Dog In Boston Shelter Is Looking For A New Home After Her Owner Dies Of Coronavirus

It is safe to say that 2020 is not the year that many of us had in mind on the 31st of December 2019, when we were making our wishes for things to be different. But, here we are, living through a global pandemic which has been eye-opening in many respects as to the many problems arising in our society.

One of the things that the pandemic has highlighted for many of us, is the plight of the animals who are also suffering as a result of the virus. Many of them have been indirectly affected as a result of their owners either having to be hospitalized – or worse, passing away.

One such dog is a sweet little 5-year-old chihuahua, who is now on the lookout for a new home after her owner passed away due to COVID-19.

Little Chloe was surrendered to MSPCA-Angell’s Boston adoption center, after coming from a home in Brockton, Massachusetts. According to a statement from the shelter, Chloe is being described as a shy but friendly girl.

Additionally, the shelter staff also made the discovery of a metal plate attached to the bones of her right leg – a leftover from a 2016 surgery which should have then been removed once her leg had healed. Because of this, the staff at the shelter have been concerned about the potential risks associated with the plate having been left on, warning that she may have to have the leg amputated as a result.

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Chloe, a 5-year-old chihuahua, is a special girl. She came to us after her owner passed away from COVID-19, with a plated leg injury that healed incorrectly. Her resiliency — both physically and in spirit — was apparent, and the orthopedic department at @angellanimalmedicalcenter quickly assessed her to determine her next steps. The vets are hoping to save her leg and plan to remove her plate and splint her leg early next week. Chloe’s medical journey may not be over, however. Her adopters will need to monitor her healing and recheck radiographs in a few weeks to determine if the splint is doing its job, and she may need to have the leg removed if not. Even if she keeps her leg, it will likely be prone to arthritis as she ages. Her adopter should be prepared to have a close relationship with a veterinarian — as well as a lap big enough for her to cuddle up in. 🥰 This sweet girl is fine with other dogs and appropriate kids, as long as they understand that she might be more fragile than most. She is quite vocal when she wants to be, so apartment-dwellers should be warned that she may annoy your neighbors! If you think your family is ready to add sweet Chloe, call the shelter at 617-522-5055 to chat with a staff member. 💕 #MSPCA #mspcaboston #chloethecoviddog #chihuahuasofinstagram #robotdog #cyborg #lapdog

A post shared by MSPCA Boston Adoption Center (@mspcaboston) on Apr 22, 2020 at 9:38am PDT

Anna Rafferty-Arnold, associate director of the MSPCA’s Boston adoption center, said, “We’ve scheduled an x-ray for later today, and based on the result of that we’ll know if we can safely remove the plate.”

Should the plate turn out to not be removable, then the leg will have to be amputated, meaning that her medical bills will be covered by the MSPCA’s Spike Fund – a medical care coverage for homeless animals in the vicinity.

While the MSPCA’s pet surrenders are currently on the low side, Mike Keiley, director for the adoption centers and programs, has said that the shelter is bracing for a surrender wave in the coming weeks as the virus spreads.

“We are bracing for a wave of COVID-19 surrenders in the coming weeks as both the disease — and the economic fallout associated with it — bite deeper in Massachusetts,” he said explained.

For the time being, they’re trying to find Chloe a new forever home, so anyone who may be interested in adopting her is encouraged to contact them directly by calling 617-522-5055.

Additionally, shelters and rescues nationwide are encouraging people to either adopt or foster pets during the pandemic as having a furry companion can help to ease the loneliness of isolation – especially if you’re alone. Plus, it helps to relieve the surmountable pressure that shelters are facing from the lack of adoptions, increased intakes, and dwindling resources.

Not to mention, the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and the American Veterinary Medical Association have all reiterated many times that there is no evidence that pets can spread COVID-19 to humans.

As Julie Castle, the CEO of Best Friends Animal Society said to PEOPLE, “If you don’t have a pet and are thinking about getting one, now is the perfect time to ‘try it on’ by fostering from your local shelter. Shelters and pet adoption facilities nationwide need people to foster pets on a temporary basis.”