One evening last night, Westport Animal Shelter Advocates volunteer Sara Stockman learned that after many hours, a mastiff was still frantically pacing the large fenced-in yard of a Burnham Hill resident.
We headed to the house to see if there was anything we could do to help rescue the dog, who had been on the lam at least 5 days. Her image appeared on several Ring cameras in the area.
At the house, we saw the kind homeowner trying to coax the mastiff to come near. She immediately responded to Sara, as dogs always do.
The dog came near, but not close enough to slip on a loop lead. We realized that professionals were needed.
We contacted the volunteers at CT Doggone Recovery. They have helped trap several difficult Westport dogs.
Jill Bishop and Melissa Carpenter had just returned home after an exhausting day searching for 2 dogs around Norwalk. Their shoes were off, and they were making dinner.
But they did not hesitate. They loaded the CT Doggone Recovery truck with supplies, including a big trap.
They arrived, then set up the trap (loaded with chicken and hot dogs) and a camera.
Preparing the trap …
Sara — the human our new friend trusted most — was in charge of the liquid smoke and guiding the dog to the trap. Within a few minutes, she was in. Very tired, thin and tick-covered, she was ready for transport to Westport Animal Control.
… and heading off to heal.
Officers Peter Reid and Joseph Saponare met us at the shelter. We tucked her in for the night.
The next morning WASA volunteers arrived early to check on her, and the other guests. She had her first WASA-funded vet visit that week.
My nominations for 06880’s Heroes of the Week are: WASA volunteer Sara Stockman, CT Doggone Recovery volunteers Jill Bishop and Melissa Carpenter, and the lovely Westport family – Cindy, Andy and Justin Kaplan — for being so kind and patient, hosting a frightened friend in their back yard and allowing a group of volunteers to crash in at dinner time to secure her safety.
(To donate to CT Doggone Recovery to support their rescue efforts, please click here. To donate to WASA for vet care needed for our new friend, please click here.)
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com. “06880” is proud to honor them — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to help us do that, by supporting this hyper-local blog.)
The “No Dogs on Sports Fields” signs around town are often ignored.
But $77 fines might start getting some owners’ attention.
The Parks & Recreation Department and Westport Animal Control advise the public that they’ll stringently enforce the ordinance in the weeks ahead.
As Parks & Rec staff prepare the fields for the school year, they’ve found what one town official calls “an incredible amount of dog poop.” It’s especially bad at Wakeman Fields, adjacent to Bedford Middle School.
Animal control officer Peter Reid explains: “People can walk dogs on the walkways, but must have verbal or physical control of the dogs. I’ve seen quite a few dogs that stay right at their owner’s side, and those are fine.
“Specifically at Wakeman, people can walk dogs along the perimeter, but the dogs should be leashed. We can’t have dogs romping on the fields anymore, given the large percentage of owners that are not picking up after themselves.”
“And the outfield at the baseball field is part of a playing field. Some walkers were treating that like part of the perimeter.”
We’ve been blessed with several days of spectacular weather.
Yesterday was another perfect day at the beach.
Just another August Saturday at Compo Beach. (Photo/Susan Garment)
Thirsty visitors enjoyed dirty sodas. The non-alcoholic beverages are made by adding flavored syrups, fruit purees, cream or half-and-half, and a fruit garnish.
Three girls — Madeline, Olivia and Zoey — have created a business called (of course) Cherry on Top. They drew a great crowd (including lifeguards, who got freebies).
The girls …
Cherry on Top will be back the weekend of August 29.
… and their menu. (Photos/Jessica Eno)
That was not the only vendor yesterday. These young entrepreneurs sold ice pops (and did not care if you had no cash):
(Photo/Susan Garment)
Meanwhile, on South Beach, there was this wedding (or reception — hard to tell, since we were not invited):
(Photo/Sunil Hirani)
The couple rolled the dice — weather-wise — for this one, and won.
