Former Patriots QB Brian Hoyer Adopts 2 Essex County Boxer Rescues

SALEM, MA — Former New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer and his family are the new owners of a pair of Boxer rescues after the longtime NFL veteran adopted two of the 60 dogs seized during an Essex County police investigation in June.

The rescues range from puppies to seniors in what the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals called the largest local surrender in nearly a decade.

• 60 Boxers Rescued From Essex County Property Amid Police Investigation: MSPCA

The Hoyers — who already had two Boxers — were spurred to make a donation in the aftermath of the rescue and went to the Boston Adoption Center to visit some of the dogs. While there, they decided they wanted to adopt one of the puppies, but it was too young to go straight home with them at the time.

Instead, the Hoyers agreed to foster the mother dog as she took care of her puppy, eventually deciding to give both dogs their new forever home.

"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 Hoyers' adoptions of both the mom, now named Coco, and the puppy, now named Chanel, were finalized on Aug. 20.

Those interested in fostering may find more information here.

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MSPCA-Angell said several of the Boxer rescues remain available for adoption and are eligible for the fee-free adoptathon that runs through Sunday 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.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)