The sage proverb, “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together” is fitting for the remarkable journey nearing completion.
A Board a retreat in 2015 offered an opportunity to consider the future of the organization—and to make a crucial decision about the aging Westport facility. Beloved though it was, the facility had reached a crossroads: it would require either significant renovation or a complete relocation. After months of research, surveys, and heartfelt discussions, the board concluded it was time to search for a new home in Fairfield County.
That pivotal journey led the organization, in 2019, to a unique property at 863 Danbury Road in Wilton. Former Executive Director Gordon Willard encouraged the board to take a look—and despite visiting over 40 sites previously, this one stood out. Perched on a rocky hilltop with three existing homes, the land radiated a sense of peace. With rolling 18 acres, scenic trails, and quiet meadows, it felt like the place they’d been hoping to find.
By 2020, under the new leadership of Executive Director James Bias, that vision started taking shape. The property went under contract, and the team plunged into planning—hosting Zoom meetings with the Architectural Review Board, and the Planning & Zoning and the Inlands & Wetland Commissions. With the help of passionate supporters, dedicated committees members, and a growing sense of momentum, the dream of building a true pet resource center was no longer just an idea—it was a plan in motion.
Now, with just weeks until opening day, that long-held dream is finally becoming a reality. To celebrate this exciting milestone, we invite you to take a stroll down memory lane with us—through this digital scrapbook capturing the moments, memories, and milestones of our journey.
Though hard to imagine at first, the Wilton property had tons of potential. Here, you can see the original property overlaid with the drawings from the project’s lead architect, Animal Arts.
2022
The Steering Committee led fundraising initiatives in the very beginning of the community phase. They were key leadership for the Capital Campaign and were comprised of donors, volunteers, and community members. Photographed from left to right: Theresa Geary, Director of Operation, and volunteers Christine Lewis, Natalie Drucker, Jessica Bryant, Valerie Juengst, and Elona Logue.
Hosted by Mitch & Jean Lampert, this house party in Wilton is a perfect example of the fundraising efforts made in support of the Campaign. Photographed from left to right: Eve Basher (former Development Manager), volunteers Jessica Bryant, Valerie Juengst, Mitch Lampert, and Gretchen Dale (Board of Directors Vice President), Barbara Naugle (Director of Development), and volunteers Elona Logue, and Natalie Drucker.
In 2022 folks gathered for the first Campaign Kickoff Presentation. Here, you can see Gretchen Dale, Board of Directors VP, and campaign chairperson sharing the vision for the pet resource center.
Mutts & Mimosas, September 2022
Yappy Hour at the Wilton Property: 2022
Volunteer, Isabella Griffin, & friends
Lovello House Party: September 2022, Maria Lovello, Volunteer & Gretchen Dale, Board VP and Capital Campaign Chairperson.
Wilton Holiday Stroll 2022: Wendy Lee, Kim Salamone, Isabella Griffin, Renee Traynor
2023
Legislators gather for a Property Tour, before construction began in the summer of 2023
Frank Lovello speaks at the Groundbreaking Ceremony: September 2023
And the project moves from concept to reality. Even the pups got in on the action.
Wilton Farmers’ Market: Fall 2023, Barbara Naugle, Director of Development & Wendy Lee, Chair of the Public Phase Committee.
2024
Info Sessions were held in the cooler months of 2024 – 2025. Over 200 attendees joined to learn more about the pet resource center coming to town!
Westport Dog Festival: May 2024, Kayleigh Shettleworth, Development Manager & Louis Perrotta, Volunteer
Hard Hat Tours as construction began, Summer 2024: Barbara Naugle, Director of Development & Wendy Lee, Chair of the Public Phase Committee.
Georgetown Day 2024: Kayleigh Shettleworth, Development Manager, & volunteer Renee Traynor, spreading the joy!
Volunteers, Maria Lovello & Cindy Potter, construct “Barb the Builder” for the Wilton Scarecrow Festival 2024.
James Bias, Kayleigh Shettleworth, and Hard Hat Tour Group – October 2024
2025
Kylie Allardice, Development Intern, and Denice Fogel, Volunteer, help spread the word at the Wilton Farmers’ Market in June 2025
Nonprofit leaders in Wilton take a hard hat tour with Jarred Barnes, Major Gifts Strategist, Delia Nolan, Wilton Shelter Manager, and James Bias, Executive Director; June 2025 as construction nears completion.
