Connecticut Dog Magazine Summer 2023

NEEDING NEEDLES: HOW ACUPUNCTURE CHANGES LIVES

IT’S OUR ANNUAL GROOMING GUIDE

Danbury VCA Northside Animal Hospital

203-743-4521 (Exotics)

South Windsor

VCA Valley Animal Hospital

860-528-2178

Waterford

VCA New London Animal Hospital 860-442-0611

East Hartford

VCA Animal Hospital of East Hartford 860-569-1066

Vernon VCA Animal Hospital of Vernon 860-872-7351

Milford VCA Baybrook Animal Hospital

203-882-8600 (Cat Friendly Practice)

Cheshire

VCA Cheshire Animal Hospital

203-272-3266

Darien VCA Darien Animal Hospital 203-655-1449

Stamford VCA Davis Animal Hospital

203-327-0300

East Haven VCA Foxon Animal Hospital

203-468-2001

Shelton VCA Shoreline Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center

203-929-8600 (Emergency & Specialty)

Norwalk VCA Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center

203-854-9960

(Emergency & Specialty)

Cromwell VCA Cromwell Animal Hospital 860-635-1979

Plainville VCA Old Canal Animal Hospital 860-747-2759

Bristol VCA Bristol Animal Hospital 860-583-4641

Plainfield VCA Plainfield Animal Hospital

860-564-7177 (Exotics)

Naugatuck VCA Naugatuck Animal Hospital

203-723-7187 (Fear Free Practice)

West Hartford VCA Veterinary Specialists of CT 860-236-3273

(Emergency & Specialty)

Southbury VCA Maple Ridge Animal Hospital

203-262-0595

Here comes the sun

From the Desk of: Frank McAleer DVM, Medical Driector VCA East Hartford

It’s that time of year again. The days are getting longer and warmer, and people and their dogs are going outside in the sun. In the veterinary world, that means that we are going to start seeing heat-related injuries appear in our hospitals. These cases can be very serious indeed. We have treated many heat stroke cases successfully, but unfortunately, not all heat injury cases have a good conclusion. It is much better to avoid them in the first place.

Why does it keep happening? Well, a heat stroke can be sneaky. Surprisingly, I don’t see many dogs with heat stroke on very hot

days— I see more on relatively normal days. I think that is because people are aware of the heat when it is over 90 degrees and are careful with their pets. But people tend to let down their guard and assume all will be well when it is cooler than that. Every client says the same thing: “But it’s not that hot out!” Of course, all dogs need access to water, shade and rest in the summer. But here are some common situations I see that result in heat injuries.

Older dogs with laryngeal issues are the most common to have heat injuries. You may have noticed that older large-breed dogs can sound hoarse when they pant. These dogs do not pant as efficiently as they used to and they have trouble shedding heat. Some of these dogs had no trouble with heat last summer, but might have serious trouble this year. Do not exercise older dogs in the heat. Stick to morning and evening walks. If they start to pant a bit hard, get them into a cool environment quickly. If they seem weak or the sound of their panting starts to sound different or stressed, it may be time for a visit to the ER. The harder they work to pant, the more swelling can develop on their larynx, and the cycle gets worse and worse as the body temperature increases. Do not delay seeing a veterinarian.

Another group at high risk in the heat are the short-faced dogs like bulldogs, pugs and Frenchies. These dogs have trouble moving air efficiently in any circumstance, but in hot, humid weather that deficiency can become dangerous. Again, short-faced dogs must not be pushed to exercise when it’s hot or very humid. Even if they are asking to go, use caution. You may have to be the voice of reason for them.

And do I even need to mention dogs in parked cars in the summer? Cars can be like ovens. Cracked windows are not enough. Parking under a tree is not enough. Never leave dogs unattended in cars.

Lastly, remember that the pavement, and especially metal plates and manhole covers, can get very hot in the sun and can severely burn a dog’s foot pads. Walk a dog’s in the morning or evening. If you can’t walk barefoot on the pavement, don’t let your dog walks on it.

As for cats, I have never seen a cat with a heat injury. They seem to have some better sense about heat than dogs and humans!

Dr. McAleer, better known as Dr. Mac, is Medical Director at VCA East Hartford Animal Hospital. He served in the army as a veterinarian in North Carolina and the Middle East for 3 years prior to joining VCA in 2001.

Summer 2023

Connecticut Dog is published quarterly: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Guidelines for submissions are available upon request. Visit www.ConnecticutDog.com for more details.

Connecticut Dog P.O. Box 28

Glastonbury, CT 06033

Founders

Melissa Roberts

Susan Roberts

Owner, Publisher, Art Director

Melissa Roberts publisher@ConnecticutDog.com

Assistant Editor

Amelia Mae Roberts

Production Manager David Lansa DL Graphic Design, LLC. design@ConnecticutDog.com

Contributing Writers

Adria Henderson

Melina Rothert, DVM

Contributing Photographers

Adria Henderson

April Kate Photography

Britt Bosse

Melina Rothert, DVM

Cover Dog: Adoptable Maple is available through The Woof Gang Rescue (see page 7)

Cover Photographer: Sara Huber, Paw Print Studio

Advertising publisher@ConnecticutDog.com

MaeMedia

www.MaeMedia.net

At Connecticut Dog magazine, our mission is to be the one and only resource regarding events, lifestyles, trends, and wellness for dog owners throughout the state of Connecticut. The contents of this magazine is copyrighted by Connecticut Dog, all rights reserved. Reproduction of any articles, advertisement, or material from this issue is forbidden without written permission of the publisher. The publisher in no way recommends, guarantees or endorses the quality of services and/or products and/or article topics within those advertisements or editorial content of any kind when accepting and publishing advertising or editorial submissions.

“The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.”

- Pope Benedict XVI

“To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it.” - G.K. Chesterton

“Nothing great is ever achieved without enduring much.”

- St. Catherine of Siena

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

“You will never be happy if your happiness depends on getting solely what you want. Change the focus. Get a new center. Will what God wills and your joy no man shall take from you.”

- Venerable Fulton Sheen

Maple is a stunning and energetic 2.5-year-old cattle dog mix, full grown at nearly 60 lbs. She is crate-trained, house trained, and never met a ball she wouldn’t fetch. Miss Maple is clever, affectionate and bossy, and she requires an adult home where she is the only pet. She has been professionally trained, is well-behaved in the house and loves to hike and be outside – a fenced yard is her dream. Maple’s herding instincts are too strong to safely live with small animals or children, so we think her ideal home could be with active empty nesters or childfree folks who want a walking or hiking companion and understand that Maple is not the type of dog you can bring to breweries or dog parks. Maple is spayed, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped. She has been with our rescue for half her life – over a year – and we are determined to find Maple the right forever home! Her adoption fee is waived for the right adopter(s). To meet Maple, please read our adoption info and apply here: www.woofgangrescue. org/adoption-application/

Photo Credit: Sara Huber, Paw Print Studio

EVENTS

Craft & Vendor FUR-Raiser

June 3, 2023

12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

718 Colonel Ledyard Hwy, Ledyard

Pets in the Park

June 4, 2023

11: 00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Pettibone Park, New Milford

Bark in the Park

Sunday, June 4, 2023

11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Latham Park, Stamford

Open House - Adoption Day

June 4, 2023

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Pleasant Paws Pet Center, Newtown

Little Poland Festival

June 4, 2023

10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Broad Street, New Britain

Comedy for a Cause

June 9, 2023

6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Kinsmen Brewing Company, Southington

Rabies Vaccine & Microchip Clinic

June 10, 2023

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Ellington Center Animal Clinic, Ellington

Catherine’s Butterfly Party 2023

June 10, 2023

12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Fairfield Hills Campus, Newtown

Georgetown Day

June 11, 2023

12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Main Street, Georgetown

PETtalk: Preparing Your Pets for the New Baby

Virtual Event

June 15, 2023

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. www.CTHumane.org

Adoption Event

June 17, 2023

12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Charles Toyota, Norwich

Suffield Summer Fair

June 17, 2023

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

McAlister School, Suffield

Pups & Pints Car Show

June 18, 2023

12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Norbrook Farm Brewery, Colebrook

Fairfield Dog Days

June 25, 2023

11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Town Hall Green, Fairfield

Foster Field Trip

Text and photo provided by CPR

Not in a position to foster, but want to help a sweet rescue dog get adopted? Companion Pet Rescue & Transport (CPR) invites members of the community to take one of their sweet pups out on a foster field trip. CPR provides all the supplies, the dog, some field trip ideas, and safety tips. You just bring the fun! When you take a dog out on a field trip you will not only have a great time, you give a dog some much needed socialization and help them get adopted much faster. It is easy to get started. Fill out a volunteer application at cprdogs.com and note “Foster Field Trip” and CPR will get the ball rolling.

