Help Keep The Pound

A No-Kill Facility

To the Editor:

Anatole France said, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” Jed passed away a few weeks ago after a prolonged illness, attended at his passing by the caring staff of Mt Pleasant Animal Hospital, and by Matt Schaub, kennel keeper at Newtown’s Pound. Jed was one of Newtown’s dogs, one of the abandoned or lost ones that end up at the pound. Jed’s age and the cause of his death are unknown, but the toll that starvation and exposure took on his frail body is unquestionable. His soulful eyes bespoke pain and suffering, but his last few months were filled with an abundance of love and caring. He ate donated rotisserie chickens and fresh salmon, fed by hand to encourage him to eat and regain his strength.

Carolee Mason and Matt Schaub operate not only a facility to house Newtown’s lost, abandoned and abused dogs, they provide a loving and caring environment where all dogs are given a second chance at life. Jed was loved and cared for by all of the caring staff at the pound, and by a band of dedicated volunteers. His eyes and his graceful manner displayed his affection and gratitude. In the end, after a valiant fight and despite everyone’s best efforts, Jed succumbed. He touched the souls of all who met him with his gentle ways and his open heart.

Jed is the first dog in a long time to be euthanized at our pound. The difficult decision was made because he was too ill, and his suffering too great. Newtown’s Pound is a no-kill facility, and every effort is made to rehabilitate the dogs there and to give them the chance for a new life and a new forever home. Yes, they are housed and fed; but they also receive veterinary care, grooming, exercise and social interaction, training, and lots of love. They learn to trust again.

Our pound operates on a limited budget. Canine Advocates of Newtown is a volunteer organization that helps fund the needs of the dogs, and CAN volunteers provide countless hours of walking and interaction for the dogs. CAN raised over $230,000 toward the construction of a new pound for Newtown, a project they spearheaded. A portion of dog licensing fees and redemption fees goes back to the pound, but times are tight and the budget is dwindling.

In Jed’s memory, please consider a donation to keep up the good work our pound does every day. Any donation, no matter how large or small, would be appreciated. Drop off a check at the pound or visit http://canineadvocates.org, and donate. It would be a worthy tribute to Jed to raise donations in his memory to keep the good work ongoing.

Please consider adopting a shelter pet, report any animal neglect or abuse, and please support keeping our pound a no-kill facility.

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”  —Mohandas Gandhi

Sincerely,

Jackie zVon

4 Rockywood Drive, Sandy Hook                               October 25, 2011