111 Dogs to Converge in Stratford

Originally posted as a blog on Norwalk Patch

If you are a dog owner or have ever owned a dog, you know the true unconditional love that a dog can give you.

In the Northeast, our dogs are members of our families. They sleep in bed with us, they watch TV on the couch with us, they accompany us in the car to run errands, and the dog park is a place of socialization for both the dogs as well humans (I have met some of my best friends at the dog park).

Unfortunately in many other places in this country like down South or in the Midwest, dogs are seen as workers or outside animals. They aren't considered part of the family to many and in turn are not treated as they should be.

With a lack of neuter/spaying laws along with dogs being left to roam around outside the dog population is out of control. The shelters receive so many dogs a day that the rate of dogs being euthanized is out of control.

For several years now, Dr. Gloria Andrews and Colbert Vet Rescue out of Colbert, Ga., have worked selflessly to save as many dogs and puppies as they can with the limited amount of resources they have.

Mike Cordelli, from Easton, Conn., has been one of our amazing volunteers who have worked with Colbert Vet Rescue in finding homes for the amazing dogs that come up from Georgia.

Mike had a huge heart and him and his wife Anna always went out of their way to save as many animals as they could. Over the years, they have adopted countless FIV positive cats that no one else wanted and have taken in two of Colbert's rescues.

Mike was a quiet force and was also there to do whatever was needed without being asked. He could come up with a solution to any problem that arose and was invaluable to the rescue. His advice was always spot on but never gave it unless it was asked. His smile and positive attitude were infectious.

Unfortunately, Mike passed away suddenly in August which stunned us all. This weekend, Oct. 19 and 20, we are having a large adoption event in honor of Mike.

The event is called Mikey's Mutts and we have 111 adorable and loving dogs and puppies that are looking for their "fur"ever homes.

Please join us this Saturday and Sunday at the Stratford Petco on Ferry Boulevard from 10 a.m. to close to support our love for animal rescue and our love for Mike!