In the Press
[ Back to In the Press ]Making Connections that Count
by Emma Fidel, Main Street News, Essex, CT, 7/28/06
In this age of technology, it may be surprising that a successful organization could operate without the benefit of a Web page. Further, it almost seems downright unfeasible that an animal rescue organization could function without having a shelter to house its rescued animals.
Nevertheless, Pet Connections, Inc. of Old Lyme has been aiding domestic and feral animals for 17 years, without the help of a Web page or animal shelter.
An entirely volunteer-driven organization, Pet Connections rescues strays, takes in animals from unsuitable homes, spays or neuters and vaccinates animals, and finds foster and permanent homes for them.
The organization was officially founded in 1993, but really began four years earlier when Pet Connections' president, Glynn McAraw, started rescuing numerous stray cats from behind a local grocery store. Over the years, Pet Connections has helped many hundreds of cats, close to 100 dogs, and even more unusual animals, such as the occasional donkey.
Although Pet Connections only has about 15 volunteers, the people that are involved could not be more dedicated. One of the members, Abi Cushman, is an animal portraitist who works for Brown Bear Creative, a Web page design and graphic art firm. Abi has recently donated her time, developing two beautiful new websites for the organization: www.petconnectionsoldlyme.org and www.petconnectionsartshow.com
Anna Swain, another Pet Connections volunteer, commented, "Abi has been wonderful! She really knows everything there is to know about computers and websites. Our new pages are fantastic."
Anna's enthusiasm is quickly understood after viewing the new website. The site displays precious pictures of animals in need of homes and shares inspirational success stories. It also provides information about adopting or fostering an animal, volunteering, and making donations.
With the goal of creating a website accomplished, Pet Connections is now focusing on its second major stepping-stone, the need for a shelter. To address this issue, Pet Connections will be holding its fourth biennial animal art show and sale, "The Artist and the Animal." The show will take place Nov. 3 - 6 at the Lyme Art Association in Old Lyme. Seven highly qualified and nationally known animal artists from places such as California, Wyoming, Vermont, and Connecticut will judge the juried part of the show.
Like the judges, the displayed animal art will come from around the country. Although there are already close to 80 artists involved, Anna, the organizer of the show, urges, "We really, really would like more local art. We want the community to get involved so that they can see what a great organization Pet Connections is."
In addition to being judged, the art will be for sale. There will also be a separate animal arts and crafts room, where crafts such as birdhouses, women's purses, animal collars and leashes will be sold. With the wide variety of items for sale, Anna guarantees there will be "something for everyone."
"In past years we've averaged about $20,000 profit from our art shows," says Anna. "Although we're really hoping that a local town or even a private organization will donate land for our shelter, it might come down to us needing to buy land. For that, we'll need to raise a lot of money."
Along with the need for a shelter, Anna stresses the constant need for volunteers. "The more volunteers, the better," Anna says. "We really want local people to see what we are, what we do. We want their interest and help. There's always room for volunteers. We couldn't have too many."