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Animal Haven Thanks Community with Celebration

Animal Haven will celebrate its 75th anniversary as one of the oldest animal shelters in the state of Connecticut with a community event on the North Haven Town Green on July 15.

Shelter President Linda Marino reflected on the long-standing history of Animal Haven as a part of North Haven.

“We’re very proud of that fact… We were incorporated in 1948 by three compassionate New Haven Greater New Haven area residents and our first shelter was built in 1956,” said Marino. “Before that people just foster the animals in their homes.”

Whilst it is an unfortunate fact, said Marino, that still too many animals are in need of a temporary home like Animal Haven, the shelter continues to be there providing that safe space for them.

“We’re very, very happy to be doing our part to fulfill that need,” she said.

The event next month will be in recognition of the support the North Haven community has shown for the non-profit shelter throughout the years, keeping it going as that space for its animals.

“We wanted to have the celebration with the community to thank the community for their support throughout the years. We would not be here today if it wasn’t for the community at-large that has supported us throughout this time period,” said Marino.

There will be plenty of food and fun activities for attendees to enjoy what Marino said should be a “high-energy day” for both humans and canines.

“We’ve got face painting for children and photo booths for photos with your pets,” said Marino. “There’ll be a big labyrinth maze for children and young adults and a bouncy house for kids.”

There will be multiple food vendors, including trucks selling vegan food and ice cream, vendors with savory and sweet fried dough, cotton candy, popcorn, marshmallow candies, and cookies from Moon Rocks Gourmet Cookies.

“There should be something for everybody. If you like fried dough, you can eat it as your main meal and your dessert. If you like ice cream and cookies… there’ll be plenty of sweets. So we balanced that with the vegan food truck that will make delicious healthy food,” said Marino.

Arts and crafts vendors will show off their creations in crystals, home crafts designs, jewelry, and beach-themed art.

Other vendors include the School of Rock offering music lessons, and animal advocacy and rescue groups, according to Marino.

Live music will be played throughout the event as a soundtrack for the many activities, food, and arts and crafts for goers. One of the performers will be Connecticut-based singer Nick Fradiani Sr.

According to Marino, dogs up for adoption will be another feature at the event from the shelter. Owners also have the chance to get their “Alumni dogs,” canines who were adopted from Animal Haven, a bandana for recognition.

Marino encourages all those coming to the event to bring their pets along with them to enjoy the milestone day for the shelter and the meaning behind it.

“We just hope it will be a nice day for everyone to be out and celebrating what the community has done for homeless animals throughout the years,” Marino said.

Admission to the event is free and will run from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 15. A rain date is scheduled for July 23.