CVH Butterfly Party/Festival Draws Hundreds To Pet Adoption Event
Motionless as the crowd moved around her, Chloe Teixeira peered through fencing at a puppy staring back at her. She and her mother Camila Teixeira of Stratford heard about the 4th Annual Catherine's Butterfly Party and Animal Adoption Event on June 9 from a radio ad, prompting their visit to Fairfield Hills to join hundreds of guests and equally as many animals up for adoption that day.
Saturday's free community festival in honor of Catherine Violet Hubbard, one of 26 people killed on 12/14, included more than 100 adoptable pets from as many as 20 regional shelters and rescue groups. The annual Butterfly Party recalls Catherine's affection for animals and fulfills her request every year to have a birthday party with her favorite animals.
Among family activities were the butterfly photo booth, CT State Police K-9 demo, educational seminars and demonstrations, face painting, games, crafts, vendors, and more, presented by The Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary.
As Chloe turned away from one puppy with PetRescue of Larchmont, N.Y., she encountered another: Ziggy, a white mixed-breed with beCAUSE4PAWS Inc of New Milford walking on a lead with Jenna Sorrentino. Wagging and grinning, Ziggy blended in with a sea of other dogs on leash filling the Fairfield Hills grounds.
Bulldogs, their teeth askew amid rumpled faces, sat panting in the shade. Up for adoption through Long Island Bulldog , the dogs relaxed under an awning or lounged in a small doggy pool.
Also finding a spot of shade were Gabrielle Soltis and another puppy up for adoption with Gimme Shelter Animal Rescue, which seeks forever homes for pets.
Petting a tiny dog were Anna Weissman and Samantha Klein, holding the pup called Snoopy, who was adopted and renamed that day, following what had been a lengthy journey to his new home. The women, also with Gimme Shelter, said Snoopy began his trip to the adoption day in Newtown in New Jersey. He then arrived in Manhattan, where he spent the night. He was originally rescued from South Carolina.
Jackie Brannon and Pete Paulos, architect for the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, were walking Ms Brannon's dog, Nala, and stopping at various tables. Nala, taking advantage of the spacious lawn, threw herself on her back to wriggle happily.
A few steps away was animal sanctuary volunteer Gianna Amatuzzi, grinning and wrapping her arms around Baci, a large yellow dog costumed in butterfly wings.
Surrounded by pets and guests and stopping to say hello were First Selectman Dan Rosenthal and Jenny Hubbard. Ms Hubbard, who said she was "thrilled with the turnout," was pleased to see the many visitors to the event honoring her daughter Catherine.
Charlie, an adopted bulldog representing Long Island Bulldog Rescue, joined the many adoption agencies at the 4th Annual Catherine's Butterfly Party and Animal Adoption Event on June 9.
-Bee Photos, Bobowick
Gianna Amatuzzi, a volunteer with the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, hugs Baci, dressed in butterfly wings.
Anna Weissman reaches out to pet Snoopy as Samantha Klein gives the small pooch a kiss. The women and Snoopy, who was adopted and renamed on Saturday, June 9, are with Gimme Shelter Animal Rescue of Long Island.
Jane Hickock, left, holds up Jackson to meet his brother Snoopy, held safely in Sarah Smith's grip.
Jenna Sorentino with beCAUSE4PAWS, a rescue group in New Milford, takes Ziggy for a stroll.
Traveling from Stratford was Camila Teixeira with her daughter Chloe, who was captivated by two small puppies.