MSPCA transport vehicle takes maiden voyage to bring 21 puppies to state

Hopeful pet owners may want to take a trip to the MSPCA over the next few days.

The nonprofit animal rescue organization posted on social media on Wednesday that it brought 21 puppies from Tennessee to Massachusetts to place with new families through its four adoption centers.

Mike Keiley, vice-president of the MSPCA-Angell Animal Protection Division, said the puppies are various breeds.

“The puppies range in age from 10 to 14 weeks old and will be available for adoption from NEAS in Salem following their state-mandated 48-hour quarantine, and after receiving any medical care they may need,” the social media post read. “Keep an eye on our website later this week/over the weekend for availability!”

The puppies arrive in the state as animal shelters across the country grapple with “a national dog crisis” and a sharp decline in the number of dogs being adopted, Keiley said. He attributes the decrease to several factors including inflation, the economy, and the higher costs of food and other necessities.

The pups’ journey to New England was the first trip for the MSPCA’s new state-of-the-art transport vehicle named for Tom Rock, a beloved driver for the ASPCA’s Animal Relocation Program who died last year.

Rock drove for the program for six years and moved 7,000 animals during 270 transports, Keiley said. Rock’s wife, Mel, is also a transport driver and the husband-wife team often worked together. Mel drove the vehicle on its trip to Tennessee.

The transports aren’t easy, Keiley added, as the taxing long-distance trips are often loud and uncomfortable.

Naming the vehicle for Rock is a permanent way to recognize his commitment and demonstrate the organization’s appreciation, Keiley said.

A cage at MSPCA-Northeast Animal Shelter was named in his honor as well.