Puppy left with apology note at Metrowest Cat Shelter

The Animal Rescue League of Boston says a seven-month-old Maltese puppy is recovering after being left with a broken foot outside of the Metrowest Cat Shelter in Ashland.

Rescue league officials said the puppy, nicknamed "Snowball," was left in a crate outside the shelter with a note reading: "I am sorry to do this but I am leaving this dog here because unfortunately, I have no money to care for him. His vaccines are not up to date and I believe his left foot is fractured."

Officials said Snowball underwent surgery to repair his foot and was recovering.

"You should never abandon a domestic animal, even outside of a humane society," says Lt. Alan Borgal, director for the Center of Animal Protection at the Animal Rescue League of Boston. "In addition to being illegal, abandonment exposes an animal to unnecessary danger, be it weather or temperature extremes, wildlife or other hazards."

Anyone looking to donate toward Snowball's medical costs can call 617-426-9170 or at http://www.arlboston.org/donate.

Cox Media Group