A PRESENTATION SPONSORED BY
HUSKY PAWS FOR A CAUSE
THE BENEFITS OF HAVING PETS
.
PETS ARE JUST HAPPY
CREATURES;
THEY GIVE SO MUCH JOY AND
EXPECT SO LITTLE IN RETURN
ROBERTA ROMEO
Three years ago, Shirley came
into my life purely by accident. I
volunteered at a local pet
adoption event. I never intended
on bringing one home, I always
been a dog lover, but I was just
way too busy to care for a pet.
Shirley was one of the dogs I
cared for and walked…She was
indeed in the right place, but not
just for her, for me too. I went
home later that night smelling
like dog and my back was killing
me, but my cheeks also hurt from smiling the whole day! It
had been one of the happiest best
days I had in a really long time. I
couldn't stop thinking about
Shirley that night and first thing
the next morning, my husband
and I drove like mad back to the
SPCA. She was still there and
within a few hours, we were all at
home figuring each other out!
Dogs are just happy creatures;
they give so much joy and expect
so little in return. She has been
the absolute best thing that has
happened to me in so long and I
always say Shirley saved me, I
didn't save her...
WITH SHIRLEY
Bert Romeo, IT
PETS GIVE LOVE
UNCONDITIONALLY
CARLENE BARTOLOTTA
WITH STELLA AND LUNA
“Here I am after a
hard day at work
with my 2 rescue
dogs, Stella (left)
and Luna (right).
They both come
from southern
states. Adopted
Luna May, 2010
when she was 9
weeks old, and
Stella in May 2011
when she was
about 10 mos. old.
They give love
unconditionally
and are so funny.
They have filled
the “empty nest”
for my husband
and me.”
Carlene
Bartolotta, Patient
Relations
PETS FILL THE HOUSE WITH THE
SOUND OF PITTER PATTER.
ROBIN
THIBEAU WITH CHUCK AND EDDY
I'm Robin Thibeau a MA
on Onc 6. These are my
boys Chuck ( the blonde
tabby) and Eddy( gray
tabby). They are bangle
tigers. Chris and I
adopted them from a
rescue group. These boys
were born in a car junk
yard. Chris named them
after chuck and eddy's
junk yard. Chuck is the
silly one and eddy is the
lazy one. I look forward
to my boys every night
after work or school. I
enjoy them the most
when they make me
laugh because they are
chasing one another or
they are in my lap
purring. That sound
gives me so much
comfort. My house would
be lost without the sound
of pitter patter of their
feet chasing one another.
PETS FILL OUR HEARTS AND
HOMES WITH LAUGHTER
STEPHANIE COLANGELO WITH TONY AND MISS DAISY
We rescued MISS
DAISY (6 months at
the time) on October
9th from Critter
Cavalry in Tennessee.
We picked her up in
Rhode Island and
haven’t stopped
smiling since. People
tell us she is like an
“Old Soul” and they
are so right. She is
the sweetest and
kindest dog…and we
love her to pieces.
They say “Laughter
is the best medicine.”
She makes us laugh
every day. Who
rescued who?
Stephanie Colangelo,
Office of Medical
Education
PETS ARE OUR WELCOME
COMMITTEE
DEBBIE HALLE WITH TOBY
Toby was adopted
on 12/18/11. After
about 4 years of
not having pets we
decided to adopt
Toby. He is 2 ½
years old. He has
brought much
laughter and
relaxation to the
family. He is
always eager to
greet us when we
come home.
Debbie Halle,
Patient Financial
Services
PETS PROVIDE MOTIVATION TO
EXERCISE
HANNAH DEAL AND AUSTIN
I’m Hannah Deal
and I work as a
research assistant
for the TRIPP
Center in Dowling
South. My dog is
Austin. He’s a 6
year old Corgi
mix. I adopted him
from the East
Haven pound.
Austin helps me
stay active even
when the weather
isn’t very good.
When it’s nice
outside, we go for
long hikes on the
Blue trail at
Sleeping Giant
and Austin climbs
60 degree rock
faces. I swear he’s
part mountain
goat. :)
PETS PROVIDE PROTECTION
AND COMPANIONSHIP
ELLEN BENSON
This is Bella. She is a
mixed breed rough coat
collie. We adopted her
from the Humane society
about 2 years ago.
