Dog Days Dough Delivered

Strays and Others, Local First Fund and the NCPD K9 Program are the beneficiaries of our 2nd Annual Dog Days of Summer event held last Aug., 29.  The New Canaan CHamber of Commerce presented checks to the three organizations at a presentation held at Village Critter Outfitter on Wed., Nov. 17.

Zira, our town's elegant and photogenic police dog made another appearance for a photo opp along with: Cynthia Gorey, executive director of NCCF, Carolyn Williams, I-Blast co-founder, Claudia Weber, director of Strays and Others, Officer Michael McFadden, handler of K-9, Zira, Elizabeth McCarthy, co-chair of New Canaan Dog Days and owner of Aetheria Spa,  Captain Leon Krolikowski of NCPD, Shirleen Dubuque, co-chair of New Canaan Dog Days and owner of Village Critter Outfitter and Mary Ann Kleinschmitt, NCPD Animal Control Officer.

Tucker Murphy, executive director of the Chamber, presented each beneficiary a check for $500 representing the proceeds of this year's event. The August event featured forty vendors of dog-related merchandise, food and wellness products as well as services from vets and photographers.

Cynthia Gorey, New Canaan Community Foundation's executive director told About Town, "Twenty percent of all I-Blast card sale revenue goes to the Local First Fund at NCCF.  This fund will make grants that support initiatives that keep downtown New Canaan a really vital part of community life."

Shirleen Dubuque, a NCDD co-chair said, "We're hoping next year will be even bigger and better. We're excited because there's an amazing interest in and support for animals in New Canaan."

Co-chair, Elizabeth McCarthy told About Town, "I was really "over the moon" proud this year to see how it developed because this event was my idea three years ago.  This year's street festival format really worked. The fact we made a profit and could contribute a generous amount to those causes just makes me feel really great.  Next year will be even better and it will grow and grow!"

Ms. McCarthy,  the owner of Aetheria Relaxation Spa does not own a dog of her own but says she would like to someday!