted an advisory, following two incidents of a fox attack, after of which we were able to capture, subsequently resulting in a confirmed case of rabies.

Following this positive test result, we canvassed the neighborhood where these incidents took place, posting notices, advising anyone or any pets who may have come into unreported contact with the fox, to reach out to us so that we could advise of a protocolled response aimed at protecting [them] from the exposure.

We are so pleased that not only has this tight knit neighborhood done a superb job of sharing this important information with one another, but while we were actively present in the neighborhood throughout the week, we were approached by numerous residents, advising us of their awareness, and thanking us for taking an immediate and proactive response aimed at public safety and public health.

Even more pleasing, is that it does not appear that any additional people/pets came into contact with this fox.

To reiterate, this rabid fox is no longer a threat. Our capturing of it is what led to its rabies testing.

It is important to know that once symptoms of rabies appear in an animal, its death usually occurs within 7-10 days. This means that the carrier animal which transmitted rabies to this fox, is likely long deceased.

Absent knowing if the fox made any physical contact with any other area-inhabiting wildlife, our next focus is on maintaining awareness of any other wildlife acting peculiar- in the same neighborhood.

Reporting concerning wildlife behavior is always a general year-round advisory, irregardless of this confirmed rabid fox, however, given that we have difinitively identified that this animal had rabies, in an area known for common observations of natural wildlife, increased awareness in the Sandy Vally and Chute Rds neighborhood, is advised.

This advisory is not to alarm but to remind our community that:

🐾wildlife exists here and throughout nearly every Massachusetts city/town;

🐾known incidents caused by an animal known to have rabies, brings with it concerns about other wildlife which may have come into contact with the confirmed rabid animal;

🐾the fact that this fox had only been seen, and had only caused incidents in this neighborhood, gives us a good observational footprint for further protecting the public as well as healthy thriving wildlife.

Please remember, in reporting, that simply seeing wildlife during the daylight hours does not mean the animal is rabid.

Animals previously known to be nocturnal, have been adjusting their activities over the last several years, as they become more acclimated to coexisting with us humans, and in that, often some of the best food sources come [from us] during the daytime.

Concerning signs in wildlife for which to watch out include unusual behavior, such as aggression (as we saw this week in our fox); friendliness (willingness to approach); disorientation or paralysis (falling over, appearing ‘drunk’, inability to use rear legs).

Observing these signs doesn't always presume rabies, as there are other conditions which can present similarly, however, such should always be reported-as both a precaution and so that we can render the most appropriate response.

Again, and especially this time of year, it is very natural to see wildlife out and about-day and night-as dens are being formed, or are already in place, and parent wildlife are often out foraging while their young offspring remain in their dens.

Coyotes, in particular, like to bathe in the warmth of the sun.

Dedham has a presence of healthy wildlife- wildlife that, while often visible, respectfully coexists within our community.

The best way to keep ourselves and our pets safe, is to avoid conflicts with wildlife...

🐾remove food sources and avoid feeding wildlife;

🐾keep pets rabies vaccinated;

🐾keep pets leashed and supervised;

🐾report bites and wounds of unknown origin (wounds of unknown origin are especially important to note on cats that frequent outdoors).

[Photo: rabid fox from last week's incidents, prior to its capture/submission for rabies testing. Photo courtesy of Chute Rd resident, Terrence; taken after the fox chased him into his home]

03/23/2025
03/10/2025

Last Thursday, we were chatting with a dog owner who had a 4-year old dog, that has never been to the vet!

(They use our annual clinic for rabies vaccines 🙂).

While the dog appeared to be in good condition, the owner offered up that they ‘can’t’ stand the dog’s breath’, that they ‘often remove ticks from the dog’s body’, and that the dog ‘could probably stand to lose a few lbs’. The owner also stated that they ‘just never got around to’ spaying the dog.

We suggested that a veterinary exam could address all of these concerns, plus, add some measures of preventative care, to help ensure the dog is leading its healthiest (and longest) life.

Over the weekend, we received a message from the dog owner - she was ‘on her way to a vet appointment’ and ‘truly appreciated’ our ‘nudge’.

Along with ‘animal control’, comes 'animal care’. And we are always happy to educate, encourage and support our resident pet owners on anything and everything for which we are able and qualified.

Here is some of what we shared:

🩺Vaccines- help to protect pets against serious and infectious diseases.

🩺Flea, tick, intestinal worm, and heart worm protection- prevent parasitical infections and serious disease.

🩺Spaying and neutering-not only helps prevent unwanted or unnecessary litters, but it also reduces the risks of behavioral problems, diseases and even emergency medical issues.