Let’s hope the rest of their marriage sails as smoothly, too.
Over near the cannons, Staples High School’s Classes of 1969 through ’74 gathered for a day-long reunion.
It was a chance to hang with old friends — and meet new ones. Everyone may not have been at school together, but when you’re in your late-60s to mid-70s, you’re all basically the same age.
And hey — those are the same numbers as the graduation years themselves.
Freaky!
Looking good, more than 55 yeas later! (Photo/Susan Garment)
Finally, not far away, these gulls gathered.
(Photo/Lauri Weiser)
They were either chatting, waiting to pounce the moment a bit of food was left ungarded.
Or they were imitating the chairs that humans plop down every year, saving space for the Independence Day fireworks.
Next weekend (August 22-23, 1 to 6 p.m.), you can see a wide variety of his images — up close, personal, and much larger than on a screen. The venue is his 11 Riverside Avenue studio, near the Post Road West corner.
The show will feature new works, ready to hang. His style includes photographs that resemble paintings, and photographic wall clocks.
Guest photographer David Stone, also a Westport resident, will contribute recent works.
It’s celebrated every August 16, to commemorate the anniversary of the first vertical loop roller coaster patent (issued to Edwin Prescott in 1898 — but you knew that, right?
On Saturday, Westport water pollution treatment plant supervisor Joe Tracy was making his rounds. It was cold; he was breaking up ice in one of the tanks.
He heard odd noises coming from the post-anoxic effluent basin. Stopping to investigate, Joe removed the heavy grating. Two mallard heads stared back up at him.
They were neck-deep in brown “foam” — trapped in one of the spillways.
Joe contacted on-duty Westport Animal Control Officer Peter Reid, across the street. He jogged over with a long net.
The ducks, a male and female — were transported back to Westport Animal Control, to warm up and be cleaned.
WASA volunteer Sara Stockman arrived with frozen peas, and provided additional bathing.
Officer Reid happened to have a can of “gourmet” meal worms ready as well. He then took the mallards to Wildlife in Crisis. They were monitored, as they restored feather oil prior to release.
Thanks to all — starting with Joe Tracy — for going above and beyond, in weather that was cold even for ducks.
The Westport Book Shop‘s 5th anniversary celebration continues this month.
Head to the Jesup Road store to see a special mosaic, by the legendary Miggs Burroughs. It celebrates the 60+ local artists who have exhibited there each month.
The Book Shop’s Short Story Club meets February 25 (6 p.m.). They’ll discuss 2
stories by Alice Munro: “What Is Remembered” and “The Bear Came Over the Mountain.”
Registration is required: Call 203-349-5141, or email RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.
And in honor of Valentine’s month, make a $10 donation to support the Book Shop — and its mission of providing training an employment for people with disabilities — and get a chocolate bar, courtesy of Wegman’s.
You can also honor a loved on on the “Heart of Heart” window display.
Ann Chernow — one of Westport’s great artistic treasures — turned 90 yesterday.
She celebrated with family and close friends. “06880” joins the rest of the town in saying congratulating an artist who has enriched us in so many ways — from her work and her volunteer efforts, to her always-smiling presence.
Perrin Delorey — a 4th grader at Greens Farms Elementary in 2018 who played baseball and hockey, and was a Cub Scout — died in a car accident shortly before summer break.
Those 4th graders are now Staples High School seniors. They have not forgotten him.
Perrin’s cousin and best friend, Philip Sullivan, have created n endowed scholarship in his name. The first “Do Your Best” Award will be presented by Staples Tuition Grants this spring.
More than $30,000 has already been raised, ensuring that the funds will be awarded in perpetuity.
A new fundraiser is planned, so that the grants will be the maximum allowed under STG bylaws.
A community skating event is set for February 10 (7:15 to 8:45 p.m.; Westport PAL Rink at Longshore).
Everyone is welcome — to skate, watch, and enjoy the DJ and food. A photographer will capture the community feel.
