2 dogs in need of new home after owner's tragic death

Source: WPRI.com
Author: Lauren Brill, Paige Messier

CUMBERLAND, R.I. (WPRI) -- Two dogs are searching for a new home after their owner died in an apparent murder-suicide over the weekend.

Loren Marino, 24, was an East Providence native who was found shot dead inside her Haverhill home Sunday evening. Investigators believe her boyfriend, 24-year-old Austin Amaral, shot her before taking his own life.

Marino left behind her two beloved dogs, 4-year-old Darla and 2-year-old Spanky, whom she rescued from a Massachusetts animal shelter.

Olivia Phelps, who works at the Hotel for Homeless Dogs, told 12 News Marino and her were good friends.

Phelps said when she first heard of Marino's tragic passing, she immediately thought of Darla and Spanky.

Olivia Phelps, a kennel attendant for the Hotel for Homeless Dogs, told 12 News Marino was her friend and when she heard what had happened, she immediately thought of her dogs.

"My first worry was what happened to those babies?" Phelps recalled. "Those dogs were her babies."

Phelps is making it her mission to find Marino's dogs a new forever home together. She said Darla and Spanky are currently being cared for by Haverhill Animal Control, since the Hotel for Homeless dogs is currently at capacity.

"Those dogs deserve the absolute world after what they've been through," she said. "That's one wish I know Loren would have, is to make sure her dogs are safe."

Phelps said the Hotel for Homeless Dogs is seeking foster homes for other dogs in their care so the shelter can make room for them if need be.