June Highlights: Building Progress, Big Wins, and a New Way to Give Back

Building Update: Lifting Walls and Raising Standards
Our volunteers continue to amaze us. Over the past month, they have not only completed all of the demolition work at our future headquarters but have now started framing the new walls. As we build our forever home, we have stayed focused on two major priorities: safety and well-being for both our dogs and the volunteers who care for them.

We took a close look at the challenges we face at our current location and brought in veterinary experts to help us create a space with thoughtful, intentional design. In our new kennel area, kennels are positioned back-to-back and face outward to reduce stress from dog-to-dog interaction. We also included guillotine doors to more than double the available space per dog when needed, allow for safer handling, and create an efficient in-and-out system for both dogs and volunteers.

Another major feature is our new quarantine area, designed to provide a safe space for dogs who need healing while protecting the rest of our residents from the spread of illness. Over the last few weeks, our volunteers have worked side by side with contractors to design and build the framework for these key spaces.

Next on the schedule is custom epoxy flooring. This upgrade goes far beyond appearances. We selected a specific grade of epoxy that allows for easy cleaning, with dirt and waste directed straight into our brand-new drainage system. A clean space is a healthy space, and that matters for both our dogs and the people who care for them. We still have a lot of work ahead of us with flooring and exterior updates, so keep an eye out for more upcoming volunteer opportunities.

It Pays to Make a Difference
We are so proud to highlight our incredible Intake Director, Christine Hanko. Thanks to her unwavering commitment and compassion, Dog Star Rescue was recently recognized by the Myra Kraft Foundation at the New England Patriots’ annual Community MVP Awards luncheon at Gillette Stadium.

Even better, Christine’s dedication earned us a $10,000 grant in support of our mission.

As a 100 percent volunteer-run and donation-funded organization with no state or federal support, grants and individual donations are what keep us moving forward. They make it possible to save more dogs, support more adopters, and stay rooted in the community we are proud to serve.

How You Can Help: Double the Donation
We are excited to share a powerful new tool that can help you make an even bigger impact with every gift. Our fundraising team is proud to launch the newest feature on our website: Double the Donation.

Many employers in Connecticut and beyond will match charitable donations made by their employees. Now, when you support Dog Star Rescue—whether you are donating or buying a brick for our new building—you can search your company’s name and instantly see if your gift qualifies for a match.

And it does not stop there. You can also check if any of your past donations or purchases are eligible.

Visit or Donation page to search for your employer and start doubling your impact. Be sure to include your company’s name on all future gifts too. You never know how far your support can go.