Local News

Balboa will be ready for his forever home after getting neutered Friday.

A then-severely underweight stray dog rescued in Dorchester is expected to be ready for adoption this weekend, significantly sooner than originally anticipated by caretakers. 

The Cane Corso mix, named Balboa, was rescued by Boston Animal Control April 22 and has been staying at the MSPCA-Angell Boston Adoption Center.

Due to his condition, Balboa, estimated to be about 3 years old, was initially expected to need two to four weeks to gain enough weight before being available for adoption, according to MSPCA-Angell Vice President of Animal Protection Mike Keiley. 

However, MSPCA-Angell announced Wednesday that Balboa will be available for adoption on Friday. 

“The initial plan was for him to be placed in a foster home until he had gained enough weight to safely be neutered,” MSPCA-Angell officials said in the statement. “Thanks to the incredible work of veterinary, clinic, and shelter staff, he has already gained seven pounds and is able to be neutered tomorrow.” 

When he first came into the emergency room, Balboa weighed less than 50 pounds and struggled to regulate his temperature, Keiley said. 

After his neutering procedure, Balboa will be ready for adoption and could go home with a foster as early as this weekend, officials said. 

Balboa will be ready for meet-and-greets on Friday, but MSPCA-Angell officials encourage interested adopters to stop by sooner to learn more about him. 

‘Thus far, we’ve learned that he is sweet, gentle, and enjoys slow walks with lots of things to sniff,” the statement reads. “Although he does still have weight to gain, he can continue to do this in the comfort of a home of his own.” 

MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement is continuing to work with Boston Animal Control to learn more about Balboa’s past, MSPCA-Angell officials said.