|
|
|
East Haven Shelter wins ‘Willy Award’
By Sally E. Bahner
The East Haven Animal Shelter was named winner of the inaugural "Willy Award," presented as part of the first annual Durham Pet Fair May 17 organized by Help Willy’s Friends. The shelter received $2,500. Funds for the awards were garnered from the contributions of exhibitors and attendees.
To apply for the award, shelters and rescue groups were asked to write a short essay explaining how the monetary donation would be best used at their facility if awarded.
Kristina Ruszczyk, animal control officer for the East Haven Animal Shelter, said that such funds are used to provide veterinary care for animals that might otherwise be euthanized. She gave the example of Harley, who was hit by a car, then treated for both heartworm and heat stroke. Kristina added that the Willy Award funds were specifically used to treat a minpin with testicular cancer. He has since been adopted into a loving home.
Such veterinary care is expensive, Kristina said, running $800. At $50, euthanasia would be simpler, but the shelter goes the extra mile toward providing care that makes a pet more adoptable.
Second place was awarded to the Shiz Tzu and Fur-Babies who collected $500 and Friends of the Berlin Animal Shelter won a $250 third place prize.
The following runner-up organizations received a free spay/neuter certificate: Animal Haven, Greater New Haven Cat Project, CATALES, Forgotten Felines and Rat Terrier ResQ.
More than 90 exhibitors took part in the event, which was held on the grounds of Durham Veterinary Hospital.
Help Willy's Friends is a non-profit animal welfare charity that collects and distributes food, supplies, and donations among various animal shelters, rescue groups, and animal welfare organizations. For more information, visit www.helpwillysfriends.org.
|
|
|
|
|
|
