Make A Wish For The Pound Pooches

By Jan Howard

Dogs at the Newtown Dog Pound will be the beneficiaries of a fundraiser for Canine Advocates of Newtown at Bob Schnut’s Yankee Discount Wine & Liquors on Queen Street.

Former pound puppy McGregor took center stage this week when his owner, Jodi Bialik of Canine Advocates, and Mr Schnut got together for a photograph to highlight the store’s wishing well.

Funds raised in the wishing well will help pay for rabies/distemper shots and spaying/neutering for dogs at the pound, since funds are no longer available from the state.

The fundraiser will continue until the end of August when Yankee Discount will match the contributions made to Canine Advocates. Mr Schnut said his interest in the dogs at the pound started with posting adopt-a-dog posters “and went from that.”

He said children accompanying their parents to the store have been throwing pennies into the wishing well. He suggested the wishing well is a good place for adults to donate loose change. A basket is placed next to the wishing well for larger cash donations.

The pound was also the recipient recently of a wooden park bench donated by the Big Y.

“It was very nice of them to do that,” Virginia Jess of Canine Advocates of Newtown said. “We asked if they would be interested in making a donation, and they were.”

 The bench provides a place for people to sit when they are playing with the dogs or considering a dog for adoption, she said. “It is a nice attractive, comfortable bench.”

Ms Bialik said there is a big need for volunteers to walk and socialize the dogs, which increases their chances for adoption.

Volunteers are also needed to help post flyers about dogs that are available at the pound at various businesses around town. Residents interested in helping with fundraising efforts are also needed.

To volunteer, call 426-5327.