In 1981 Donna Nives, Gloria
Scheuer and Pam Fahnestock became increasingly concerned about the growing number of fine dogs that were spending the best part of their lives in dog pounds because the public was not aware that they were available for adoption. As the three women traveled from Greenwich to Stamford to Ridgefield and as far away as the Westchester pounds and Humane Societies, they came to realize that the abandoned and/or unwanted dog population was exploding.
The three friends began by putting ads in local newspapers describing various dogs that were available. The response was so overwhelming that they decided to organize a small group of dog lovers into an agency to list and advertise in a more frequent and orderly fashion.
The need for funds to pay for the growing advertising bills led them to incorporate in the state of Connecticut and then to apply for a tax deductible status with the I.R.S. That designation was granted in February of 1982 and the group began to solicit funds to pay for an expanded advertising program as well as the growing number of dogs that needed medical attention and to be spayed or neutered.
In 1999, a full-service kennel facility was purchased in Armonk, New York, allowing temporary shelter for both homeless dogs and cats until a good home is found. A successful Capital Campaign was launched and the existing kennel was modernized. The kennel can comfortably house around seventy dogs. The cat refuge area can accommodate thirty cats. Plans are being formulated to transform an existing building into modern and more comfortable quarters for felines. In 2003, a private dog park was completed to enable potential adopters to walk a dog and become acquainted with their new canine friend.
Within the last twenty-four years, Adopt-A-Dog has evolved into a unique not-for-profit rescue and adoption service dedicated to finding good, permanent homes for many wonderful dogs and cats that are waiting either in shelters or private homes to be adopted. The agency places ads in local newspapers everyday of the year and a column appears on Sunday in the Greenwich Times (courtesy of the newspaper) describing a special Dog-of-the-Week. If a dog is in need of medical attention, spaying or neutering, grooming, or training before adoption, Adopt-a-Dog assumes the expense when possible.
The 25th anniversary of Adopt-A-Dog occurs in 2006. There will be a year-long celebration with many events planned in addition to our 19th annual for fun dog show and festival “Puttin’ on the Dog,” the sixth annual “Chance to Howl & Wine,” the “Stay at Home” benefit, and numerous days of adoption for both dogs and cats.
The past few years has seen Adopt-a-Dog not only rescuing dogs from the tri-state area but also from the southern states. The rescue became a necessity when the dire need to rescue animals because of varying kill policies became known. This, in no way, decreased the number of local rescues.
In October 2005, an event called the Katrina Hurricane Dog Rescue and Adoption Event was held in Greenwich, Connecticut. More than thirty dogs were present at the event and all found homes to the delight of the hard-working Adopt-A-Dog staff and volunteers. Many more events are planned so Adopt-A-Dog can continue to save and place needy orphan animals. Through Adopt-A-Dog, hundreds dogs and cats are placed with new owners annually.
