Trumbull Animal Group
Did you know that Trumbull has an Animal Shelter? Yes we do! The shelter is located at 324 Church Hill Road. The shelter has a volunteer group called the Trumbull Animal Group (TAG), which was founded in 1999 by the late Allen Finkenaur. TAG is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting and supporting the Animal Control Officer, Lynn Dellabianca, to provide a variety of services to surrendered, lost, and or abandoned animals.
TAG has had numerous success stories. In June of 2015, Abby arrived at the shelter, as a stray dog that had a skin condition, was emaciated, and lactating. We believe someone took her puppies away prematurely and dumped her. Once she was safely settled into the shelter with food, water and a bed, we quickly noticed that she was very fearful and untrusting. With the dedication of the TAG volunteers who consistently walked and socialized her, Abby started to slowly make strides. With daily physical, loving contact we were able to show Abby that not all people are uncaring. Visitors that came to the shelter were often turned off by her ‘intimidating presence’. For two years, Abby waited patiently for her new family and at times it seemed hopeless. Thanks to the Animal Control Officers who never gave up on Abby, the shelter became her home for the next two years. TAG volunteers worked diligently teaching Abby to love and trust humans.
In August of 2017, Sue P. came to the shelter after seeing an article about Abby and had wanted to adopt a dog that had been at the shelter the longest. Sue P. lives with her sons, John and Chris. When they brought Abby home the first day, she was very anxious because she was uncertain about transitioning from her well known ‘kennel life’ to a loving home life. Her new family taught her to go up and down stairs, to chill out on the couch, and to even snuggle on the bed, all new things she had never done before. Abby has made remarkable strides as a family pet, even eating home cooked meals that Sue prepares for her.
Although this story warms our hearts, we still have lots of work to do as we have plenty of dogs, cats, and the occasional bird, hamster, bunny and ferret, who also need loving homes. We need more adopters like Sue P. who are wiling to take a chance and open their homes and hearts to a shelter pet.
One of the biggest compliments TAG has recently received was when Sue P. stated, “If you were a dog, the Trumbull Animal Shelter is where you would want to be.” TAG is truly thankful to our generous community for their endless donations and support!
For more information about TAG or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please see our website for more details, www.trumbullanimalgroup.org.