Acton Pup Recovers From Chemical Burns, Ready For Adoption

ACTON, MA — The puppy that was found in Acton with chemical burns so severe that MSPCA-Angell workers feared she may not recover beat the odds. Ramona is now a thriving and healthy puppy and MSPCA workers said she is ready to find a forever home.

In November, Ramona was found cowering alongside a trail in Acton, wagging her tail but unable to walk — her small body was covered in open wounds. She was just 12 weeks old. Once she was taken to the shelter to recover, rescuers found severe chemical wounds, a broken left front elbow and suspected bite wounds to her back.

The MSPCA law enforcement department and the Acton police department launched a joint investigation, which remains ongoing, with a $1,000 reward for information leading to an animal cruelty conviction. Anyone with information is urged to call either the Acton Police Department at 978-929-7711 or the MSPCA’s Law Enforcement Department at 800-628-5808.

Ramona required several debridements—a procedure that involves removing dead skin to facilitate the creation of healthy new tissue—as well as follow-up exams, scar revisions, nasal surgery and lots of pain medication. She has also been spayed, and will be microchipped and vaccinated before she heads for home.

Now, after months of rehabilitation, Ramona is up for adoption.

“We’re expecting huge demand from potential adopters, owing to how famous Ramona has become,” said Anna Rafferty-Arnold, associate director of the Boston Adoption Center, of the dog whose plight is followed by over 1,600 Instagram followers. “Unfortunately, there’s only one Ramona, and our task now is to do everything possible to find her the best possible home.”

Rafferty-Arnold stressed that Ramona’s adopter must be as committed to her ongoing training as the Adoption Center has been. “We’re adding beginner obedience training to her adoption fee to help her new person or family continue this journey along with Ramona,” said Rafferty-Arnold.

The MSPCA is setting aside Saturday, March 7th from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 8th from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for would-be adopters to apply in-person at the MSPCA’s Boston location.

Adopters whose lifestyles best fit Ramona’s needs will be notified beginning March 10th, so that final logistics can be arranged prior to the expiration of Ramona’s mandatory four-month quarantine on March 15.

Now seven months old, Ramona has grown more confident, affectionate and playful during her time at the MSPCA.

“We’re really pleased to have gotten Ramona to this stage and we know we’re going to make one lucky individual or family very happy,” added Rafferty-Arnold.

“The resilience she’s shown in enduring one medical procedure after another is a testament to her courage and strong will. The most rewarding part of Ramona’s journey, both for her and for us, will be to see her going home.”