THE SCOOP
The bi-monthly newsletter of The Animal Haven, Inc.
Published on the 2nd Tuesday of every other month
A Letter from the President
It’s 2023 – Happy New Year! I extend my deepest thanks to those who made it possible for us to continue The Animal Haven’s lifesaving work on behalf of homeless and abandoned animals in 2022. We are grateful for every dollar donated, whether in swift response to an emergency appeal, a general donation, or a planned legacy gift.

You may recall that in the Sept/Oct 2021 edition of The Scoop, we invited you to become a member of The Animal Haven Legacy Society. The Legacy Society was instituted to recognize and honor the generosity of those who have made gifts to The Animal Haven in their estate plans. In September 2021, there were six members and our goal was to at least double that number over the next 12 months. We are thrilled to report that we met that goal and surpassed it by 83%! The Legacy Society now has 17 members! The legacy gifts of these generous donors will enable us to continue our work for decades to come. 

We hope to surpass our 2021-22 goal again in 2023 and add at least six new members to the Legacy Society this year. We would be delighted if you would consider leaving a legacy gift to the shelter and becoming one of the new members for 2023! For more information, visit our website at https://theanimalhavenct.org/legacy-society/ or contact me at (203) 988-3836 or at linda@theanimalhavenct.org.
Linda Marino
President
‌
Graham is Ready for Adoption!

When we found Graham left tied to a sign post at the shelter recently, we vowed to find him the perfect family who would never abandon him.

Graham is a pup, so he needs patience when it comes to calming his excitable behavior. While he is good with other animals, he would thrive in a home without young children as he appears to fear them. Graham needs a warm and loving family who can help him learn to trust again. If interested, please fill out an application on our website at https://theanimalhavenct.org/dog-adoption-application/.
Nov-Dec 2022
SHELTER ACTIVITY

Animals brought in:
Cats: 19
Dogs: 5
Total: 24
 
Animals adopted:
Cats: 32
Dogs: 3
Total: 35

Returns: 1

Animals spayed/neutered: 39
Pet Story of the Month: Brad

When an adopted cat’s name goes from “Brad” to “Sir Bradley,” it’s clear he is on the receiving end of some pretty royal treatment.

Nothing but the best is being bestowed upon Brad since Cathy adopted him last month after he had a harrowing experience. A young, long-haired, Maine Coon mix, Brad was found with his testicles tied with rubber bands. He was rescued by The Animal Haven and properly neutered. He has since been spending his time curled up on pillows and blankets, often under Cathy’s Christmas tree. She said he has settled flawlessly into his kingdom.

“He will live like a prince from now on,” Cathy said. “This is one of the best decisions…he is a very special soul. It’s hard for me to think that someone could have treated him so poorly.” Cathy first saw Brad on The Animal Haven’s Facebook page and could not stop looking at his photo. “I would be in the midst of work and look back at his photo several times a day. The universe was speaking.” Lucky for Brad, and for us, Cathy was listening.
Volunteer Spotlight: Lisa Puglia

When our rescues are in Lisa Puglia’s hands, they are treated like VIPs who get their every need met by a personal concierge.

“I try to go above and beyond when I am at the shelter,” said Lisa, a volunteer who lives in Durham. In addition to walking the dogs and refreshing their water, she checks them for cuts and ticks, launders their bedding, and sits and talks to them. “My commitment is to treat them as if they are my own.”
Lisa’s five-star service began in June 2021 after she read a friend’s post on The Animal Haven’s Facebook. “I really enjoy volunteering here because it is well-run and organized,” she said. “The staff is friendly, helpful, and truly care about the welfare of the animals.”

A former senior media specialist at Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Lisa turned 60 this year and “threw myself a party. In lieu of presents I asked for donations and raised close to $500 for the shelter.” In return for the generous donations, Lisa receives something special as well: “It’s the unconditional love from the dogs and the joy they bring me when I am there. Each one has their own personality, and they keep me laughing.” It sounds as though the rescues are giving Lisa the VIP treatment, too.
Hours of Operation

The shelter is open by appointment only due to COVID-19. If you are interested in adopting an animal, please fill out and submit an application on our website (www.theanimalhavenct.org). We will be in touch with you to schedule an appointment if your application is approved. Thank you.