An Easter Bunny Visit

Bring your dog along for Yappy Hour to enjoy pizza, pints and puppies. Meet adoptable pups and mingle in the outdoor beer garden. The 314 Beer Garden in Norwalk will be hosting Yappy Hour for Lucky Dog Refuge from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month: June 6th, July 4th and August 1st

Adopt a dog!

Here at Pleasant Paws Pet Center we love to have fun for holidays and special occasions. We had a visitor for Easter. The Easter bunny had so much fun seeing our doggie daycare friends! Text and photo provided by Pleasant Paws Pet Center

Adopt a dog from Happily Furever After Rescue by stopping by Choice Pet in Danbury from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. on either July 8th or August 12th or at the Bethel Farmer’s Market in Bethel from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on July 15th.

Farmer’s Market

Earth Animal Market runs every Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. starting June 9, 2023 and ending November 10, 2023. Stop by for organic fruits and vegetables, cheeses, baked goods and more! Earth Animal is located at 925 Post Road E in Westport.

Cover Contest

past cover contest winners

How to Enter Your Dog

You may only enter your dog once. To enter, visit www.ConnecticutDog.com to upload a headshot of your dog. Photographs must be a minimum of 300 dpi. Only one photograph per entry, so send us your absolute best! Please do not mail any photographs. Every entry must be made through our website. Due to mail volume, we regret that we cannot acknowledge the receipt of the submissions made. However, we will let you know if your dog was selected as a finalist. All images must be uploaded no later than September 30, 2023. When submitting your dog’s photograph, please be sure to include your dog’s name, your full name, telephone number with the area code, address, and email. Your entry must include the required information in order for your dog to be entered. You must be a Connecticut resident and currently living in Connecticut to enter the contest.

Show Your Support

Visit www.ConnecticutDog.com to vote. All votes must be made on our website only. We encourage readers, family and friends to vote once a day. If multiple votes come in from the same IP address within a 24-hour period, the votes will only be counted as one. Although likes are not counted as votes, we still encourage readers to like pictures of the finalists on our social media. Connecticut Dog reserves the right to change these rules at any time. We ask that readers be respectful. Any inappropriate comments or photographs will be deleted and removed from all sites.

Contest Dates & Deadlines

All submissions to enter must be made by September 30, 2023

Finalists will be chosen and notified shortly after.

The online voting period runs from October 9, 2023 - October 23, 2023

Winner will be notified by October 25, 2023

Prize Package

The winner will receive a feature article and a professional photo shoot from a local photographer. The photographer will take pictures for the front cover of Connecticut Dog which will run on our Winter 2023 issue. The photographer will take additional pictures for the article that will be written about your dog for that same Winter 2023 issue. Finally, the winner will receive a 1-year subscription of the magazine.

Red, White, Bark & Brew

July 2, 2023

12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Nod Hill Brewery, Ridgefield

The Animal Haven’s 75th Anniversary Celebration

July 15, 2023

12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

North Haven Town Green, North Haven

Dog Star’s 3rd Golf Tournament

July 21, 2023

9:00 a.m.

Tunxis Plantation Country Club, Farmington

Sunflower 6K

August 6, 2023

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Buttonwood Farms, Jewett City

Legacy Car & Motorcycle Show

August 20, 2023

9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Shoreline Prime Parking Lot, Branford

Dream Ride

August 25, 2023

3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

August 26, 2023

10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

August 27, 2023

8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Farmington Polo Grounds, Farmington

Doggy Paddle

August 29, 2023

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

5:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.

Addison Pool, Glastonbury

Pet Photos With the Easter Bunny

Saving 100 Cats & Dogs!

Pets found their way to the Pet Supplies Plus in Groton for CHAIN’s annual Pet Photos with the Easter Bunny! A fun time was had by all. Proceeds benefited CHAIN’s programs that benefit pets in need. Visit Ledyard C.H.A.I.N. Inc. by visiting www.ledyardchain.org. Text and photo provided by Ledyard C.H.A.I.N., Inc.

PawSafe and a few other rescues just participated in a large intake of dogs with the help of the Bissell Pet Foundation that flew them in to Bradley. With Bissell’s help over 100 dogs and cats were pulled from high kill shelters in the Mississippi area and flown here to Connecticut where multiple rescues were waiting to meet the plane and start the next step in their journey towards a forever home. Photos and text provided by PawSafe Animal Rescue

Local Griswold Rescue Saving Mama Dogs!

“We try to pull mom from the shelter before she delivers, otherwise her puppies get adopted and mom is left to be euthanized”, says Susana Burgess, the founder of All Paws on Deck, a Connecticut based dog rescue whose mission is to save pregnant dogs from shelters.

The moms are spayed and undergo training and heartworm treatments. The rescue relies on donations and puppies adoption fees to cover operational costs and supplies like pee pads, food and medication. Moms are so overlooked but there are many advantages to adopting an adult dog! You already know her full-grown size, her personality, likes and dislikes. They are house-trained, altered, and up to date on vaccinations, saving you a lot of money on vet bills, too. Adult dogs are typically much less work than taking on a puppy and their loyalty and appreciation is priceless!

For more information, to donate, to volunteer or to adopt, visit allpawsondeck.org

Photos and text provided by All Paws on Deck

Ifyouever lovedadog...

If you ever sought a cure...

If you ever believed in a power beyond your understanding....

“This

By Karin Fry

First Annual Pooch PromGlastonbury

Dog

Park

I have a Labrador, his name is Cosmo, Where I go, he makes sure to follow.

He stays by my side and says he is in charge, I tell him that he is mistaken, even though he is large.

In partnership with Banfield Pet Hospital, Bridgeport Animal Control will be having their Drive Thru Rabies Vaccination Clinic in Bridgeport on July 8, 2023. Vaccinations are free while supplies last. Please call the Bridgeport Animal Control at 203-5767727 for the time of the event.

Food has always been a passion of his, He eats it all, no matter what it is.

On Saturday, April 22, 2023 the Glastonbury Parks and Recreation Department along with Rehab K-9 held the first annual Pooch Prom at the Riverfront Park and Glastonbury Dog Park in Glastonbury. In addition to various vendors, the event had a fun musical sit, best kisser, best waggle, best dressed and a Prom King & Queen. Photos provided by the Glastonbury Parks and Recreation Department

He loves to run, hike, sniff and swim, With all this activity he keeps himself trim. Rain or shine, snow or sun, No matter what – Cosmo has fun.

Stop by and say “hi” to the Double Dog Rescue booth at the Renaissance Faire in Harwinton. The event is running until July 2, 2023.

Join the PawSafe Animal Rescue for some puppy yoga at the Worthington Vineyard & Winery event on Saturday, June 10th in Somers! Applications for adoptions are available.

Some people think that a black dog is scary, This dog is kind, behaves but is wary.

He sleeps by my bed and makes sure I stay safe, Always and always, for all of our days.

Cosmo

By Karin Fry

I have a Labrador, his name is Cosmo, Where I go, he makes sure to follow.

He stays by my side and says he is in charge, I tell him that he is mistaken, even though he is large. Food has always been a passion of his, He eats it all, no matter what it is. He loves to run, hike, sniff and swim, With all this activity he keeps himself trim. Rain or shine, snow or sun, No matter what – Cosmo has fun.

Some people think that a black dog is scary, This dog is kind, behaves but is wary. He sleeps by my bed and makes sure I stay safe, Always and always, for all of our days.

