Town's Rebuilt Animal Shelter Reopens

Westport's wandering canines have a place to go again with the reopening Friday of the town's animal shelter.

After a $95,000 construction project that involved gutting the one-story building to its frame and rebuilding it, the shelter at 1 Elaine Rd. now provides a clean and comfortable environment for the dogs in residence and the people caring for them.

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony dedicating the building's reopening, First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff noted the town initially considered constructing a new building for much more money, but through fundraising and donations of materials and labor, was able to complete the project with substantial savings.

Joseloff thanked members of the Westport Animal Shelter Advocates for their success in raising funds to complete the project. Beside providing funds for construction, WASA members covered the cost of installing a washing machine and dryer in the facility.

WASA members are now soliciting funds to build additional runs outside the building.

Noting the shelter's "no kill" policy, Animal Control Officer Peter J. D'Amico thanked the volunteers who assist in caring for the dogs, saying "They rehabilitate the animal."

During construction, dogs picked up in Westport were sent to Fairfield's animal shelter.

Only one dog was in the shelter Friday and she was available for adoption.