MHS Dogs Have Star Power

Have you ever wondered about the animals of the stage and silver screen? Where do they come from? Ladies' Home Journal offers answers, at least concerning some lucky Broadway stars. As you can see in the image above, from the Dec '09/Jan '10 issue of the magazine, one of our own is now making a name for himself in Legally Blonde: The Musical.

Of course, we think all of our animals have potential, but we usually stop at the potential to be a great friend and companion. We're all exceptionally proud of Frankie and his career on stage. Frankie is proving what we've always said; shelter dogs are awesome!

You can read the full article on trainer Bill Berloni and his Broadway stars here.

While here at MHS every animal is loved, some become very special to their caregivers. Often these are the animals that come to us in the worst shape, that need the most extra care. Sometimes the story ends happily for these animals and sometimes it doesn’t. At the beginning of this new year, as we all look forward to the animals we’ll save in the coming months, we can’t help but remember some of our favorites from this past year.

Tag



Tag was just a puppy when he was found emaciated under a porch. While his heart never wavered, his body was just too weak. He passed away after a week of what may have been the most love he had ever been shown. We have written Tag’s story many times and rather than tell it one more time, instead we would like to print this letter from one of Tag’s caregivers.

You were taken from us too soon. Never able to know the true love of a “family”. Tragedy struck so shortly after you came to us. You were loved unconditionally in the short time that we had you; it’s tragic to think the most love you saw only came after you arrived at a shelter. When you walked in the door, our hearts broke for you, like they have for so may. You touched everyone you met, no matter how weak or sick, you would always wag your tail and try to give a kiss. You were the most peaceful laying your head on someone’s chest.

These were the moments that we knew brought you comfort.

Sadly, you came to us too late. What had been done by the people before could not be undone by us, we tried so hard, and you fought as long as you could. Your spirit and bravery are greater than most. No matter how much you hurt, you never let it show. In your last day many tears were shed by everyone you had touched. Your sad eyes, your sweet kisses, your gentle tail wag will forever be in the hearts of all who cared for you. We will never forget what happened to you. We will never forget the life you were robbed. We will never forget all you suffered in the five months of your life. Most importantly, we will never forget you, and we will continue fighting to help as many others as we can. Every time we look into the soft brown eyes of a pit bull, we will see you, and every time we see the smile of a dog, we will see you shining back at us letting us know you overlook all the dogs that come into our care.

You were robbed of so much, but you gave your all. You reminded us why we are here, why we don’t give up and of all the others that need to be saved.

Thank you Tag for everything you showed us in your short time, for everything you had to give up. Thank you for warming our hearts and humbling our souls. You live in our work. We miss you and you will never be forgotten.


Blink



Blink was abandoned at the shelter with a litter of kittens in 2007. Her babies were adopted quickly, leaving her at the shelter to wait for her own forever home. It turned out to be a long wait and, like most long-term residents, became a big favorite among staff and volunteers. Blink could be very sweet, but was also shy and liked to spend her time with the feral cats. We all knew that it would take a very special person to adopt Blink, but also that they would be greatly rewarded for it. Just in time for the holidays this past winter, that special person appeared and now Blink is living in her forever home. It’s always hard to say goodbye to a favorite, but there’s also no happier moment.

Grampy



Grampy was rescued just in time. After almost being hit by a car several times, Grampy was scooped up by a kind person and brought to us. Even though he was 12 years old, Grampy always had a lot of energy, especially if he heard the treats bag. With his teddy bear-like appearance, it was hard to resist falling in love with him. It soon became clear that he needed extensive dental work, but that didn’t bring his spirits down at all and it didn’t scare away the family that adopted him. He is now living happily in his new home and will be going to the dentist very soon.

Alex



Alex had the distinction of having lived at the shelter longer than any other cat, not a prize any animal wants to win. While he was very shy, Alex could be incredibly loving. He enjoyed being talked to and, when his foster mom’s imagination started faltering, he often listened to Sherlock Holmes stories. Alex is a testament to the importance of foster homes. As his illness progressed it became clear that the shelter was too stressful an environment for him. Even though he passed away in the end, having a foster home allowed him to be comfortable and happy for his last few months.

