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A roadside view of the new 8,000-square-foot animal shelter in West Cornwall. A public open house is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Jennifer Almquist
The new building features quarantine areas, noise mitigation, dedicated adoption and socialization spaces, and a large multi-purpose community room for clinics, training, education, volunteer programs and community events.
Jenny Langendoerfer, Executive Director of The Little Guild, said the new facility will “have a profound impact in how we can care for animals and serve our community.” She said the design incorporates years of thoughtful planning and research, creating a calmer, more supportive environment that reduces stress, improve health outcomes, shortens stays and leads to more successful adoptions.
The project was funded entirely through private donations and community foundations, and the building will be named in honor of Robert R. Rosenheim.
Marley, age four, available for adoption through The Little GuildProvided
“We are honored to carry forward his legacy of love for animals,” Langendoerfer said, adding that “the Robert R. Rosenheim Foundation has been our partner from day one.”
Little Guild Board President and Goshen resident Kelly Bozzuto said the new facility marks a major milestone for The Little Guild and those who believe in its mission.
“We are grateful for our dedicated staff, volunteers, and supporters whose efforts made this possible,” Bozzuto said. “This facility will help us continue rescuing, healing, and finding loving homes for cats and dogs for generations to come.”
Karen Doeblin, former Little Guild board president, who oversaw the capital campaign and construction of the new facility, added, “This building is the result of countless people giving generously of their time, talent, and resources. It feels terrific to know we’ll be here helping animals for many years to come.”
Cookie, age 10, available for adoption through The Little GuildProvided
Richard Schlesinger, former CBS correspondent and Cornwall resident – and member of the Little Guild Advisory Council – said, “Every dog and cat that goes out this door to their forever home, has a life that is so much better than they could have imagined.”
Salisbury resident Maria Horn, CT State Representative for the 64th assembly district, added, “As a family who has made rescue dogs a cherished part of our lives, I’m looking forward to seeing the new facility.”
The Little Guild is dedicated to rescuing and nurturing homeless dogs and cats for adoption into safe and caring homes. Founded in 1960, the Little Guild is the largest animal shelter in Northwest Connecticut, with one of the highest save rates nationally for a no-kill shelter. They broke ground for this building in May 2024.
For more information, visit littleguild.org.
Carlos and Yesica Gomez, with their son Xavier, stand outside Teo Tacos, which they hope to open by the end of the month.
Christian Murray
The space will seat about 40 people and will not serve alcohol. Inside, bright orange walls, simple wood tables and large arched mirrors create a casual setting. The restaurant is located near Trackside Tacos, which opened its doors in July 2025.
For the couple, who live in Torrington, the opening brings together their background in the restaurant industry and connection to North Canaan.
“We would always travel through North Canaan,” Carlos Gomez said. “We saw the town, and it always looked like a happy town. There are always people walking around, and we love to see that.”
Yesica Gomez, who currently works as a family support specialist with Family Strides, frequently visits the area to meet with families. Before that, she spent more than a decade in the restaurant industry, including nine years as a manager at McDonald’s in Torrington.
Christian Murray
Carlos Gomez, originally from Mexico, has worked in restaurants since arriving in the United States at age 22. His first job was at a Mexican restaurant, and he most recently worked at an Italian restaurant in Avon.
“This country has treated me well,” he said. “People treat me as though I were born here.”
Yesica Gomez, who immigrated to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic as a child, said her father brought the family to Connecticut for better educational opportunities. It was after graduating high school in 2009 that she met Carlos. When she needed a ride to apply to college, her brother-in-law suggested a friend could take her — that friend was Carlos.
“We’ve been together since,” Yesica Gomez said.
They now are raising three children, ages 11, 5, and 3, with a fourth due in July.
The menu is expected to be affordably priced, and the couple has yet to finalize hours. The restaurant’s name, Teo Tacos, is a tribute to Carlos Gomez’s mother, Teodora, who still lives in Mexico.
“We’re excited for what’s ahead,” Carlos Gomez said.
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