On Sept. 16, supporters broke ground for the renovation and expansion of the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter. When the construction dust settles, the state-of-the art facility will finally match the caliber of exceptional services that have made the shelter a premier municipal program, said Branford First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove.

"This isn't building a facility and then hope the programs and services come. We have these programs, services and a level of service that we provide, and we need to have a facility that can meet that demand," Cosgrove said, speaking with Zip06/The Sound. "From what the staff has done over the years in growing this, it's not just a multi-town municipal facility. We have a reputation, a brand; and over the years, we've also had the support of the community, and that continues to grow. So it's great to be able to now have a facility that matches the effort that the staff puts in, and the support that the community has shown, to fulfill all of the programs and services. "

The no-kill shelter facility, first opened in 2003, has built its brand thanks to in part to a huge social media following of its remarkable track record of rescuing and re-homing animals. On Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, the shelter often shares videos, photos and stories of animals in its care. Numerous animals have arrived in dire condition only to thrive in the care of the staff and volunteers, with support of emergency funds raised to cover unbudgeted medical costs and other expenses.

The $4.595 million shelter expansion and renovation was approved for funding by the Town of Branford with a big assist from the CosgroveSavingLives campaign. The campaign, which is ongoing, has surpassed its initial $1 million goal to help offset project costs, with over $1.49 million in donations, pledges and grants to date.  Designed by Branford architect Joseph Sepot, the renovated and expanded shelter will double in size to a 6,350 square-foot facility. The project's manager is Enterprise Builders (Norwalk).

In addition to serving Branford, the shelter serves the Town of North Branford through a municipal use agreement which began in 2005.  As of press time for this story, North Branford's Town Council continues reviewing an agreement it has with Branford which involves paying one-third of operational costs and capital improvements financing; most recently receiving an update from Cosgrove and Shelter Director Laura Burban at the Sept. 8 Town Council meeting.

Among those attending the groundbreaking at the shelter's Branford location, 749 East Main Street, were representatives of local government offices and elected leaders as well as the shelter's appointed commission members and campaign cabinet members. Burban thanked them all, as well as her staff and volunteers, for sharing in the success of the effort. She especially acknowledged long serving commission chair Marilyn Vailette. Vailette, in turn, recognized her co-commission members, Cosgrove, Burban, the volunteers who care for the animals and all who donated to the effort.

"I honestly thought this project might truly outlive me," said Vailette, to a round of laughter. "So I am very grateful and happy to be standing here today."

Cosgrove said it was important to note it took seven years to get to this day from the point that the need for the expansion/renovation project was first identified by Burban, Vailette and the commission.

"I think that's a testament to the support for this project. Nobody got discouraged, and actually support only built over that time, over many years" said Cosgrove.  "It started with commission members, staff, volunteers; and then it continued to spread throughout the community."

Cosgrove also thanked the capital campaign committee.

"This project would not have happened without the support from the community; and the capital campaign committee just went out there, did a tremendous job and not only met but exceeded our expectations."

Additionally, he recognized Town of Branford staff efforts to assist the project including those of Town Engineer John Hoefferle; as well as Sustainability and Compliance Manager Diana McCarthy-Bercury Diana for obtaining sustainable equipment for the project at no cost. Cosgrove thanked Branford's appropriating bodies, the Board of Finance (BOF) and Representative Town Meeting (RTM) and  praised Branford Finance Director Jim Finch for his service not only with the shelter project, but for providing over two decades of financial stewardship to the betterment of Branford.

Cosgrove also gave a nod to the shelter's namesake, his late grandfather, Daniel P. Cosgrove, who passed away in 2016. As well as being a pivotal supporter and contributor in helping to usher in the original shelter building, Cosgrove said his grandfather committed his life to "giving animals a second chance."

"Before we had an animal shelter, any dog that was caught roaming, or somebody could not keep... my grandfather gave that dog a second chance. And it wasn't just dogs," said Cosgrove. "Many of you may not know, in his garage on North Main Street, there were kennels throughout the garage, in the back. There were passageways [and] if you made the mistake of opening the front door, not knowing, a dozen dogs could come circling you at one time."

Burban thanked Cosgrove for his support and brought up the shelter's staff and some key volunteers to be recognized on Sept 16. She also thanked all members of the commission, capital campaign developer Jennifer Aniskovich and the capital campaign cabinet members for their involvement. She also thanked the leadership of the Towns of Branford and North Branford and their communities. Burban also said receiving the unanimous support of Branford's BOF and RTM was an emotional milestone in the process.

"This new animal shelter will save lives. It will educate. It will train. It will empower, support, rehabilitate and create compassion," said Burban. "Every single person here has made today happen, and you have positively impacted generations of people and animals in years to come, even if you don't know it yet. Thank you for believing."

Since June 2, shelter services have moved to the former Canoe Brook school, 11 Cherry St., Branford.