Truffles



Truffles is a little dog with a huge personality. This poor girl came to MHS with skin allergies so severe she would scratch until she bled. She will likely always need some supportive care for her skin, but she’s feeling so much better now and has long since grown her hair back. (And in this cold weather, she needs it!) Now that she isn’t so concentrated on itching all the time, her real personality is starting to come out. She loves to sit on laps and gives kisses and has endless amounts of energy. It was hard not to fall in love with Truffles right from the start, you try resisting a dog who looked as pathetic as she did, and hopefully this year she’ll be well enough to find her own forever home.

Caden and Pasta



Both Caden and Pasta lived difficult lives outdoors before coming to MHS and it resulted in both testing positive for FIV. Caden was brought in with a horrible wound on his neck from being attacked by a dog and Pasta was humanely trapped in a feral colony. Despite their different backgrounds, they got along great. Both proved to be very cuddly and would rub up on people at any opportunity. FIV can be scary to potential adopters, but once you learn the facts it isn’t scary at all. Thankfully for these two big boys, their FIV didn’t scare off their new family. They were adopted together and have settled wonderfully into their new home.

Paws In Need: Chicken and Grampy

Sometimes senior pets need special health care to keep them in tip-top shape. Chicken and Grampy are both senior strays that need extensive dental work. Having teeth in bad condition sounds like it could just be a small thing, just an aesthetic problem, but it can easily become life threatening. Help us save these two loveable dogs by making a safe, online donation towards their vet care by clicking on the Paypal button.

Chicken



Chicken was saved from animal control with only a few days left to live. He had been brought in as a stray and his time was up. We saved him with hopes of getting him adopted, as he has the kindest eyes and is a sweet boy. After a visit to the vet, we found out this cute little boy is 10 years old with a severe need for dental work. This is always an expensive venture but this dog deserves to life a long, healthy, happy existence. He was left unclaimed at animal control...skinny and unwanted in a previous life, Chicken has become a favorite at the humane society among staff and
visitors. Won't you help him to get the life he deserves?



Grampy



Brought to MHS by a concerned resident on a rainy day in September, Grampy immediately touched our hearts. The man who brought him to us said he'd seen the dog nearly get hit by a car several times that afternoon. The man said Grampy had been wandering for at least five days, looking for somewhere to be safe.



At 12 years old, this dog has lots of love to give, as he loves walks, cookies and being around people and other dogs. He rides well in the car and is a lot of fun to be around. He is spunky & energetic despite his age, in fact a lot of people who visit have no idea he is twelve!



However, after several trip to the vets, we have learned that Grampy has an extensive list of medical needs (dental work, thyroid tests) that will take a bit of time, and a lot of money, so he can get completely healthy and live out the rest of his days without discomfort. We need help as our budget is small, but we feel this dog has so much to offer to a perspective owner. This 8 1/2 pounds of love is a joy to have around and is still as smart as whip. He is as loving as he is goofy. He was brought to MHS for his second chance. Won't you help him find it?

Adopt a Senior Pet Month

Imagine having lived in a wonderful, loving home your whole life. You were always friendly with your special people, you weren’t ever a nuisance, and you gave nothing but love and kisses. You used to play and keep your family company, but now you’re getting old and maybe you don’t want to play as much. How would you feel if your family decided they don’t want you anymore, they want a young pet again?

In honor of Adopt a Senior Pet Month, why not consider making the golden years of these homeless cats and dogs just as joyful as their younger years? Give them the love they know they deserve, no matter what their age is.

Verizon



Verizon is the oldest resident of the shelter, at 22-years old. He hasn’t had an easy life and it shows in his face. We don’t know what happened to him before coming to us, but we know how he arrived. Verizon was thrown out of a moving car outside a local business, whose employees brought him to the shelter. He may be old, but he has so much love to give. He likes to climb up on people’s shoulders and go for a ride, all while purring like a freight train. You won’t meet a more affectionate and deserving cat anywhere.