WITH BELLA
There is something about
having a dog that is very
comforting. She knows
that when I put my
sneakers on, it's time to
go for a run and I know
that she is the only one
in the family that will
come with me without
complaining. If I sit on
the floor she will curl up
in my lap (even though at
80 lbs she is not exactly a
lap dog) and keep me
company. She is also a
fearless protector of our
home. Nobody gets too
close without a warning
bark from her.
Ellen Benson,
Operating Room
PETS MAKE US FEEL GOOD
ABOUT OURSELVES
CORI BROWN
This is our rescue cat
SOCKS –
We are true believers in
rescue – this is one of eight
rescue cats we have – NO
WE ARE NOT CRAZY
CAT PEOPLE
WITH SOCKS
My husband is the Cesar
Milan (the dog whisperer)
for Cats. He feels they all
need to be rehabilitated.
This cat socks started
coming to our door, thin
and hungry, starting the
summer of 2010. He would
eat and go away – finally
the night of the December
2010 blizzard, he came to
the door and has been our
forever friend inside our
warm safe house ever
since. He never would
have made it in the snow
last year. He’s feisty – but
our SOCKS!!!!
He has been neutered,
vaccinated and treated by
our vet. Cats are
independent and all have
their own personalities and
we love all of them.
Cori Brown, Patient Access
PETS POSSESS ENDLESS
DEVOTION AND ENTHUSIASM
DEB FEIGENBAUM
Falafel is a 10 year old
soft coated Wheaton
terrier who we adopted
from the Humane
Society many years ago.
WITH FALAFAL
Falafel is completely
devoted to our family.
He is always excited to
see us when we come
home and knows when
anyone in the family
needs comforting.
Falafel has a hidden
talent; he sings Happy
Birthday!
PETS TEACH US LIFE LESSONS
JANE PRESNICK-LYON
This is Yoshi. He’s an
American Cocker Spaniel.
Yoshi adopted us in
August, 2001. He was 2
1/2 yrs old at the time. He
was the perfect dog for my
family of four young sons.
He loved to chase tennis
balls for hours on end and,
with his gentle nature,
won over many of my sons'
friends who were
previously afraid of dogs.
AND YOSHI
He is now 13 years old
and is blind and deaf. He
is, obviously, no longer
able to chase tennis balls
but he still brings joy to
our family.
Jane Presnick-Lyon,
Nursing
PETS ARE ALWAYS THERE FOR US
IN UNIMAGINABLE WAYS
KARA DION WITH DAISY MAE
Daisy was a
surprise gift from
my husband,
Robert. One year
later Rob passed
away suddenly
and unexpectedly
from a heart
condition. Daisy
was my savior, my
light at the end of
the tunnel and the
one thing that
kept me plugging
through all of the
heartache. She got
me out of bed and
kept me going. I
will forever be
grateful for her
unconditional love
and support.
Kara Dion,
Psychiatry
PETS ARE GOOD
FOR THE
HEART AND SOUL
KATHY CURLEY WITH BEBE AND BUDDY
My dogs are Bebe (10 yr old Yorkie)
and Buddy (7 yr old ?Shepherd mix)
Bebe came to us when he was 7
years old. He was purchased as a
puppy from a pet store called the
“International Kennel Club” in NYC
by his original owner. He was born
in Missouri to parents Obi Wan
Kanobi and Miss Natasha
II. His owner died three years later.
Bebe was shuffled and barked his
way around apartments in lower
Manhattan living with the owner's
different relatives for 4 years till
nobody wanted him. He came
to us as a foster dog for a year and
then he officially became our
Bebe. Bebe makes me smile. He's
very good for the heart and the
soul. He is so endearing and he is
the king of the house.
Buddy came to CT from North
Carolina via the Humane Society in
Newington when he was 9
months old. He was adopted by my
son. He is a wonderful, loving and
bright dog but couldn't live with my
son after my grandson was born. So,
Buddy came to live with us. He and
Bebe are now step brothers and
buddies.
Bebe and Buddy have improved my
life in countless ways. Can't imagine
life without them. They are happy
spirits and bring joy and incredible
positive energy into our home and
family.
