Canine Advocates Appeals To Community

By Kendra Bobowick

“What can we do to help?”

Canine Advocates Director Virginia Jess has heard this inquiry often in past months and replies, “A couple of things.”

Ms Jess heads the advocates, now campaigning for funds to pay for a new dog pound. Primarily the help she seeks will be in response to one of her recently launched fundraising methods. Ms Jess said people often call her and ask how they can help.

She responds, “Put a magnet on your car.”

The blue magnets promoting the advocates’ cause say, “Support a new pound for Newtown,” and can be found in local businesses. Those who want to help can donate $3 in exchange for a magnet.

Striving for townwide support, she said, “I would love to see a sticker on the back of every car in town. We want to get the community involved.”

Supporters can also make a donation of old ink jet cartages, laser jet cartages, and digital cell phones.

“We will collect them and mail them in for cash,” Ms Jess said.

Already counting $20,000 in donations jump-started by a large sum from Yankee Discount Wines & Liquors owner Matt DeAngelis, Ms Jess has set her goal at $500,000.

Other contributions are as yet only hopes.

“We are looking for an architect who will donate some services,” she said. “We’re in the process of working on it and see a couple possibilities.”

Putting her faith in the community’s generosity, Ms Jess said she also needs a contractor. “Hopefully someone will come forward,” she said.

Residents can also anticipate upcoming community fundraising events, she said.

Thousands of dollars into her collection efforts, Ms Jess admits to several hurdles. Although she and other volunteers have approached local businesses, she said the contributions are slow.

“We have had some response, but only a little,” said Ms Jess.

Supporter Patti Fogelstrom has successfully been approaching businesses in town, however.

“I have collected from local merchants and I am so glad they are paying,” she said. She has had a “very positive time” with the contributing businesses. Unfortunately, she has encountered drawbacks.

“In some of the places I call I can’t even get past the secretary,” she said. “Anything they can do will help [ease] the animals suffering over there.”

Thankful for the generosity she has encountered, Ms Fogelstrom said, “There are so many people who love their animals, and they’re a blessing to us.”

Loosely referred to as The Canine Kids, many young people have regularly contributed to the Canine Advocates’ efforts.

“Our biggest support comes from children,” Ms Jess explained. “They love animals and have done so much. They have been amazing.”

Students have given Canine Advocates proceeds from several fundraisers already, she said.

Ms Jess noted the help of many, including Ms Fogelstrom and her daughter Christie, who attends a private high school. They became involved roughly five years ago.

Ms Fogelstrom said, “I went to the dump and saw the conditions there and approached [Ms Jess] to ask how to help.” She initially brought her son Ryan into the efforts, and most recently Christie, who is currently involved.

“I feel like I know the dogs,” Christie said. “Seeing them unhappy makes me really upset so I want to help as much as I can.”

The current dog pound is “obsolete” Ms Jess said. Although Ms Jess and others find fault with the pound’s age, location, and facilities, those involved in its operations are untarnished.

“The care that goes on there is wonderful,” she said. “The volunteers and people who work there are wonderful.”

The pound is running out of space, she criticizes.

“It is overcrowded and there is no room for cats,” she said. Animal Control Officer Gerri Breyan had confirmed in previous reports that the facility is not necessarily designed for cats.

However, “There are cats in there now,” Ms Jess said.

The pound contains a small reception/office area, a supply room now housing several cats, and the long kennel for dogs. Ms Jess sympathizes with efforts to manage conditions, saying, “Everything has to be done the hard way.”

The anticipated site for the new pound is yet to be announced. First Selectman Herb Rosenthal also confirmed previously that the town has had discussions with Canine Advocates about matching funds.