For Connie and Mary Jane, a shared love of animals has been a constant throughout their lives. After years as professors in Boston—Connie in clinical psychology and Mary Jane in the humanities—they retired to Cape Cod, where they embraced a new chapter filled with four-legged family members and a commitment to animal welfare.

Their journey with ARL began years ago at our Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center when they added a cat named Gigi to their family. They then became clients at Boston Veterinary Care for Gigi and the rest of their felines.

When Connie and Mary Jane moved to the Cape, they decided to adopt a dog from the Brewster Animal Care & Adoption Center. This led to a life-changing decision to adopt Keiki, a terrified puppy who came to ARL on a recent transport. Though they initially envisioned an easygoing dog, fate had other plans. When Connie and Mary Jane arrived at the shelter, they discovered a frightened black puppy, hiding under her bed in fear. Something told them that despite her special needs, she was the one.

Her transformation was slow but profound. Initially, Keiki was so timid, she would only eat in her crate. But with patience and love, she blossomed into a cherished companion. Despite challenges, including a broken finger for Mary Jane after an incident with a twisted leash, Keiki has been part of their family for over a decade. Her name, which means “child” in Hawaiian, reflects their deep love for her.

A year after Keiki’s adoption, another furry friend entered their lives. Connie happened to see a
puppy named Leilani at another rescue. Though she initially resisted the idea of another dog, Connie soon found herself calling Mary Jane to set up a meeting. Leilani and Keiki bonded instantly, and today, they are inseparable companions.

Connie, who grew up in Hawaii, has loved animals since childhood and would show kindness to every stray she met. Mary Jane grew up with many beloved family cats. Today, they extend that compassionby creating pollinator-friendly gardens in their yard, advocating for wildlife, and of course, supporting ARL.

They are passionate about helping more challenging pets, like Keiki, find the loving homes they deserve. They also recognize the importance of ARL’s wide-ranging services, spay and neuter programs like the Spay Waggin’, and support for a variety of animals, not just dogs and cats. On the Cape, where resources for animal welfare can be limited, ARL plays a crucial role in ensuring that animals in need receive the care and attention they deserve.

Looking ahead, they hope their support will help more animals like Keiki heal and find loving homes. Grateful for the network that brought Keiki into their lives, they wish for others to experience the same joy and life-changing connection that pet adoption has brought them. For Connie and Mary Jane, animal welfare is not just a worthy cause—it’s a lifelong commitment. Through their generosity, they continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals, the families who adopt them, and the community.