Alex and Laney Lloyd

‘I Am So Proud of This Group’: Animal Control Officer Thanks Volunteers as Neglected Dogs Are Safely Re-Homed

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The head of the New Canaan Police Department’s Animal Control section is thanking dozens of local volunteers and businesses that donated time, energy, goods and services to ensure the health and comfort of 12 neglected dogs seized in November from a Butler Lane home. Following a lengthy court dispute with the dogs’ former owner—a woman who still faces three counts of felony cruelty to animals in an ongoing criminal case—the town on Jan. 20 was awarded full legal custody of the 10 puppies and two adults dogs. A 20-day appeal period expired Feb. 10, Officer Allyson Halm said, and the puppies became “free and clear” to be placed “in safe places.”

“I am decompressing slowly,” Halm told NewCanaanite.com. 

“It was an emotional roller-coaster for me.

Business

Local Businesses and COVID-19: New Canaan Veterinary Hospital 

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For today’s Q&A with a local business owner, we talk to town resident Dr. Paul Potenza of New Canaan Veterinary Hospital. Established 70 years ago, the Vitti Street veterinary practice is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday. 

Here’s our interview. New Canaanite: Tell me about how you’re operating now. Dr. Paul Potenza: We cut ourselves back to essential services only, which is only the veterinary and the medical-surgical side of it. So we shut down the kennel.

Around Town

PHOTOS: Dog Days New Canaan at Pet Pantry

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Scores of humans and leashed dogs descended on the parking lot out front of Pet Pantry Warehouse on Grove Street throughout a cloudless, breezy Sunday afternoon for the 8th annual Dog Days New Canaan fundraiser. Benefitting Adopt-a-Dog and Strays & Others, the event saw owners and their pets participate in “musical sits” and a “pooch pie eating” contest, visit 28 booths featuring dog food and treat vendors, trainers, photographers and veterinary practices while snacking on ice cream and Panini from food trucks. “We’re so thankful for the turnout,” Pet Pantry Vice President Adam Jacobson said. “The community at large for supporting these types of events, for Adopt-a-Dog and Strays & Others, to be able to raise awareness, for animals in need. We are grateful for our sponsors—Weruva, New Canaan Vet, Bankwell, and all the other food sponsors that are here today.

Animal 411

Police Open Animal Cruelty Case After Starving Dog Is Found Roaming at Waveny

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Police have opened an animal cruelty case after finding a severely emaciated dog in Waveny last week, officials said. Collarless and un-chipped, the female bulldog-and-boxer mix first was spotted in Waveny at about 11 a.m. last Tuesday by a park visitor who contacted the Animal Control section of the New Canaan Police Department, according to Officer Allyson Halm. The animal, perhaps five or six years old, almost certainly was “dumped” there, said Halm, head of Animal Control. “This is an open animal cruelty case,” she said. “There is no way you could call and claim this dog and not have to explain.”

Halm said the dog “couldn’t be sweeter” and immediately responded when police approached.

Animal 411

New Canaan Veterinary Hospital Launches ‘After Hours Urgent Care’ for Clients

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Saying they want to ease pet owners’ minds, officials at a local veterinary hospital are expanding hours and services to meet their clients’ emergency needs. The ‘After Hours Urgent Care’ service at New Canaan Veterinary Hospital will see veterinarians on call through 11 p.m., seven days per week, to advise and care for injured or ill pets after the Vitti Street facility is closed. Spearheaded by chief veterinarian Dr. Paul Potenza, a New Canaan resident, the new service is for established clients of the business only, and those clients will incur no additional costs for emergency treatments, he said. “Most emergencies that people are concerned about don’t require round-the-clock care, and they see a problem in the evening when they get home from work,” Potenza told NewCanaanite.com. “People want to fix it and not worry all night.