Adopt A Shelter Pet Month Events Successful

By Nancy K. Crevier

The Hawleyville Post Office Adopt A Shelter Pet collaboration with the Newtown High School Animal Concerns Club culminated on Saturday, May 22, with a visit to the Barnabas Road post office facility from the North Shore Animal League Pet Mobile Van, and the announcement of the Animal Concerns Club Favorite Pet Photo Contest winner.

The monthlong effort, which also included a pet food collection, was in coordination with the release of the United States Postal Service Adopt A Shelter Pet stamp issued in May, said Postmaster Mark Favale. 

More than 300 pounds of pet food and cash donations were collected from postal customers to benefit Newtown Animal Center and Canine Advocates of Newtown.

“We are very honored that the Hawleyville Post Office staff thought to include us in this worthwhile activity,” said Animal Concerns Club President Alissa Silber. “We’re especially happy to be a part of the process to help encourage the food donations to help feed cats and dogs in our community,” she said.

Members of the Animal Concerns Club selected Maisy Beagle from more than 25 photos entered in the Favorite Pet Photo Contest. The members considered the cuddle factor, pose, eyes, props, and expression as criteria for choosing the winner.

“Maisy Beagle had votes in a few of the categories, which put her in the winner’s spot,” said Alissa. “She also has a face that’s irresistible,” she added.

Cornelia Baker of Bethel is the “grand-puppy-mom” of Maisy, coincidentally adopted from the same New Milford animal shelter that provided the shelter pets featured on the USPS awareness stamp. Ms Baker was awarded a gift basket containing a sheet of Shelter Pet stamps, a Stamps.com gift certificate, and assorted toys, food bowls, and other doggie goodies.