Dog Left in West Islip Dumpster Gets a Loving Home

Miracle, the small dog who wasdiscarded in a dumpster in West Islip on Christmas Eve, is celebrating Valentine’s Day, in her forever home with new owner, Hazel Wagner of North Babylon. 

The announcement was made Thursday at the Islip Animal Shelter and Adopt-a-Center, by Islip Town Councilman Anthony J. Senft, Jr. on Miracle’s 4th birthday.

Senft was also joined by Suffolk County SCPA Detective Paul Llobell, and shelter staff, in the joyous occasion, a happy ending to a horrific story. Senft congratulated Ms. Wagner, as well as her mother, also Hazel, for being selected among dozens of applications.  He also wished Miracle a happy birthday, giving her a basket full of toys, treats, and clothing donated by the Islip Animal Shelter and their volunteer nonprofit group, Live.Love.Bark Dog Rescue Inc.

“Miracle has risen from a sad and unfortunate past, but thanks to the attentive care from shelter employees and volunteers, Miracle is ready to go home and live a happy and healthy life,” Senft said. 

Senft was part of a special committee that was established to determine who would be the best match for Miracle. After reviewing countless applications, consulting with veterinarians throughout Long Island and conducting four different meet and greets, the committee agreed that Wagner and her mother were the ideal applicants.

“Ms. Wagner lives with her mother, in a quiet and calm home; the perfect energy level for Miracle,” Senft said. “In her spare time, Ms. Wagner is a marathon walker, and is looking forward to going on long walks with Miracle."

 “I’m just the human at the end of a leash. This story really is about Miracle,” Wagner said humbly.

 Senft urged all those who placed an application on Miracle to consider adopting another dog from the shelter. 

“Though this dog may not have been the perfect match for everyone, Islip Animal Shelter currently has more than 60 other dogs waiting for their forever homes, which haven’t been as fortunate to have Miracle’s happy ending just yet,” Senft said. 

Michael Papini, 30, of Babylon, a former Islip Animal Shelter employee has been charged with felony aggravated animal cruelty, animal abandonment and other related charges for dumping Miracle in a gas station dumpster.