Community gathers for event at former Templeton animal shelter
Doneen Durling
News Staff Writer
TEMPLETON — Ahimsa Haven Animal Rescue welcomed the community to
celebrate the opening of its new facility at Baldwinville Road on Saturday.
“Opening day was busy,” said Marjorie Twiraga, the group’s
director. “We had donations, and we had a good outpouring of goodwill from the
community.”
Attendees brought blankets, food and more to the opening of the
new site, which previously served as the home of Templeton’s animal control
facility. Ahimsa Haven is also working toward the construction of a facility in
Winchendon.
Ed and Jane Gallat came with a container filled with dimes.
“I started collecting dimes for dogs,” said Ms. Gallat.
“Now I have to think of something for cats ... maybe something
like quarters for kittens,” she added with a smile.
Ms. Twiraga said the Templeton facility will help the organization
address the high need for animal care in the area.
“We want to focus on who needs the help more, and for every call
we get to help a dog, we get about 20 to help cats,” she said. “We are so
thrilled to have this facility so we can respond to the populations that need
us most.”
Visitors were in and out throughout the day, and a few came back
to double-check on some of the animals available for adoption.
Ms. Twiraga said Ed Poulin was key to getting the new facility
ready to open.
“On a personal note, the whole summer for all of us has led up to
this day,” she said. “The opening is a relief, and it’s exciting. The building
is great. It just needed a little TLC. Ed was just the man to make things a
little better and a little brighter.”
Ahimsa Haven began in 1999 as a nonprofit animal rescue group
whose mission is to find good
homes for abused, abandoned, homeless and unwanted domestic animals. The
organization also provides emergency medical care for animals in need, along
with routine medical care for animals in its foster care program.
For those interested in pet adoption or more information, call
978-297-2673 or visit www.ahimsahaven.org.
How do you go there and not come home empty handed? I want to remind you that if you have old blankets or towels they can use these at the shelter. Have you bought your dog or cat food that they decided they did not like? Our animals may be picky, but many of these animals have been hungry, so they eat what is put in front of them. Donate what you have as I am sure they will be happy with it. Bev.
ReplyDeleteDoes this group require you to promise that you won't let a cat go outdoors in order to qualify for adoption?
ReplyDeleteMark, I really do not know. When Bart and I were in Leominster, we lived on Rt.12. My cats are out door cats, and they never went near the road. The dog did not go near the road at all. I got a ear full from a woman at the vet I used to go to, and that is one reason I do not go there any longer. I think if you will provide a home to any of these animals, it should be up to you as how you care from them but that is just my opinion. Bev.
DeleteBev - I was rejected to adopt a cat at Ahimsa Haven last year, because I would not guaranty that the cat would not be allowed to go outdoors.
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