Animal Shelter Project Breaks Ground August 10

By Kendra Bobowick

Virginia Jess had shared the “wonderful news,” via e-mail Friday, July 29, that, “at long last,” a date has been set to break ground for a new animal shelter in Newtown. A ceremony will be held Wednesday, August 10, at 9 am, at the future shelter site off of Trades Lane. “Everyone is invited!” she said. The event is open to the public.

Ms Jess, president of Canine Advocates of Newtown (CAN), stated, “Hurray!”

First Selectman Pat Llodra is excited about the groundbreaking, saying the improvement over its current location near the Newtown transfer station is “tremendous.” She said, “We have plans and just about enough money to execute what we need. Our goal is to be operational before dead of winter.”

Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason is happy for the animals. “They’ll have more space, especially the dogs.” She said, “We have worked at it so long; I’ll really be excited when we walk through the door.”

Ms Jess has successfully fundraised and campaigned to support a new dog pound in town for several years, and is “really excited,” for the upcoming ceremony.

Thinking back over the CAN organization’s 12-year history of raising funds to support the pound pets’ veterinary needs, purchase supplies, and more, efforts in the last six years have focused on a new animal shelter.

“I think people thought it’s never going to happen,” she said Wednesday, August 3. But all the donations over the years — large and small — have added up to roughly $237,000.

“It is all from the children and kids who sacrificed birthday gifts, and all the $5, $10, and $20 donations that added up.” She mentioned the many lemonade stands, and crafts, magnets, and bracelets sales by the children, from “way back when,” that have contributed so much, she said.

The entire project cost is estimated at $1 million. It received a $750,000 contribution from the town. “We went to many meetings to persuade!” Ms Jess said.

People also sponsored kennels, rooms, and space in the new shelter’s cat section, and opportunities still exist to contribute. “Maybe they want a plaque remembering a beloved pet,” said Ms Jess. Rooms, kennels, and cat space in the shelter can still be purchased.

Noting the many parents, residents, children, and merchants who had provided food, goods, and time and money to fundraising sales, she said, “I think the whole community is looking forward to this.”

Duncan Sellars of Baybutt Construction is the general contractor working with architect Jacunski Humes Architects of Berlin. Ms Jess had hopes to “get in there this winter,” but knows the anticipated seven-month project will be done as son as possible.