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.

Adam Jacobson

Local Businesses and COVID-19: Pet Pantry Warehouse

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In today’s Q&A with a local business owner, we hear from Adam Jacobson, executive vice president of Pet Pantry Warehouse on Grove Street. Here’s our exchange. New Canaanite: How is Pet Pantry Warehouse faring at this time? Adam Jacobson: Thankfully, both the state of New York and the state of Connecticut have officially designated pet stores, such as Pet Pantry Warehouse, as ‘essential businesses.’ This means that we are allowed to remain open in order to service the needs of pets in your home and in the greater community at large. These are certainly uncertain times and business is not ‘as usual’ right now.

Around Town

PHOTOS: Crowds Come Out Sunday for ‘New Canaan Dog Days’ at Pet Pantry

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Alex and Liz Tuff of New Canaan entertained high hopes for their 2-year-old miniature Australian Labradoodle, Bear, as the family waited in line with daughter Eloise and son Oliver at the “Doggie Fun Zone” track on Sunday afternoon. A centerpiece of this year’s New Canaan Dog Days event at Pet Pantry on Grove Street, the Fun Zone included an obstacle-laden track that Bear Tuff’s parents expected him to demolish. “We’re thinking of taking him on the road,” Alex Tuff said on a cool, gray spring day. “We think he’s got game.”

Liz Tuff added: “We think he’s going to win a trophy.”

He did not. Attentive to his mom as she tried to lead him through the course, though seemingly uninterested in the white “rabbit” he was meant to chase, Bear Tuff like many before him appeared lost and confused in the Doggie Fun Zone, finishing well over the 25 seconds that his dad had predicted.

Around Town

Did You Hear … ?

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The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station found a West Nile Virus-infected mosquito in New Canaan, state officials said Thursday, in what’s called the ‘Hoyt Swamp.’ That’s located up against the Merritt Parkway near Exit 38 (here). No human cases of the virus have been reported in the state this season. Officials say using mosquito repellant and covering up when the insects are most active (dawn and dusk) are simple, effective prevention measures. ***

Pet Pantry Warehouse on Grove Street—host of the annual Dog Days New Canaan—is hiring management and entry-level personnel for its store here in town. ***

The Board of Selectmen this week voted 3-0 to approve the hiring of Nathan Vass Jr. as a welder equipment operator in the Department of Public Works.

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.