New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Stella the pet-search dog ‘was such a hero to everyone in town’
GUILFORD — Stella, the beloved, local pet-search dog died on March 21.
Stella and owner Dan Montuori have star status among animal lovers along the shoreline. Together they made up Dog & Drone Search Pet Rescue, finding pets that have gone missing. (http:// bitly.ws/psyu)
“She was sent here definitely for a purpose, to rescue pets,” said Montuori, through tears. “It seemed like she loved to do that and everyone who met her loved her. All pets that met her loved her.”
“Even wild,” he added. “That’s kind of funny, but that’s just her soul.”
On July 31, 2021 the 7-year-old Goldendoodle was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Her right front leg was amputated and she underwent chemotherapy.
On Monday, March 14 Stella started limping. After visits to Guilford Veterinary Hospital and Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine, between March 14 and March 19, no diagnosis was could be made, yet she got progressively worse.
On Monday, March 21 the decision was made to put her down.
“Between Saturday and today she’s not even able to stand up anymore,” said Montuori, on March 14.
“Today’s really the only day she’s suffering,” said Montuori. “So, it’s good timing. She didn’t really suffer. Today’s the only day she cried from pain when she woke up. So, it’s time.”
Some 150 people sent their condolences via the Stella Dan Montuori Facebook page.
Catherine Marganski said this is a huge loss for the community.
“Stella was such a hero to everyone in town,” the Guilford resident said.
“I was always so appreciative that we had people in town doing this for free, going out and finding people’s animals that were missing,” she said.
“I did enjoy, also, every time his car drove by Stella had her head out the window and was barking happily at everybody,” she added.
Guilford resident and family friend Gary Leavitt echoed this.
“I’ve seen them down at Chaffinch (Island Park) or on the Green or round and about town and it’s just so sad,” he said. “She’s like an icon in Guilford.”
Paula Schweizer, best friends with Montuori’s wife, Ann, was with the family right after Stella died and said people were delivering food to the house.
“That’s how much Stella meant to everyone,” she said. “Everybody loved Stella.”
Leavitt talked about how devoted Montuori was to Stella during her illness.
“His care for her, through this, has been amazing,” he said. “He pulled out all the stops and when so many people would have given up for financial reasons or for the long-term care parts, he took of her – that’s his little girl.”
A GoFundMe page was created to help with Stella’s medical costs. To date, some $10,500 has been raised, towards a $10,000 goal. (http://bitly.ws/psFX)
During her illness Stella continued working. In early March, she helped search for Charlie, a 6month-old beagle mix, that spent 10 days on the run in North Madison. (http://bitly.ws/psym)
“We rescued over 100 pets together,” said Montouri. “If it wasn’t for her none of that would have happened.”
Montuori plans to continue the work that he and Stella did together. His idea is to change the name to Stella Strong Pet Rescue in her honor.
On the last day of her life, Stella relaxed on the lawn and was visited by her wildlife friends.
“Every animal that lives around here came by,” said Montuori. “Hawks, birds, the dogs next door, they came and looked at her and then they ran off.”
“A squirrel, all the animals came around,” he added. “It’s kind of strange, but that’s Stella’s aura, so we know there are angels around.”