Glastonbury Easter Egg Hunt

Here are a few smiling faces from the Easter Egg Hunt that took place in Glastonbury. Photos provided by the Glastonbury Parks and Recreation Department

Stanley pups on NHL Mash-up!

Text and image provided by Lucky Dog Refuge

Adoptable puppies from Lucky Dog Refuge in Stamford recently visited the NYC offices of the National Hockey League for their debut on “NHL Mash-Up,” hosted by Kathryn Tappen and former NHL player Dominic Moore. To top off an already exciting day, three of the “Stanley pups” were adopted by NHL staff members who fell in love with them! Watch them now on “NHL Mash-Up” which airs on the League’s YouTube Channel.

Pooch Hotel. We’re here for you and your dog 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We offer boarding and daycare, with webcam access and 24/7 check in and check out, you can stay close to your pet- even when you’re far away. While they’re here, why not get in a grooming? We offer full grooming services to spruce up your pup such as baths, haircuts, pawdicures, ear cleaning, toothbrushing and nail trims. Book your appt with Max or Gus today.

We also offer Dog training. Call us at 203-838-4451 or email us at info-norwalk@poochresorts.com website: poochresorts.com

Dog Star Rescue – Rescue on the Runway

Rescue on the Runway had a successful return after a 3-year Covid hiatus. Chicos, Daswani and Eastern Mountain Sports supplied the fabulous clothes. Volunteers and supporters of the rescue modeled the beautiful clothes. We will be announcing our 2024 date soon. Text provided by Dog Star Rescue and photos provided by Connecticut Dog

Companion Pet Rescue & Transport (CPR) will hold their annual reunion on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at their Adoption Center at Willow Creek Farm (522 N. Georges Hill Rd., Southbury). In addition to an adoption event from 10am - 2 pm, they will hold reunion activities from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. for all CPR adopters and their dogs. There will be a bake sale, face painting, fun games (for people & dogs alike), a selfie booth, and more. At 2:30 p.m. we will have a Bomb Shelter Cafe with Maggie Paxson. Bomb Shelter Cafes are sing-a-long events inspired by the collective music of embattled communities in the lead-up to and during the Second World War. Maggie will distribute music and guests will sing along as she shares stories and scenes from earlier decades, designed to gently inspire. Writer, anthropologist, and performer, Maggie Paxson is the author of The Plateau, which has won several awards. This event is open to the public and all proceeds will benefit CPR. Please bring a lawn chair for the musical event. Text provided by CPR

Pet

Puppy Palooza

In April, The Coffee Spot in Simsbury hosted a Puppy Palooza event for the Simon Foundation, which brought about a lot of exposure for their puppies that have been up for adoption. There are plans for the Simon Foundation to return each month throughout the summer. To find out more about the dates and times, please visit www.thesimonfoundation.org. Photo provided by The Simon Foundation

The Carolyn Dorman Benefit Fundraiser for the Connecticut Humane Society runs virtually from Monday, July 17th through Sunday, July 23rd. After the week long auction/raffle there will be a party to wrap up the fundraiser from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 23rd. To learn more about the fundraising event, please visit www.CTHumane.org for more information.

June 3-Sept 30, 2023 • 9AM-12PM

PAWS - N - CLAWS

Pet Sitting

Dog Walking

Animal Caregiver

Over 30 years Experience

FARMINGTON VALLEY

Scheduling Meet and Greets (30 plus years experience)

• Pet Sitting • Cat Sitting • Dog Walking

• Overnight Pet Sitting In Your Home

• Horse Sitting

• Pet Taxi • Pet Travel Nanny

• Medication Administration (orally or injections)

• House Checks

• reptiles, livestock, aqua, birds

Schedule a Meet & Greet 860.681.8958

/PawsNClawspetsitting&dogwalking

“I’d like to take this time to thank Cat and the staff at The Pet Spa, both past and present, for all the great care you took of Roscoe at his many grooming appointments for the 10-years he was with me. You, Cat, started grooming him from day one.”

I Highly recommend The Pet Spa located at 99 Riverside Ave in Bristol, CT 06010 for all your pets grooming needs!

Popsicle Treats

This summer, help your dog beat the heat by making cool, delicious, refreshing treats! With just a few minutes to prepare and a couple of very basic ingredients, you can create a healthy snack for your pup! This is a wonderful project to work on by yourself, with your children or for the whole family! Popsicles are made from liquid or something more of a thicker smoothie-like consistency, which can be poured into silicone molds, ice cube trays, cupcake tins or small paper cups. Consider the size of your dog and the necessary mold size that would be best to use.

Before you begin, make room in your freezer to accommodate the size of molds you choose to use but also account for how many popsicles you’ll be making.

The next step is deciding what kind of popsicles your dog would enjoy. Think about the flavors

your dog currently likes and let that be your guide. A few safe flavors to consider would be banana, strawberry, blueberry, peanut butter, apple, watermelon, cantaloupe, carrot, carob or pumpkin. Xylitol is toxic to dogs, so make sure the ingredients you’re using doesn’t contain this product.

Now that you know what flavors you’ll want to use, the next step would be to gather up the

Pour into the mold of your choice. Be creative by mixing flavors together or by layering them up! Add some solid fruit pieces or use chunky peanut butter instead of smooth. A little bit of your mixture goes a long way, especially if you are using smaller molds.

ingredients and start blending, juicing or mixing away! You can use a little bit of unsweetened, plain organic yogurt if dairy doesn’t upset your dog’s tummy. However, when blending the ingredients into a smoothie consistency, be sure to add a little water so it doesn’t become too think when using the blender.

Place the popsicle molds onto a baking tray and put the tray into the freezer. If you’d like to add an edible handle by using dog bones or small, skinny rawhide chews, wait before inserting. Give it about a half hour if using a thicker consistency or an hour if using a liquid. This will ensure that the handle doesn’t fall over during the freezing process. It’s not recommended to use actual popsicle sticks unless you will be supervising your pup to avoid any choking or ingestion of the stick itself.

Serve your popsicle to your dog in a bowl or in a safe, clean area you wouldn’t mind sticky mess.

“You can create a healthy snack for your pup!”

Needing Needles: How Acupuncture Changes Lives

Acupuncture, a therapy that follows traditional chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM), dates back two thousand years. It has been refined to a specialized treatment for a multitude of ailments across many species. Despite acupuncture being considered an “alternative therapy” in the United States, it has been around much longer than modern medicine, which has only existed for 300 years. There are thousands of research studies showing significant improvement in animal quality of life after acupuncture treatments. Integrating the TCVM approach with western medicine approaches provides comprehensive treatment for your pet to have them feeling their best!

Why would an owner seek acupuncture for their animal?

Acupuncture is primarily used for treating acute pain, chronic arthritis, and neurologic conditions (hello spinal cord injuries in dachshunds). It can also improve autoimmune (allergies) and endocrine disease (hypothyroid & diabetes), regulate intestinal disorders (chronic diarrhea), as well as stabilize respiratory and heart conditions. In my experience, most owners bring their pets for painful musculoskeletal problems. Did you know that 1 in 3 dogs/cats have arthritis? That number significantly increases with age. Arthritis is not always obvious because most fur babies are resilient. Many dogs with joint and soft tis-

sue pain are still running and playing but may be “slowing down”, struggling to rise or get on the couch. Subtle clues to indicate discomfort are described well in this online resource: AHAA

How to Tell if Your Dog is in Pain

In most scenarios, if a pet is acting strange and deviating from their normal habits; a veterinarian will assess, diagnose and usually prescribe medications, diet and lifestyle changes. If good ol’ Fido has a sudden limp, he is likely going to be given an anti-inflammatory prescription to treat. Although he may recover quickly while on medications, this relief may be short lived and the old injury may come back to haunt, just as

Articles & Photos provided by Dr. Melina Rothert

Melina Rothert, DVM is a certified veterinary acupuncturist practicing at Companion Animal Hospital in Cromwell, CT and Veterinary Emergency Center in Canton, CT. A quick google search can help you find a veterinary acupuncturist near you!

we experience in ourselves. Most medications do not have lasting effects to prevent injuries from becoming chronic unless taken daily. Acupuncture is wonderful because it can provide pain relief and other benefits that last for weeks to months, even years without the potential systemic side effects of daily medications. However, it is not intended to replace necessary medications.