Kathy Curley,
Clinical Research Center
PETS BRING LAUGHTER TO A
HOUSEHOLD
JUDY KULAFKOSKY WITH SOPHIE
With Sophie, who was
adopted by our family
after being dropped out
of a car on Asylum
Avenue in West
Hartford at (approx) 4
months old. She’s 11
now.
She’s such a sweet girl,
and she’s brought lots of
laughter to our house
from when she stalks
and chases her tail, to
when she falls asleep
standing up at “Sophie’s
Spa,” the vent in the
kitchen where the hot
air comes through, to
when she sings along
with us as we light
candles on birthday
cakes.
Judy Kulakofsky,
Office of Clinical and
Translational Research
PETS ARE OUR
BABIES WHEN
OUR BABIES ARE GONE
KATHY FITZGERALD WITH HOWIE
This is Howie my
Westie. He’s the
most wonderful
dog ever.
Kathy Fitzgerald,
Pulmonary
PETS ARE CALMING AND
RELAXING
LISA COTE WITH LOUIE AND CHLOE
Louie and Chloe
I had lost my other dog and
needed a pet to love. After
months of searching I
acquired my dogs from a
private dog owner.
Louie and Chloe bring so
much joy to my life, make
me happy, love me
unconditionally, get excited
when they see me and keep
me relaxed. They are such
happy and friendly dogs!
Lisa Cote, University
Physicians- Patient
Accounts
PETS PROVIDE CUDDLELOVE
KELLY HILL WITH POLLY
This is my Cavalier
King Charles Spaniel,
Polly, age 7.
We adopted her 2
years ago from
Cavalier Rescue USA.
She's 15 pounds of
cuddlelove, and
she also has an
adventurous spirit
that makes hiking
more fun. She's a best
friend indeed!
Kelly Hill,
Neag Comprehensive
Cancer Center
Pets offer endless affection
LAURIE HEINEMAN
WITH
CARLY
This is my cat
Carly. She is almost 2
years old. We ended
up getting her when
my kids and I walked
into Petco to buy cat
food for our other two
cats. And of course,
they were having a cat
adoption. My kids
asked me if we could
get another cat and I
said no way! So of
course the rest is
history. We ended up
adopting Carly. I am
so glad we did. She is
the most friendliest,
affectionate cat. When
I feel down, I just pick
her up and give her a
huge hug and she lets
me.
Laurie Heineman, IT
PETS ARE EXTREMELY LOYAL
Max is 7 years old and is a corgi/terrier mix. He
came from a home where he got pushed around
by young children who weren’t taught that
provoking an animal will frighten it and cause it
to eventually fight back. He was shy at first
after adopting him but after a few months of
working with him he has been nothing but a
loyal and best friend. He loves his daily routine
and is quick to remind me of our schedule
especially in the unlikely event his dinner or our
daily walk is a few minutes late!!!
Ollie is a 4 year old lab/terrier mix. His
tail wags constantly and he is
completely convinced that the world is
here for his complete enjoyment. He has
put a smile on my face every single day I
have had him and after a day of work he
is wonderful to come home to.
I RESCUED MAX AND OLLIE FROM PAWTECTORS.,A LOCAL RESCUE IN THE SOUTHINGTON AREA THAT TAKES ADOPTABLE DOGS
FROM KILL SHELTERS AND GIVES THEM LOVING HOMES. LISA CHUBA, CENTER FOR COMAPARITIVE MEDICINE
PETS ARE OUR
BEST FRIENDS
MICHELLE DIONNE WITH LUKE
Luke is 8 years
old. He was
purchased from a
pet store, where
he was the runt of
the litter. He is
very playful and
loves to go for
walks. He is my
youngest son’s
(4years old) best
friend.
Michelle Dionne,
IT
PETS IMPROVE HEALTH AND
GIVE US TIME TO THINK
KATHY NOEL WITH THOMAS
I now take a daily
walk with
Tom. This
improves my
health, and gives
me a time away to
think. Thomas is
always happy just
to be with me. He
loves me more
than anyone has
ever loved me in
my whole life unconditionally!

Kathy Noel, IT
PETS PROVIDE THERAPY
HEIDI HEDDEN WITH MAVERICK
This is Maverick.
He is a Mavamulte
shepard mix mutt. He is a 122
pound lap dog.
