
In This Issue
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Operation Kindness: A Lifeline for Animals
Relocation efforts help overburdened shelters
Read Article
Animal Welfare and Circuses
The Jack London Club, first established in 1918, had a distinctive approach to advocating for animal welfare, particularly in opposition to performing animal shows, which were popular then. The Club’s primary strategy was encouraging people to show their disapproval through a symbolic protest called the “walk out.”
The Club’s efforts lay the groundwork for future progress in animal protection.
In contrast, the bill recently signed into law in Massachusetts prohibiting the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling acts represents a culmination of decades of advocacy, legal progress, and shifts in societal values. Modern legislation benefits from a more informed and supportive environment, making enacting more comprehensive and effective animal welfare laws possible.
Overall, the evolution from the Club’s early 20th-century efforts to today’s legislation demonstrates a significant advancement in both public consciousness and legal standards regarding animal protection.
To read the full story that originally appeared in the April 1919 edition of the MSPCA-Angell’s historic magazine, Our Dumb Animals, please visit mspca.org/jacklondonclub_1919.
Donor Spotlights

Arienne Bistany and Ben Rubenstein
Arienne Bistany’s passion for helping “the ones left behind” began when she was young. She witnessed her mom rescuing cats found on the side of the road and bringing them home to live with their family, as well as her first dog, a shelter dog from the MSPCA-Angell, at the age of 10. As an adult, she started rescuing dogs on her own, which continues to the present day. Arienne and Ben’s current rescue dogs, Buster, Rooney, and Sugar, all of whom had difficult starts, continue to reinforce her belief that animals deserve to be rescued; it has been and will continue to be a lifelong dedication to animal welfare.
Arienne and her husband, Ben Rubenstein, donate to the MSPCA-Angell because they understand what it takes to rescue, rehabilitate, and care for animals who need a second chance at life. She explains, “Our contributions help ensure that the necessary resources are available to assist those who come to the MSPCA-Angell seeking help, whether they are surrendering animals, reporting animals in need, or seeking help for their pets but cannot afford life-saving treatments.”
Arienne and Ben appreciate the dedicated team of professionals involved in this work, including law enforcement officers, shelter staff, volunteers, hospital support staff, technicians, and veterinarians, who handle the most severe cases of abuse, neglect, and life-threatening conditions, offering these animals a fresh start. “Without these individuals and the resources they need, more animals would be left to suffer,” she said.
The couple shared a story of witnessing an older woman at the MSPCA-Angell who couldn’t afford to privately cremate her beloved 15-year-old dog (vs. a general cremation without return of the ashes). “The woman had limited funds but very much wanted to have her dog’s ashes returned to her,” they explained. That’s when Arienne and Ben stepped in to help and paid for euthanasia and a private cremation.
That experience sparked something in the couple. “We realized we needed to do something for others in this similar situation, so there is no longer the added emotional weight of financial struggle.” They met with staff at the MSPCA-Angell to help start “The End of Life Fund” to provide financial support to those needing help to bid farewell to their beloved pets. “This is just one of many funds at the MSPCA-Angell that you can support by donating,” said Arienne. “And donating assists pet-loving families, cares for abandoned animals, and makes a meaningful impact on numerous animals’ lives.”

Chuck Kaman and Maureen Malin
Meet Chuck and Maureen, devoted animal lovers and passionate supporters of the MSPCA-Angell. Since 2000, their lives have been enriched by ten wonderful dogs, most of whom are rescues: Kelsey, Morgan, Jordan, Wish, Robbie, Icey, Star, Beau, Gracie, and Cooper. “They exhibit every personality trait, and each dog decides for himself or herself which of us is their person,” said Maureen. “Then, they stick to us like glue!”
Chuck and Maureen’s involvement with the MSPCA-Angell began in 1999 when their beloved dog Kelsey needed an orthopedic evaluation. Over the years, Chuck and Maureen’s dogs have faced an array of health issues, and they’ve experienced firsthand the exceptional care provided by Angell’s team. “All of our dogs have had various health issues, and we have seen most of the services in the hospital. They’re all excellent!” said Chuck.
Chuck and Maureen are dedicated to supporting the MSPCA-Angell because they understand the financial challenges of veterinary care. Maureen explained, “We give to the MSPCA-Angell because we comprehend the financial aspects of veterinary care and value the medical expertise that Angell provides.” She added, “Having numerous experts in one location allows for a comprehensive approach to treatment, leading to better outcomes.”
The couple encourages pet owners to “pay it forward” because one day, they may also need first-rate care for their loved ones. Chuck added, “Supporting Angell helps ensure that the hospital can thrive and continue offering exceptional care to pets in an increasingly competitive and costly market.”