Philip says, “one of the most special parts of this event is the range of community support behind it. There could be an entire story on the individuals, businesses and community groups that have donated precious time and money to help us raise the necessary funds to establish the award.”
He gives a special shout-out to Staples Tuition Grants, the Staples Class of 2026, Staples Service League of Boys, Staples boys and girls hockey teams, Westport Parks & Recreation, Scout Troops 39 and 139; Videler Photography, the host committee of individual and family donors, “06880,” and “countless members of the community who have helped us get so far with our fundraising efforts.”
Perrin Delorey
=================================================
Wakeman Town Farm’s February calendar includes classes and activities for all ages. They include:
Storytime with Mosaic & Movement (ages 2-6; February 4)
Drop-in Knitting Circle (February 10)
Kids’ February break Needle Felting Workshop (ages 11-14; February 16)
Winter cooking for Minis and Kids (grades K-2; 2-4)
Neighbors and Newcomers of Westport — a great organization that welcomes new arrivals and longtime residents alike — has a busy February. Events include:
Galentine’s Day Luncheon (February 12, noon, Zucca Gastrobar
A couple of weeks ago a young Westport resident was planning his trip back home from Louisiana, for the holiday break.
He packed his bags — and a litter of puppies.
He had learned about them when they popped up on his social media feed. They were being kept outside, and needed homes.
He and a friend picked up them up. He contacted friends and family here. Driving to Westport, he was happy. Adopters had been found for all 8 pups.
But rescues are never easy. Two adopters flaked out. Suddenly, 2 puppies needed homes. His own house was not an option.
Rennie …
He called many individuals and organizations, even for a temporary home. No one could help.
The young man found his way to Earth Animal. They suggested he reach out to Westport Animal Shelter Advocates.
All their slots were full, with locally abandoned or surrendered dogs.
But Westport animal control officer Joe Saponare approved their transport to Westport Animal Control. They are safe, loved, and receiving WASA-funded veterinary care at Schulhof Animal Hospital.
… and Rusty.
The pups — named Rusty and Rennie — now need forever homes. They are sweet, cuddly and well-socialized.
They’re about 10 weeks old, and believed to be collie-yellow lab mixes.
On Saturday night Laurie Schneider’s family was downstairs, deciding where to go to dinner.
They heard a giant crash, glass shattering, then a loud thud from above.
They raced upstairs to see what had collapsed: a light fixture? Shelving? Laurie imagined the treadmill had crashed through the ceiling.
Her oldest daughter screamed, “There’s a turkey in my room!”
That’s right: a 35-pound turkey had flown in and exploded through her second floor bedroom window, covering the floor with shattered glass.
Turkey in the bedroom.
The Schneiders called the non-emergency police line (and were told it was in fact a legitimate emergency).
An officer arrived quickly. They all knew that when threatened, wild turkeys can attack humans, so they had to be thoughtful.
The bedroom lights were off and the shades closed when the large bird crashed in, so there was no obvious exit. Glass all over her floor was an added concern.
As they waited for Animal Control, more officers arrived. The last one was part of the K-9 unit. He bravely went in with a lasso (with no intention of hurting the turkey), and a towel.
Officers on the scene.
For nearly 5 minutes, it was officer vs. turkey.
The turkey flew around the bedroom. The scene was chaotic.
Finally, the officer opened the shade. The turkey flew out.
The Schneiders hope it will never return.
At least, not until it’s on a Thanksgiving platter.
Congratulations to Sgt. David Librandi, and Officers Greg Gunter, Devonte Savage and David Scinto, who helped the Schneiders. You are this week’s Unsung — but very appreciated — Heroes.
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
A “Unite and Resist” rally is set for 11 a.m., at the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge downtown.
Organizers say, “we’re taking to the streets to fight back against the fascist takeover. Join us to defend our rights, our bodies, and our future. No permission needed—just show up, bring signs and friends!” Click here for more information.