Visit Verizon on Petfinder.


Bailey



Bailey is a senior Chihuahua who just wants to enjoy her golden years. She loves to go for walks, though she isn’t so sure about the rain, and enjoys rolling around in the grass. She also likes napping in her bed and cuddling into soft blankets. Bailey does need eye ointment, because she doesn’t produce tears, but that’s no trouble at all. Isn’t such a lovely and sweet dog worth it?

See Bailey on Petfinder here.

Sebastian



Sebastian is practically a baby compared to Verizon at only 12-years old. This guy doesn’t feel his age at all and doesn’t understand all the fuss about getting old. He can be awfully cuddly when he’s in the mood, but he’s an independent guy and mostly wants to do his own thing. A lot of the time ‘his own thing’ is napping in the sunny spot and trying to mooch food off anyone nearby, but at his age if he wants to be a little lazy or quirky it seems unfair to deny him. Sebastian can be a little grumpy sometimes, but if he were the only cat in the house that would make him a whole lot less grouchy.

Visit Sebastian on Petfinder here.

Herbie



Herbie is a sweet senior Beagle. His favorite part of the day is when he gets to go out for his walk. He is older, so he doesn’t want to go climbing mountains, but he’s no couch potato either. He just loves the fresh air and getting to sniff around at everything. He also loves his toys and treats, but he doesn’t like to share them very much. Since he’s such a laid-back dog, he would make a great companion for someone looking for a friend with a little less energy.

Visit Herbie on Petfinder here.

No Adoptable Dogs?

The Connecticut SPCA is bringing 400 dogs to Connecticut for adoption, on the premise that there are no adoptable dogs in the whole state. All animals deserve homes, of course, but bringing those 400 dogs here puts the animals already in Connecticut in danger. Since the remarks about there being a lack of adoptable animals in Connecticut are coming from a generally reputable source, people believe it, but it just isn't the case. There is a whole kennel of dogs here at the Meriden Humane Society who would disagree with the statement that there are no adoptable animals.

It doesn't stop with dogs, though, and there are plans to bring cats to Connecticut as well. Here at MHS we receive so many requests for help with cats and kittens that we can't possibly take every single one of them, and the situation is the same for every rescue group out there. If there is one thing Connecticut already has enough of, it's cats and kittens. Saying otherwise is extremely irresponsible and puts all shelter animals in Connecticut at risk.

Fred Acker, the director of the Connecticut SPCA, said, "There's a real shortage of adoptable dogs in Connecticut." Here are some of the dogs that would argue otherwise.

Herschal



Herschal is a big friendly guy. He wants a family that he can curl up in bed with and just fall asleep on. He gets along great with kids, dogs, and cats. If you love Pit Bulls, you will love this dog.

Visit Herschal on Petfinder.

Scotty



Scotty is an adorable Brussels Griffon who is just a blast to be around. If you're looking for a high energy dog that will love to play long and hard, this is him. This is the dog you've been looking for. He wiggles all over when you open his crate and is just bursting with energy. He can't wait to get outside for walks.

Visit Scotty on Petfinder.

Fluffernutter and Peppercorn





These two dogs are just so sweet. Peppercorn is a little more of an adventerous soul. Not too adventerous, though, and he doesn't stray much farther than his leash stretches. Fluffernutter is a bit of a slow walker and tends to lag behind on their walks, but is eager to catch up and be held. They absolutely love each other and desperately want a home together. These two would make great companions for anyone looking for calm, low-maintenance dogs.

Visit Fluffernutter and Peppercorn on Petfinder.

George



George is a young dog with tons of energy. He is a Great Dane/Bloodhound mix and is therefore very strong, so large breed experience would be useful with him. He loves to play in water and had a great time splashing around in the stream by the shelter. He is looking for a family that's as active as he is.

Visit George on Petfinder.