How does it work?

Using hair-thin needles to penetrate into body tissues, an acupuncturist targets very specific points; by stimulating these areas through microtrauma, you’re encouraging the body to heal itself in the way it innately knows how. The healing response includes improving blood flow, encouraging lymphatic drainage, enticing nerve cells, and promoting immune cells. Not only are there changes that happen at the location of the needle, but there are also systemic responses based on TCVM organ meridian channels that can help control disease and improve energy. My favorite part is knowing that acupuncture releases serotonin and beta endorphins in the body; therefore, I can always provide pain control/relief for my wonderful patients.

Needles generally stay in for 15 - 30 minutes, but positive response can occur within seconds. Dogs typically require at least 3-6 sessions (depending on severity and age) to reach full effects and then come in for regular “tuneups” as needed. Interestingly, cats require less sessions and rabbits usually only need one to two sessions to fix a specific problem!

Do the needles hurt?

Generally, no.

The needles can briefly cause discomfort at sensitive regions but the theory is to treat pain with pain by using brief stimulation in an attempt to abolish severe, prolonged pain.

There is no placebo effect when it comes to animals, so when there is a noticeable improvement in their activity level and comfort, you know that it is working.

A common (and my favorite) response from owners is: “After the first session, they were running around like a puppy again!” Healthy pain free aging should not include slowing down. Our pets should be comfortable for their entire life! If you feel like your pet could benefit from the effects of acupuncture, give it a go! There is definitely no harm in trying.

During treatments, dogs are kept comfortable on mats and blankets. In this photo, Bella is receiving electroacupuncture. The needles are connected with wires to a machine that provides stimulation to enhance the effects of the needles!

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix is an urban retreat that strikes the balance between the energy of its city setting and Arizona’s laid-back lifestyle. The 242-room boutique hotel is ideally located at CityScape, downtown Phoenix’s shopping, dining and entertainment hub where you’re just steps away from major arenas, stadiums, theatres, fantastic restaurants and more.

The boutique hotel offers 242 spacious guest rooms, including 16 suites, all with modern interior touches, views of the surrounding city and mountains, and combines contemporary design with an “Art in Motion” theme embracing the undercurrent of artistic energy throughout.

The adjacent Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails showcases a menu of New American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch utilizing bold flavors, seasonal ingredients and contemporary techniques to create familiar, yet

Text and photos provided by Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix

refined dishes that shares the spotlight with an award-winning hand-crafted cocktail program which no doubt raises the bar for drink culture in Downtown Phoenix.

The hotel’s third-floor outdoor pool terrace is home to Eden Rooftop Bar, a sultry relaxed rooftop poolside lounge during the day that transitions to a kicked up vibe at night centered around high design, great views, a flow of distinctive beverages - sexy and higher-end without the pretension. Join us for a lively cocktail (or several!), plus some friendly southwest hospitality.

And for those dog lovers out there, this is your place! Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix is as pet-friendly as they come, welcoming dogs of all sizes and weights, as long as your four legged friend can fit inside the elevator. Plus, the hotel provides water bowls delivered to your room, courtesy bags for walking, dedicated floors for those with pets, as well as an information card provided upon check in that includes the nearest parks, walking trails and dog-friendly restaurant patios to maximize your experience.

2 EAST JEFFERSON STREET, PHOENIX, AZ

85004

Reservations: (877) 488-1908 | Hotel: (602) 253-6633

www.hotelpalomar-phoenix.com

FARM ANIMAL SANCTUARIES MAKE THEIR VOICES HEARD

The public is inundated with food company ads portraying farm animals in pastoral scenes, grazing cage-free in plush, green meadows under the warm afternoon sun surrounded by their offspring...

The reality is dairy cows have their offspring forcibly removed from them at birth, with male calves immediately removed and sent to slaughter as they are considered useless by dairy farmer, pigs are trapped in gestation crates so small they are prevented from standing or turning around, and so-called, free-range chickens are confined in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions unable to move freely, see daylight or fulfill basic natural behaviors.

Yet here we are in 2023 and these horrific factory farms still exist in this state. And this year, one of CT Votes for Animals’ legislative priorities is opposing HB 6726, The Regulation of Livestock and Certain Rabbit Processing Facilities. The bill proposes a program that will expedite the killing and processing of rabbits for food. If passed, this legislature’s action will establish yet another factory-farm in Connecticut and kill thousands of rabbits annually.

In the last several years, Connecticut has been moving the bar forward and establishing farm

animal sanctuaries and rescuing these animals from dairy farms, slaughterhouses, hobby farms, and from abuse and neglect cases seized by the state.

Here are two Connecticut farm sanctuaries making a difference in Connecticut’s burgeoning farm animal sanctuary movement, the JP Farm Animal Sanctuary and The Kindness Matters Farm Sanctuary.

“The bill proposes a program that will expedite the killing and processing of rabbits for food”

Article by Adria Henderson | Photography by Britt Bosse & Adria Henderson

Photo by Britt Bosse

Photo by Britt Bosse

Photo by Britt Bosse

Photo by Adria Henderson

Photo by Britt Bosse

Britt Bosse is a fine art animal photographer and animal rights advocate from Connecticut. In 2016, she became involved in animal rights activism and volunteering at animal sanctuaries. Through her volunteer experiences, she was given the opportunity to photograph some of the sanctuary animals. It was then she found her true passion in photography. She now photographs both rescued animals and wildlife, with a mission to raise awareness for the ways in which humans have a negative impact on animals and how we can create positive change. In 2023, she will be opening for canine portrait bookings. Photo by

Yet here we are in 2023 and these horrific factory farms still exist in this state.

Britt Bosse

Photo by Britt Bosse

KINDNESS MATTERS FARM SANCTUARY: AVON, CT

Kindness Matters, opened in 2020, is one of the more recent additions to the growing number of farm animal sanctuaries in Connecticut. Owner, Diedre Galbo, a small animal veterinarian for more than 20 years, was ready to leave West Hartford and find a larger piece of land in Connecticut for her family - her husband, three active teenage boys and a very friendly black lab, Neon, a therapy dog.

Viewing the property in Avon for the first time, she was immediately drawn, not only to the large, lovely home, but to its rolling five acres and stunning stone and timber barn, a perfect place - and opportunity - to rescue donkeys, one of her favorite animals.

To begin her dream for the Kindness Matters Farm as a sanctuary, she became a member of the Farm Sanctuary Network, a branch of the well-established Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, NY. The network serves as an educational resource for sanctuaries, as well as a channel for farm animals needing to be rehomed.

It was through this network, Dr. Galbo was introduced to the Save Your Ass rescue in Acworth, NH, a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabbing, and rehoming unwanted or neglected donkeys and mules. It wasn’t long before the first of the eventual herd of five mini donkeys arrived, now all living their best life at Kindness Farm.

Soon after, the farm became home to three Merino sheep, Fanny, Nelly and Chubbs, rescued from a wool producer who no longer had any need for the three ewes. They had not been sheared for more than two years, a dangerous practice for sheep. Bucky and Uno, two Nigerian dwarf goats, followed the sheep adoption after being rescued from a farm that had suddenly shut down leaving 100 animals homeless. Bucky and Uno were the last two goats left that had not been adopted and they became the perfect addition to the growing animal herd at Kindness Matters.

Now all living together for over a year, the donkeys have taken on the role of herd protectors. Recently, an animal wandered onto the property and was apparently perceived by the donkeys as a danger to the smaller animals. The donkeys formed a circle around the goats and sheep and remained in that position until the threat was gone.

Dr. Galbo, who along with her full-time veterinary practice, is a Mindfulness Teacher at Take Paws Mindfulness, and as such, is keenly aware of the place animals have in our lives to reduce stress and anxiety. To that end, she has opened the sanctuary to many visitors and volunteers with mental health challenges, dementia and undue stress, all of whom benefit from volunteering or just visiting and observing. Dr. Galbo explains, “The humans who visit can easily see love. I think the beautiful thing about our Sanctuary is that the purposeful work of rescuing and caring for these animals is amazing, but there is so much human benefit and therapy as well… a true blessing for all.”

https://www.facebook.com/KMfarmsanctuary

Mini Donkey Blossom’s head shot for her modeling portfolio!

