Puppy who survived swallowing wooden skewer ready for forever family

BOSTON (WLNE) — A puppy who survived eating a wooden skewer is ready for his forever family, the MSPCA-Angell announced Wednesday.

Shelter officials said Bob, a nine-month-old pit bull terrier, arrived shortly after he was surrendered by his owner to Boston Animal Control.

His owner mentioned he had a protrusion, but shelter officials didn’t find anything wrong at first.

The radiology team at MSPCA-Angell found that Bob had swallowed a wooden skewer, commonly used in cooking.

“It seems that Bob ate the skewer and it pierced his stomach—something that is usually immediately clear and requires urgent care,” MSPCA-Angell Director of Adoption Centers and Programs Mike Keiley said. “But there are rare instances like this one where something small and sharp pierces the stomach wall, but the stomach wall then heals on its own, making the problem much harder to detect.”

Shelter officials said it’s common for pets to get to something they shouldn’t during the holiday season.

“Bob’s story is also a great example of why it’s important that pet owners have insurance,” Keiley said. “These things are impossible to predict and often really expensive.”

A team surgically removed the skewer last week, and Bob has had a smooth recovery.

“Bob’s been through a lot in the last week or so, but he’s been a sweet pup throughout the whole ordeal,” said Keiley.

Those interested in adopting Bob can fill out an online inquiry or visit open hours at the Boston Adoption Center, Tuesday through Sunday, from noon to 3 p.m.

Anyone who wishes to donate to the shelter this holiday season is encouraged to do so online.