Benefit held ‘For the Love of Jack’

NEW HARTFORD — A benefit flea market fundraiser for the local animal welfare organization For the Love of Jack was held at Pooch Palace pet groomers on Saturday, May 3.The organization was started by New Hartford and Barkhamsted Animal Control Officer Les Archer.Archer said a few years ago he responded to several calls from residents in Riverton about a feral stray cat.The cat was severely injured, and no one could get close to him to catch him.Archer used a Have-a-Heart animal trap to catch the cat and bring him to a veterinarian.“He was near death because he was in such bad shape,” Archer said. “His diaphragm was severed and his leg was injured so badly that it had to be amputated.”Archer took to Facebook to raise funds so the cat could undergo surgery to save his life.He raised $1,500, and the cat is alive and well and with a family who named him “Jack.”Inspired by the goodwill of residents and how they helped raise funds for the surgery, Archer started the For the Love of Jack charity.He said the fund intends to help sick and injured animals, including pets that are in need of surgery.“Unfortunately, it is much easier and cheaper to euthanize a pet than it is to treat it,” Archer said. “If we don’t help out these animals, who will?”“This is a very important charity,” Pooch Palace owner Charlene Martel added. “Eventually I am hoping that this charity will be able to help out people and their pets across the state.”According to organizers more than $3,000 was raised at the May 3 fundraiser.For more information about For the Love of Jack call 860-309-7228 or email ForTheLoveOfJack@yahoo.com.Donations to the charity may be made at www.gofundme.com/57ra90.

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