David Melkonian
David Melkonian, General Manager of North Reading Subaru, and his family are joyfully ruled by their two beloved dogs, Finn and Peanut. Finn is a spirited 7-year-old Yorkie and a proud alum of the MSPCA-Angell Animal Care and Adoption Center, and he brings a blend of silliness, intelligence, and a very loud presence to their lives. Peanut, their nearly 13-year-old Australian Cattle Dog from the Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Association, is the epitome of sweetness and affection, finding equal bliss on a mountaintop or snuggled on the couch.
“Both my family and my team at North Reading Subaru felt compelled to give back to the MSPCA-Angell because their long-standing commitment to animal welfare inspired us — it’s one of the country’s oldest organizations of its kind,” remarked David. “The MSPCA-Angell’s extensive range of services, from sheltering homeless pets to advocating for better animal protection laws, significantly impacts our community.”
North Reading Subaru and David’s family regularly donate to the MSPCA-Angell to help support this crucial work, which includes offering low-cost community services and improving animal welfare. “We deeply cherish the quality of life and safety our pets enjoy and are grateful for the MSPCA-Angell’s role in giving many animals the same opportunity,” said David. “Every animal deserves a loving home, and by supporting these causes, we can all make a difference.”
If not now, when?
Help us give him the life he deserves with an extraordinary gift today. Any donation of any size will help us protect, rescue, heal, and find loving homes for animals in need throughout Massachusetts and beyond.
Donate NowWays to Help

Follow Us on Social Media
Learn MoreFollow us at Facebook.com/mspcaangell, X.com/MSPCAAngell, Tiktok.com/mspca.angell, and Instagram.com/mspca.angell.

Support Our Work by Donating Your Change
Learn MoreWe have partnered with a new mobile app and website that allows you to automatically donate the change from your card purchases to support our work. It's small change for you but a game changer for us!
Check out the RoundUp App and download it for iPhone or Android, or use the web version at https://roundup.app/p/mspca.

Shop Our Amazon Wish List to Help the MSPCA-Angell
Learn MoreBrowse high-demand items for our adoption centers so animals in need receive the right supplies at the right time.
Go to mspca.org/wishlist to get started.

Donate Your Vehicle Today
Learn MoreWe Accept All Vehicles — Not Just Cars
Cars | Trucks | RVs | Boats | Motorcycles | Farm Equipment | Airplanes
Support the efforts of the MSPCA-Angell by donating your vehicle today. It’s quick and easy — just give us a call or visit us online.

Angell of Kindness: Become a Monthly Donor
Learn MoreEarn Your Wings Today
Over 100,000 animals a year rely on us... and we rely on our monthly donors.
Your Angell of Kindness membership supports our adoption centers, hospitals, law enforcement team, and advocacy efforts through our general fund, allowing us to be ready to help animals 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Visit mspca.org/aok to sign up!

Leave a Legacy of Love for Animals
Learn MoreBecome one of the generous animal lovers that includes the MSPCA-Angell in their estate plan.
You will help provide vital support so the MSPCA-Angell can continue to carry out its mission to protect animals, prevent cruelty, and advance animal health and welfare.
For more information on planned giving, please email giving@mspca.org.

The Perfect Gift that Helps Animals in Need
Learn MoreAmelia Rose Design teamed up with the MSPCA-Angell to create a beautiful pawprint pendant that helps support animals in need. This pendant is available in gold vermeil for a contribution of $75 (all but $20 is tax deductible).
For more information or to place an order offline, please contact Julia Vasquez at the MSPCA-Angell at jvasquez@mspca.org or 978-687-7453, ext. 6161 or visit mspca.org/necklace.

Does your Company Match Gifts?
Learn MoreMany companies offer a matching gift program to encourage philanthropy among their employees. By completing a matching gift form or visiting your company’s website, you may be able to double your gift, which means helping more animals!
Visit https://www.mspca.org/donate-now/matching-gift-program/ to find out more.

Real Estate Donations Benefit MSPCA-Angell
Learn MoreFrom rescuing victims of abuse and natural disasters to funding life-saving medical treatments, the MSPCA-Angell relies solely on your generosity to keep animals safe and healthy.
Visit mspca.careasy.org/real-estate-donation for more information.
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