WESTBROOK—Located on Horse Hill Road in Westbrook, Valley Shore Animal Welfare League (VSAWL) is a haven for four-legged friends and those looking to adopt them. At VSAWL both cats and dogs are sheltered and provided with necessary veterinary care and companionship.
A dedicated group of staff and volunteers care for the animals’ daily needs as well as maintain the building and grounds. The VSAWL cares for local animals as well as animals from other locations—particularly animals transported from the south.
The VSAWL is a no-kill shelter and a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.
Founded in 1972 by a group of concerned animal lovers, VSAWL and its all-woman crew sought to fill a gap and care for animals, who had no place else to go. These women dedicated themselves to the animals and the mission and have been helping animals at VSAWL ever since.
The VSAWL is currently undertaking an effort to refocus its energies so that services for its animals, volunteers and the community can be improved.
Several new board members have been elected and the search is on to find more interested and energetic individuals, who can help to carry out the organization’s mission to provide refuge, care, companionship and adoption services. If you are interested in volunteering or joining the VSAWL board, contact the organization at 860-399-7561 or [email protected].
The VSAWL is currently housing four adorable dogs, which are all looking for forever homes.
Willow, the coonhound, is a one-year-old wild child—she enjoys walks, play-dates with other dogs and playing fetch. She is a good girl with lots to say and is interested in everything. Looking for an active friend, who has as much energy as she does. Willow is a little anxious, but that is hardly surprising considering her previous life. She would benefit from some training and is very quick to learn new tricks like “Sit” and “Leave.” She loves stuffed toys and would make a faithful forever friend.
Alice is a funny two-year-old terrier/Frenchie mix. She is about 50 lbs and absolutely adores new toys and blankets. She gets so excited and can hardly contain herself. She is so happy to see you and wants nothing more than pets and kisses. She is very active and gets the zoomies often. She loves walks, running, car-rides and sitting by your side. She is a special girl and a cozy friend.
Zoe is everyone’s best friend (except other pets – she wants to be your one and only .) She is a nine-year-old lab/pit mix. She is sweet and loving and wants nothing more than to play and get pets and love. Zoe is very excited to meet you but settles with reminders and pets. She is very friendly and most polite on a leash. She will make a steady friend, a sweet companion and a loving snuggle buddy for anyone who likes to snuggle back!
Charlie, a nine-year-old boxer, has been with us for a year and a half. He came to us in terrible shape – horrible ear infections and feet that were so swollen it was hard for him to walk. But he is doing much better now and is looking for a family to share his life with. Charlie is the definition of a big baby. He is shy at first but warms up quickly. He is a sweet and loving little couch-potato, who likes walks and warm beds. He is a staff/volunteer/vet favorite.
The VSAWL also has several cats and kittens that would love to make your acquaintance.
Among them is Cinder, who is 16-years-old. She is a sweet and bossy cat, who wants to be queen of the castle. She is interested in everything and will greet you at the door and follow you around until you give her attention. She likes to play in her water bowl and sample from every food bowl. She is a sweetie-pie and looking for a doting family with whom to share the rest of her life.
If you would like to share your home with any of our pets, contact the VSAWL to set up an appointment to meet your potential new best friend.
The VSAWL is always in need of supplies. If you are considering making a donation of specific items, access the VSAWL Amazon wish list at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1AOCDWKOX0F4K/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1.
The organization is completely funded by donors and always grateful for financial donations to help cover the cost of food, services and veterinary care for our animals. If you would like to make a monetary donation, Venmo VSAWL at @VSAWL1972 or visit their website at valleyshoreaninalwelfareleague.org to make a donation through PayPal. We also accept cash or checks at VSAWL, 64 Horse Hill Road, Westbrook, CT 06498.
To be added to the VSAWL mailing list, email Dottie Wells at [email protected].
The VSAWL is grateful for all of the community members who are part of the VSAWL family as adopters, donors or volunteers.