Little Guild’s new facility takes shape

WEST CORNWALL — Construction is well underway for the Little Guild’s new 7,000-square-foot animal shelter at 285 Sharon-Goshen Tpke. (Route 128).

The new facility will help the Little Guild continue to rescue homeless cats and dogs by adding quarantining capabilities, modern air ventilation, soundproofing, a community room for free vaccination clinics, and spacious play areas for the animals.

For Executive Director Jenny Langendoerfer, who lives in Norfolk, this is the fruition of a longtime dream.

“We are incredibly grateful for the fantastic community support that allowed a new animal shelter for the Little Guild to happen. It will make a tremendous difference to the animals we care for and the community we serve,” said Landendoerfer.

The mission of the Little Guild is to rescue, love, and heal homeless cats and dogs and help them find homes. Founded in 1957 by Muriel Alvord Ward and Eleanora Kleinschmidt, Little Guild is now the largest no-kill animal shelter in northwest Connecticut. The 501(c) 3 organization boasts a 97% save rate, one of the highest in the nation.

The Little Guild raised more than $3,750,000 to build the new facility, which will be named in honor of Robert R. Rosenheim and is expected to be completed by November 2025. The Robert R. Rosenheim Foundation, based in Bristol, provided “abundant support” for the Little Guild’s construction efforts.

“We are honored to be part of Mr. Rosenheim’s legacy of love for animals,” said Langendoerfer. “The new facility will allow us to aid more animals and pet owners in the community. The calm and healing environment, quarantine capabilities, plus designated areas for adopters and volunteers to meet and socialize with the animals, will have a major impact, decreasing the length of stay and increasing the number of animals we can help.”

Michael DeBarba, certified dog trainer at the Little Guild, hugging Danica, a one-year old available rescue dog. “I am excited to help as many dogs and people as I can.”Jennifer Almquist

Justin Giampaolo, president and project executive for Burlington Construction oversees the project. Burlington Construction began working with the Little Guild four years ago.

Giampaolo, who expressed his love for animals, stood on the slab of concrete that stretched like a soccer field behind him, folded his arms and explained, “We began the site work late summer. We did all the underground plumbing and poured the slab. The insulated metal panelized building and roof panels have been ordered.”

“Erecting the facility will take about a month, then we start on interior walls and wiring. There will be a chain link fence that runs the perimeter, and each of the dog pads have their own areas, so that all the dogs have their own space,” said Giampaolo.

Chief Architect Christopher Nardi, principal of Silver Petrucelli & Associates, in Hamden, specializes in animal shelter design.

The Little Guild runs an on-site community pet pantry, offering free pet food and supplies to those in need. According to Langendoerfer, “The demand has increased in the last six months and through the generosity of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, we have expanded the program throughout Litchfield County with monthly events in Torrington, Sharon, Canaan, and Winsted.”

A new initiative, the Lasey Fund, is named after a benefactor’s beloved dog who serendipitously loved going to the veterinarian. The fund provides financial assistance for veterinary care to eligible Litchfield County residents. Langendoerfer explained, “You qualify if you’re getting state assistance. We can help with payments for a pet’s big surgery, or can help defray the cost of spaying, neutering, health checks, or dental work. Our director of development Priscilla McCord, of Lakeville, was the catalyst for establishing this fund.”

The Little Guild’s Great Country Mutt Show will be held rain or shine on Sunday, June 8, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville. This Westminster-style show is free and “celebrates all breeds and creeds — purebred dogs are welcome too.”

Scot Haney from Channel 3 and Richard Schlesinger from “48 Hours” will be on hand June 8 with famed animal trainer Bill Berloni as one of the judges.

Dogs participate in categories such as: Junior (humans under age 12) Most Unidentifiable Mix, Sweetest Pair of Dogs, Best Ears, Best Trick, Best Lap Dog Over 40 lbs, Best Senior, Best Kisser, and Waggiest Tail.