Remembering Dolce McDonald | | |
Dolce, beloved companion, honorary humane agent, faithful sidekick to Andy McDonald, ACHS humane agent, passed from this earthly plane on Monday, May 4, 2026, leaving behind a community forever changed by her boundless love and gentle spirit.
Born into the lives of those who would adore her in February 2011 in Seattle, Dolce quickly became far more than a dog. She was a source of comfort, joy, and unwavering kindness to every person and animal fortunate enough to cross her path.
Known affectionately for her inability to hold her “licker,” Dolce believed every greeting deserved kisses and every difficult moment deserved compassion. She never met a stranger. Whether comforting frightened animals, sitting beside grieving families, brightening the days of shelter staff and volunteers, or simply resting happily in what she believed were her rightful flower beds, Dolce carried warmth everywhere she went.
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As Andy’s devoted companion and the Humane Society’s beloved mascot, Dolce became a quiet ambassador for gentleness and unconditional love. In moments of stress, sadness, or uncertainty, her presence brought calm. In moments of joy, she made them brighter. She reminded everyone around her that kindness could be simple, immediate, and freely given.
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Dolce especially adored her favorite person, Dad, though her love extended generously to everyone and everything she encountered. To know Dolce was to be welcomed completely.
She is survived by the many people whose lives she softened, the animals she comforted, the friends she made, and the countless hearts she leaves fuller than she found them.
Though her paws no longer walk beside us, her spirit remains in every act of compassion, every warm greeting, every shelter hallway filled with hope, and every flower bed touched by sunlight.
Dolce’s legacy is one of love without conditions and comfort without words. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
| | Do you know about our Pet Loss Support Group? | | |
Since November 2024, the ACHS has been providing a safe, compassionate space for people grieving the loss of a beloved pet, offering comfort, understanding, and connection during a difficult time.
A big thank-you to Char Rae who volunteers as the group’s facilitator. The group meets at 9:30 a.m. on the first and third Saturday of each month. During construction at the Athens Library, meetings are being held at the library in The Plains. Please help us spread the word to friends, family, and community members who may benefit from this support.
| | In-home pet euthenasia in our area | |
For those in the south-central Ohio area who may be facing end-of-life decisions for a beloved pet, Peace for Paws in Lancaster exclusively offers in-home euthanasia services.
Dr. Vaughan is an experienced
veterinarian who has cared for pets in the Lancaster community for 14 years. She founded Peace for Paws after recognizing the need for more compassionate end-of-life care options for pets and their families.
Many people in our community reach out looking for in-home euthanasia support. We know these services can be difficult to find, and we are deeply grateful to the local veterinarians who try to make time in their already very busy schedules to help families during such tender moments. It is valuable to know what resources are available in our area.
Mary, who is an end-of-life doula for pets, learned about Dr. Vaughan’s services during her training and felt it was important to share this information with others who may need this kind of support.
https://peaceforpaws.org
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Nala in Swahili means "Gift," and this beautiful one-year-old marmalade tabby lives up to her name. Nala was rescued on a cold February day when she was days away from giving birth. On Feb. 9, two adorable kittens were added to our ACHS family.
All three are now thriving and up for adoption. Mama Nala has been lovingly devoted to her girls while always cozying up to her foster caregiver. She's a cat who greets people at the door with head nudges and purrs of pleasure.
Nala is often playful and especially loves nice pole chases. She's relaxed and friendly. Mama Nala, or, as her foster calls her, Mamalade, is a wonderful companion kitty,
truly a cat who is laid back and affectionate.
Nala may be fine as an only cat, but knowing that she connects with people, it's ideal if she is adopted to a home where she is sure to get the love and attention she enjoys.
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Fabio is a 3-year-old gentle and quiet boy with a very sweet nature. He may be a little shy at first and will need some time to feel comfortable in a new home, but once he warms up he becomes a loving and affectionate companion. He enjoys being near his people and shows his affection in calm and subtle ways.
Fabio would do best in a peaceful home where he can settle in at his own pace. He is not a fan of dogs, but he does enjoy the company of other cats and would likely do well with a feline friend.
With a little patience, Fabio will form a strong bond and make a loyal and comforting addition to the right home.
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Sid is a sweet 3-year-old, shy boy who has spent much of his life outdoors, so he’s still learning that the world can be a safe and cozy place. What he’s discovered so far? He loves a soft, comfy bed and having a human nearby to cuddle. Once he feels secure, his gentle, affectionate side really shines through.
He’d do best in a calm, patient home where he can take his time building trust, but the reward is a deeply loyal companion who just wants to be close to his person.
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Jet is a gentle soul with a heart full of love, just waiting for the right person to share it with. This sweet, shy guy came to us under difficult circumstances, injured, lost, and unsure of what the future would hold. But through it all, Jet has shown nothing but grace, patience, and affection. He truly is a little gentleman.
Jet thrives in calm, quiet environments where he can build trust at his own pace. Once he feels safe, he blossoms into a devoted and loving companion who just wants to be near you. He’s not a fan of chaos, and definitely not a fan of dogs. While he might tolerate the presence of another mellow feline, Jet would really prefer to be your one and only.
If you’re looking for a loyal, tender-hearted friend to share quiet mornings and cozy evenings with, Jet may be the perfect match for you. After everything he’s been through, he deserves nothing less than a peaceful home and someone to love him forever.
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Cain is our longest resident, and more than anything we want to see him find a home of his own. He’s safe and loved in a foster home, but still waiting for the forever family he’s never had.
When Cain first came to us, it was clear he hadn’t known much kindness. He had spent much of his life chained outside, without the comfort every dog deserves.
Even then his loving, excited personality was waiting to shine. With time, care, and the support of his foster family, Cain has completely come into his own: he’s affectionate, eager, and full of life. He gets excited to see his people, leans in for attention, and has fully embraced the joys of indoor living (especially cozy blankets).
Cain would do best in a quiet home with no other animals, where he can truly relax and feel secure. He has so much love to give and has been waiting far too long for someone to give him a chance.
He has waited longer than any dog should. It’s his turn.
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Chicken is a majestic 3-year-old feline who has absolutely no idea just how special he truly is. With his gentle nature and quiet charm, he may be a little shy at first, preferring to take his time getting comfortable. But with a bit of patience, he blossoms into an incredibly sweet and loyal companion.
Once Chicken warms up, he loves being near his people and offering calm, comforting company. Whether he is lounging nearby or soaking up gentle pets, he is a big, lovable chunk who is impossible not to adore.
We are already a little jealous of whoever gets to bring him home, because cats like Chicken do not come around every day. Maybe that someone is you?
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This Bulletin is put together by ACHS volunteers Kate Erlewine and Tom Erlewine, with information from Mary Connolly, ACHS Executive Director.
Please send comments and suggestions to info@athenshumane.org.
The Athens County Humane Society isn’t part of, or funded by any national organization. We’re just local volunteers here to help animals.
We’ve been doing this work in Athens County since 1910.
We provide the county’s only response team for cases of animal abuse and neglect.
We care for abandoned animals, paying their vet bills, finding them shelter in foster homes, and adopting them into forever homes.
Your support for ACHS gives immediate aid to suffering animals in Ath-ens County. We need your help!
Donate to ACHS
Volunteer with ACHS
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