The three Merino sheep, Fanny, Nelly and Chubbs, heading into the barn for some treats

Nigerian Dwarf Goat, Uno, surveying her domain

THE JP FARM ANIMAL SANCTUARY,

LITCHFIELD, CT

Nestled in the bucolic hills of Litchfield, CT and hidden away down a long driveway, is the tranquil, wooded setting of the JP Farm Animal Sanctuary, home to several rescued cows, chickens, pigs, one people-loving turkey and the home of Oscar Janssen and Lynn Printy, the “J” and “P” of the JP Farm Animal Sanctuary.

The couple, who was already involved locally with animal rescue, became intrigued with the Scottish Highland cow, a small bovine with a thick, shaggy coat and prominent horns. They located a breeder in Connecticut, and when, on one of their trips to visit the breeder’s farm, it became apparent the farmer did not intend to treat one of his injured and sickly cows. When Lynn and Oscar suggested taking care of the veterinarian bill, the farmer offered to surrender the sick cow and her young son to them, along with four other bovines the farmer did not ‘see fit for his production’.

In 2013, after clearing and fencing part of their property, the six bovines arrived at their new home, the JP Farm in Newtown, CT.

The couple soon realized these four cows were just the beginning of their quest to rescue farm animals, but their Newtown property wasn’t ideal to house additional farm animals. They started looking for a larger tract of land in rural Connecticut.

Deciding on forty-four idyllic acres in Litchfield, CT, the JP Farm joined the Farm Animal Adoption Network, and received not-for-profit status in 2018, and JP Farm Animal Sanctuary was born.

Since 2019, the JP Farm Animal Sanctuary has given forever homes to their current and very happy rescued cows, both Highland and dairy cows, also known as “grass puppies”, chickens, pigs, and turkeys - and with the current expansion of a new aviary and projection of a new barn, the plan is to continue to rescue, educate and advocate for all farmed animals.

Realizing one of the best ways to bring their message of compassion to all living beings was to start by educating young children, Lynn and Oscar’s sister Britt, began traveling locally and speaking to school age children about the JP mantra of Inspiring Compassionate Living. They also began inviting groups of young people to visit the sanctuary to meet and spend time with the farm animals exposing these open, eager minds to the three tenets JP Farm adheres to:

1) COMPASSION TO ALL BEINGS: Animals are sentient beings – they have emotions, feelings, and perceptions. They have family and friendships and, just like people, they need to feel safe and free.

2) PROMOTING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE: Large, industrial farms - factory farms - look at animals as commodities, not living beings. To ensure they survive until slaughtered, they add hormones, antibiotics and other additives to their feed thereby moving those same additives directly into the human food chain. Science has shown eating animals does not promote good health.

3) PROTECTING THE EARTH: Grazing lands and forests are being destroyed by industrial farming at an alarming rate and deforestation is causing mass wildlife and plant extinction. The earth, as we know it, is not sustainable at the current rate of land and forest destruction.

https://jpfarmsanctuary.org/

https://www.facebook.com/jpfarmsanctuary/

Adria Henderson began her animal-centric career more than 35 years ago by opening a boarding and dog training facility in Norwalk, CT. Working as a dog trainer, animal behavior consultant and pet care specialist, she has handled more than 1,000 companion and farm animals and exotix birds. Currently the owner of the writing, editing and social media marketing company, Write at Home and creator of the Facebook Page, Animals Matters-News, she specializes in animal and environmental subjects and has written extensively on both subjects. She was a licensed Connecticut private investigator and legal researcher for more than 35 years and is currently a member of the CT Votes for Animals Advisory Board where she specializes in developing content and social media marketing. CT Votes for Animals is a state-wide, grass-roots, animal advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of Connecticut’s animals by making their well-being a priority for our elected leaders. https://www.ctvotesforanimals.org/

Photo by Britt Bosse

Photo by Britt Bosse

Canine Smiles

We want to see your canine smiles! Visit www.ConnecticutDog.com to submit your pet’s photograph.

Deuce

Graham

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Rider

Abel

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Alfie

Teddy

Welcome to the Connecticut Dog’s Annual Grooming Guide.

Dogs thrive on routines! Dogs who visit the grooming salon on a regular schedule are less apt to be apprehensive when walking through the doors. When a positive experience is repeated, then trust is gained making it much easier on your pup.

Groomers put their hands pretty much all over your dogs body, I have found lumps, bumps, wounds, and ear infections to name a few. We can assist in your pups general health and well being.

Dogs that shed require brushing and deshedding so they can either grow their winter coats, or shed their undercoats for warmer weather. Dogs that do not shed require haircuts to help maintain proper lengths for colder and warmer months.

As the warm weather approaches, please keep in mind that shaving a dog shorter for summer does not make them cooler but only exposes them to the elements and also makes it easier for fleas and ticks to get to your dogs skin. Talk to your groomer about a suitable length for your pup. Dogs do not sweat, therefore they need some fur!

Written by Melissa Corona, a professional dog groomer for 31 years and owner of Beyond The Flea Dog grooming in Bethel, CT.

Here are some little known facts about why it is helpful to get your dog professionally groomed.

In the pages ahead you can learn more about the local groomers in your community.

A Muddy Paw

A Muddy Paw Pet Salon is a full-service dog grooming salon geared to the personalized attention of each dog that visits the salon. Your pet’s safety and comfort is our primary concern. Your dog will receive professional, personalized and respectful attention from our experienced groomers that have been trained and certified in pet CPR and first aid. We take special pride, care and patience with every pet we groom.

• Safe, stress-free grooming

• Reiki Services offered

• Spa treatments: blueberry facials, medicated baths, pawdicures with pad treatments

2023 READER’S CHOICE LITCHFIELD MAGAZINE FIRST PLACE

259 Danbury Road • New Milford, CT 06776 (860) 350-3249 • www.amuddypaw.com

Depot Dog

Canine Design

Canine Design is located at 174 Boston Post Rd. in Westbrook, where we are one of the only salons certified by the A.K.C. as a S.A.F.E. salon. This means we’ve met the safety and sanitation requirements of the A.K.C. Owned and operated by Cindy Case with over 20 years of professional grooming experience. At Canine Design we strive to achieve the best haircut for your pets personality and lifestyle while maintaining a stress free environment for your dog.

• 20+ years professional grooming experience

• Certified by the A.K.C. as a S.A.F.E. salon

• Locally owned and operated

Canine Design

174 Boston Post Rd • Westbrook, CT 06498 860-664-9838 • CanineDesignClinton.com

Happy healthy living for cats & dogs.

A unique, zen-like spa that offers a personalized experience, accommodating only one dog at a time. We offer brushouts that use top quality organic dry shampoos & conditioners that clean and nourish the skin and coat. Other offerings include pawdicures, clipping, teeth and ear cleanings. Call to book your appointment today!

Happy healthy living for cats, & dogs.

• Personalized experience

• Organic products to nourish skin & coat

• Waterless “Dry Bar”

At Foothills Pet Salon Holly and her staff provide a calming and relaxing grooming experience for your pet. We are a full service professional grooming salon located in the Litchfield Hills. We welcome all breeds and sizes. We offer hair cuts, professional styling, bathing, brushing, nail trims/filing, ear cleaning, and medicated baths. Give your dog a spa day today!

11 Titus Rd.

• Washington Depot, CT 860.619.0430 • www.depotdogboutique.com

A unique pet boutique offering a wide range of nutritious foods, treats, collars, leashes, grooming supplies, beds and so much more! 860 619 0430 | 11 Titus Road, Washington Depot, CT depotdogboutique.com

Grimms Furry Tails

Grimms Furry Tails, LLC was established in 2005 by owners Jennifer and Daniel Grimm. It was first opened out of the couples home then expanded to its current location, 1939 Center Groton Rd, Ledyard CT, in 2013. Jennifer has 27 years in the grooming indus-try and along with her employees they offer over 35 years of groom-ing experience. Grimms Furry Tails has won The Day Newspa-per “Best Grooming Salon” 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Pampered Pets

At Pampered Pets we spend a lot of time working with each dog on behavior during each grooming. Grooming is something that will need to be done on a regular basis for the rest of the animals’ life. We want to make grooming and bathing fun for your pet. We encourage visits at an early age and use lots of positive reinforcements to make your friend enjoy grooming.

