Little Guild’s new exec races ahead

CORNWALL — Ready for the opportunity to guide The Little Guild pet shelter into a vibrant future, Abigail Cusick began her service as executive director on Sept. 24.

Her four months as a volunteer cemented Cusick’s commitment to the nonprofit animal rescue organization in West Cornwall.  She resides in nearby Falls Village.

Coming to The Little Guild is a career change for Cusick, who worked for 10 years in cable television for Bravo TV, owned by NBCUniversal. Her diverse talents include expertise in social media and how those opportunities can benefit her work with the organization.

“I’m thrilled to be here,” Cusick said. 

Her first order of business will be the Run & Wag fundraiser and alumni gathering on Saturday, Oct. 13. The 5K (3.1 miles) event will begin at the Cornwall Town Green at 10 a.m.  

Dogs and their owners will race off at varying rates of speed to complete the race, or not. The race is expected to go on until noon. 

Cusick’s entry in the race will be her own rescue dog, Domino, who is a German shepherd and Labrador mix. 

Also preparing to run for The Little Guild is 4-year-old Lily, a dog available for adoption. 

Cusick will be busy emceeing the event, which will include a parade, awards, a food truck and a band.

Founded in 1958, The Little Guild rescues abandoned, abused or neglected cats and dogs and adopts them out to new homes and healthier situations. Sometimes, animals come to them through a “surrender” program, if their owners can no longer effectively care for them. A foster program of short-term care is also an option. The commitment is to the development of animals. Staff include a veterinarian and a dog trainer.

“I’m a life-long animal lover,” Cusick said. She has had a multitude of pets of many kinds. Asked about what has drawn her to her profound commitment to the mission at The Little Guild, she said, “I lost my 11-year-old golden retriever to lymphoma.”  Working through the care process, she witnessed the bond that people and animals share, and she realized how fortunate she was to be able to care for her animal.

“To me, saving animals is about as meaningful as it gets,” she said.

Cusick maintains a strong working relationship with Justin Vagliano of Norfolk, who has stepped aside from the executive director position, although he intends to remain active with the organization. His background was as a consultant for small businesses. His initial involvement was with the finance committee at The Little Guild. Under his watch, strategic planning was a focus, along with developing business partnerships.

Vagliano guided the organization toward building on its original rescue and adoption programs, adding family welfare through such agencies as the Susan B. Anthony Project, and starting more training programs to help people care for their animals.

One of the future goals is to create an isolated dog quarantine space. There is presently such a space for cats.

Speaking of the future at The Little Guild, Vagliano said, “I feel very comfortable. I have total faith in what she can do. Plus, we’re friends.”

More information about the Run & Wag event and registration information may be found at   www.littleguild.org/run-wag-5k.

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