Dog Pound Started In 2011 Slated For Completion In 2012

By Kendra Bobowick

In hard hats and holding ceremonial shovels, officials and volunteers gathered in the shade off Trades Lane in August to break ground for a new dog pound. They stood at a spot on Old Farm Road where an open field would soon hold a new animal facility for dogs and cats. The current animal facility is adjacent to the Newtown transfer station off Ethan Allen Drive.

Acknowledging first the “incredible accomplishment” of the years-long pubic and private partnership to build a pound, First Selectman Pat Llodra said the moment represents the successful effort to “do better by our animals.” The new pound will be a “new and better place for our cats and dogs.” She acknowledged the hard work of Canine Advocates of Newtown (CAN) volunteers and all supporters to raise funds and awareness for a new pound.

CAN President Virginia Jess said the new facility “represents a dream, and today it becomes a reality.” Contributions including “all the little things” coming from the community have added up, she said. She turned to former first selectman Herb Rosenthal saying, “Herb spoke up for the animals for 12 years.” Looking toward her various board members she said, “You worked effortlessly; you stuck through it.” And remembering longtime advocate and friend of the pound, the late Dr Brian Silverlieb of Mt Pleasant Hospital for Animals, she said, “[Brian] is smiling down. God has blessed this project.”

A month later officials chose to name the pound after Dr Silverlieb. According to Ms Jess, a longtime friend and associate, Dr Silverlieb may have done more to make Newtown nicer for animals than anybody. And there may have been no one more passionate about improving the conditions under which the town’s cast-off and abandoned pets were forced to live after being impounded.

“There were many who worked to make the dream of a new animal control facility that reflects the compassion of the people of Newtown a reality,” Ms Jess said before the Board of Selectmen September 6. “However, there was no one who was a greater believer in this vision than the late veterinarian, Dr Brian J. Silverlieb.”

Ms Jess, along with resident Michael Kelly and veterinary technician Mary Simpson, came before the selectmen that evening to support the board’s naming the soon-to-be built animal care headquarters in memory of Dr Silverlieb, who lost his own brave and extended battle with cancer last February.

One by one, Ms Jess ticked off the many things her friend was able to accomplish on behalf of the animals of Newtown, including helping to establish a funding relationship between the dog pound and Canine Advocates, so its members and benefactors could underwrite rabies inoculations, spaying and neutering procedures for soon-to-be-placed adoptees, and the integration of volunteers to support staffers at the town’s existing and inadequate facility adjacent to the town landfill.

“He was the only vet in town to offer a deep discount for the care of pound animals,” she said. “And when there was no room for an animal at the pound for any reason, Dr Silverlieb offered shelter in his hospital at no cost.”

During the August groundbreaking, gathered supporters included residents such as Maureen Donnel and her dog Misty, who sponsored a room in the new building, and Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason and Assistant Animal Control Officer Matt Schaub received a brief applause for their continued care of Newtown’s animals.

The new facility was designed by Jacunski Humes Architects of Berlin. The entire project is estimated to cost $1 million, with a $750,000 contribution from the town, and roughly $237,000 from CAN fundraising, plus other private donations.

Although officials had hoped to see the new pound finished year’s end, the date has been moved to March 1. Ms Mason said this week that hopes that the pound will be completed in early spring.