All Dogs Go To Heaven: Stella Will Assure Pups Up There Are Safe

GUILFORD, CT — A goldendoodle named Stella, a dedicated "search and rescue" dog who captured the hearts of many, died this week after a many months-long battle with cancer.

The "wonder dog" of Dog & Drone Search D&D lost pet resource, based in Madison and operated out of Guilford, had a "brilliant sense of animal behavior." Owned Dan and Ann Montuori, the service is all volunteer and free.

A GoFundMe appeal created last summer raised more than $10,000 for Stella's medical expenses after she was diagnosed with a cancer that required the amputation of her front right leg.

"Sadly, the loss of this beautiful girl is not only the loss of Dan and Ann Montuori, but everyone’s loss," one person wrote on the Simply Guilford community Facebook page. "She was responsible for the safe return of numerous puppies, kittens, dogs, and cats who strayed or ran from home in panic for many years. Despite her cancer and amputation, Stella continued to find and return lost, frightened pets, who likely would have never returned home without her, until her last days. She provided this service at no charge. Stella was a truly remarkable hero and the sweetest dog you will ever meet."

Dan Montuori took to Facebook to share the heartbreaking news and like any parent, two-or four-legged, posted a photo of Stella as a pup.

"This is Stella when she won over my heart, and we started an adventurous life together. Who would ever guess we would form a bond of love for all living creatures and even save pets together," Montuori wrote. "My heart aches, but she wouldn’t want that, she cared for me as if I was her child."