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10/04/2016 03:30 PMOptions looked bleak for Grace and Ozzie, two senior dogs found starving and confined in a Chester home earlier this year. Because of the efforts of local officials and a team of volunteers who wouldn’t give up on the pair, however, life looks pretty good for the two pets.
On March 23, Grace and Ozzie were surrendered to the Town of Chester and taken to the dog pound in Essex by Chester, Deep River, and Essex Animal Control Officer (ACO) Jae Wolf. Wolf had received an anonymous tip that two dogs were facing neglect and abuse at a Chester address.
According to the arrest warrant application, when Wolf and State Trooper Dawn Taylor arrived at the address, they found the two dogs, then called Brianna and Barron, emaciated and in poor condition with no evidence of food or water bowls at the residence, kept restrained in confined spaces. Their previous owners, Edward and Sharon Szachewicz, were arrested and face charges of animal cruelty.
Once dogs like Ozzie and Grace (who was known to volunteers as Harriet and later renamed by her adoptive family) are out of danger, the rehabilitation work begins. Though the organization had been in contact with the dog pound prior to the dogs being signed over to the town to explain what aid and services they could provide, Wolf reached out to CT Animal House, among other organizations, to assist with the evaluation of the dogs.
“I had contacted other resources and no one responded,” said ACO Wolf, “CT Animal House really went above and beyond the call.”
CT Animal House was founded more than six years ago by Chris Lamb, who realized while volunteering at his local animal control that many animals needed medical help that municipalities could not provide due to budgetary restrictions.
“In Connecticut,” said Lamb, “there is a lack of space and money to go above and beyond with older dogs who might need medical attention and extra support to be adoptable. Many people don’t realize that in this state we euthanize these animals.”
Once the dogs were brought to the dog pound, there was a period where only the Wolfs were allowed around the dogs so that they could develop a comfort level with new people. After about two weeks, with the help of CT Animal House, veterinarians and professional dog handlers assessed their medical and behavioral needs under the supervision of Animal Control.
According to Kim Wolf, wife of ACO Wolf who also works with surrendered animals, volunteers rallied to rehabilitate and re-home the dogs. They brought food and special treats, helped to bathe and care for them, and brought them to adoption events. Eventually, one of the volunteers fostered them until Suzy and Ed Burke adopted Grace and Ozzie together; a rarity as not only were both dogs close to 10 years old, but also keeping them together was a goal of the organization and Animal Control.
“Grace and Ozzie are happy to be together; they eat like crazy,” said Suzy Burke. “He’s a Velcro dog, just sticks to you. She’s always attentive and will come up to you to be pet. They settled in very quickly.
“We always adopt older dogs because no one wants them,” continued Burke. “As they get older, they need a gentle end; for us it’s a great blessing, they’ve given us a great gift. All dogs know they’ve been rescued, but the older ones are truly grateful.”
Grace and Ozzie’s story is just one example of the kind of work that CT Animal House does for dogs in Connecticut; there are hundreds of others at risk in the state, and more helping hands, funds, and foster homes are always needed. Those interested can learn more at CT Animal House’s annual fundraiser, a wine and craft beer tasting on Sunday, Oct. 9 at the Fox Hopyard Golf Club. For more information, including a list of dogs currently needing a home, visit www.ctanimalhouse.org.