Bonded dogs find new home after tragedy

CUMBERLAND, R.I. (WPRI) — More than a year after 24-year-old Loren Marino was shot and killed in a murder-suicide, her two dogs are going to a new home.

Following the tragedy, 5-year-old Darla and 3-year-old Spanky stayed at the Hotel for Homeless Dogs in Cumberland.

The Hotel for Homeless Dogs announced on Monday that the bonded pair were finally adopted.

“After spending a week with their new mom and dad they just fell in love,” the hotel wrote in a social media post Monday afternoon. “Both Darla and Spanky molded perfectly into their lifestyle.”

For Loren’s mother Christine Marino, who was unable to take the dogs in herself, their adoption is bittersweet.

“It’s one of the final pieces of Loren’s passing,” Marino said. “She can finally be at peace knowing her babies have been adopted.”

Hotel for Homeless Dogs Executive Director Susan Joseph told 12 News back in February that the nonprofit was only going to adopt the dogs to a family that was the right fit.

“My job is to find them the perfect and last home because they deserve that,” Joseph said.

The Hotel for Homeless Dogs believes the wait was worth it.

“They are already beyond spoiled rotten,” the nonprofit said. “We couldn’t be happier.”