Woman fears algae in water at West Roxbury park is to blame for dog's death; Health officials issue alert

On a visit to West Roxbury's Millennium Park on Friday, a local woman could not have known it would be her final walk with her dog Dobby along their favorite route. 

"It was so beautiful and clear. I saw her drink some water, which I didn't like, but I didn't catch her soon enough," Elivia Savadier Sagov recalled.

Dog dies after going into water at Boston park

By Sunday, their dog of more than a decade had died, and the family fears the sudden suffering may have been caused by blue-green algae poisoning. On Tuesday, the Boston Public Health Commission alerted residents to a potential cyanobacteria algae bloom in the area.

"This year I was very aware. I thought maybe not to let them in the water at all but it's so tempting. We miss her terribly. It's just been so sudden. Just really miss her," she said sadly. 

Dobby, 16, was an older dog, but according to the couple, both of their pets became sick within hours of exposure to the water. Dobby's symptoms were worse, including muscle stiffness, seizures, weakness, and GI issues. 

Potential Charles River cyanobacteria algae bloom

The BPHC said the potential cyanobacteria algae bloom impacts the area between Kendrick Street in Needham and Spring Street in West Roxbury, including Millennium State Park and Cutler State Park.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is awaiting test results to confirm the presence of cyanobacteria, which produce toxins that can make people and pets sick. "Out of an abundance of caution, residents are urged to avoid contact with the water and any areas of algae concentration, even on shore," the Boston Public Health Commission said. 

Over the last decade, the Charles River has had cyanobacteria blooms almost every summer; the longest bloom lasting 12 weeks in 2020.

"I almost feel there should be permanent notices here that state it very strongly: July and August there is likely to be algae. If there's rain you may not even see the scum but spores are still in the water. And once the dog get this, the vets say there's nothing that can be done," she said. 

The MSPCA confirms toxic blooms usually discolor fresh water in shades of green but it's impossible to tell by appearance alone. The Charles River Watershed Association said blooms can develop quickly and asks volunteer visual monitors to be the eyes and ears of the river helping to collect data.