‘Putting On The Dog’ Fundraiser Supports New Dog Pound

By Kendra Bobowick

Chilled Chardonnays and tart Shirazes accompanied platters of fresh fruits and Brie set out at McLaughlin Vineyards Saturday night. As guests meandered indoors to sample a favored red or white wine they also placed bids on contributed artwork, dinner offers, catering, antique items, and even sky-diving packages donated for a silent auction to benefit Canine Advocates of Newtown (CAN). The group has been fundraising for a new dog pound since December.

“The evening went beautifully,” said CAN President Virginia Jess.

In a letter to guests written by Ms Jess she stated, “Enjoy the evening, please bid generously…and remember that all proceeds will help make our dream of a new pound for Newtown a reality.” She also gave credit to Frank Mcloskey who had the idea to hold the fundraiser, which was themed “Putting On The Dog.”

Offering her gratitude to several of the many people who benefited CAN that evening, Ms Jess acknowledged Morgen McLaughlin for providing the vineyard as a venue, Matt DeAngelis of Yankee Wine & Spirits and Stop & Save Liquor who arranged for distributors to display and sell wines for CAN profit that evening, the Chris DeAngelis Trio for live jazz music, local businesses who catered the event, and all who contributed items and services for the auction.

Several elements added flare to “Putting On The Dog.”

Noting the comments she has heard since Saturday, Ms Jess said, “People raved about the food.”

She was impressed with the jazz trio saying that Chris DeAngelis’s band “added a lot, that little extra that we needed.”

For nearly a year Ms Jess and other canine advocates have been campaigning and raising funds to support a new dog pound. The efforts have seen the contributions of individuals, businesses, and civic groups. She initially set her goal at $500,000, but said, “Every year costs go up.” So far her campaign has accumulated roughly $70,000. Her cause is also listed among the items on the town’s five-year capitol plan.

“But the money hasn’t been allocated yet,” Ms Jess said.

The dog pound is currently located directly behind the town dump. Visit the website at canineadvocates.org to find out about the group’s history and pet adoptions available through the Newtown pound.