================================================
If you’re not aware of AWARE: You should be.
The organization — Assisting Women through Action, Resources and Education — spends an entire year helping one female-focused non-profit, both collaboratively and financially.
Next Thursday (March 6), Studio 45 on Main Street sponsors a special event, with shopping (6 to 8 p.m.) and an integrative yoga and restore session with Menna Olvera (6:30 to 7:30 p.m.). A portion of the proceeds goes directly to AWARE.
To RSVP and for more information, email hello@mennaolvera.com.
Speaking of “aware”: Westport Animal Control hosts an Animal Awareness Night next Wednesday (March 5, Westport police station upstairs classroom, 7 p.m.).
Topics include wildlife (with officer Peter Reid), pet adoption (with Westport Animal Shelter Advocates’ Julie Loparo), and dog licensing guidelines. The event is free.
Westport Animal Control officer Peter Reid is a featured speaker at Wednesday’s Animal Awareness Night.
On the crowded calendar of springtime fundraisers, one event has always stood out: Taste of Westport.
At the benefit for CLASP, a lineup of great restaurants presents special selections and drinks. There’s music and a silent auction too. 100% of proceeds go directly to the non-profit, which for over 40 years has provided homes and support for adults with autism and intellectual disabilities.
This year’s event is June 5 (6 p.m., The Inn at Longshore). The theme is “A Night at Studio 54.” Tickets go on sale April 14, at tasteofwestport.com.
=================================================
“Kids’ Night on Broadway” — a program to spark a love of theater in the next generation — turns into “Kids’ Night at the Playhouse” this Tuesday.
Children and teenagers 18 and under receive free admission to the hit comedy “Native Gardens,” when accompanied by a full-paying adult.
The show — about a dispute over a suburban property line that spirals into a war over taste, class, personal identity (and gardening) has earned great reviews.
To redeem the “Kids’ Night” offer, call the Playhouse box office: 203-227-4177.
=================================================
Speaking of kids: Boys and girls in grades K-7 are invited to an instructional clinic, hosted by the Staples baseball program. It’s this Tuesday (March 4, 6 to 8 p.m., Staples fieldhouse).
Little Leaguers can dust off their gloves and brush up on their hitting, fielding and base running skills before the first pitch this spring.
High school coaches and players will run drills and games. Youngsters will be separated by skill and grade level. Players should bring a bat, glove and water bottle.
The $40 fee ($50 after March 1) includes a slice of pizza. To register, Venmo @StaplesBBDiamondClub by March 1. Questions? Email baseball@staplesdiamondclub.com.
===============================================
Speaking still of kids: VFW Post 399 Auxiliary is spreading the word about 2 national art contests for elementary through high school students. There are cash awards, and scholarshps of up to $2,500.
Two- and 3-dimensional art is accepted. Entries will be judged on originality, presentation, and patriotic themes.
Submission deadline is March 31. For complete rules, email Patty Kondub: nortonpk@aol.com
On Wednesday, dozens of Westport boys’ Instagram feeds were flooded with graphically and violent video reels. They included street fights, school shootings, murder, and gory accidents.
They were sent even to users who had enabled “sensitive content” controls.
Though parent company Meta said it fixed the “error,” the reels appeared to be targeted at teenagers and young men.
The mother of a Staples student said that many local parents were not aware of the incident. She added, “the videos were so violent, many of the boys were discussing them. Some kids were really traumatized.”
She hopes that parents who learn of the video can talk with their children about it.
The Mahogany Brass Quintet comes to town Monday (March 3).
After spending the day with Staples students in an immersive chamber music workshop, they’ll give a free concert at 7:30 p.m., in the Bedford Middle School auditorium).
It’s a homecoming for Sam Atlas. The 2018 Staples graduate is in her final year at the Manhattan School of Music’s Orchestra Performance Program.
