The Stratford Animal Rescue Society (also known as STARS) has been dedicated to its mission of providing a safe, caring home for every animal for over 20 years. First opening in 2000, the Stratford Animal Shelter made it its duty to provide care, food, medical support, and housing to countless homeless animals from around the community.
STARS provides animals with vaccinations, microchipping, socialization, training, enrichment, exercise, and neutering to ensure the health and longevity of every pet’s life. The shelter also offers in-person meet-and-greets for potential adopters, which give them an opportunity to decide whether the particular animal would be a good fit for their home.
While they acknowledge that not every citizen of Stratford can adopt an animal, whether for space or financial reasons, they still encourage you to support their cause by making a donation. The shelter relies on donations of our town’s time and resources to sustain momentum in their mission. As Jane Goodall, a prominent anthropologist and spokesperson for animal rights, once said, “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” Even a small action can make a big impact and significantly help the shelter care for animals in need.
Recently, the shelter held a “STARS boutique” fundraiser where they sold bouquets, jewelry, and pet-related items. Every purchase went towards medical care treatment and helped the organization provide animals with second chances. In another event, they called for a donation of cat litter, posting on their FaceBook page that “every scoop matters” to keep the cats comfortable and healthy.
In addition to running events, STARS offers many volunteer opportunities. Volunteers can sign up to help with dog handling and animal transportation, or participate in special events such as the Paws to Read Program, where both adults and children can spend quiet time reading to the shelter animals. Recently, I spoke with Eloise Duffus, a teen who volunteered for the Paws to Read Program earlier this year. She commented on the event, saying, “At first the dogs were excited, and a little scary. Once they calmed down, it was great to read to them.” Events like these show how people of all ages can support the animal shelter. The volunteers of STARS are the silent force that assists animals in need, especially ones that have faced neglect or abandonment, helping them find a forever home. This June, STARS shared on their FaceBook page a story of an inspiring volunteer who went above and beyond to make sure a pit bull who had experienced neglect felt comfortable. To her, the adoption process is more than simply finding an animal a home; it’s about finding a place where every pet can be loved, feel safe, and be valued.
After a few days, the pup seemed to fit right in and began to trust and open his heart to the humans around him. This touching story is one of the many examples of how important volunteers are to the animal rescue community and how much of a difference they can make. Their compassion makes a huge impact not only on the animals but also on the lives of those around them, as it empowers others to help as well.
If you would like to get involved and support the animal shelter, you can also contact them through their website or leave something in one of their donation boxes outside.
