With her furry white coat and happy, three-legged gait, Angel spread joy. Sadly, the little rescued pup who won the heart of Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter Director Laura Burban, and who helped spread a message of compassion as a Community Therapy Dog, passed away over the weekend.

"It all happend very quickly," said Burban. "Up until last Thursday, Angel was giving back by educating children about caring for animals properly."

Burban adopted Angel as her own shortly after the six-week old was removed from a backyard breeder where she was neglected as a puppy. Due to the neglect, Angel lost her leg. Because she had never received proper medical care, Angel's kidneys were failing. With assistance from the community, attentive care from Burban, and four surgeries before she was ten months old, Angel began to thrive. Soon, Burban saw a purpose in the pup she had adopted as her own.

With Burban, Angel began working as a Community Therapy Dog (CTD), visiting area schools to teach kids about disabilities, acceptance and how to overcome obstacles. Burban said April, May and June have always been busy months for Angel, who often would make the visits with another CTD, Cupid. Her visits also reached retirement communities, senior centers and rehabilitation centers.  Angel also "worked" at the shelter, where she helped calm and promote healthy, happy interaction among many abandoned dogs in need of companionship.

"Angel was an ambassador of peace and acceptance. Angel came to the shelter every day with a smile on her face and a wag in her tail," said Burban. "Angel took her three and half years on this planet to educate people about caring for animals properly, proving those with disabilities are just as able, teaching children about compassion, empathy and acceptance, and bringing smiles to those who are who are elderly or were sick."

In her honor, an "Angel Fund" has been started up at no-kill municipal Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter, which serves Branford, North Branford and Northford. The new "Angel Fund" will help other animals arriving with chronic illnesses or life-long challenges, said Burban. 

"Angel accepted many animals into her home and office and provided them a safe haven and playmate until we could find them their forever home," said Burban. "She lived life everyday as we all should – with excitement and wonder. We will all miss her and appreciated the service she provided not only for our own community, but for all communities she touched along the shoreline."

Donations can be sent to Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter at 749 East Main Street, Branford, CT 06405 or by Paypal at www.branfordanimalshelter.org