• Cat grooming

• Older dogs

• Been in business since 1986

• All breed dog grooming under 100lbs.

• Family owned and Operated.

• Groomings available by appt.

1939 Center Groton Rd, Ledyard, CT 06339 (860) 536-7077 • www.grimmsfurrytails.com

Spa Dogz

Located in the quintessential town of New Canaan, Spa Dogz is a fullservice luxurious dog grooming salon. With 21 years of experience, Kelly provides professional dog grooming to all breeds and all sizes as well as show dogs. Kelly builds a relationship with each and every one of her doggie clients based on trust, love and communication so your dog feels comfortable and safe with each and every visit.

Spa Dogz • 26 Cross Street New Canaan, CT

860-388-1862

775 Boston Post Rd. | Old Saybrook, CT

The Dog & Cat S’Paw

Patty LaFountain (Owner/Pet Stylist) graduated from Edwardian School of Dog Grooming in 1984. Her love and commitment for dogs and cats is the foundation that provides her customers a warm and wonderful experience. At The Dog & Cat S’Paw, we ensure your furry friend will receive personalized loving care. We take the time needed to know your pet and their needs – and groom them straight from the heart.

•

The Pet Spa

At The Pet Spa, our groomers’ priority is to your pet and its well being. We give them the individual care needed to make grooming a positive experience. We have six groomers, who are all here to personally take care of your pet, making your furry family member their only focus. All breeds of dogs and cats welcome.

This is NOT your average grooming salon

-Experience the Difference-

• Voted Best of Bristol 2019-2022

• Offering Cage-Free, One-on-One, Dog and Cat Grooming

• Photos taken of pet! Follow us on Instagram/Facebook : @ThePetSpaCT

The Pet Spa, LLC

99 Riverside Ave. | Bristol, CT 06010 860-584-5611 | www.ThePetSpaCT.com

Call

A Muddy Paw 259 Danbury Road New Milford, CT 06776 860-350-3249

Annie’s Pet Spa

2172 Silas Deane Highway Rocky Hill, CT 06067 860-257-0863

Beauty in the Beast 490 Cornwall Avenue Cheshire, CT 06410 203-250-1912

Beyond the Flea

20 PT Barnum Square Bethel, CT 06801 203-743-3474

Bows & Bandana’s Grooming Salon

1 Lenola Drive Farmington, CT 06032 860-677-5821

Canine Design 174 Boston Post Road Westbrook, CT 06498 860-664-9838

Claudette’s Creative Clippings

22 Main Street Unionville, CT 06085 860-673-7578

Wonder Paws

At Wonder Paws Pet Spa, we are passionate and dedicated to caring for each and every pet as if they were our own. Our priority is to create a safe, happy, and healthy experience where pets can be excited to see us while also offering the very best in products, style, and talent!

Depot Dog Pet Essentials 11 Titus Road Washington Depot, CT 06794 860-619-0430

Doggie Style Salon 534 Middle Turnpike E Manchester, CT 0604 860-730-4795

Dogs to Dragons 183 Clinton Road Killingworth, CT 06419 203-627-0386

Freckle Face Mystic/Stonington area 203-918-6326

Foothills Pet Salon 917 New Harwinton Road Torrington, CT 06790 860-489-4245

Grimm’s Furry Tails 1939 Center Groton Road Ledyard, CT 06339 860-536-7077

Happy Dog Pet Salon 224 Main Street Newtown, CT 06470 203-304-1220

• One on one appointments

• No kennel dryers

• Compassionate and Experienced Staff

Happy Tails Bathing & Grooming 4 Brushy Plain Road, Unit 511 Branford, CT 06405 203-488-8824

Monicas Paw Dog Grooming 625 New Park Ave #F West Hartford, CT 06610 860-281-1886

North Branford Clip & Dip 1211 Foxon Road North Branford, CT 06471 203-605-3037

Pampered Pets 775 Boston Post Road Old Saybrook, CT 06475 860-388-1862

Posh Paws Salon 8 Greenfield Street Fairfield, CT 06825 203-334-1605

Pooch Hotel 230 East Ave Norwalk, CT 06855 1-203-838-4451

Pooch Palace Resort 332 Norfolk Road East Canaan, CT 06024 860-453-4478

Spa Dogz 26 Cross Street New Canaan, CT 06840 203-569-1280

The Bark Easy Grooming Salon 1684 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike Southington, CT 06467 860-426-9936

The Dog & Cat S’Paw Grooming 387 Torrington Road Litchfield, CT 06759 860-361-6690

The Pet Spa 199 Riverside Avenue Bristol, CT 06010 860-584-5611

True Love Pet Care 26 Ives Street Hamden, CT 06518 203-691-8416

Wonder Paws Pet Spa 1610 Saybrook Road Haddam, CT 06438 860-554-5237

KEEPING PETS HAPPY & HEALTHY

992 State St | New Haven, CT 203-553-1727 | www.Pawtero.com

Since

Doris and Sheryl welcome you!

DOG AND CAT GROOMING

• No fancy frills

• No fancy decor

• Old-fashioned values

• Gentleness

• Kindness

• Knowledge

• Competitive pricing

119 Oakland St. Manchester, CT• 860-649-0485 doris@ladyclipper.com

Allyson(owner) and Marjorie have been doing what they love for 30 years. Taking care of dogs and cats and making them smell and look beautiful. No revolving door here. The same people are always working on your pets. We always take walk in nail trims as well as dog baths for short haired dogs

• Established April 6, 1993

• Celebrating 30 years of making pets beautiful.

• Professional Dog & Cat Grooming

490 Cornwall Ave. (Rear Building) Cheshire, CT 06410 (203) 250-1912

What

Lure Coursing is a fun activity to stimulate your dog by chasing a mechanical lure in our big play yard! No experience needed. If your dog likes to run and chase, this is for you!

LURE COURSING

Sundays 12 - 3 pm

When: April - November 2022, Sundays 12-3pm

How Much: $3 a run or $25 for a 12-pack

Where: Larkin’s Run

“Where

591 Madison Road Durham, CT 06422 860-349-8493

Check

Dogs will be running by themselves not with other dogs. Dogs must be fully vaccinated and on leash when outside of play yard. No Flex leashes. Thank you! Can’t wait to see you there!

Boarding

591 Madison Road

Durham, CT 06422 860-349-8493

Check

The Cocker Spaniel

Cocker spaniels are one of the world’s most cherished breeds. Although originally bred to be a hunting dog, cocker spaniels have since become a wonderful overall companion animal, which is why they have always been one of the most popular breeds.

Looks: A properly cared for cocker spaniel is a beautiful dog and remains beautiful regardless of age. Their long coats, heartfelt eyes and long wavy ears attribute to their graceful beauty. A cocker spaniel’s coat can come in a variety of solid colors or patterns. To maintain their beauty, cocker spaniels require frequent and regular grooming. In addition, they also need to be brushed each and every day to prevent their fur from getting matted. If they do not receive the proper grooming that is necessary for this breed, their overall health and wellness can easily become quickly compromised. This is not a breed of dog that can be neglected when it comes to a grooming routine. Do not become a cocker spaniel owner unless you are committed to consistent daily maintenance and grooming schedule.

Size: Cockers are physically small to medium in size, ranging about 14 – 15 inches in height. This popular breed is easy to handle and travel with. Their life expectancy is usually between 10 – 14 years of age.

Personality: Cocker spaniels are happy, playful dogs. They are people oriented and prefer to be close to their humans. Devoted and loving, the cocker spaniel makes for a fantastic family dog. Because they cannot handle being alone, this is not the type of breed you can leave home alone for very long and certainly not all day because they will most likely develop behavior problems. People who can work remotely from home, those who can take their dog with them to work or wherever they roam, folks who stay-at-home and/or people who are retired would be the best pet parents for a cocker spaniel.

