Strut Your Mutt Dog Walk-a-Thon a Success!!! 

On Sunday, September 18th, 2011, we held our 2nd annual Strut Your Mutt Dog Walk-a-thon at Wickham Park in Manchester, and we're proud to say it was a tremendous success, raising over $1,600!  

Under clear blue skies, dozens of pet owners and their furry friends departed the registration area for a 2k hike through the wooded paths, then returned to participate in games and a costume contest. Prizes were given for game winners and best costumes, and every pet received toys and treats for participating.

The funds, which were raised through entry fees, sponsorships, and Take-a-Chance ticket sales, will allow us to assist shelter dogs or cats in loving homes.  

Special thanks to all of the wonderful volunteers who donated their time and talents, and our deepest appreciation to the sponsors and raffle-prize donors whose generosity helped make this event such a success.  

Bronze Sponsor: Liberty Tax Service of Manchester

The Perfect Promotion of West Hartford

Susan Jackson Kiddy Photography

Veteran Program

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is promoting the health and wellness benefits of pet ownership. Studies have shown that owning a pet:

1. Encourages regular exercise, outside activities, and socialization
2. Alleviates stress, loneliness, and anxiety
3. Lowers blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels

Consequently, professional counselors highly recommend pet adoption to former and recently-returning combat veterans, to help ease the transition to civilian life. POWCT is proudly partnering with counselors to make pet ownership for these brave men and women possible.

Our First Veteran Recipient

Pedro, a former combat vet and father to a 3-year old son, wanted to adopt a dog but needed help with the shelter fees and future veterinary expenses. He contacted POWCT, and in September we qualified him for participation in the program. Phil Klein has since been working with Pedro to determine the best-fit dog breed and size, with consideration of his son's age and the limited living space of his apartment.

We are very excited to make dog ownership possible for Pedro, and look forward to continuing this effort with other veterans in the future.

Martini's New Home

Found abandoned in Hartford, Martini and her kittens were brought to an area rescue shelter. Before long, homes had been found for all of Martini's kittens and Martini found herself abandoned for a second time.   

She wasn't alone for long.  Martini found a home to call her own after Stephen, a receipient of POWCT met and fell in love with her. Stephen was introduced to many cats, but when he picked up Martini and she nuzzled him under the chin, he knew he was hooked and Martini went home with him that very day.  POWCT received a referral from a social worker requesting assistance for his client, Stephen and after a thorough screening process, we assisted in making the match happen.  

Martini has become a treasured companion to Stephen; sleeping by his side every night, waking him on-time every morning, and keeping him entertained during the day with her tail-chasing antics. The two couldn't be happier.

Mittens

Peggy, a devout cat lover, became the proud recipient of Mittens.  Mittens had been waiting for a home at the Protectors of Animals Rescue Shelter when they met. According to Peggy's social worker, Mittens' introduction into Peggy's life immediately resulted in a drastic improvement in her demeanor.  Sadly however, their relationship was short lived, as Peggy unfortunately passed away only a few weeks later.

Fearful that Mittens would have to return to the shelter, Peggy implored her family to take her in, and Peggy's brother Dan honored her request by promising to give Mitten's a loving home with him and his family.

According to Dan, Mittens seems to be taking the upheaval in stride, as she has become a thriving member of her new home, beloved by all, including the two other feline residents.

Thank you for your continued support of Pets on Wheels of Connecticut.