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Saving lives since 1948

A Letter from the President

It's Hot

Every year it seems that hot and humid weather arrives earlier than the year before. Above-average temperatures put a strain on everyone, especially animals. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pets. We often hear about tragic endings for cats and dogs in the summertime that could have been avoided if owners had followed a few simple safety tips. Pets are as helpless as infants and need your undivided attention to keep them safe when temperatures soar. Like children, animals should never be left alone in a parked vehicle or near a pool or unscreened window. Walking your dog on asphalt in the summer can easily burn the pads of his or her paws. So, walking should be limited to early morning or late evening. Excessive exercise and feeding can lead to overheating. Finally, know the signs of heat distress in your pets: excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor, or even collapse. Follow these and other expert tips from The Humane Society and the ASPCA to make sure your family and your pet have a great summer!

Linda Marino

President

Pet Story of the Month: Phoebe

During her two years at The Animal Haven, Igloo’s reaction to visitors was as chilly as her name. She was very shy and hid most of the time. So Mia C. was not anticipating a warm reception when she first met Igloo. “I was not expecting to be able to get too close to her,” she said. “However, she came up to me, sniffed my hand, and allowed me to pet her! I knew right away that I wanted to take her home.” Adopted by Mia in May, Igloo now answers to “Phoebe” and has slowly warmed up to being in a loving home. ("She is still too shy to take a selfie with me," said Mia.) “The first morning after bringing her home, I turned my apartment upside down looking for her, just to discover her, many hours and panic attacks later, hiding on a ledge behind my couch,” Mia said. Phoebe has just started climbing on her cat tree. “I cannot wait to see her come out of her shell more and give her all of the love she deserves!”

Leave a gift to The Animal Haven in your will. Click below for more information.

Focus On: Hazel

With the glossiest of coat, brightest of eyes, and pinkest of tongues…we introduce our gorgeous Hazel. She is a fit and alert 2.5 y/o black Lab mix who is great with other dogs and children. (Cats, not so much.) Give her a stuffed animal and let her run around outside, and she’ll love you forever. Hazel is friendly to all and loves to give and get kisses. An adoption application can be filled out at by clicking here.

Volunteer of the Month: Deborah Eriksen-Caruso

Our shelter volunteers know that it’s important that our animals make a good impression on a potential adopter. One volunteer in particular believes the grounds around our shelter should do the same. Deborah Eriksen-Caruso, of North Haven, is the volunteer responsible for the upkeep of the property surrounding the shelter. For almost three years, the retired veterinary technician has worked diligently to landscape the outdoor area and keep it well-groomed. “I was told when I started that the goal was to make the outside of The Animal Haven look as good as the inside and the care of the animals,” Deborah said. “When I first started there was just so much to do on the grounds, it really kept me busy. It looked so great when I was done.” Deborah’s family has been helping us for years by donating towels, sheets, toys and food. They’ve adopted five cats as well: Prissy, Gizmo, Spook, Cujo, and Mia. “I always told people that I would like to volunteer at The Animal Haven after I retired,” she said. “That is what I did.” Deborah said she plans to continue volunteering as long as she is able to do the work. “I love volunteering,” she said. “I really feel that it completes something in me.” We are so grateful that Deboarah feels that way and for all of her hard work which has made the grounds around the shelter look nicer and more beauiful than they ever have looked before!

Donate to The Animal Haven

Hours of operation: Adoption by appointment only.

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.