7 Lucky Dogs Get a Second Chance, And Need Homes

MASSACHUSETTS — Seven sick pups who were surrendered after their owner died are hoping you'll adopt one of them for the new year.

The scared, ill and underweight Beagle and Harrier-mix dogs are receiving care at the MSPCA-Nevins Farm, officials at the Methuen-based animal care and adoption center announced on Tuesday.

The dogs range in age from 5 to 8 years old and are likely related, and were surrendered to the Lakeville, animal control facility last weekend. The shelter's small size and limited staff resources meant the dogs' veterinary and behavior needs could not be met, and that's when the MSPCA-Nevins Farm team stepped in to help, said the announcement.

The MSPCA takes in on average about a dozen beagles every year, but it is very rare to receive Harrier, which are medium-sized hounds more common to the south. The MSPCA expects that the dogs, all of whom are suffering from Lyme disease, fleas and other health issues, will be very much in demand once recovered.

"We'll always be here for dogs like these and it's at these times when our donor support is most appreciated because, without that support, these dogs would never get the care they need to return to excellent health," said MSPCA-Nevins Farm Director Mike Keiley said in a statement.

He also confirmed that the adoption center will spend nearly $3,000 on diagnostics, dental work and other veterinary care before the dogs are placed into new homes. According to Keiley, the dogs were living outside in kennels that were sufficient to keep the elements out, but lacked warmth and comfort.

"None of these dogs have ever laid on a couch or napped on a soft rug laid out in the sun-which is something that most of us agree all dogs deserve to have," said Keiley in a statement. "All are underweight and all will need extensive dental work-in addition to treatment for Lyme disease. They may never have seen a veterinarian in their lives, so we're going to ensure they get very thorough examinations and care.

Six-year-old Harrier Pauli's condition appears most serious, said the announcement. She has a heart murmur deemed very serious by the MSPCA staff and has mammary masses that may require surgical removal. Keiley stressed the need for both donors as well as prospective adopters to step forward and help create a brighter future for the dogs.

"Monetary donations are very important in these times given just how many animals need not just sheltering, but costly veterinary care."

Interested adopters are encouraged to visit the MSPCA-Nevins Farm Animal Care and Adoption Center at Care and Adoption Center at 400 Broadway, Methuen or visit www.mspca.org for more information.

Photos and information via MSPCA