She has already made a name in the professional world, as a frequent substitute with the New York Philharmonic.
After its founding at the University of Massachusetts, MBQ has grown into an accomplished performing group, dedicated to artistry and music education.
The concert — with selections ranging from Mozart and Bach to Hoagy Carmichael and Leonard Bernstein — is free.
Mahogany Brass Quintet
=================================================
Someone had a guilty conscience.
For a long time.
The Merritt Country Store on Main Street recently received this letter, with a Santa Barbara, California postmark:
Enclosed was a $20 bill.
At a quarter each, that’s 80 candy bars. Today, that Jackson would buy about 10.
The letter is now on the front counter, under glass.
It’s an object of interest.
Or a great deterrent. (Hat tip: Carl Addison Swanson)
================================================
Birddogs — the mens’ shorts/pants/polo shirts shop that opened in the spring of 2023 in Brooks Corner — has closed.
This was their 3rd brick-and-mortar store. According to their website, only 1 remains, in Paramus, New Jersey.
(Photo/Stacey Henske)
===============================================
Westport Police made no custodial arrests between February 19 and 26. They issued these citations:
Failure to renew registration: 12 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 7
Speeding: 5
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
Disorderly conduct: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Improper use of markers: 1.
Lots of drivers have not registered or renewed their vehicles.
=================================================
No buds yet.
But soon!
You can almost smell the first whiffs of spring, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” image of the Saugatuck River, from Grace Salmon Park.
Julie Loparo, president of Westport Animal Shelter Advocates, writes:
Driving by Whole Foods the other day, Christine Alison saw a motorist hit a cat.
The driver, and others who witnessed the incident, did not stop. Christine did.
The cat was in the bike lane. It was unconscious, but Christine found a heartbeat.
A cat owner herself, she contacted Westport Animal Control. They told her to bring it to VCA Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center in Norwalk. When they got there, the cat had regained consciousness.
There was no microchip or ID to identify the cat’s owner. With no money available for the cat’s vet care needs, Westport Animal Shelter Advocates stepped up to fund it.
Once stabilized, WASA volunteer Sandy Young picked up the cat. The next day, she took him to a vet.
She also named her friendly temporary boarder Tupelo. While the cat recovered, WASA volunteers searched multiple social media lost pet sites.
Finding a match on social media.
They found a match. The cat’s name was Jake, and he had been missing since the day before the accident.
Quickly, a reunion took place at Westport Animal Control. Jake’s owner happily and appreciatively reclaimed her friend.
Christine described how she saved Jack, who otherwise would have been hit again or died on the side of the road.
Christine Alison (right) with Jack, and his owner.
WASA advised Jack’s owner to keep him indoors. Next time, he might not be so lucky.
Christine, WASA and Westport Animal Control: You are this week’s Unsung Heroes!
(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
One task of the Historic District Commission is to “take such action as the meeting may determine to oppose the issuance” of demolition permits, and “require the full 180-day delay,” of homes more than 50 years old.
The idea is to allow time for alternate plans to be developed.
That rarely happens. Whether immediately or after 180 days, developers almost always demolish.
Next Tuesday’s HDC meeting (7 p.m., Zoom) includes an especially large number of “delay” requests.
The first is for 125 Riverside — the Coley-Crossman home diagonally across from Assumption Church.
The others are:
2 Windy Hill Road
10 Bauer Place
32 Webb Road
21 Long Lots Lane
158 Compo Road North
159 Easton Road
33 Oak Street
20 Blue Ribbon Drive
35 Evergreen Parkway.
125 Riverside Avenue
=================================================
“06880”‘s newest feature wants to hear from any and all Westport “teens and tweens.”
This is your chance to share your thoughts, ideas and insights with our world.
Every kind of experience is welcome: good or bad, happy or sad. You can talk about local issues: what’s going on at school, with your sports or arts or other activities, the skate park, Community Gardens, downtown or anything else.
