In conjunction with Long Wharf Theatre's production of Sylvia, a comic tale of a man, his wife and the lovable dog that comes between them, the theatre is hosting a ‘Find-A-Friend For Life' event with the Robin I. Kroogman New Haven Animal Shelter.
The event will take place Saturday, March 6 from 1 to 4 p.m. It's a great opportunity to meet adoptable dogs of all sizes and breeds and talk with Animal Shelter staff and volunteers to explore the logistics of the pet adoption process. "Long Wharf Theatre is always looking for interesting, fun ways to engage and give a little something back to the community. We thought that having an event here allowing people to meet all kinds of great dogs would be just that kind of opportunity," said Steve Scarpa, Long Wharf Theatre director of marketing and communications.
These types of events, held throughout New Haven County over the course of the year, have proven to be an effective way to introduce dogs to possible owners. "We have a very aggressive outreach program. People are pleased to have the opportunity to rescue a dog and find themselves with a companion for life," said Anna Schildroth, chair of the city's Humane Commission. "We will be showing a mixture of small, medium and large dogs, and all will be adoptable in terms of temperament."
The need to find loving homes for these dogs is a very real one, she said. Each day dogs are dropped off at the shelter for a variety of reasons - people abandon the animals or, oftentimes, they move and cannot afford to care for the dogs any longer, for example. "We get everything," she said.
The Robin I. Kroogman New Haven Animal Shelter is one of the largest animal municipal shelters in the state of Connecticut, with over 60 dog runs, attracting over 3,200 visitors annually. The Animal Shelter takes in about 2,000 dogs and cats each year. Through its partnership with the Humane Commission, Friends of the New Haven Animal Shelter, and the North Shore Animal League, the Animal Shelter has sponsored several adoption events throughout the year, leading to an adoption/reclaim rate of 75 percent, or roughly 1,500 dogs and cats.
In addition, throughout the run of Sylvia, playing on the Mainstage from February 17 through March 14, Long Wharf Theatre will be accepting donations on behalf of the shelter of dog food, dog treats, leashes and bleach. The donations can be dropped off in the Mainstage lobby from 10 am to 6 pm or on the nights of performances.
For more information about the event, the upcoming production of Sylvia or to buy tickets, visit www.longwharf.org or call 203-787-4282. For more information about the Animal Shelter's mission and procedures, visit www.cityofnewhaven.com/AnimalShelter/index.asp or call 203-946-8110. To learn more about the shelter's volunteer organization, visit www.findafriendforlife.org
