Overview

• Two long-term shelter dogs—Alfi, who spent nearly six years at the facility, and Laika, an 18-year-old resident—were euthanized on the same day due to a non-healing elbow fracture and a rapidly progressing tumor.
• Shelter staff had formed close bonds with both animals, with Alfi relying on favorite caregivers and Laika cherished as a gentle “grandma” figure.
• Facebook posts announcing their deaths drew over 400 comments for Alfi and nearly 200 for Laika, highlighting strong community empathy.
• Alfi’s early months were spent chained in a garden before he arrived at the shelter, where he never found a permanent home.
• Despite the recent losses, the shelter continues adoption campaigns for long-awaiting animals such as Diva the cat and Bozo the dog.