How can anyone stop heroin-related crimes and deaths in Connecticut? Is there a solution to this problem at all?According to statistics from the state’s office of the chief medical examiner, in 2012 there were 174 heroin overdoses in the state. In 2013 the number grew to 257 overdoses.In Winsted there was one fatal overdose in 2012 and three in 2013. In nearby Torrington there were nine overdoses in 2012 and 11 in 2013.This week, 22-year-old Kevin Smith was found dead in a Torrington apartment after a suspected heroin overdose.Smith could have done a lot with his life. He could have been a great father and watched his son grow up. He could have had a great job and found ways to make his community a better place.Instead, he ends up being nothing more than a statistic. Another life lost. Any and all possible potential has all been thrown away.Blaming Smith will not help the situation. It will not help to prevent future sales of heroin or overdoses.Blaming the police will not help. They are already overburdened with dealing with crime and using what limited resources they have.Blaming the youth of America will not help. Heroin addiction can affect anyone, no matter what their age.Holding seminars and meetings, and creating T-shirts and bumper stickers with outdated “Just Say No” slogans will not help.Instead of using blame, maybe we should take some time to listen, without judgment, to the people who have these problems.Maybe it’s also time to have addiction recovery programs readily available and accessible to everyone instead of being inaccessible due to the red tape of insurance companies and hospitals.Treatment should be available to everyone — not just the privileged and wealthy few.We should also impose harsher penalties to heroin dealers to act as a deterrent before another life is lost.Over the course of this year, there may be many more heroin deaths in the area.There are no real clear-cut answers on how to solve the heroin epidemic in Connecticut. However, that does not mean we should stop trying to find them.
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Marsala is eager to go home with you.
Tiffany Lemelin, shelter manager, brushing Marsala upon arrival.Provided
The Little Guild is an animal shelter at 285 Sharon-Goshen Turnpike in West Cornwall. Founded in 1957, the organization rescues animals from local surrenders and under-resourced shelters. When a rescue animal arrives at The Little Guild, staff begins a careful intake and transition process to ensure the animal is safe, healthy and ready for adoption.
New arrivals are quarantined in-house. Vaccinations are verified as up to date, and staff assesses each animal’s medical, behavioral and placement needs. Rescues receive medical care, daily support and behavioral training to ease shelter stress. Once a dog has finished quarantine and is ready for a home, its profile is published at littleguild.org.
Michael DeBarba, certified dog trainer working with Marsala.Jennifer Almquist
Prospective adopters fill out an online application with information about their household and veterinary and personal references.
The next step is for the prospective adopter and family members to meet the dog. If there is already a dog in the household, a meet-and-greet is scheduled so the dogs can get acquainted.
The animal care staff offers guidance based on its knowledge of each animal’s personality, needs and quirks to help families find the best fit.
Marsala wins a heart.Jennifer Almquist
Once a match is made, the adoption contract outlines aftercare. Adopters agree to return the animal to The Little Guild if the adoption doesn’t work out. The organization’s commitment continues after adoption, with six months of free training and follow-up from staff to answer questions or address concerns.
“Please don’t pass Marsala by,” Lemelin said. “He loves people and other dogs. He’s a lap dog who lives for snuggles, cuddles and face kisses. Marsala deserves a family, a soft bed and a lifetime of being chosen.”
To find out about Marsala and other rescue dogs and cats, visit littleguild.org
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