About $9,000 Raised So Far for New Animal Control Vehicle

The local community has raised about $9,000 for Waggn' for Wheels so far to help the Avon Police Department purchase a new animal control vehicle to service Avon and Canton.

Avon/Canton Animal Control Officer Beverly LaPlume said that $20,000 needs to be raised to purchase a 2011 Dodge Caravan to replace the current 1993 Ford Windstar, which was donated by an Avon resident.

Sharon Dau, Police Chief Mark Rinaldo's administrative assistant, has been collecting and counting the donations and said Thursday that many continue to come in from local residents and businesses.

Between the dog walk and canine festival, sponsors and attendees donated about $3,600 to the cause, she said.

The rest of the money has come from independent donations. Some vendor donations from the canine festival are pending.

Many people have been sending money in memory of their dogs. Linda Jensen, who owns Enchanted Gardening, LLC, has organized a on July 10 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at her home on 25 Orchard Ln. to raise money in memory of her dog, Max, who was recently killed by a mother black bear. A five dollar donation is requested, and 100 percent of the proceeds will go toward Waggin' for Wheels "in memory of Magnificent Max," according to the Miller Foods website.

There will be future events to spur the cause, and the Waggin' for Wheels campaign will continue throughout the summer, and possibly fall, until the full amount is raised.

Donations can be made payable to:

Town of Avon/Waggin' for Wheels
Attn:Sharon Dau
60 West Main St.
Avon, CT 06001