And a Handicapped Puppy Named Billie Still Sits at the Shelter

Photos of Billie provided by the MSPCA

On Jan. 5 this year, 71 Dachshund mix dogs were rescued in a case of animal cruelty from a home in Westminster, MA. Most of them underweight, matted and coated in urine and feces, the dogs were surrendered to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA)-Angell Memorial from the home, which was described as a “puppy mill.”

The MSPCA-Angell’s Law Enforcement department announced in Febtuary that it filed 14 counts of felony animal cruelty against Shirley and Edward Aguiar for subjecting numerous dachshunds in their care to unnecessary suffering.

One of those dogs was pregnant at the time she was rescued, and gave birth to three puppies only days after arriving at the MSPCA’s shelter. Two of those pups quickly found homes, as did all 71 of the adult dogs.

But one dog still sits waiting. Her name is Billie and she’s handicapped.

“Billie was born with a malformed spine which makes using her hind legs very difficult,” said MSPCA spokesperson Bob Halpin. “Because she is ‘handicapped,’ she was passed over in favor of the healthier puppies and adults. And now, nearly nine weeks later, Billie remains without a permanent home.”

The MSPCA’s Boston adoption center manager, Alyssa Krieger, added: “What Billie lacks in physical ability she more than makes up for with her playful and social personality.”

The shelter is hoping someone will come forward for Billie. Email adoption@mspca.org to set up a visit.

More on Patch:

• Animal Cruelty Charges Filed Against MA Couple for Subjecting Numerous Dogs to Suffering: The organization’s law enforcement department seeks justice for numerous dachshunds living in a commercial breeding facility.
• 71 Dachshunds Rescued From Massachusetts Home: The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals rescued 71 dogs from a Westminster home, most of them malnourished.