Last Saturday, June 9, PAWS of Greenwich had the wonderful opportunity to visit Newtown, CT for a very special pet adoption and family festival, which honored the life of slain Sandy Hook student - Catherine Violet Hubbard. The fourth annual Catherine's "Butterfly Party," is held each year, on or around her birthday, and celebrates her passion and love for all animals.
Though Catherine's life was cut too short, the annual event continues her dream of spreading love and kindness to all beings and raises awareness of the foundation and animal sanctuary, slated to be built in Newtown, CT - the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary.
This year, “Catherine’s Butterfly Party” featured over 100 adoptable pets from over 20 animal rescues from the tri-state area; farm and wildlife rescue and rehab organizations, live demonstrations, children's activities, food trucks and more. We met some incredible animal rescuers and sweet adoptable pets, each with their own unique rescue stories - with dozens finding loving new homes.
I was inspired by many of the organizations, but one truly stood out - the BeFreegle Foundation. The CT-based organization rescues discarded Beagles used in animal research and medical laboratory testing. Beagles are a popular breed of dogs for medical research because they are docile in nature and calm tempered, making them easier to test. The Foundation offers rescued pups the opportunity to find a loving and safe home and the opportunity to be "free". While speaking with the rescue, I had the opportunity to meet an adopter - a new rescue dog-dad. The gentleman explained his love of dogs and how he heard about the incredible work the organization did - and decided he wanted to adopt from the rescue. Please take a moment to visit BeFreegle online: befreeglefoundation.org
The event also helped raise awareness and support for the funding and building of the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, slated to break ground in 2019 or early 2020. The multifaceted animal care and wellness destination will provide rescue and support services for companion animals, farm animal refugees, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, and animal/nature educational programming.
The sanctuary home is nestled on 34 acres of pristine farmland deeded to the organization by the state of CT. Currently, the sanctuary does not have a functioning facility on-site; however, the CVH Foundation is very active in the community and hosts educational seminars, demonstrations, and volunteer programs on the sanctuary lands. The sanctuary lands are currently open to the public from dawn until dusk and visitors are welcome to explore the extensive hiking and equestrian trails, savor the lush butterfly gardens, or have a quiet picnic at the pavilion.
For more information on Catherine’s Butterfly Party or to learn more about the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, please visit www.cvhfoundation.org
