Northwest Corner Animal Control Officer is a different breed of dog lover

Lee Sohl and therapy dog Freddie.

Photo by Mia Barnes

Northwest Corner Animal Control Officer is a different breed of dog lover

SHARON — Whether volunteering at schools, visiting prisons, or at her home in Kent, Lee Sohl can almost always be found with a dog.

For the past 32 years Sohl has served as animal control officer in Kent. She has since added on three other towns serving as the ACO in Sharon for 10 years, Salisbury for seven, and most recently Cornwall.

Her and her husband, Jim Sohl, who is also ACO certified, live with 14 dogs of their own.

Originally from Westchester County, New York, Sohl fostered her love of animals from a young age. Dogs became the subject of her artwork and she said, “By age 12 I had read every dog book in the Chappaqua Public Library.

As she gained more experience, the number of animals in her care grew. She revealed that at one point there were 50 animals in her house, ranging from llamas and pigs to ferrets and chinchillas.

Sohl was asked by the First Selectman in 1991 to take over as the town dog warden, and having had experience working at the Kent pound, she agreed. For the past three decades she has been fielding calls, answering questions, and searching for dogs while also balancing her full-time job as a reading interventionist and assistant principal at Kent Center School.

The work of an ACO, though seemingly animal centered, involves a significant amount of human interaction. Aside from dogs that Sohl herself finds roaming, the majority of the reports come from community members.

Most cases fall under one of two categories, nuisance (biting or barking) and roaming. The ways in which Sohl responds vary from case to case.

Above all her goal is to educate the owners, whether that be through a reminder of the licensing mandates or tips on how to handle disobedient behavior. “The people here are animal lovers,” emphasized Sohl after stating that she tries to limit her ticketing to “frequent flyers” and formal complaints.

“Social media has made a big difference,” said Sohl when asked about how reports are generated. When Sohl started the job, she had 60 dogs in the pound in one year just for Kent; last year there were 20 dogs across all four towns.

When a dog is reported as roaming, all efforts are focused on identification and reunification. If an animal is licensed or is microchipped, they are almost always guaranteed to return home. In other cases, Sohl takes to the newspaper and various social media platforms. During that time, the dog will stay in the pound in which town they were found for a week before being able to be placed in a new home.

“The pound can be a traumatizing place for most dogs” remarked Sohl when describing the urgency of her work. “Though the job is part-time, I am working 24/7.”

In the past two years she has increased outreach efforts by bringing her 3 therapy dogs to schools, libraries, nursing homes and most recently prisons.

“Students have a much easier time reading to a dog than a teacher or parent,” noted Sohl. “It takes a lot of the stress off.”
While reflecting on her time as an ACO she stated, “This is a great life with animals and because of them my world has been opened up to new opportunities.”

In the past year she has written, illustrated, and self-published 6 books — each one focusing on one of her 14 dogs. She has already started the creative process for the next book.

“There’s been so many fun experiences,” Sohl reflected. “I get to help these animals while also meeting great people.”

Latest News

Ann Beizer

CANAAN — It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ann Beizer, who died on Nov. 13, 2024, at the age of 80 after a courageous battle with progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare and debilitating disease that took away her ability to move, see clearly, and swallow. Ann’s strength and resilience throughout her illness was an inspiration to all who knew her, even as the disease took its toll.

Born on Sept. 12, 1944, in Washington, DC, Ann was raised in Glasgow, West Virginia, where both of her parents were school teachers. She earned a Master’s degree in counseling from West Virginia University and went on to teach high school history. Later, she led a not-for-profit organization before becoming the Director of Academic Advising at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). At WPI, Ann also served as a Project Advisor, guiding students on international work projects in Italy and Puerto Rico. Her commitment to education and mentorship earned her a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to Germany, further advancing her career in academic advising.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dr. Fred G. Kantrowitz

SHARON — Dr. Fred G. Kantrowitz, 78, of Medfield, Massachusetts, Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts and Sharon passed away Nov. 13, 2024, at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He was the loving husband of Anne Kirby, devoted father of Gregory and William, father-in-law of Katie and Brittanny, and proud grandfather of Jack, Ava and Jameson.

Fred was born Dec. 10, 1945 in Brooklyn, New York, the son of the late Theo and Dinah (Kotick) Kantrowitz. His own health struggles as a child, intellectual curiosity and desire to help others led him to a career in medicine. Fred’s illustrious medical career was highlighted by nearly 50 years on the Beth Israel staff, more than 30 published works and a chapter as teamdoctor for the Boston Celtics. Later in his career, he developed a reputation for being the doctor to handle only the most complex cases, including long Covid.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rose Moskowitz

CANAAN — Rose Moskowitz, 98, of Geer Village in Canaan, passed away on Nov. 9, 2024. She was the loving wife of the late Bernard Moskowitz.

Rose was born Aug. 2, 1926, in New York City, the daughter of the late David and Regina (Shanker) Gunn.
Rose graduated from high school in the Bronx.

Keep ReadingShow less
Doreen B. Newton

WASSAIC — Doreen B. Newton, 76, a lifelong resident of Wassaic, died on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at Kindred Hospital in Passaic, New Jersey. Ms. Newton was an assistant social worker at Taconic Developmental Disabilities Office in Wassaic, for 30 years, retiring in 2005.

Born on Nov. 24, 1947 in Sharon, she was the daughter of the late William and Doris (Shook) Barlow. She was a graduate of Webutuck High School Class of 1965. An avid reader, Ms. Newton enjoyed mystery novels and crossword puzzles. Above all, she loved her grandchildren.

Keep ReadingShow less