A Letter from the President | We are very happy to share that The Animal Haven raised almost $33,000 during the Great Give this year! A BIG thank you to our donors whose generosity enables us to continue our work on behalf of homeless and abandoned animals. | |
Also, the excitement grows as we mark our 75th anniversary! We are holding a celebration event on the North Haven Green on Saturday, July 15th from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (rain date Sunday, July 23rd). This community-wide, family-friendly celebration will bring together community members and their pets. There will be live music, animal-inspired art, games, vendors, food, and more. We hope you will join us and help us celebrate 75 years!
We also have added a 75th Anniversary section to our website that includes a timeline and photo gallery of the shelter’s history.
We hope to see you on July 15th!
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Rose Geraci Leaves
The Animal Haven
a Generous Gift
| Over the years, Larry Geraci and his hot-rod-loving friends have donated thousands of pounds of food and animal supplies to The Animal Haven, the result of Larry’s annual Christmas party. In years past, the car enthusiasts have donated handsomely -- the goal of the party is to fill the bed of a 1950 Ford pickup to overflowing. It’s no surprise that Larry’s big heart had an impact on his mother, Rose Geraci, a North Haven resident who passed away in February. Rose recently left a generous bequest to The Animal Haven. “My Mother followed in my footsteps,” Larry said. “She was an animal lover and always had Siamese cats.” Larry said he and Rose talked about her wishes prior to her death. “I took her to the shelter one year when I delivered the food donations,” he said. “I was glad she got to see what it was all about.” We’d like to express our deepest thanks to Larry and his Mom Rose for their generosity. | Click below for information regarding The Animal Haven Legacy Society: | Save the Date! Who doesn't love a parade? Come cheer for us as we march with some of our dogs in the Hamden Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 29th at 10 a.m.! | |
Focus On: Tiana
Is there anyone who can resist this face? Didn't think so! This is Tiana, a five-month-old, female English bulldog mix. She is good with other animals and children. Tiana, in addition to all her cuteness, is also house trained. If you're interested in adopting her, please submit an application here.
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Pet Story of the Month: Ella and Stella | |
Like any love-at-first-sight story, Stella and Ella had Anne and Elaine wrapped around their kitty toes at their first “meow.” And, a little over a month later, it sounds like they also have the run of their new home. “When we first walked into their room, Ella and Stella came up to us,” said Anne (on left with Ella). “Both were friendly, and wanted to be picked up. Then, they chose to adopt us.” Elaine (on right with Stella) said the cats greet them in the morning and when they return home “like long-lost friends.” She said Stella is a snuggler and Ella loves to have her belly rubbed. “They love sitting in the sunroom or picture window and watching the deer or birds in the yard,” said Anne. “They are lovable kitties that have taken over our hearts and home. We can’t imagine the house without them.” When Anne and Elaine, who live in Hamden, were looking for a pair of bonded young cats, they visited and/or contacted several agencies throughout Connecticut. When they met The Animal Haven’s shelter’s manager, Michelle DeRosa, they said she greeted them enthusiastically and showed them bonded pairs. “It took us less than five minutes. We found exactly what we wanted. With us, Ella and Stella have their forever home.” The Animal Haven couldn't be more thrilled!
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Volunteer Spotlight
Carly and Colin Capparelle
When Carly and Colin Capparelle, of Madison, talk about the time they spend volunteering at The Animal Haven shelter, it’s hard to tell who gets more out of it, the humans or the animals. “Even when we are tired from the work week, we really enjoy spending time with the dogs and giving them what they need outside of their kennels,” said Carly. “Even on our toughest days, we love to go and see all the dogs and to decompress with them.” Carly and Colin have been volunteering for almost a year, ever since they moved from Norwalk, where they also volunteered at an animal shelter. “We didn’t want to miss being at a shelter,” said Colin. They have opened their home to foster a half-dozen dogs since then, and ended up adopting two of them. They twice took home one of their shelter favorites, Duke, to give him some R&R away from the kennel. The biggest challenges have been fostering dogs with severe special needs, such as blindness, muscle disorders and skin disorders. “We love seeing a dog transform with some love and care after whatever situation they came from,” said Carly. “There’s nothing better than seeing the dogs go into a loving home after knowing what they've been through and we’re just happy to be a part of that!” Carly and Colin are happy; the dogs are happy; and we’re more than happy about that. We call that a win/win!
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Hours of operation: Adoption by appointment only due to COVID-19.
If you are interested in one of the animals at the shelter, please fill out and submit an application on our website. If your application is approved, we will be in touch to schedule an appointment. Thank you.
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