You can talk about what you love about Westport. Or what you hate.
You can talk about bigger issues: how the debate over Israel and Gaza affects you. What the upcoming election means to you — or why you don’t care. Ditto for climate change.
And you don’t have to limit yourself to writing. If you feel more comfortable expressing yourself through a video, podcast, music or art — send it along.
All submissions, in all mediums and styles, are welcome.
If you’d like your name used with your submission: great! If you prefer anonymity: also great! Just let us know.
The goal is to get your voice heard.
To start, click here; then fill out the short form. We’ll take it from there.
=================================================
Tammy Barry had a great experience yesterday, at the Greens Farms post office.
There were no $1 stamps available. So Paul helped her place 3 stamps each, on all of her daughter’s wedding invitations.
Then he hand-stamped them all, preventing them from any possible damage in the machine.
In addition, Tammy says, “he was so friendly with all the patrons. He called many of them by their first names.
“His frequent saying is ‘I got you!’ He’s the best!”
Their loyal customers will probably kill me (and Tammy) for revealing the secret, but the Greens Farms post office is a great alternative to the downtown one.
There’s seldom a line. And always a parking spot.
Paul (right) and colleague Frank, at the Greens Farms post office. (Photo/Tammy Barry)
Karen Mather had a great experience yesterday too.
It did not start out that way, though.
Driving down Greens Farms Road, she saw a adorable — but listless — baby raccoon, perilously close to the street.
She called Westport Animal Control (203-341-5076). Officer Peter Reid arrived quickly.
He told Karen that the mother had most likely been killed; the baby was looking for her.
Fortunately, Peter said, the little critter was just very hungry. It could be saved at Wildlife in Crisis in Weston — where his wife volunteers.
He brought it right over.
The non-profit facility accepts over 5,000 wounded, ill and orphaned animals each year. The goal is to heal them, then return them to their natural habitats.
Who you gonna call if you see a creature needing help? Westport Animal Control or Wildlife in Crisis.
They’re both local life-savers.
Peter Reid, saving a raccoon.
=================================================
Rhone — the men’s clothing store on Main Street and a longtime champion of mental fitness — is hosting an evening dedicated to the topic.
Tomorrow’s event (Thursday, May 30, Westport Woman’s Club, 5:30 to 8 p.m.) includes inspirational speakers, a silent auction, and a “Mind & Muscle” experience led by Eric Johnson. It combines dynamic workouts with mental health discussions, combining physical and mental well-being.
Speakers will share personal reflections of recovery, suicide prevention, and the importance of mental health,
Rhone co-founder and CEO Nate Checketts will deliver the keynote. Other speakers include professional trainer Zac Clark (“Bachelorette” contestant and Scarlett Johansson trainer), and Staples High School boys basketball coach Dave Goldshore.
All proceeds from ticket sales and the silent auction will go to Positive Directions. In addition, a generous donor will match funds up to $15,000.
There’s more: Rhone will donate 10% of proceeds from all purchases between May 31 and June 2 to Positive Directions.
Click here for tickets, and more information. Click here to bid on silent auction items.
“Art in Bloom” — a celebration of the Westport Public Art Collections, with drinks, light bites, art sales, a silent art auction, and a special exhibit of flower-themed works — is set for June 6 (7 to 9 p.m., Westport Woman’s Club).
This is the first fundraiser for Friends of WestPAC is 5 years. They welcome old and new friends, to ensure the continued growth, care, display and educational uses of the collections. Works are exhibited in public building throughout town, including schools, Town Hall, and municipal offices.
Artists include: Shirley Black, Paul Camacho, Leonard Everett Fisher, Hardie Gramatky, Clement Kamena, Lisa Daugherty, Jak Kovatch, Philippe Lejeune, Estelle Margolis, John Mavroudis, Howard Munce, Susan Malloy, Fred Otnes, Nancy Reinker, Walter Dubois Richards, Barbara Rothenberg, and others.
