Paw Prints of Hope:
Elsa’s Story of Survival and Service
Elsa came to ROAR as a rescue dog from Mississippi with her 13 puppies in December 2016. A beautiful Lab mix, she was a homeless new Mom who was found with her pups under a shed. The family who owned the property contacted The Homeward Bound Project of Mississippi, which worked with ROAR to transport Elsa and her pups to Connecticut.
Despite arriving with heartworm and a BB pellet in her shoulder, Elsa’s loving spirit never wavered. When Megan, a longtime ROAR volunteer, met Elsa during one of her shelter shifts, she felt an instant connection that would change both their lives. The next step was introducing Elsa to Megan’s then dog Lucy – a meeting that resulted in wagging tails and instant friendship. Elsa’s gentle nature shone through again when she met Megan’s children, proving she would be a perfect addition to the family.
Before adoption, Elsa spent several months with another dedicated ROAR volunteer in her home while undergoing heartworm treatment and recovering from surgery to remove the BB pellet. As soon as her medical team cleared her for adoption, Megan and her family eagerly welcomed her into their home in June 2017.
Though she needed a second round of heartworm treatment after adoption, Elsa is now thriving and healthy.
This resilient mother – whose puppies all found loving homes too – now serves with Megan as one of ROAR’s Therapy Dog Teams, giving back to the community that helped her heal. She shares her home with fellow ROAR dogs Teddi, adopted in 2022, and Pete, adopted in February 2025. All three dogs are living their best lives with Megan’s family in Ridgefield, CT.
Support More Happy Endings
To help rescue more animals like Elsa and her puppies, ROAR is asking supporters to please consider donating to ROAR’s $25 for 25 in 2025 campaign. We are asking for contributions of $25 or more on the 25th of each remaining month this year. Every donation helps provide our cats and dogs with food, shelter, and medical care as they journey from homelessness to loving families.
Donations can be made online at https://givebutter.com/WdFhTZ. Donors can also submit cash or checks payable to ROAR by mail or in person at the ROAR Donofrio Family Animal Shelter at 45 South Street, Ridgefield, CT.
Your generous support will also help us rescue many more animals in need, giving them a second chance at happiness like Elsa and her puppies.
