After their owner was killed “in a tragic domestic violence incident,” workers at a Rhode Island rescue were determined to find two resilient dogs a new home.
“They are truly such resilient and amazing dogs with the kindest eyes & goofiest personalities,” wrote Liv Phelps, a worker for Hotel for Homeless Dogs in Cumberland, Rhode Island. “Spanky a gentle giant who welcomes you with wet slobbery kisses and big ol hugs. Darla with her ever so soft fur and beautiful face. What’s not to love?”
Their owner, Loren Marino, 24, of Haverhill, was found dead in a home along with her boyfriend in March 2024, WCVB reported. Authorities said it was a murder-suicide.
Marino was born in Lowell and lived in East Providence, Rhode Island, before she moved back to Massachusetts to live in Haverhill in 2022. She worked as a mental healthcare professional at Anodyne Medical Services on assignment for Vinfen Corporation, “where she was dedicated to her work,” her family wrote in her obituary.
The dogs were traumatized after losing their owner, WCVB reported. And one of the dogs didn’t easily trust men.
The dogs were brought to the shelter in hopes of finding a new family. But a year later, they were still without a home.
“I can only imagine Loren and the worry she would have for these dogs,” Hotel for Homeless Dogs Executive Director Susan Joseph told the news outlet. “It was really important for me to close this chapter for her, but we had to close it right.”
On April 14, that changed.
“We did it! Darla and Spanky have found their forever home,” the rescue wrote on Facebook. “After spending a week with their new mom and dad they just fell in love. Both Darla and Spanky molded perfectly into their lifestyle.”
The Massachusetts couple, Mike Pollock and Karen Roy, said they will care for their two new dogs in Loren’s memory.
“I hope she can rest easy because we will love them,” Roy told WCVB.
If you are a victim of domestic or dating violence, you are not alone.
SafeLink offers a 24/7 toll-free hotline:
- (877) 785-2020
- (877) 521-2601 (TTY)
National Domestic Violence Hotline:
- (800) 799-7233
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