'FUN-raiser' to aid unwanted pets

Have fun with your pets and help TAILS

Pet owners are invited to bring their dogs, cats or other creatures and their children to the Cannondale Animal Clinic from 11 am to 3 pm, Saturday, May 14, 2005. It all happens at the Cannondale Animal Clinic, 481 Danbury Rd. (Rt 7) in Wilton, CT. Parking is across the street at the Zion Hill Methodist Church.

Get a sketch or photo of you and your pet just in time for Mothers Day. Local Artists, including professional photographer Jeane Marie Wiesen of Easton, will be participating in this FUN-raiser to support TAILS (The alliance in Limiting Strays).

According to Karen Rasmussen of Wilton, "This is a wonderful community event, celebrating the relationship between pets, their owners and veterinarians. Along with a bake sale, raffle and games, we will repeat our fun dog contest from last year and add a cat contest inside the Clinic as well. The day is well attended and enjoyed tremendously by adults, children and of course the animals."

"In a perfect world, every dog would have a best friend of its own and every single cat would have a safe, cozy place to call home," Karen said. "Unfortunately, the staggering number of unwanted pets euthanized each day in the state of Connecticut alone paints a far bleaker picture of the current situation. In spite of this reality, hope is alive and well in the form of a growing network of human ambassadors dedicated to solving the pet overpopulation dilemma."

She said that TAILS was organized to raise funds strictly for spaying and neutering animals. "This is the only way we can put an end to the euthanasia of roughly 4,100 dogs and countless cats annually in Connecticut. These are not "bad" animals; there simply not enough homes for them all."

Dr. Paula Belknap, owner of the Cannondale Animal Clinic at 481 Danbury Road, is one of the many veterinarians assisting TAILS and other groups with low-cost spaying/neutering services.

Cannondale Animal Clinic was opened four years ago by Dr. Belknap who is a Wilton High School graduate. A 1987 Graduate of Colorado State University, the vet was in private practice in New Jersey for a decade before working in the Wilton area for three years prior to opening her own full-service practice.

"We are holding this fun event to celebrate National Pet Week. This family day is a lovely way to celebrate the joy our animals bring us," said Dr. Belknap.

For Information: 834-8855

Dr. Belknap's daughter, Kaitlyn, embraces their dog, Chris.