Derby Mascot Found In Newtown

By Andrew Gorosko

A pure-bred Dalmatian, which serves as a mascot for a Derby volunteer fire company, was reunited with its owner, after having spent ten days impounded in the Newtown animal shelter.

Newtown Animal Control Officer Gerri Breyan said June 21 that the 11-year-old male Dalmatian, known as Sparky, was reunited with owner James Stewart of Ansonia at the Newtown shelter on June 20. Ms Breyan of Derby, who was hired by the town recently, is undergoing a training period with Animal Control Officer George Mattegat, who plans to retire soon.

Sparky is the mascot for the volunteer East End Hose Company in Derby. Mr Stewart is a member of that organization.

Ms Breyan explained that Sparky disappeared from the Stewart residence in Ansonia on June 10. A thorough search for the handsome dog ensued.

Sparky was picked up by Newtown’s animal control staff on June 10, Ms Breyan noted. It is unclear how the dog got from Ansonia to Newtown.

Mr Stewart thoroughly publicized the mascot’s disappearance, Ms Breyan said. It was through talking with Ansonia Animal Control Officer Jeannie Roslonowski that Ms Breyan learned that the East End Hose Company’s 45-pound mascot was missing, and that the dog in the Newtown pound might be Sparky.

The Dalmatian was very happy to see his owner when Mr Stewart arrived at the Newtown pound, Ms Breyan said.

Newtown had advertised Sparky for adoption before learning the identity of his owner, she said.

“It’s a great happy-ending story,” Ms Breyan said, noting that Mr Stewart’s aggressive efforts to find the fire company mascot through networking had proved successful.