People and pooches flocked to Pleasant Paws Pet Center, 94 South Main Street, to witness the business’ grand opening celebration on Sunday, June 13.

Outside the brand-new facility, that opened in November 2020, were local vendors selling goods, a food truck for guests to enjoy lunch, a bounce house for children, and representatives from the Star 99.9 radio station emceeing the event.

The grand opening also doubled as pet adoption event and there were dogs from Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) on site that were eagerly looking to find their forever homes.

During the Newtown Chamber of Commerce’s official ribbon cutting ceremony, First Selectman Dan Rosenthal spoke to the audience about how Dr Rakesh Vali — owner/veterinarian of Pleasant Paws Pet Center and Mt Pleasant Hospital For Animals — has been a fixture in town for many years.

“I am grateful that he made an additional, quite large, investment in our community… It’s wonderful to see what Dr Vali and his family have built here,” Rosenthal said.

Sumakshi Vali, Dr Vali’s wife, spoke next and expressed how appreciative she was for everyone being with them and how it meant a lot to her entire family.

“Yes, this is an enterprise. Yes, it will give back to the community that we serve in. Yes, we chose to move to Newtown and that was very strategic, because we wanted to live in the community and serve the community that we are a part of — but this particular enterprise is not just an enterprise,” she explained. “It’s Dr Vali’s dream, his hopes, his passions, his love for animals… he’s very altruistic.”

She went on to say that she is very proud of her husband and reiterated how thankful she is to the community.

Next to say a few words was Theresa Viesto, who has worked with Dr Vali for about a decade. She emphasized how grateful she is to be part of the community and the new Pleasant Paws Pet Center.

“We’ve always wanted this to be so much fun for the animals and the families,” she said. “Thank you so much for coming out and supporting us.”

Then, Dr Vali did the honors of cutting the ceremonial ribbon with his family, staff, and First Selectman Rosenthal by his side.

The public was then welcomed to tour the building and learn more about the many services Pleasant Paws Pet Center provides, including boarding, grooming and spa amenities, veterinary care, physical rehabilitation, as well as the Paws Pet Boutique that sells a variety of food, treats, toys, training equipment, accessories, veterinary supplies, and CBD products.

For more information about Pleasant Paws Pet Center, visit pleasantpawspetcenter.com, e-mail woofwoof@pleasantpawspetcenter.com, or call 203-491-2770.

Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.