Puppy love

After pet's loss, new dog brightens holidays for boy, grandmother

Meri R. Kennedy
Posted 12/18/14

Dolores Antonelli and her grandson, Dean, suffered a tragic loss last month when their 2-year-old dog, Missy, died at Oaklawn Animal Hospital following an incident at the Western Hills Village …

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Puppy love

After pet's loss, new dog brightens holidays for boy, grandmother

Posted

Dolores Antonelli and her grandson, Dean, suffered a tragic loss last month when their 2-year-old dog, Missy, died at Oaklawn Animal Hospital following an incident at the Western Hills Village apartments in which a neighbor struck the dog with his cane.

Both Dolores and Dean, an 11-year-old sixth-grade student at George J. Peters Elementary School, had a very difficult time mourning their loss. Missy’s death occurred the day before the two-year anniversary of the death of Dean’s mother and Dolores’ daughter, Cindy. They were facing a difficult Christmas with the loss of Missy until several individuals and companies stepped in to play the role of Santa Claus.

The Perfect Puppy, located in East Providence, heard of the loss, and when Detective Paula Duffy of the Cranston Police Department, a known animal advocate, reached out to them, they were more than willing to help.

Carlos Munoz, owner of The Perfect Puppy, donated a vaccinated and micro-chipped Silky terrier to provide some comfort to Dolores and Dean. They both fell in love with their new puppy, which Dean immediately named “Holly” in keeping with the Christmas season.

“I typically handle the animal cruelty cases, and although I was not directly involved with the arrest I was notified of the case. I have helped people who have been victims of animal cruelty cases in the past to find another animal to love,” Duffy said. “This particular case immediately got my attention because it was a grandmother raising her grandson as they lost their dog. Now, being around the holidays, when we have the time at home to enjoy our loved ones, it bothered me that they would not have their best friend, Missy, with them.”

“We heard about what happened and we wanted to help [Dolores] out and make her happy. It made us so happy to see how happy she and her grandson are with the puppy. It was nice to be a part of it. You can’t replace a dog, but you can help to console with a new puppy,” Munoz said.

Pat Mulincuddy Maxwell, Cranston’s animal control officer, was also there to help console Dolores and Dean after the loss of Missy.

When Duffy went to deliver the new puppy to Dolores, they kept it as a surprise from Dean until he came home from school. When Dean saw the puppy, “he lit up like a Christmas tree,” Dolores said.

“I am sure this will make their holiday brighter,” Duffy said, “and having brought the puppy to the young boy, I saw his smile and his immediate attachment. That is what you need on this job, to be compassionate, empathetic and kind to people.”

Dean did not want to let go of the puppy, and it was love at first sight. Dolores and Dean have already begun Christmas shopping for Holly, including a big stocking full of goodies and treats. Neighbors have also stopped in to see Holly and to bring her toys and treats.

“Holly has already helped my grandson, Dean, to cope with loss with a renewed spirit,” Dolores said. “I want to thank everyone who was involved in our Christmas surprise, and we are deeply devoted and in love with Holly.”

Oaklawn Animal Hospital offered a free first well-being check for Holly, and family and friends of Dolores and Dean have provided many toys and puppy accessories. Additionally, grooming business From Head To Tail on Warwick Avenue in Warwick wanted to help and provided a free grooming for Holly.

“It was nice to see so many people helping us,” Dean said. “I got a new dog and I am just very thankful.”

Dean said he can’t wait for Christmas morning and vowed to get up very early with Holly. As Missy used to sleep with Dolores, Holly sleeps with Dean.

“I am so happy about my grandson’s happiness with Holly. He was very upset about Missy as this time of year is difficult for him due to his mother’s death, and Holly has helped him so much. Dean is finally sleeping better and Dean now puts himself and Holly to bed with no problems,” Dolores said. “They are very attached.

“This has made our Christmas season brighter and has lightened up both of our lives. I want to thank everyone involved as they all gave us the best gift possible this Christmas season.”

Col. Michael Winquist, chief of the Cranston Police Department, applauded those who played a role in bringing Holly to Dolores and Dean.

“I want to thank Detective Paula Duffy and Mr. Carlos Munoz, owner of Perfect Puppy, for the compassion they demonstrated towards Ms. Delores Antonelli, who lost her beloved pet due to a heinous and cowardly act allegedly committed by the suspect. Hopefully, the combined efforts of Detective Duffy and Mr. Munoz that led to the donation of a puppy provides some solace to Ms. Antonelli,” he said. “The Cranston Police Department and the residents of Cranston are fortunate to have such great, caring officers who truly care about those they are sworn protect. The charges against the suspect have been filed with the hopes that the appropriate punishment will be levied against the individual responsible.”

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