Arlo, a dog adopted from the Branford Animal Shelter by Woodbridge Animal Control Officer Ashley Sakelarakis, has been inducted as an Honorary Member of the Hamden Police Department's Canine Unit. At a brief ceremony on November 20th, staff members of the Woodbridge Animal Control, Branford Animal Control and Hamden Police Department gathered to highlight the collaborative effort between these agencies that resulted in Arlo's rescue after he was abandoned due to a serious heart condition.
First Selectman Beth Heller was also on hand at the induction ceremony at Hamden Police Headquarters to present a certificate of recognition to Arlo. She thanked Ms. Sakelarakis for her dedication and praised the role that Animal Shelters play in our communities. “Arlo's story shows how we can work together to take care of all the animals who need our help,” Heller remarked. “In coming together at events like this, I hope to lay the ground work to explore shared services with our surrounding municipalities, and keep future costs down for taxpayers.”
The Woodbridge Animal Control facility at 135 Bradley Road in Woodbridge, is a shared service to the Towns of Bethany, Seymour and Woodbridge. Among its responsibilities, Animal Control is tasked with responding to calls regarding stray, roaming, abandoned, sick or injured animals. Woodbridge Animal Control officers also oversee the adoption process for animals in the shelter's care. A building renovation project is underway to improve the Woodbridge Animal Shelter -- click here to learn more about how the public can make donations to the non-profit One Big Dog Animal Respite Fund to support this project.