A Valentine for Dougie

We learned recently of the death of Dougie, whose letter to Santa asking for a home was our December 2023 cover story.

Dougie didn’t have much going for him when he first came to our attention. Older, a long-term shelter dog, he’d been through the system along with others like him who wait, spending much of their lives there. Dougie was a Catahoula leopard dog, a breed unfamiliar outside of Louisiana where they were bred for work, herding cattle and hunting boar. To an untrained eye, they resemble pit bulls, another often underappreciated breed and a reason he was often overlooked by adopters.

He’d come from somewhere. He was adopted, then returned when the adopter died. He went back into a system that favors cute, small and younger candidates. And he waited.

After 1821 days in local shelters, Dougie seemed destine to live out his days in a small kennel enclosure, out of sight and out of mind.

But then something wonderful happened. His “letter to Santa” was printed in early December. Then, Robin and Damian Moreno came into his life and everything changed. Once in their foster home, he became a pup with personality. At his adoption party two months later, he greeted well-wishers with the kind of charm only a much-loved creature can display.

“His dad made an Instagram called Dougie’s World, with all the adventures he’s been on and how he lived each day,” said Brittany, who worked with him at Almost Home Rescue. “Surrounded in love, he took road trips and enjoyed every day to the fullest.”

To Robin, he was “fun, loving, protective, and did I say fun!”

Catahoula leopard dogs are named for the parish in Louisiana where they originated; they have been the official state dog since 1979.  A working breed characterized by its intelligent, fearless, strong and protective nature, its life expectancy is between 10 and 14 years. In December, not long after his 13th birthday, Dougie’s health suddenly declined. Robin and Damien made the difficult decision to call hospice and let him go.

There are so many longtime shelter residents just like Dougie that are waiting for someone to love and take them home. They may not be pedigrees. They may not have had an easy life or a compelling backstory. They may need patience, a little time to adjust to your home and show their true personality. Like Dougie, they have a dream and wish for a better life.

Here are a few of them.

Almost Home Rescue would like to introduce Cannoli, a stunning boy about 2 years old that was pulled from a city shelter to give him a better chance of meeting his forever family.

Cannoli is very smart and already knows how to sit, give both paws, and lie down. He’s housebroken, loves to play fetch with multiple tennis balls, or sit and snuggle with his people. He gets along well with other dogs.

To meet or learn more about Cannoli, contact Almost Home Rescue (631) 627-3665.

Luna arrived at Brookhaven Animal Shelter in October 2023, after her owners could no longer care for her and is their longest resident. Now 5 years old, she is playful, energetic, and would be a perfect solo pet for a family with children aged 14-plus.

Also at Brookhaven Shelter, Dobby, an approximately 8-year-old Great Dane mix, arrived as a stray in June 2024 with no one to claim him. He would be perfect for an active home without other pets or children. He loves to chase balls and toys and is learning to use the shelter’s agility course.

Like Dougie, Lily—intake July 2025—is a senior about 10 to 12 years old.  She is sweet and craves the comfort of a home where she would be the only dog, have a soft bed to relax in after short walks, or cuddles with you and children, aged 10-plus.

Another stray that no one claimed, Bailey is a shepherd, approximately 4 years old, who was born with genetic mutations that affect her mobility. She also has a slight heart murmur.

While she has undergone surgery at the shelter to help manage these conditions, she will require lifelong care, regular checkups, softer food and special handling.

Bailey is also dog reactive and must be the only dog in the home.  She is goofy, playful and loving, and would love a home with someone experienced with special-needs pets or someone with a strong desire to support a dog in need.

To meet or learn more about the dogs at Brookhaven Animal Shelter, contact shelter education specialist Alyssa Greco, LVT (631) 451-6960.