Tag Archives: Connecticut Humane Society

Junior The Wonder Dog Ready For TV Debut

Posted on April 24, 2014 | 6 comments

If your Saturday morning routine involves planting the kids in front of TV cartoons, this weekend you might consider a different show.

At 11 a.m. tune in to “Born to Explore,” the ABC series that explores intriguing stories around the world. Then stop what you’re doing, sit down and watch it yourself.

This Saturday’s show features Junior, a very inspiring dog.

With Westport tags.

Junior the Wonder Dog.

Junior the Wonder Dog.

Junior was abused, before being rescued by the Connecticut Humane Society, then adopted by Westporters Jim and Laura Pendergast.

Three years ago, at the couple’s summer home in Maine, Junior suffered a stroke. His rear legs were paralyzed.

The Pendergasts committed to water and physical therapy, plus acupuncture, twice a week.

Yet Junior was slow to heal. So the couple purchased a wheelchair.

“We trained him little by little. He really fought us at first and would cry and cry and cry, but with treats and sheer determination, we got him to be able to walk with it,” Laura Pendergast told the Scarborough Leader.

 Today Junior runs on the beach, plays with other dogs, even swims.

Junior romps with the Pendergasts.

Junior romps with the Pendergasts.

“It’s an inspirational story about him not giving up on himself. He really got himself in a situation where he can live a happy and free life,” Laura Pendergast said.

The show was filmed last summer in Maine.

“A lot of people who regularly walk their dogs know Junior, but it seems like we always run into someone who doesn’t know him and who want to ask questions and meet him,” Jim says. “He is a real rock star.”

On Saturday, he — and the Pendergasts — rock a national audience.

 

6 Comments

Posted in Children, Entertainment, Organizations, People

Tagged , , ,

It’s A Dog’s Life

Posted on August 11, 2013 | 1 comment

I’m not a dog person — they’re not allowed in our condos, even though they regularly romp across our property from neighboring Winslow Park — but I found the following info fascinating.

It comes courtesy of alert “06880” reader Audrey Hertzel.

The birthday girl

The birthday girl

Every year she holds a fundraising birthday party for her now 12-year-old English setter, Daisy Mae. This year 30 people attended. They fetched $1,600 over to the Connecticut Humane Society.

But did you know that famed cowboy actor William Hart — a Westporter — gave a donation to start the Humane Society 60 years ago?

Or that a cancer rider is a good investment for pet insurance?

Daisy Mae was diagnosed with a slow-growing, incurable tumor in her hind leg in June. She completed 4 rounds of radiation successfully, and started chemo this week.

Fortunately, Audrey has a cancer rider for her 4 pets. Daisy Mae’s treatment has cost over $8,000, but reimbursement has covered nearly 2/3.

On the other hand, the value of a beloved pet is priceless.

On the 3rd hand, not in my condo.

1 Comment

Posted in Organizations, People

Tagged ,

A Humane Policy?

Posted on July 27, 2011 | 11 comments

In his long career as a Coleytown Middle School phys ed. teacher, Ron Weir was well known for lavishing care and attention on every child.

Less well known is his interest in animals.  But that’s an important interest too.  Over the years, Ron has adopted 5 dogs from the Westport branch of the Connecticut Humane Society.

A couple of months ago, he picked up an 8-year-old dalmatian mix.

The man Ron hired to install an invisible fence on his property said the dog had “kennel cough.”  The next day, Ron took Precious to the vet.  The dog was diagnosed with heartworm.

The Humane Society has a 30-day policy for visiting a vet.  Ron called the Society, and described the potentially fatal parasitic disease.  The Humane Society said to bring the dog back.

His vet, however, said that — because of Precious’ age and illness — that meant it would be euthanized.

“I love this animal,” Ron says.  “That’s unacceptable.”

He took Precious to several veterinarians.  One — a heart specialist in Shelton — thinks he can save the dog.

Ron had spent $250 on a Humane Society insurance policy.  But it paid only $1,500.  So far, Ron has paid about $6,000 for the animal’s care.

He called the Humane Society in Westport — and the state office — to see if they could help with medical expenses.

“The dog came from North Carolina,” Ron says.  “My vet said there’s a lot of heartworm down there.  But the Humane  Society never checked for it.”

I called the Westport Humane Society, and asked about its policy if — after adoption — one of its animals is found to have a disease.

“We don’t provide care,” a spokeswoman said.  “All animals are spayed, neutered, and current in their shots.”

So, I continued, an owner has to pick up all medical expenses for a dog rescued from its facility?

“Of course,” she replied.

Ron thinks it’s unfair that the dog was not tested for an endemic disease like heartworm.

But, he says, he won’t let Precious be put down.

“I love her,” he says.  “I’m not going to lose her.”

(A reader asked if she could contribute funds to Precious’s care.  Ron Weir’s address is Box 488, Redding Ridge, CT 06876.)

11 Comments

Posted in Organizations, People

Tagged , ,

One Last Task

Posted on December 31, 2010 | 5 comments

Happy December 31!

As we bid adieu to 2010, many Westporters say:  “Good riddance.”

This has not been the most bang-up year — not financial, political, even meteorological.

We eagerly welcome 2011.  But before heading out to celebrate — either at non-alcoholic First Night or a very alcoholic party elsewhere — we’ve got a chance to make one last civic contribution (and take a final tax deduction to boot).

At the same time, we can honor the memory of 2 Westporters whose deaths in recent days have shaken this town.

Sharon Broecking — the woman killed by a car crossing the Post Road near Stop & Shop — was “an innocent, loving soul” known for her love of animals (and daily dog-walking).

Sharon’s sister said that despite limited financial resources, “she would take her last $5 and donate it to the Humane Society.”

Want to do the same?  Click here.

Another worthy organization — and a no-kill shelter — is Westport Animal Control.  To donate to this town-owned division of the Police Department, click here.

A few days after Sharon’s tragedy, Cindy D’Aiuto froze to death not far from her Canal Park apartment.  She wasn’t homeless — but other Westporters are.

All year long — especially when brutal weather strikes — Homes With Hopes’ Gillespie Center, Hoskins’ Place and Bacharach Community offer safe havens to men, women and children in need.

In 2011, this great group plans to expand the important work they’ve done for 26 years.  They too need our help — click here.

These are not the only organizations worthy of our year-end, tax-deductible dollars, of course.  Our town is filled with countless others — just hit the “comment” button to add yours.

But as we say goodbye to this tough year — and mourn the loss of 2 low-key, well-liked women — “06880” takes this opportunity to answer the question Westporters have asked many times in the wake of their deaths:  “How can I help?”

5 Comments

Posted in Economy, Organizations, People

Tagged , , , ,

It’s A Dog-Eat-Dog World

Posted on October 21, 2010 | 8 comments

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.)

8 Comments

Posted in Beach, Organizations, Police

Tagged , , ,