Poodle-Mix Jo Jo With 'Lobster Claw' Front Leg Awaits Surgery At Salem Animal Shelter

SALEM, MA — Jo Jo, a Tennessee rescue Poodle-mix brought to Salem for surgery on her "lobster claw" front leg and fractured hind leg, was awaiting her potentially life-saving operation in Salem on Thursday as MSPCA-Angell and the Northeast Animal Shelter were looking to raise money to cover costs of the surgery.

The three-month-old puppy was living at the Humane Education Society in Tennesse when it was determined that a right leg deformity — described as looking like a "lobster claw" by shelter staff — and fractured hind leg required surgery for her to live a pain-free life.

Staff contacted MSPCA-Angell for help since the surgery and ensuing recovery were not possible at the overcrowded Tennesse shelters.

"Our established network of animal welfare partners knows that we're their go-to for cases like Jo Jo's because we're in the unique position to be able to help every step of the way," MSPCA-Angell Director of Adoption Centers and Programs Mike Keiley said.

"We have the infrastructure to transport her to Massachusetts, veterinary surgeons at both Angell in Boston and Angell West who can diagnose her and perform complicated surgeries, as well as incredible shelter teams who will ensure her follow-up care and help place her in the perfect home when she's ready."

Dr. Jennifer Peterson-Levitt, a board-certified surgeon at Angell West in Waltham, was scheduled to perform that procedure on her hind leg on Thursday. Once Jo Jo recovers from that surgery, surgeons will then amputate her deformed front leg.

The cost of Jo Jo's care is expected to top $15,000 so the MSPCA and Northeast Animal Shelter are asking for donations to offset the cost. Those interested in donating can do so here.

"Jo Jo is a really special dog, but given the level of help she needs, she'll need to stay in foster care until she's ready for adoption," said Keiley. "This is a perfect example of how important foster homes are for us. They play a critical role in helping ensure that many animals are able to get the care they need and recover in a loving environment until they're ready to start their next chapters. Unfortunately, we're really short on foster homes for dogs right now."

The MSPCA asks that anyone willing and able to foster a dog go here learn more and sign up.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)