Health: Like with any pet, you may be lucky enough to have a dog that lives a full and healthy

Cocker Spaniel Rescue of New England, Inc.

life with little to no physical issues. However, the most common health issues that cocker spaniels have been known for are eye issues (cataracts, conjunctivitis, cherry eyes, glaucoma), skin problems, and ear infections.

Exercise: Cocker spaniels do well with daily walks or by playing fetch. Cocker spaniels can be highly active and may enjoy an activity like agility. If you have another pet companion, they would like playing with their pal, too.

Training: Early puppy training classes and socialization is good for this breed. Since they love their human companions so much, they are eager to please and are easily motivated by food reward and praise.

Since its inception in 1987, hundreds of abandoned of unwanted cockers found homes with caring, loving families. By networking with animal shelters, other rescue groups and veterinarians, CSRNE has saved, improved, and extended the lives of one of America’s most popular breeds.

www.csrne.org

The Cocker Spaniel Rescue of New England, Inc. (CSRNE) is one of the oldest and largest cocker spaniel rescue groups in the country. It is composed of many volunteers throughout New England dedicated to rescuing and placing homeless cockers.

Somany of our local rescue organizations and animal shelters are overwhelmed with homeless dogs that need to find their forever families. This great need is, in many ways, due to the large number of returned pets from animal adoptions that took place at the start of covid-19. People are moving, going back to work, taking vacations, losing their jobs, suffering from either financial and/or medical hardships along with a variety of other reasons causing the uptick in returned dogs to shelters across our state. The combination of the many new dogs routinely coming into the shelters, along with the overwhelming animal surrenders, our local animal shelters and rescue organizations depend greatly on the generosity, love and support from volunteers, donators, and adopters.

To bring awareness about this matter to our pet communities, this issue contains information about some of these animal shelters and rescue organizations. With thanks to the support of dog loving local business owners, Connecticut Dog has put together this editorial feature that will continue to be included in each issue of the magazine going forward where these and additional animal welfare facilities will be featured.

As you turn through the following pages, please be mindful of the animal shelters and rescue organizations located within your own community and think about ways that you can help make a difference in the lives of abandoned, abused, neglected and homeless animals.

All the Kings Horses Equine Rescue

All the Kings Horses Equine Rescue

All the Kings Horses Equine Rescue

All the Kings Horses Equine Rescue

All the Kings Horses Equine Rescue

Army’s Legacy Animal Rescue & Sanctuary

All the Kings Horses Equine Rescue

All the Kings Horses Equine Rescue

www.allthekingshorsesequinerescue.com

www.allthekingshorsesequinerescue.com

allthekingshorsesequinerescue@gmail.com

allthekingshorsesequinerescue@gmail.com

All The Kings Horses Equine Rescue is an animal welfare organization incorporated in the State of Connecticut. We are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of equines in need. Since 2010 we have saved over 125 equines. Many of our saves come from owner surrenders in our state of CT. We have been a resource to residents in our state who had to give up their equines due to financial restraints, untimely deaths and illness. We also work hand in hand with the CT Department of Agriculture taking in horses from active investigations and seized horses due to abuse and neglect within the state.

All The Kings Horses Equine Rescue is an animal welfare organization incorporated in the State of Connecticut. We are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of equines in need. Since 2010 we have saved over 125 equines. Many of our saves come from owner surrenders in our state of CT. We have been a resource to residents in our state who had to give up their equines due to financial restraints, untimely deaths and illness. We also work hand in hand with the CT Department of Agriculture taking in horses from active investigations and seized horses due to abuse and neglect within the state.

In 2020, we partnered with the Ethan Miller Song Foundation and in 2021 this partnership expanded to include Soul Friends. Soul Friends provides innovative clinical and educational programs that promote the healing benefits of the human-animal bond. We are currently providing individual equine assisted psychotherapy and grant funded group therapy.

In 2020, we partnered with the Ethan Miller Song Foundation and in 2021 this partnership expanded to include Soul Friends. Soul Friends provides innovative clinical and educational programs that promote the healing benefits of the human-animal bond. We are currently providing individual equine assisted psychotherapy and grant funded group therapy.

Sponsored by: Posh Paws

www.armyslegacy.org

We are a non-profit 501(c)(3), foster-based rescue and sanctuary based in Bristol, CT. Our mission is to save the neglected, abused & discarded. We strive to speak for the voiceless, educate the community and provide helpful resources. Army’s Legacy works with families in need of rehoming their animals, municipalities that have animals set for euthanasia, veterinarians and hospitals that have families that can’t afford care, and social media where pets are given away for “free”. We help the “harder” to place dogs as well. We have multiple trainers that we work with to help our Legacies. We are always looking for experienced fosters to join our team.

Army’s Legacy solely runs off donations from our supporters and we are 100% volunteer based.

Once a Rescue, Forever a Legacy

Sponsored by: Posh Paws Salon

Sponsored by: Posh Paws

Sponsored by: Posh Paws

Sponsored by: Posh Paws

Sponsored by: Central Hospital for Veterianry Medicine

8

Central

www.centralpetvet.com

Connecticut Humane Society

Dog Star Rescue

CThumane.org

800-452-0114

Whether it’s providing resources so pets can keep their homes, or being a safe haven for critters with nowhere to turn, the Connecticut Humane Society (CHS) serves vulnerable pets across the state. Founded in 1881, CHS is the oldest and most comprehensive animal welfare organization in Connecticut. CHS has long focused on homeless pets, veterinary care and adoptions, but also has programs making it possible for pets to keep their families: the Pet Food Pantry, reduced-fee Fox Memorial Clinic, traveling wellness clinics, behavior assistance, and crisis foster homes. CHS is the leading resource in the state for companion animal welfare, enriching the lives of families and communities through adoption services, medical care, education, and prevention of cruelty. As an independent nonprofit located in Newington, Waterford and Westport, CHS receives no ongoing municipal funding and isn’t associated with national animal welfare groups. The pets rely on the generosity and support of donors.

Sponsored by: The Bark Easy Grooming Salon

12 Tobey Rd, Bloomfield CT 06002 contactus@dogstarrescue.org

www.dogstarrescue.org

Dog Star Rescue, based in Bloomfield, CT, is a non-profit organization that places stray, abandoned, shelter, and owner-surrender dogs of all breeds and ages into qualified, caring, lifelong homes. We work closely with shelters in the South as well as New England states to save the lives of loving and loyal dogs who have lost their way and often find themselves on death row. With adoption events every week and new dogs arriving weekly as well, we have saved more than 4,000 dogs’ lives, giving them the second chance they deserve. Our 100% volunteer-based organization includes passionate dog lovers who work together to find qualified applicants and care for our dogs during their stay with us.

Sponsored by: Keating Agency Insurance

For the Love of Luna

914-629-8535

ftloluna@gmail.com

Our Mission

For The Love Of Luna, Every Dog is Perfect Rescue, Inc. is a non-profit, no-kill, foster-based rescue organized to save the lives of abandoned, lost, or neglected local and out of state dogs and puppies. Here, these beautiful creatures will be protected from abuse, neglect and pain, and healed humanely with love and reconditioning. We advocate and educate for all animals in need.

My Commitment & Promise

When you are broken and unwanted, I will take you. When you are cold, lonely, abandoned and starving, I will take you. No matter your breed, no matter your looks, no matter your issues, I will take you. I will give you the love you so deserve, and together we will find the love you hold inside, so you can give it someone else. No matter how imperfect they say you may be, you are perfect to me, and I will take you…

Gina M. Riccio

Some People Don’t Understand Why I Help Animals in Need. I Don’t Understand Why They Wonder….

Sponsored by: Dolly’s Dog Daycare

Our office dog, Agent, big Dog Star Resuce supporter and fan, especially when there is BBQ

Serving

your

DAYCARE HOURS: Monday-Friday......6:30AM-6:00PM

TRY US OUT WITH A COMPLIMENTARY HALF DAY OF DAYCARE!

