With squat legs, a chunky torso and a habit of being “dog selective,” 4‑year-old mutt Brandy certainly wasn’t the cream of the crop in terms of adoptable dogs at the Ansonia Animal Shelter.
But well over a year after being found wandering the streets of Ansonia, Brandy the unwanted now has a home with a family in Middletown, thanks to animal advocates on Facebook and the patience of Ansonia Animal Control Officer Jean Roslonowski.
Brandy entered the social media stratosphere last year with a post on “Shelter Connecticut,” a Facebook group that spreads the word about shelter dogs all over the state.
Brandy was among the first pooches posted on the Facebook page, according to “Shelter Connecticut’s” Dana Engell.
“Brandy was one of the first animals I shared from this page … She was one of the critters who kept me up at night, worrying about when and if she would ever go home,” Engell said.
Brandy the unwanted became a regular post on the “Shelter Connecticut” Facebook page.
“Without the exposure through social media and concerned citizens and volunteers, these animals don’t have the greatest odds of being adopted,” Engell said.
Brandy arrived at the Ansonia Animal Shelter on Memorial Day 2012. A man had found her wandering the streets. She weighed a hefty 83 pounds, but had a sweet, friendly demeanor.
But it was hard to find a fit for her, partly because she doesn’t get along great with other dogs (hence, “dog selective”).
Luckily, she ended up under Roslonowski’s care in Ansonia, which isn’t a high-intake shelter compared to animal shelters in larger cities.
Roslonowski was able to keep her for as long as necessary. The shelter relies heavily on donations and help from various organizations to pay for food and medical costs. Grants snagged by the city are helpful, too.
Roslonowski said grassroots websites and social media pages help to raise awareness about shelter dogs, including Brandy.
On May 31, Brandy finally said goodbye to the Ansonia shelter and headed for her new home in Middletown.
Roslonowski said only lets a dog be adopted when she is positive that the dog will be happy and comfortable with the family. Judging by Brandy’s exuberant and excited attitude toward the family, Roslonowski is confident that Brandy has found a perfect fit.
