Inn At Newtown Supports Dog Pound Drive

By Kendra Bobowick

A plaque, a donation, The Inn at Newtown, and the chilly prodding of a dog’s nose all have something in common this month.

The Inn recently presented a check to the Canine Advocates of Newtown (CAN) for $500, earning it CAN’s Business of the Month title, a link on the advocate’s website at CanineAdvocates.org, and a plaque presentation from advocate and dog lover Jodi Bialik.

Describing the plaque, Ms Bialik explained, “This is so everyone knows you support our efforts.” Recently Mr Cardillo had contacted CAN President Virginia Jess. He explained, “We’re always looking to promote the local community.” Being a dog lover also helps. With three dogs of his own, Mr Cardillo said, “They’re like children.” He firmly supports local shelters, he said. After speaking with Ms Jess, ideas for a fundraiser emerged, with a percentage of sales going to CAN. The recent  evening out at the Inn was a “great night,” they all agreed.

 After handing the plaque to Mr Gardiner, Ms Bialik led the way outside to meet her small tan and white dog Kayla, a half lab-half beagle mix.

“She was left in a box at a pound with her siblings in Alabama,” said Ms Bialik, who also shared that Kayla’s siblings were also adopted and are now in Connecticut. Hurrying back inside, Mr Cardillo soon returned with a small paper cup filled with dog treats. As the women talked, he knelt down and made friends with the initially shy dog one biscuit at a time.

Although CAN members came up with the Business of the Month promotion in September 2007, the Inn is only the second business to earn the recognition. Prudential Connecticut Realty was the first.

Who can be a CAN Business of the Month? Businesses of any size that make donations of $500 or more will earn the same recognition, website link, and plaque.

This most recent CAN initiative is another way to boost fundraising not only for money to build a new dog pound, which the group has been doing steadily for the past two years, but also to support CAN’s original intent: caring for the Newtown pound pets.

“We’ve had so many animals in the pound,” said Ms Jess.

Already CAN has raised roughly $150,000 in the two years it has been raising funds toward the new shelter, and has received approval for capital improvement funds for $750,000 intended for a new pound. Already a large amount of pro bono work has either taken place or been promised to the canine advocates. The latest milestone? Blueprints have been prepared.

“Now it finally feels real to us,” Ms Bialik said.

Coming off the recent winter, Ms Jess noted the medical care needed by animals in the pound.

“There is sickness — kennel cough — they’re all on medication,” said Ms Jess. Aside from the push to fund a new dog pound, veterinary bills are accumulating.

“We immunize, spay, neuter, and some [animals] need extra care,” said Ms Bialik.

Residents can send donations to Canine Advocates of Newtown, Inc, at PO Box 236, Newtown CT 06470. Contributions can go toward vet care or the new building fund, which should be indicated on the check.

Newtown residents have also been helpful for many years with non-monetary donations. The Canine Advocates website lists items are regularly needed to keep the lives of animals at the pound as tolerable as possible: Nutro Max mini chunk dog food, Iams dry dog food, freeze dried liver treats, toothpaste (poultry flavor), soft toothbrushes, pig’s ears, choke chain collars, sturdy slide leads, large rubber Kong toys, large rope toys, Frisbees, squeak toys, bleach, ammonia, paper towels, laundry detergent, drier sheets, towels, and large black garbage bags.