For Connie and Mary Jane, a shared love of animals has been a continuing all through their lives. After years as professors in Boston—Connie in medical psychology and Mary Jane within the humanities—they retired to Cape Cod, the place they embraced a brand new chapter full of four-legged relations and a dedication to animal welfare.
Their journey with ARL started years in the past at our Boston Animal Care & Adoption Heart once they added a cat named Gigi to their household. They then grew to become purchasers at Boston Veterinary Care for Gigi and the remainder of their felines.
When Connie and Mary Jane moved to the Cape, they determined to undertake a canine from the Brewster Animal Care & Adoption Heart. This led to a life-changing determination to undertake Keiki, a terrified pet who got here to ARL on a current transport. Although they initially envisioned an easygoing canine, destiny had different plans. When Connie and Mary Jane arrived on the shelter, they found a frightened black pet, hiding underneath her mattress in concern. One thing instructed them that regardless of her particular wants, she was the one.
Her transformation was sluggish however profound. Initially, Keiki was so timid, she would solely eat in her crate. However with endurance and love, she blossomed right into a cherished companion. Regardless of challenges, together with a damaged finger for Mary Jane after an incident with a twisted leash, Keiki has been a part of their household for over a decade. Her title, which implies “baby” in Hawaiian, displays their deep love for her.
A 12 months after Keiki’s adoption, one other furry pal entered their lives. Connie occurred to see a
pet named Leilani at one other rescue. Although she initially resisted the concept of one other canine, Connie quickly discovered herself calling Mary Jane to arrange a gathering. Leilani and Keiki bonded immediately, and right this moment, they’re inseparable companions.
Connie, who grew up in Hawaii, has cherished animals since childhood and would present kindness to each stray she met. Mary Jane grew up with many beloved household cats. As we speak, they lengthen that compassionby creating pollinator-friendly gardens of their yard, advocating for wildlife, and naturally, supporting ARL.
They’re keen about serving to tougher pets, like Keiki, discover the loving houses they deserve. In addition they acknowledge the significance of ARL’s wide-ranging companies, spay and neuter packages just like the Spay Waggin’, and assist for a wide range of animals, not simply canine and cats. On the Cape, the place assets for animal welfare will be restricted, ARL performs a vital function in making certain that animals in want obtain the care and a spotlight they deserve.
Trying forward, they hope their assist will assist extra animals like Keiki heal and discover loving houses. Grateful for the community that introduced Keiki into their lives, they want for others to expertise the identical pleasure and life-changing connection that pet adoption has introduced them. For Connie and Mary Jane, animal welfare isn’t just a worthy trigger—it’s a lifelong dedication. By means of their generosity, they proceed to make a significant distinction within the lives of animals, the households who undertake them, and the neighborhood.
