Waiting.

Lacey is waiting. So is Denali. And more adoptable dogs cared for by Where The Love Is Animal Rescue of Hamden, Connecticut. (Editor’s note: See below for some really great news and an update.)

A visit.

Tell Denali to wait, sit–and he will quickly obey. Throw the Jolly Ball egg and there he goes… he quickly figured out how to grip it (a bit frustrating a first, listen to his vocalization in the video, but he got it in just a minute)– and return with that tail going like a windshield wiper at full speed. Again? Yes, please. Should have taken more video, but was totally engaged in play throw-fetch-get-it with this good boy. Oooh, he is smart, smart, smart. He understands and respects a pack leader–drew me like a magnet. But then recalled am here to learn, listen, write about these pups to find them their people.

Denali.

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— Moo Dog Press (@moodogpress.com) December 11, 2025 at 12:49 PM

Thinking on your own home and adding to your life? Into the New Year–“Pawty” (short-term fostering–can be longer)–pups looking for a cozy place to ring in the New Year with some extra love and snuggles. If you can help give a sweet pup a safe and calm place to stay, please fill out a foster application and email wtlirescuefundraising@gmail.com with any questions.

Consider Where The Love Is Sleepover program.

“Want to give a pup a warm, cozy home for the holidays? Flexible! Host one of our adoptable dogs for a festive week-long sleepover.

Wheretheloveis.org

“Where the Love Is Animal Rescue, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, no-kill animal shelter in Hamden, Connecticut. Since 2013, our mission has been to save abandoned or surrendered dogs from neglect and abuse whenever possible and give them a second chance in life.

“All dogs are fully vetted, receive some training, and get lots of love before they are matched with a new family.”

Where the Love Is Animal Rescue is run solely by dedicated volunteers, so 100% of your donation goes toward the animals’ health care and social and emotional well-being.

“Rescue is all about second chances. Please consider giving one of our dogs a furever home.”

Not ready yet, or not sure? Maybe fostering is an option.

Animals respond to routine, kindness, time, patience. Trust is built day by day, minute by minute at times–especially the first days, weeks. One of the greatest experiences in life is seeing an animal, in this case a dog–emerge and its personality bloom into full flower. Walks and exercise work wonders too–built-up energy can misfire and be misunderstood–for humans too–regular outing help smooth out the heebie-jeebies.

Those eyes looking at you saying “it’s time for our walk”–well, if you have your mobility you know what a dose of physical “medicine” this is. For a dog, the world opens up–scents and sights, togetherness. To their look “can I trust you?” –reply “yes–I will earn your very precious trust over time with (repeat as necessary) love, patience, routine, kindness.”

Guess what? An update: Bailey has found her home. Oh, the joy of learning this.

Because. Bailey stayed on my mind (and in my heart)–after the on-site interview.

Here she was that day with Janice Murphy-Wallace, a volunteer.
“Our Christmas wish is that someone special comes along to put the sparkle back in her big brown eyes. Bailey is an 8-year-old Queensland Heeler who is laid back and house trained. Make her yours and she will repay you a thousand times over.” (This wish came true.)

“Often times, we know very little about the dogs before they arrive to our care. All of our interactions are crucial to helping us get to know the dog, but sometimes the kennel environment is not indicative of how a dog will really behave when placed with a loving family. While fostering a dog, you are able to provide exercise and stimulation, which in turn creates a calmer dog in the kennel which in many cases may be closer to what their behavior will look like in a home environment. In addition, you can work with the dog on leash training, house training, or other basic command training, that potential adopters will find attractive when looking for the perfect dog for their family.”

(From the Where The Love Is site)

There I sat, alone and afraid,
You got a call and came right to my aid.
You bundled me up with blankets and love,
And, when I needed it most, you gave me a hug.

I learned that the world was not all that scary and cold,
That sometimes there is someone to have and to hold.
You taught me what love is, you helped me to mend,
You loved me and healed me and became my first friend.

And just when I thought you’d done all you do,
There came along not one new lesson, but two.

First you said, “Sweetheart, you’re ready to go,
I’ve done all I can, and you’ve learned all I know.”
Then you bundled me up with a blanket and kiss,
Along came a new family, they even have kids!

They took me to their home, forever to stay,
At first I thought you sent me away.
Then that second lesson became perfectly clear,
No matter how far, you will always be near.

And so, Foster Pawrent, you know I’ve moved on,
I have a new home, with toys and a lawn.
But I’ll never forget what I learned that first day,
You never really give your fosters away.

You gave me these thoughts to remember you by,
We may never meet again, and now I know why.
You’ll remember I lived with you for a time,
I may not be yours, but you’ll always be mine.

P.S. You will get support and help as a foster care giver and pet lover–ask for details. Sometimes a foster home becomes the forever home. And that’s perfectly okay and pretty amazing too.

Puppies, yes. Because sometimes a pregnancy is why a dog becomes a rescue. A momma is cared for as gestation progresses.

Courtesy posts? You betcha. Peruse the Facebook page for more ways to support, participate, attend events.

Adoption fees, here. Remember, an older animal is already spayed or neutered, long since healed; has done the puppy shots rounds, on to the adult yearly ones. The one-year rabies is now a three-year rabies, all the typical vaccinations are done. Also, tested for heartworms (that means negative; or treated–a huge plus), on heartworm preventative (stay on preventative), tested and dewormed. Each has a physical to be sure all issues are noted and if anything needs treating, that’s done. The adoption fee is very reasonable; some dogs were transported, plus all need feed, care, grooming, daily work outs and more. Support these folks–all volunteers.

Editor’s note: This story had been updated. Several times.