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The 2026 Face Of CVA
Every animal has a story worth celebrating. This is Bubba's.
From Foster Pup to Forever Family
The story of Butch, better known as Bubba, began at Middletown Animal Control, where he was born just 24 hours after his mother arrived from a puppy mill. Three days later, Bubba, his five siblings, and their mother arrived at a local animal shelter where longtime animal advocate and volunteer Karen Marrotte would soon meet him.
With three German Shepherds already at home, Karen initially welcomed Bubba as a foster, expecting to care for him only temporarily. But Bubba had other ideas.
He quickly bonded with his new canine siblings, especially his sister Greta, who became his companion for a good
game of chase. As he grew, he learned. And by watching the other dogs, Bubba began teaching himself how to play fetch. One afternoon, he brought Karen a ball, waited for her to throw it, and proudly brought it back. He's been hooked ever since and nowadays, you can almost always find him with a ball or toy in his mouth!
As time went on, Bubba's place in the family became increasingly permanent.
What began as a temporary arrangement gradually became something neither Karen nor Bubba was willing to give up. As Karen puts it, "his big, brown eyes told me the story."
Today, Bubba is more than a beloved companion. As the inaugural Face of CVA, he represents the countless animals whose well-being depends on compassionate care, dedicated advocacy, and the laws that protect them.
A Lifetime of Advocacy: Karen's Story
For Karen, protecting animals has always meant more than providing them with a loving home. From volunteering at animal shelters to rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife alongside her husband, she has spent years helping animals in need and encouraging others to do the same. Her experiences have taught her an important lesson: compassion alone cannot solve every problem animals face.
Karen recalls a conversation years ago with a young student researching animal rights for a school project. Drawing on her own experiences, Karen explained that while protests can raise awareness, lasting change often depends on changing the laws that govern how animals are treated. She encouraged the student to visit CVA's website and to get more involved in the legislative side of animal advocacy–things like contacting state legislators, writing letters, and visiting the Legislative Office Building in Hartford to witness the legislative process firsthand.
It was advice rooted in Karen's own journey. Years earlier, she attended a class taught by animal advocate Julie Lewin, where she learned about animal protection laws and the importance of civic engagement. That experience left a lasting impression and helped her recognize that her voice could make a difference.
That conviction is at the heart of CVA's mission, and it makes Karen's selection as the inaugural Face of CVA Lottery winner that much more meaningful.
For Karen, choosing Bubba was both an honor and a difficult decision. She knows firsthand that every animal has a story, and that every one of them are equally deserving of recognition.
As Bubba takes his place as CVA's first animal ambassador, he represents not only the special bond between one animal and the person who loves him, but also the countless animals who's lives can be improved when compassionate people turn their concern into action.
Because every animal deserves an advocate, and every advocate has the power to make a difference.
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