Love dogs and want to help homeless ones? Volunteer for a local shelter, raise money for charity or adopt your next pet from one of these wonderful organizations.
Adopt-a-Dog
Founded in 1981
Greenwich, CT (shelter in Armonk, NY): “We strive to provide the best quality of life possible” for dogs awaiting adoption, says Shelter Manager Kristen Rice. The group’s annual Puttin’ on the Dog Show (September 20 at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich, CT) is a great opportunity to show support. adopt-a-dog.org
Connecticut Humane Society
Founded in 1881
Newington, CT (local shelter in Westport): “People who have pets at home will be guided in making a choice that will work for everyone involved,” says Alicia Wright, the society’s public relations director. The Connecticut Humane Society hosts several events throughout the year (the Faux Fur Ball buffet dinner; a Dog Walk and 5K; and an annual gala auction). cthumane.org
Project Precious RESCUE
Founded in 2007
Stamford, CT: Project Precious Rescue relies on foster homes to care for the 25-30 animals who are in their care at one time. “We try our best to match potential families with pets,” says Director Kristy Morrell. “We are known for taking some of the hardest cases, behaviorally and medically,” she adds. The group will hold a fundraiser in September. pprct.org
ROAR (Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue)
Founded in 2005
Ridgefield, CT: ROAR takes in local animal surrenders and pulls dogs from area animal control facilities. They also import dogs from the southern states where “spaying and neutering animals is not considered important or necessary,” says Shelter Director Allyson Dotson. ROAR recently became the first Connecticut affiliate shelter chapter of Pets for Vets, a national nonprofit organization that pairs military vets with shelter animals selected and trained to match each veteran’s unique lifestyle and needs. The organization hosts two large fundraisers each year, including a charity dog walk in October. roar-ridgefield.org
Paws CT
Founded in 1962
Norwalk, CT: “Since our organization is small and we have a large volunteer base, we are able to spend a great deal of one-on-one time with our dogs,” says Sally Koeniger, dog adoption coordinator. “This enables us to make the best match with a potential adopter as well as tailor our dogs’ daily care to their individual needs.” pawsct.org
FIDO FIXERS
Founded in 2012
Greenwich, CT: Suzanne Steinberg, Susan Maounis and Lisa Wysocki founded Fido Fixers to prevent the overpopulation of dogs and cats and prevent animal suffering and euthanasia. In order to do this, the Greenwich residents purchased three state of the art surgical mobile veterinary clinics that provide low or no cost pay and neuter services in low-income areas in Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina, via local animal welfare non-profits. The biggest need right now is donations that will help the non-profit purchase additional mobile clinics—while 12,000 surgeries have been performed so far, the organization has a waitlist of 18 qualified animal welfare groups that have asked for help. fidofixers.org
