The above are photos taken of Calzone at Happy Paws Pet Studio. Happy Paws Pet Studio has been a financial supporter of Murphy's Mission, generously donating to the organization in both 2025 and 2026.
A Long Journey, Continued Hope: Calzone’s Rescue Update
To many of our Steeltown Canicross supporters, Calzone is already a familiar face. Since arriving at Hamilton Animal Services' care in March, this boy has been waiting so long for placement with one of our rescue partners.
At approximately 3 years old and 80 pounds, Calzone is a handsome Shar-Pei/Lab mix with a love for adventure. His needs were and remain more complex than what can be accommodated through HAS' small & limited foster and adoption programs, making it especially important that they find the right rescue placement equipped to support his long-term success.
When Calzone first arrived, HAS veterinary team identified that he was suffering from bilateral entropion, a painful condition where the eyelids roll inward, causing the eyelashes and surrounding hair to rub against the surface of the eye. This constant irritation can lead to discomfort, inflammation, corneal damage, and impaired vision if left untreated.
Knowing that Calzone was awaiting rescue placement, their veterinary team initially worked to manage his condition conservatively. For weeks, he received regular eye lubricants and medicated ointments to help keep his eyes as comfortable as possible while we searched for an appropriate rescue partner. However, as the weeks turned into months, it became increasingly clear that his eyes could not continue to be managed this way indefinitely.
In addition to his behavioural and placement needs, Calzone deserved relief from the ongoing discomfort he was experiencing. Thanks to the Murphy's Mission Fund, HAS was able to move forward with corrective eye surgery in May, ensuring his wait would be a much more comfortable one. The procedure has helped address a significant source of discomfort and improved his overall quality of life while he continues his journey toward rescue placement.
His weekly adventures with Steeltown Canicross remain a highlight, allowing him to run, explore, and experience new environments while maintaining valuable routines.
Calzone's journey has been a long one, but thanks to the donations and the outings he is hanging in there! Without this surgery this chance to await rescue placement this long would be impossible.
Raven's Happily Ever After
Arriving at the shelter as a senior stray, this was no where to be in your golden years! The team quickly named her Raven because of her sleek beautiful coat! Raven had some lumps and bumps and with her being over the usual age for a standard spay she required some deep Lab senior bloodwork to make sure she would be a-ok for surgery. Thanks to the Murphy's Mission fund for covering the cost of her in depth blood panel to make sure she came out of surgery healthy and happy! Raven has since been adopted and we recently received the following update form her forever home:
“Raven is a wonderful dog. She has filled a hole in my heart and a spot in our home. It was meant to be. She has adapted very well and is learning manners on her leash. She loves everyone she meets. She is the ONE. Thanks for all you did for us.”
GOAL! Messi Scores His Forever Home.
Thanks to the Murphy's Mission Fund Messi recently received his neuter surgery and all the care needed to prepare him for adoption. Messi arrived at the shelter as an unclaimed stray after being found roaming with three other dogs. He quickly become a staff favourite thanks to his affectionate, easy-going personality and love of people. Whether meeting familiar faces or complete strangers, Messi is always eager to make new friends and soak up attention. This handsome Beagle has also shown positive social skills with other dogs and enjoyed meeting one of our helper dogs during a recent introduction. Messi has since been adopted.