Those are some great names. Their work is varied, and outstanding.
Click here for tickets, sponsorship information, and donations.
Staples High School Class of 1997 graduate Lisa Marie Giallanza Sweeting died peacefully of natural causes at Danbury Hospital earlier this month. She was 45.
Her family moved to Westport from Georgia in 1983. Lisa began playing the violin in 4th grade. She played in the orchestra and sang in the choir at Staples.
She graduated from Arizona State University with a BA in broadcast management.
Lisa was the regional president of the MOMS club (Moms Offering Moms Support). She worked as the admissions coordinator at St. Joseph’s School in Brookfield, then as the office administrator and athletic director at St. Rose of Lima School in Newtown, Connecticut.
Lisa loved camping and annual trips to the Outer Banks.
She is survived by her husband, Russell Sweeting; children Lily, Ryan and Evelyn; parents Tom and Patricia, and brothers Tom Jr., and Michael.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Rose of Lima School, 40 Church Hill Road, Newtown, CT 06470.
And finally … in honor of Peter Reid’s nice save yesterday:
(As today’s Roundup shows, Westport is filled with helpful, caring people. That includes “06880” readers! Please join the generous folks who support this blog. Just click here — and thank you.)
Alert “06880” reader Emily Lerman Taylor had a recent traumatic encounter with a strange-acting animal.
She says she’s not alone. She described her experience, and sent videos. WARNING: The videos are graphic. “Turn the sound off if you are near children,” she says.
Emily writes:
On the afternoon of August 3, I was in my front yard with my 1-year-old daughter and our 2-year-old labradoodle, when a raccoon hobbled out of the woods and, completely unprovoked, attacked my dog Riggins.
I screamed in sheer terror. When I did, the raccoon ran toward me and my baby.
Thanks to a helpful and caring neighbor, I escaped with my baby and trapped the raccoon in my garage.
I called Westport Animal Control and got an answering machine, twice.
Frantic, I called the police, explaining the situation. They dispatched Animal Control directly, letting them know I already had the raccoon trapped in my garage, and that my dog was injured.
They came, killed the raccoon, and sent it off for testing. It tested positive for rabies.
My baby and I were not harmed (physically). My dog got a nasty bite. He received medical care and seems to be healing well so far.
Because we always keep up to date on vaccinations, he is extremely unlikely to become infected. The rabies vaccine is incredibly effective. Vaccinate your pets!
(If anyone wonders why it’s important to keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date — besides “it’s the law” and “it protects the whole community” — the answer is that without a vaccination, our dog would have been euthanized).
Because many of my family members were exposed to the raccoon saliva on the dog’s fur following the incident, we are now all undergoing rabies vaccine treatment ourselves. This involves multiple shots on 4 separate days, over the course of 2 weeks.
We can only receive our shots at the emergency room, and cannot schedule them ahead of time, so we’ve spent many hours at the hospital this week.
Between that and the fevers/vomiting my children have experienced as side effects, it has been an inconvenience to say the least. But it is one that, given the circumstances, is undoubtedly worth it.
Rabid raccoon (though not the one that attacked Emily’s dog.
As for our dog, the state required he be put in a 45-day “confinement,” in the very unlikely chance he becomes rabid in the coming weeks.
We found a facility that can care for him and is trained in rabies confinement procedure, but we are devastated that he must recover from his injuries without the love and comfort of the only family he’s ever known.
Additionally stressful is the financial burden that comes with surgically treating and then boarding a dog for 45 days. But again, as far as we are concerned, it is undoubtedly worth it.
Riggins, on the mend.
This incident has been horrible for our family all around, but we are acutely aware that it could have been infinitely worse.
A rabid animal is terrifying and deadly, and my mind continues to flash to images of what could have happened had that raccoon gotten to my baby.
