SOUTHBURY - Animals for Life, a non-profit animal rescue group in Southbury, has announced its first fundraising campaign in conjunction with the New York City marathon.
SOUTHBURY â Animals for Life, a non-profit animal rescue group in Southbury, has announced its first fundraising campaign in conjunction with the New York City marathon.
The campaign was proposed by David Varnish, a resident of NYC and Bethlehem, who was inspired by the adoption of his dog, Mattie. He will run the marathon with the goal of raising funds for the group that rescued her.
Mattie was reported as a stray running the streets of Waterbury last winter and led Canine Control officers on many disappointing chases. Through the efforts of one of the stateâs most diligent canine officers, Mattie was trapped and rescued in time to save her life.
It was discovered that her collar had become imbedded in her neck as she had outgrown it during her life on the run. She was slowly being choked to death. Animals for Life had been involved in the search and immediately transferred her to a vet for surgery.
About three hours and hundreds of stitches later, Mattie emerged as a healthy and affectionate terrier mix. She was promptly adopted by David and Electa Varnish at an open house where Animals for Life showcased its orphaned animals.
A passerby had been so impressed with the dog and her rescue story that she offered to pay the vet bill in full.
Animals for Life depends on donations to continue saving the lives of animals in desperate situations.
âWhen we get these calls, weâre just thinking about the rescue and not the cost,â said volunteer Debbie Kearns, who heard the first report on Mattie come in to Canine Control, âbut eventually the treasrer has to. It would be impossible for us to say no, but usually the money is just not there.â
Mattieâs story is not uncommon, as pounds across the state report imbedded, or nearly imbedded, collars as a serious problem. Riley, pictured with David Varnish, was recently impounded with a choke chain so tight the Department of Public Works had to be called to remove it with heavy wire cutters.
To sponsor David Varnish in the 26-mile NYC Marathon on November 7, call the Animals for Life hotline at 1-203-267-6777. Information on adopting Riley, or other dogs and cats, is also available at that number.