1415 East Main Street Torrington, CT 06790 860-618-3416 or dollydoodle@yahoo.com

Lucky Dog Refuge

Red Leash Rescue

The Woof Gang Rescue

redleashrescue2015@gmail.com

36 Pulaski Street

Stamford CT 06902 (203) 434-1402

Info@luckydogrefuge.com

Lucky Dog Refuge was founded by a mother-daughter duo in early 2020. Since June of that year, Lucky Dog has successfully placed 400 dogs with loving families, and we are just getting started.

Lucky Dog is a safe haven for dogs from dire backgrounds. We focus on the dogs most in need of saving: those who have been abandoned, are starving, injured, sick, and in immediate need of help. We take them in, rehabilitate them, provide housing, vetting, training, and extra doses of love.

We are a rescue that focuses on dogs with medical needs because we want to alleviate the suffering of as many as possible and show them how happy life can be. Whether at our physical site in Stamford, Connecticut or with one of our terrific fosters, every dog we commit to is guaranteed love and a bright future in the forever homes they so deserve.

Sponsored by: Choice Pets

www.redleashrescue.com

Red Leash Rescue is a 501(c)3 created in 2015 to service adult, senior and terminally ill dogs local to Fairfield County, CT.

Our dogs come into our program from our local shelters as well as owner surrenders and owner death. Dogs in our program are fostered in homes while we care for their physical and emotional needs. Our goal is to open a Sanctuary for our long term and hopsice fosters so they can live in a home setting having all their needs met while allowing us to continue to pull and foster adoptable dogs.

The sanctuary will be an opportunity to raise awareness, educate and offer volunteer opportunities for the residents of Fairfield County. Check out our website www.redleashrescue.com and follow us on FB or Instagram!

Sponsored by: High Ridge Animal Hospital

Adopt King Edward

thewoofgangrescue@gmail.com

860.268.2289

We are a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit foster-based rescue in central Connecticut, whose mission is to save dogs at risk from municipal pounds/animal controls, from owner surrenders, and from unwanted litters. We are 100% volunteer-staffed and we rely on fosters to keep our dogs safe while we find them suitable forever homes, as we do not have a shelter or kennel facility. We do adoptions at monthly events and by appointment. We are 100% reliant on donations and fundraising to cover veterinary care and supplies.

Sponsored by: Manchester Pizza

ZOE

Zoe is an 8 year old pitbull mix with a heart of gold! She is incredibly loving and full of energy. Zoe needs a home with no other animals or children!

Valley Shore Animal Welfare League

www.valleyshoreanimalwelfareleague.org

860-399-7561

DRACO

At almost 2-years old, Draco is a pitbull/terrier mix at the Newington location. He needs a single family adult home and would do well with another active and playful dog. He’s high energy and needs an active family.

Sponsored

SWEET LUNA’S

SNOW WHITE

860-391-8194

www.sweetlunas.com

Sponsored By

“where great dogs come to play”

BRIDGET

Bridget is about 6 - 8- years old and was found as a stray. Bridget needs to get back to a healthy weight. She gets along with other dogs. She is a sweet pup that had recent blood work to rule out anything serious.

Connecticut Humane Society www.CTHumane.org

JASPER

860-673-3776

www.mydogsdaycarect.com

Sponsored By

Halfway Home Rescue www.halfwayhomerescue.org

Sponsored

(203) 605-3037 1211 Foxon Rd North Branford, CT 06471

ERNIE

At 1-year old and 70lbs, Ernie loves his stuffy toys. He needs to stretch and get his zoomies out with a jog or a fenced yard. Ernie is happy to find soft blankets and pillows on a sofa.

The Animal Haven 203-239-2641

www.theanimalhavenct.org

PRADA

Prada is a very active 11-year old pittie mix. He’s treat motivated, lived with kids, dogs, cat and birds, and loves to run in the yard. He’s a good 60/65 pounds and jumps need somebody who can withstand his jumping. He’s a sweet boy.

Army’s Legacy Animal Rescue & Sanctuary rescue@armyslegacy.org www.armyslegacy.org

Sponsored By

Pooch Palace Resort

Protectors of Animals www.poainc.org

aileen.l@poainc.org

Mazy! Sweet Mama, dog, kid and everything friendly! Champion snuggler! Easy going and calm temperament! House-trained and up to date medically. Found abandoned with 4 puppies!

Sponsored By

Hebron Veterinary Hospital

Hebron Veterinary Hospital 860-228-4324 www.hvhct.com

Norfolk Rd. East Canaan, CT

LORNA

Affectionate Lorna is a 1-year old lab mix from Florida. She is a social butterfly and loves to meet people and dogs. She loves to travel and ride in the car. She also walks well on a leash.

Ridgefield Operation Animal Rescue 203-438-0158

adoption@roarshelter.org

www.roar-ridgefield.org

RUGBY

Rugby is a 2-year old happy-go-lucky little guy with an infectious zest for life. Whether it’s playing with a dog, engaging with people or going for a long hike, Rugby is ready, willing and able. He will be greatly suited for a high-energy household and an active lifestyle.

Sponsored By

Happy Dog Pet Salon

MOLLY

Molly is one of our momma dogs. She is a 3-year old Lab mix who absolutely loves all people. She’s a great companion and snuggler. Molly has been waiting for her forever home for a year now - 365 days. She needs to be the only pet in her forever home. We know her forever home is out there.

224 Main Street • Newtown, CT 203-304-1220

beCAUSE 4 PAWS www.because4paws.org

860-799-6690

ZORRO

Zorro is a very quirky dog who once lacked confidence. Being fostered, Zorro is much more confident and loving. He will require a patient adopter and visits in the foster home to get to know him prior to adoption. No other pets. No children.

The Little Guild 860-672-6346

www.littleguild.org

www.interlakeninn.com

(800) 222-2909

DUTCH

Dutch is a 2 or 3-year old lab mix. He’s an incredibly sweet and loving cuddle bug. Dutch enjoys a good stuffed toy and sniffing around on walks. He needs a family who can encourage him to be active and to eat a healthy diet.

Valley Shore Animal Welfare League

860- 399-7561

valleyshoreawl@gmail.com

NEO

Neo is a sweet 1.5yr old, neutered American Bully weighing about 55lb. He graduated basic obedience classes and will need continued work on obedience and leash walking skills. He needs an experienced owner. He previously lived with another dog so he could do so.

Sponsored By

Shayna B’s the Sea

Danbury

Welfare Society

HONEY BEE

Honey Bee is a stunning five-year-old, 55 lb. lab/pit mix in search of a foster or adopter. She is as sweet and affectionate as her name implies and will make a wonderful addition to any home.

Paul’s Custom Pet Food

Mansfield Animal Control (860) 487-0137

aco@mansfieldct.org

860-339-3144

shaynasbythesea@gmail.com

Sponsored By

Eastbrook Animal Hospital

Happily Furever After Rescue info@happilyfureverafter.org

TINKERBELLE

Tinkerbelle is a 6-year old petite boxer/pittie mix pup. Good with kids and housetrained, she loves to cuddle, snuggle and nap! She’s working on socialization and training which she will need to continue in her forever home.

Sponsored By

860.456.1759

www.eastbrookanimalhospital.com

SUPPORT. BELONG. GROW

Advertisers

We would like to give a special thanks to all of our advertisers. It’s because of your continued support that we are able to make a difference for so many animals and people throughout our state.

Animal Rescue Groups, Sanctuaries and Shelters

It’s our mission to bring awareness to our local animal sanctuaries, rescue organizations and city shelters. We are so proud to work together with you to help the many neglected, abused, stray, and abandoned animals throughout our local communities and beyond.

Readers

Connecticut Dog readers have been supportive towards our commitment and our dedication to making a difference in the lives of people, pets and ani-

mal wellness organizations since 2016.

Dogs

Since we have always been about the well-being of all dogs since day one, Connecticut Dog continues to provide fun-filled, educational and resourceful information to our statewide pet community within each and every quarterly edition in print and online.

Animals

There are so many animals that desperately need help from homelessness, abuse, neglect, hunger, thirst, disease and from being unnoticed, unwanted and unloved. Connecticut Dog strives to bring awareness to all animals and their suffering. Together we can to make a positive change for the lives of all animals.

Grimms Furry Tails

Paws for Reiki