'Puppy Mill' Dog Gets Surgery for Cherry Eye

BOSTON, MA — Only a day before the Boston City Council passed a puppy mill bill that bans the sale of puppies, kittens and rabbits in Boston pet stores, a Bull Mastiff named Zoe was surrendered to the MSPCA's adoption center.

Brought to the center in Jamaica Plain, the 10-month-old pup suffers from what is called "cherry eye," which is an inflammation of the third eyelid that, left untreated, can lead to blindness. Despite the fact that she can barely see, Zoe remains playful and good-natured, said the MSPCA.

Zoe was purchased from the Pet Express pet store in Danvers and her previous owners had arranged an eye surgery with their own veterinarian. That procedure, however, did not correct the issue and now she needs another operation, this time with the MSPCA’s Angell Animal Medical Center Ophthalmology team.

Angell’s Dr. Martin Coster will perform a surgery to restore Zoe’s third eyelid glands early next week. That surgery will cost $1,200 and the MSPCA is raising money to offset Zoe’s care. Anyone who wishes to contribute can do so here.

Zoe had previously suffered from Giardia—an intestinal infection common in dogs bred in commercial breeding facilities, otherwise known as “puppy mills.” Her previous owners opted to surrender her because the pressure of starting new jobs meant they had little time to nurse her through another surgery and recovery cycle.

After next week’s operation Zoe will recover in the adoption center for several days and then she will be placed for adoption. Anyone interested in adopting her can contact adoption@mspca.org.

Photos and information via MSPCA