He was a rescue
from a litter of 11
and due to an ill
mom was bottle
fed. I have had
him since he was 5
weeks old and he
could fit in my
slipper.
He loves
everybody and has
to be the center of
attention at all
times.
He is currently
working toward
his certification as
a therapy dog (and
also on a little
weight loss).
Heidi Hedden,
UMG - Clinical
Informatics
PETS MAKE US STRONGER
MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY
JIANJUN HAO WITH YO YO
This is Yo Yo. My
friend gave me
this lovely boy last
October.
I love to run with
Yo Yo, he makes
me stronger
mentally and
physically.
Jianjun Hao,
Dept of
Craniofacial
Sciences, Division
of Orthodontics
PETS ARE BETTER THAN
PSYCHIATRISTS!
STEPHANIE MAKAR WITH NOVA
This is our black lab,
Nova.
My husband and I
rescued Nova in
January 2009. She was
abused and from a
puppy mill down
south.
Rescuing her was the
best thing we ever did
– although she still is
scared sometimes of
people - she has come
a long way and is the
love of our lives. When
you have a bad day she
totally makes it better
when you come home –
like that saying that
dogs are better than
psychiatrists!! We
couldn’t imagine our
life without her – she
is like our kid! She
loves the snow – loves
to play and we spoil
her rotten. If we ever
got a second dog we
would definitely only
go the route of
rescuing again!
PETS KEEP OUR SECRETS
MITCH MCGRATH WITH JE TAIME MON AMI LE CHIEN
Her given name is
Je Taime Mon Ami
Le Chien, I Love
my friend the dog.
She was
purchased & Bred
through Josarge
Kennels, Rhode
Island.
There is
unconditional love,
always happy to
be with each other
with secrets and
lots of kisses!
Mitch McGrath,
Medicine – 4th
Floor
PETS GIVE US A REASON
TO GET
UP EARLY IN THE MORNING
Luckster escaped death by a fox. She
gives me a reason to rise early in the
morning and smile. She knows my voice
and follows me around the yard!
Finley is the kitten Donna Dragan of Lab Med has
ALWAYS wanted! She is a rescue whose
mischevieness never fails to amaze!!! She keeps
you alert at all times and has a awesome soothing
purrrrr which calms the crazy human!
DONNA DRAGAN WITH LUCKSTER AND FINLEY
PETS TURN OUR HOMES INTO A
FUNNY FARM
THERESA GEORGE WITH LEXI, RADAR, AND JAXX
My oldest dog Lexi is an 11
1/2 year old Yorkshire
Terrier who joined our
family 11 years ago. She
joined our beloved 3-year
old German
Shepherd/Border CollieJetta. They became best
friends instantly up until
Jetta went to the Pet
Heavens in October 2011.
Lexi was very sad without
Jetta so we decided to get
her a friend. In November
of 2011 we found Radar, a
3-month old German
Shepherd who resided in a
pet store until we took him
home. Radar is now is a
very strong, powerful 6
month old puppy who "just
wants to play", while Lexi
"just wants to relax". As
you can imagine, it wasn't
"love" at first sight but I'm
sure some day Lexi will
open her heart and let
Radar in. Then there is
Jaxx, a 4 year old feline
who joined us 3 1/2 years
ago from the Humane
Society. Jaxx loves to create
havoc at the most quietest
times. Although my home is
a "funny farm" at times I
wouldn't trade them for the
world, and honestly, I don't
think they would trade us
for the world either.
PETS TEACH US DIVERSITY &
COMPASSION
INGRID NAPOLETANO WITH MARLEY, C.C., & SHADOW
Here are 3 of our 4 cats
that we have rescued
along the years. Marley
has been with me for 17
years, longer than I’ve
known my husband. C.C.
has cross-eyes and a
crooked tail. Shadow is
our miracle cat. We
found her at 5 weeks old,
we were told she had
Feline Leukemia but
later converted to a
negative. Smokey is our
recluse…we are the
island of misfit cats and
we wouldn’t have it any
other way.
All four of our cats give
us joy every day. Their
greeting when we get
home after a long day, a
kitty chat about the birds
outside, or just a passing
rub on the leg makes
everything better. We
wouldn’t know what to do
without them!
Ingrid Napoletano, IT