How Homemade Dog Treats Inspired a SouthCoast Author’s Novel and Shelter Support

It was 3 a.m. and Michelle Conlan had a commute from the SouthCoast to Boston ahead. At the time, she worked in the fashion industry, but that morning something started to change.

Conlan had two dogs, both adopted from a shelter. Koal, Conlan’s first dog, was a Catahoula Leopard Dog. Next, she adopted Abby, a six-year-old dog who looked like a black beagle. Before heading to Boston for work, Conlan decided to make some homemade treats for her dogs. What started as something special for her own dogs soon led to a career change, new connections, and eventually an entire chapter in one of her books dedicated to an animal shelter in Fall River.

Forever Paws Animal Shelter takes in hundreds of animals every year. Supporting the animals goes beyond things like food and supplies. Medical costs add up. With community support, the shelter can place pets into loving homes once they're ready to be adopted.

Inside the Forever Paws Annual Celebration of Giving

One of its most important fundraising events is the annual Celebration of Giving, which takes place on Saturday, September 26, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at White’s of Westport.

“It brings the community together to support our mission,” Shelter Director Arianna Silva said. “The funds raised go directly back into the shelter to provide everything our animals need.”

Last year, the shelter took in more than 1,000 animals. In 2026, it has already taken in almost 900. “They are spayed or neutered, tested, and microchipped to complete their medical care,” Silva said. Once the animals have completed their medical care, the shelter works to find the right matches through its application process.

Conlan’s love for animals eventually led to a career change from the fashion industry to working with dogs. “I realized it was time to make a change when I felt I wasn't passionate about fashion anymore,” she said. “It started to feel silly.”

Her dogs gave her time to appreciate nature and simple things, Conlan explained. Around 2009, when she approached Forever Paws Animal Shelter about selling treats at their event. Conlan recalled how nervous she was, but when shelter president Gail Furtado encouraged her, she began to feel more confident and excited about it.

a woman sitting on a couch with a dog reading a book

From Dog Treats to the Pet Industry

Conlan has gone on to work in the pet industry since she started selling treats. She became a dog groomer and owner of a grooming salon, now located in Acushnet, called Go Fetch. However, Conlan is also a writer and novelist, and her love for dogs has inspired her writing. Her books include The Camel Hair Coat and its sequel, A Widow’s Fire, which are both contemporary drama novels. Conlan recently announced that a third book, The Last Shoulder Kiss, will be available next year.

“Dogs have inspired my writing because I see the impact they make on others’ lives and how each dog has impacted my life,” she said. Conlan said that her first book includes an emotional story about one of her past dogs, and her second dedicates an entire chapter to Forever Paws Animal Shelter.

Conlan will be at the upcoming Celebration of Giving with her books. She said the event is a great way for people to support the shelter, including those who have adopted from it before. “The board members and staff pour their heart and soul into it,” said Conlan.

In 2026, along with the many other animals that found homes, six animals considered long-term shelter residents were adopted. “Our mission is to give the animals the gift of time to find their forever home,” Silva said. “With crowded shelters and a surrender waitlist that grows daily, this is a constant uphill battle.”

“It’s so impactful because it shows their dedication,” Conlan said about how the shelter helps animals find homes even when it takes longer than expected. “Forever Paws does not give up on finding a forever home for every animal that goes through their doors.”

Information and tickets for the Celebration of Giving are available on the Forever Paws Animal Shelter website, along with information on other ways people can support the shelter. Conlan will be there, and her books will be available for purchase. Her books will also be part of the silent auction.