CAN President Makes Resolution For New Animal Shelter

By Kendra Bobowick

Lose five pounds. Quit smoking. Get out for a walk more often. While many residents are thinking of New Year’s resolutions to improve their exercise routine or eating habits, Canine Advocates of Newtown (CAN) President Virginia Jess is thinking about the dogs and cats in town that need a better home. Making her resolutions for 2008, Ms Jess sets her heart on a groundbreaking for a new Newtown Animal Shelter, with the name on a sign over the front door.

“That would be so wonderful, so wonderful,” she said. Ms Jess is starting the new year with drawings of the new pound in hand, compliments of pro-bono work from Trumbull architect Jarett M. Crooks.

The 3,700-square-foot, 19-kennel proposed pound renderings may contribute to a fundraising boost Ms Jess hopes for in the coming months. “I do have my fingers crossed, and I am confident that people will be happy to put up money because they see something more concrete.” She sees a few other factors in her favor.

The town’s capital improvement plan (CIP) includes $500,000 set aside for a new pound, which must go through rounds of approval. Added to the prolonged support are contributions from residents, businesses, and especially children who have often contributed money to the pound that they requested in lieu of birthday gifts. “The community, children, and businesses are definitely behind us and showing support in any way they can,” Ms Jess said. “People care about it and are giving from the heart.”

In the last year volunteer efforts brought in $150,000 through fundraising, and she hopes that 2008 will be generous to efforts at constructing a new animal shelter. She starts off the year with another hook — naming opportunities. Donations between $5,000 and $15,000 will sponsor one of the 19 dog kennels, an indoor playroom, training room, feline room, or building overall. Along with the donations will be name plaques engraved with the donor’s name, or even a pet name, for example, for display outside the particular room. According to a canine advocates flyer, “This would be a nice way to remember a faithful friend or a loved one.”

Unless she received other pro-bono work on the pound, estimated costs are around $1 million, as far as Ms Jess has learned based on neighboring projects. “We need to raise a lot of money,” Ms Jess said.

Although she cannot say for sure, she has some ideas that donated work and materials are in the future. “There are some possibilities. No definites, but always possibilities,” she said. It is not too late to offer help. “We’re always looking for people to help us bring down the costs and whatever they can to make [the new animal shelter] a possibility.” She is also hoping for grant funds to bolster fundraising and town efforts to pay for larger, cleaner space for the town’s cats and dogs that are waiting to find a home.

Persistent in her campaign to fund a new animal shelter, Ms Jess said, “If you don’t have a positive attitude, it won’t happen.” In the past, businesses including The Taunton Press, Prudential Connecticut Realty, Yankee Fine Wines & Spirits, Toll Brothers, Lexington Gardens, Big Y, and restaurants, including Carminuccio’s Pizza, have donated goods, services, and funds to the canine advocates throughout the year and to support its primary fundraiser. The most recent wine tasting in October was a success.

Despite the million-dollar goal to raise enough for a new facility with adequate, clean space, Ms Jess is determined to break ground in 2008. “I am hoping this turns into a wonderful year.” Expressing her confidence in the residents and town, she said, “This definitely will happen. I won’t give up,” Ms Jess said, “We’ll do it, the town will come through and the people will come through.”

Since the campaign for a new pound began, Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason, advocate Adria Henderson, and Ms Jess have visited various animal shelters for ideas in designing a new facility. The current drawing prioritizes the pets. The kitchen, for instance, is for animal food storage and handling. A room is designated specifically for cats with access to an enclosed outdoor area, and each of the 19 five-foot by eight-foot dog kennels is spacious enough for a larger dog. Kennels will also have a door leading to a fenced outdoor area. Unlike the old pound that is behind the town dump, the newer facility will be in a cleaner space. Land near the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard and the military’s canine training unit is designated for the new pound.

Contact Canine Advocates of Newtown at canineadvocates.org.