Betsy Kaminski, co-owner of high-end pet goods retailer, Raleigh & Co., has teamed up with Suzy Armstrong, a Greenwich Real Estate Agent at Coldwell Banker; State Representative and animal activist, Fred Camillo; Nicole Gallagher, owner of Stratford based pet grooming salon and rescue, Muphy's Paw; and Sarah Bamford at Hybrid Media, to host a dog adoption event on Saturday, October 7, from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Raleigh & Co. store located at 209 Bruce Park Avenue in Greenwich.
"I love to help my clients and friends find the perfect home, and on a few occasions I've even helped them find the perfect dog," said Armstrong. She continued, "A few years ago I met Nicole, and through that connection, I found one of my pets -- a cute little Chihuahua named Coco. She bonded very quickly with our cat and Golden Retriever, and soon became an integral, beloved part of our family, traveling everywhere with us. I also helped a client with the Murphy's Paw adoption process and she is now enjoying her new home with her adorable four-legged companion."
Several well-tempered dogs in foster care at Murphy's Paw will be at the event in hopes of meeting their new family. Raleigh & Co. will donate a portion of the day’s sales to Murphy's Paw dog rescue efforts. In addition, the event will host a suggested donation raffle with items from Threads and Treads, The Yoga Center of Greenwich, Walker & Wade Resort Wear, Jerry Howland Photography, La Suite Skincare, Ashton Armstong's Moving & Lawncare, J. Pierre Salon and Louie's Restaurant. Camillo will be in attendance to talk with attendees about dog-related issues in Greenwich and the petition to extend dog access to Tod's Point Park during the fall and winter months.
"In a community of dog lovers, extending the beach season at Tod's Point for dogs from four to six months would be both logical and consistent with other shoreline towns", said Camillo. He continued, "Having taken my dogs to the Point in Winter for many years, I know firsthand of the joy it brings to both human and canine alike. In a town that prides itself on being second to none in so many ways, having such a short season in which to enjoy the beach with our dogs is something that could and should change easily."
Murphy's Paw is a dog groomer and non-profit dog rescue group based in Stratford, Connecticut. The group rescues dogs from high-kill shelters, neglectful situations, and owner surrendering. Locally, Murphy's Paw Rescue helps unwanted dogs of all breeds and ages. Murphy's Paw Rescue also has a unique relationship with Unity Thrift in Kern County, California, and together they coordinate to save the overpopulation of small breed dogs that are euthanized daily in Kern County.
Over the past several years, Murphy's Paw and Unity Thrift have developed a responsible way in which to save as many adoptable dogs as possible. Once pulled from the shelters, the dogs are placed in foster care for a minimum of two weeks. During this time period, the dogs are fully vaccinated, spayed/neutered and temperament tested. This process is an internal part of facilitating successful adoptions. "During the foster period, the dogs' personalities really shine", said Gallagher. She continued, "Our process helps us place dogs into qualified homes that fit their specific needs". For more information or to donate, visit Murphy's Paw Rescue on Facebook (www.facebook.com/murphyspawstratford) or email Nicole (nicole@murphyspaw.org).