If Westport Animal Shelter Advocates (WASA) had a tagline, it would be “adopt local.” The nonprofit was founded in 2007 to support the municipal shelter at Westport Animal Control, which was in danger of going private. “We formed to be an advocacy group for keeping our municipal shelter independent,” says Julie Loparo, the president of WASA. "But we realized people were calling Animal Control needing help rehoming their dogs.” So WASA developed a fostering network to help local dogs that come in as owner surrenders or “pulls” from over-crowded CT municipal shelters. “Our role has become more important as the number of abandoned dogs has increased, and the groups helping have decreased."
If you’re in the market to adopt a pet, WASA is an amazing resource. One example: recently, a German Shepherd they named River was abandoned in Westport. WASA found a family that wanted to adopt River, but they had horses, and the team wasn’t sure how River would react. Keep Them Wagging, a board-to-train facility with WASA funding, took him in. WASA volunteers and Keep Them Wagging trainers took River on home visits. It turned out to be a perfect fit. “It was a wonderful situation, and such a team effort,” says Julie.
In addition to conducting meet and greets and home visits for WASA fosters, WASA volunteers do the same for “guests” at Westport Animal Control, with the assistance of the Westport Control Officers. It’s a unique partnership that helps to ensure happy and safe adoptions. Trainer Mandy Vexler also provides a complimentary training session for dogs adopted through Westport Animal Control or WASA.
Love dogs but not ready for one of your own? “We need people with experience with walking all sizes, strengths, and personalities of dogs,” says Julie. They are also seeking donations— “we help pet owners that are struggling, so food for dogs or cats or whatever else, we’re willing to take,” Julie says.
To learn more, visit westportwasa.org
"Our role has become more important as the number of abandoned dogs has increased."