As the days go by, I continue to hear from people who have called in numerous reports of suspicious animals with little to no response from authoritie s— and the more stories I hear, the angrier and more frustrated I become.
In all likelihood, this raccoon had been reported on before. But until it attacked my dog and came for me and my child, and until I went to the trouble of trapping it in a confined space myself, no relevant local government agency did a thing.
I’m hoping now they will act on all calls, not just the ones involving violence and harm. Being solely reactive is only acceptable when there is no opportunity to be proactive. That’s not the case here.
Opportunities to be proactive have been abundant. The people of our community have been doing their part to protect themselves and each other. Local government agencies need to do theirs. I’m hoping these videos, and this story, can play a role in making that happen.
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Richard Epstein is a longtime Westporter (and dentist, Norwalk Symphony and chamber group musician, and classical music host on WPKN-FM.)
But today he writes about animals. Richard says:
Thirty years ago, when I had my dental office in my Red Coat Road house and the patients had a view of the backyard, one of them looked at me and asked, “Is that your pig?”
It wasn’t.
But the Westport News reported on the incident. Here’s that story:
The other day, he had another excellent encounter with Animal Control.
he and his wife Ina recently put down their beloved dog Pippa, due to kidney disease.
Pippa
During the last 6 months of her life, the Epsteins got her a companion.
Winter — a fluffy little 3-year-old miniature schnauzer mix — kept Pippa happy.
Winter
After Pippa was gone, Richard learned of Gypsy: a 3-year-old spayed Pomeranian/husky mix at PAWS (the Pet Animal Welfare Society).
Richard, Ina and Winter all loved her. They adopted Gypsy on the spot, and brought her home.
Gypsy
Yet within half a second of entering the house, she turned tail — leash and all — and raced down the driveway.
She took a left into traffic on Wilton Road, zipped under the bridge and onto the entrance road to the Merritt Parkway and Westport Weston Family YMCA.
Richard ran after her, “at a pace I have not maintained in years.”
Suddenly, he says, several drivers stopped their cars. They barricaded the ramp, and ran out to help catch Gypsy.
One man — who Richard later learned is a Y lifeguard — followed the dog on his electric bike.
Winter reversed course, running across a neighbor’s yard. Richard and others leaped stone walls, trying to follow on foot.
Gypsy was faster than them all.
Animal Control and the Westport Police were called. Richard thought of the pig, 30 years ago.
“Dog Gone Recovery” was also called. They sent members from both nearby and far away.
But by the time Richard returned home at 11 p.m., his dog was still gone.
He and Ina went to bed sad and worried. Their concern was magnified at 4 a.m., when thunderstorms woke them. They thought of the poor lost animal, in the rain.
Finally, 20 hours later, Recovery volunteers — who had driven from Canton, near Hartford, to help — used rotisserie chicken to lure Gypsy into a crate.
They returned her to PAWS.
Gypsy, recovered.
“I grew up in Westport, in the days when we knew all our neighbors,” Richard says.
“But this experience makes us grateful that after 40 years on Red Coat Road, we can still count on people nearby to help out when it is needed.”
The Epsteins will wait a while before getting a companion for Winter. They’ll make sure it’s not a “runner.”
In the meantime, Richard says, “we are so grateful to the many unsung heroes who joined in the search: PAWS, Dog Gone Recovery, Damian McCallum from the YMCA, Lisa from Weston and her Mini Cooper convertible, Kate down the street, Westport’s Police and Animal Control, and the many neighbors who watched vigilantly and helped us finally recover Gypsy.”
They returned the adoption fee back to PAWS. They’re making a donation to the Dog Gone Recovery Network.
Meanwhile — if you have a fenced-in yard — Gypsy is still available.
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com)
(Unsung Heroes runs every Wednesday on “06880.” Please click here to help us continue this, and many features.)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
We headed to the house to see if there was anything we could do to help rescue the dog, who had been on the lam at least 5 days. Her image appeared on several Ring cameras in the area.
