MERRIMAC — From throwing dots to NFL receivers to playing fetch in his backyard, former New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer recently welcomed two new, furry additions to his home.
Hoyer and his family, who describe themselves as ‘Boxer people’, visited the MSPCA’s Boston Adoption Center shortly after the surrender of 60 of them from a Merrimac home on June 11. Merrimac police Chief Eric Shears said at the time that the owner handed over the dogs without incident.
During the Hoyer’s visit, they were moved not only to make a donation to support the dogs’ care, they also decided they wanted to adopt one of the puppies themselves.
The puppy was too young to be officially adopted, but the family was so excited about their new addition that they couldn’t wait to bring her home to introduce her to her two Boxer brothers.
Hoyer said that MSPCA-Angell Vice President of Animal Protection Mike Keiley asked if his family would be interested in fostering the mom while she was raising the puppy.
“We said sure, if we’re going to adopt a puppy anyway, we might as well have her now and give her mom a good life,” Hoyer said.
Hoyer played 15 seasons in the National Football League, including eight with the Patriots over three stints. He won a Super Bowl with the Patriots in 2018. He last played for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023.
The Hoyers knew shortly after they took the dogs home that they would like to keep them together permanently.
“Seeing the situation the mother came from and seeing her grow each and every day, seeing her open up to become the dog she was meant to be is pretty awesome and gratifying,” Hoyer said.
The experience showed Hoyer and his family the importance of fostering.
“The reason we support MSPCA is that they do such a great job advocating for animals and being able to do that for them if you’re able to is such a wonderful thing,” Hoyer said.
The Hoyer’s adoptions of both the mom, now named Coco, and the puppy, now named Chanel, were finalized on Aug. 20.
As the MSPCA-Angell’s population of homeless animals grows across its shelters in Boston, Methuen, Salem, and Centerville on Cape Cod, the organization is always in need of foster homes. Keiley elaborated on how foster homes help them out.
“Not only do they free up space in our shelters, but they give the animals a loving home while they wait to find their adopters, and the humans that are fostering can experience the love and joy of having a pet, just like the Hoyers did,” Keiley said.
Keiley noted that several of the Boxers from the same surrender are still in foster and waiting to find their forever homes.
“They’re available to adopt fee-free during our adoptathon this week, as are dozens of other really great dogs,” Keiley said.
More information on the adoptathon, which continues through Sunday, Aug. 25, at the MSPCA’s four shelters, as well as Worcester Animal Rescue League, Dakin Humane Society, Berkshire Humane Society, and Thomas J. O’Connor Adoption Center, can be found at mspca.org/feewaived.
Those interested in fostering also can find more information at mspca.org/foster.
Matt Petry covers Amesbury and Salisbury for The Daily News of Newburyport. Email him at: mpetry@northofboston.com.
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