ABOUT MICKEY:

MICKEY IN THE NEWS:

Midstaters show their puppy love

(from the Patriot News, by John Luciew)

Mutt and her rescuers lap up all the support
Mickey and Arlene Paoletta have found they are not the only ones with Texas-sized hearts.

Since the Upper Allen Twp. couple rescued an injured, stray dog from certain death on a Dallas street, they have been deluged by calls of concern and offerings of money.

Mickey Paoletta said a Patriot-News story last month prompted more than 100 telephone calls, letters and visits as well as donations totalling $250 from concerned animal lovers.

"Some people were crying," he said. "They said, 'Boy, you people are really great. We love you.' "

The fact that the injured dog, appropriately named Texas, had just had five puppies only increased the public outpouring, the Paolettas said. Numerous people clamored for one of the litter.

"They said 'I want one of those Texas puppies,' " said Paoletta, adding that he and his wife were extremely picky in selecting prospective owners, ensuring good homes for the pups.

Some came right to the Paolettas' Park Hills Drive home to see Texas and her offspring, and several offered money to help with the maimed mutt's mounting medical bills.

Texas, who was injured when a car struck her in Dallas, greeted each visitor with a wagging tail. "She was very, very receptive to everybody," said Paoletta. "She never even growled once."

Thanks to the response, the Paolettas have found good homes for of of Texas' puppies. The dogs will be turned over to their new owners next month, just in time for Christmas.

Woody Grimes of Susquehanna Twp. was one of those moved by Texas' story. He called the Paolettas offering to adopt one of the puppies on the spot.

"I thought it was great what those people did," he said. "We wanted to provide a good home for it because of the ordeal it went through."

Grimes has already picked a name for the young dog: Lucky.
Joe Rittner of Steelton also is in line to receive one of Texas' pups. In an effort to persuade the Paolettas that he would take good care of the dog, he had his veterinarian call with a reference.

Rittner said the puppy will provide companionship for his ill, home-ridden mother and replace the recently deceased family dog.

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