Westport is no stranger to dog doings. It took years to decide that, during certain months of the year, Fido could run off-leash on certain areas of the beach.
Many Westporters today call Winslow Park “the world’s most expensive dog run.”
A new canine controversy may dog us this weekend.
First, some background.
A little over 2 years ago, several residents formed Westport Animal Shelter Advocates. Their mission was to raise awareness of Westport Animal Control — a no-kill shelter that cares for lost and abandoned dogs — and rally support for a renovation project.
The group also hoped to stop a proposed joint venture between the Connecticut Humane Society — a kill shelter — and Westport Animal Control.
Westport Animal Control Advocates make sure no dogs are killed. (Courtesy Pamela Einarsen Photography)
WASA went on to fund construction of outdoor runs at Westport Animal Control, and purchased a washer/dryer for the facility. They’re in the process of installing an alarm system, and spaying, neutering and vaccinating animal control dogs.
WASA volunteers handle press releases for the dogs, and provide supplemental walks and socialization.
Last year, WASA sponsored a very successful fundraiser: A Westport Top Dog Contest and show.
The 2nd annual event is set for this Saturday (Oct. 23, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), at the grassy area next to the Compo Beach basketball courts.
Dogs will compete in categories like Top Kisser, Top Tail Wagger and Top Face Only a Mother Could Love. A silent auction features sports tickets and memorabilia, jewelry, cookware and more. Joey’s provides lunch.
Not much to bitch about, right?
Wrong.
On the very same day, the Connecticut Humane Society is holding an event (12-3 p.m.), at their Post Road facility. They’re advertising pet adoptions, pet portraits, a doggie costume contest, and a pet/owner lookalike contest.
The WASA people aren’t pointing fingers — but they sure aren’t wagging their tails in delight. They hope the fact that 2 organizations run similar events on the same day is just a coincidence — but no one is sure.
There is plenty of confusion in town. Many residents believe the Humane Society is actually Westport Animal Control. In fact, Westport Animal Control — a division of the Police Department — is town-owned and run. It’s located on Elaine Road, off Bridge Street near the boat ramp.
WASA’s Top Dog contest is being held at Compo Beach. That’s a lot easier to get to than the no-kill Westport Animal Control. But it’s still not as visible as the Connecticut Humane Society’s building on the Post Road — just up the hill from CVS.
If you want to go to the Humane Society shindig on Saturday, go.
If you want to go to WASA’s Top Dog contest, go there instead.
But don’t confuse the 2. Even if the Humane Society maybe — just maybe — hopes you do.
(For more information on the WASA Top Dog contest, click here. For more information on the Connecticut Humane Society event, click here.)
We adopted a dog from Westport Animal Control a couple of years ago. Did I mention that he is the Best.Dog.Ever?!? A big reason why is not only Westport’s excellent and caring Animal Control Officers, but also the volunteers at WASA, who worked tirelessly with our dog-t0-be — teaching him to walk on a leash, socializing him – while he was held at Westport Animal Control as evidence in an abuse case. I cannot say enough good things about the time, effort, and love that WASA members put in to help these critters. Just my opinion, but WASA deserves any support you can give them, and then some.
Dog’s breakfast
adopt one from each because nothing keeps a dog happier and behaving well better than the company of another dog.
no, I will adopt only from WASA. We adopted a cat from the Humane Society and they purposely misstated the animal’s age. (They said “8-9 mos. old” while the vet said it was no older than 3 mos. The result, a HUGE cat that was too big for my mother to hold in her lap.) And other animal rescue organizations have warned that with all the money the CT Humane Society collects (and each Humane Society is a separate organization, NOT part of the a national organization), not a penny is shared with other, smaller pet rescue organizations. Not good.
I am thoroughly confused. It sounds like a revival of Roe v. Wade which I am sure the Roberts’ court will resurrect soon. I think I will just give my two varmits a bone and go to the Staples-Harding game. At least there, you can determine who is who.
Don’t get me wrong, I would not presume to tell people what to do or not do. But I had an excellent adoption experience — largely thanks to the WASA volunteers — and thus am not shy about praising their work.
Your need to move back here.
Come cheer on the Top Dogs at the WASA event! Know that for every animal that is adopted, a life is saved.
For every animal purchased at a pet shop, it continues the vicious cycle of puppy mills where animals are farmed for profit.