🩺Nutritional (Vet) Recommendations-ensure that pet diets are healthy, balanced and appropriate for their age, lifestyle, and general health.

🩺Weight Control-helps pets keep an active lifestyle, aids in their mobility and improves quality of life-at all ages.

🩺Microchip Implantation- helps lost or stolen pets find their way home.

🩺Dermatology/ENT attention -aids in ear, nose, eye, skin and coat problems, which if left untreated, can leave a pet uncomfortable, at risk for infection, and a decrease in quality of life.

🩺Dental Care-helps to keep pet teeth and gums healthy, as, much like in humans, oral health is an important part of overall health.

We are so fortunate to have so many wonderful veterinary hospitals and clinics in our region- all devoted to keeping our pets protected and healthy. Please do not diminish the value of routine veterinary care.

On, Saturday, May 17th, the town of Dedham and our friends/partners at the Animal Rescue League of Boston will be hosting our third annual rabies vaccine and microchip clinic.

Through our partnership with the MA Department of Agriculture, we are also able to work with qualifying residents to schedule low-no cost spays/neuters. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/spayneuter-voucher-program

For more information on either of these events/programs, please call us! 781.751.9106

[Image: Golden Retriever dog being examined by a veterinarian].

02/18/2025

Betty’s new ride…

02/16/2025

Please stop using poison for rodents

What a goodest boy!
02/08/2025

What a goodest boy!

02/06/2025
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02/01/2025

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01/12/2025
01/11/2025

Two of the founding members of Locks 4 Paws are in the LA fire area. One reason we started Locks 4 Paws was to be able to help people during natural disasters feed their pets. People have lost everything and their pets are all they have. Something as simple as providing pet food can give them hope. Tomorrow we will be visiting the Pasadena Humane society, spcaLA and Pet Food Express to deliver pet food. If you would like to help us so we can deliver as much as possible you can donate through PayPal or Venmo .

(NOTE: please confirm last 4 digits are 0042 on Venmo as someone is copying our account…it is with NO - (dash) after it. It is a business, not a person)

The accuracy
01/07/2025

The accuracy

It takes a village…
12/13/2024

It takes a village…

Who doesn’t need a Friday the 13th ‘Feel Good Friday’ story?

Last Sunday, Dedham Firefighters responded to a house fire on Turner Street.

Not only was the homeowner pulled to safety, but firefighters also rescued his two cats - ‘Tuck’ and ‘Daisy’- from the home. And according to the veterinarian who first treated the pair for smoke inhalation, the on-scene oxygen that firefighters administered to the cats, had a substantial impact on their recovery.

There is a reason we keep pet oxygen masks on board our fire trucks.

Acts of heroics and compassion didn’t end on scene at this fire.

Not only were these cats admitted and cared for ‘round the clock, for several days, by our good friends at Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) Newton, but this extraordinary hospital team, who’s partnership we cherish, has made arrangements to cover the cost of the medical care they provided to the cats, so that their owner can focus on his own displacement’s financial impact.

We’ve been talking with the owner of these cats, Jim, from his hospital stay after the fire, and daily, throughout this week, since his discharge.

We’ve been focused all week on our promise to try to find foster care for his cats, while he is staying in a local hotel, awaiting insurance estimates and a restoration plan to hopefully, eventually, be able to return to his home, which was seriously damaged during the fire.

Finding foster care is not easy, with animal shelters and foster care networks filled to capacities with unwanted, stray, and animal homelessness ceaselessly on the rise.

We are however, pleased to report that our efforts paid off, and an hour ago, we picked up the cats from VEG and transported them to another one of our good friends/rescue colleagues, Angela Chansky, who is selflessly providing these two cats with a temporary foster home.

Jim is filled with gratitude for what we’ve been able to coordinate on his behalf and for how much devotion our ‘team’ of responders, caregivers and friends have provided to him - at a time - and during a time (of year) - when the act of giving means so much.

We, too, are so grateful - to have colleagues and resources that enable us to go above and beyond for our residents. We can’t wait for the day when Jim, Tuck and Daisy can be reunited in their Dedham home!

[Photo: Tuck and Daisy-inside a pet carrier as we readied to transport them from VEG to foster]

12/10/2024

As a foster for animals, it is such a tremendous joy when a sick one starts responding to treatment and makes progress.

Shelters and rescues are over full everywhere and they rely on fosters so they can help save more animals in need.

If you are thinking about adding a new pet to your home, maybe try fostering first. The goal of fostering is to find the perfect match for the pet, and it might just be you!

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
11/08/2024

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

11/06/2024
10/24/2024

The horrific reality of when people buy pets

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