WHO LET THE DOGS IN?
Released: 07/10/06
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 10, 2006
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Paul Pence, UConn Husky Trail
800.291.7720/860.437.8025 x304
paul@uconnhuskytrail.com
Shannon Eterginio, For Westfarms
860.677.5031
Shannon@crimsoncomm.com
Jody Angell, CT Humane Society
860.594-4502 x6307
jangell@cthumane.org
WHO LET THE DOGS IN?
-UConn Husky Trail's Second Litter Unveiled & Dogs Take Over Westfarms Mall-
Farmington, Conn. - Dogs will take over Westfarms mall next month at a special event for dog lovers, art aficionados, UConn enthusiasts, families and more at "Who Let the Dogs In?" This unique event includes the introduction of the UConn Husky Trail's "second litter." In addition, dog owners are invited to bring their dogs along for the opportunity to be professionally photographed, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Connecticut Humane Society. This and more takes place after the mall closes on August 6 at Westfarms.
Presented by the UConn Alumni Association, as part of UConn's 125th Anniversary, the UConn Husky Trail is a public art exhibit of husky dog sculptures benefiting the UConn Alumni Scholarship Fund. The exhibit pieces have been completed by local artists and are comprised of creative, unique Husky dog sculptures. After the second litter of sculptures is featured at Westfarms, each piece will be placed at various locations throughout the state for the duration of the summer. Enthusiasts are invited to follow the trail and experience each piece the exhibition has to offer.
"The UConn Husky Trail is a perfect opportunity for the citizens of Connecticut to rally around a symbol that has brought pride and visibility to our state for decades," said John Feudo, executive director of the UConn Alumni Association. "Husky dogs have become synonymous with UConn, and the husky logo reminds us of the academic and athletic excellence our institution has enjoyed throughout the years."
During a special ceremony, "Dog Shopping?," created by Connecticut artist and animal enthusiast Catherine Ransom, will be officially unveiled. Sponsored by Westfarms, this sculpture is comprised of miniature photographs of dogs affiliated with the Connecticut Humane Society. The goal is to raise awareness about the Connecticut Humane Society and feature some of the dogs in need of adoption. Westfarms is one of the stops along the UConn Husky Trail, and Dog Shopping? will remain at the mall for the duration of the summer.
"We're honored to be providing the backdrop for the UConn Husky Trail's exhibition," said Wendy Haggerty, marketing director for Westfarms. "And we're thrilled to be able to expand on the opportunity to bring this special event to the community, while also supporting the Connecticut Humane Society."
"It seemed like such a natural fit for the Connecticut Humane Society to be involved in the UConn Husky Trail. Not only are we an animal welfare organization, but we are also celebrating our 125th Anniversary this year," explains Jody Angell, public relations director for the Connecticut Humane Society. "And we couldn't be happier with Westfarms Mall adopting a Husky of their own!"
The evening consists of a variety of other activities, including pet entertainment, face painting, the UConn Husky mascot will make a special appearance, food and more.
Event Details:
What: Who Let the Dogs In?
Date: Sunday August 6
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Unveiling at 6:15 PM)
Location: Westfarms Mall, Center Court
Information: Visit shopwestfarms.com
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Westfarms, located off Exit 40 on I-84 and Exit 30 on Route 9, features 160 shops and restaurants along with Nordstrom, Filene's, Lord & Taylor, JCPenney, Rainforest Cafe and California Pizza Kitchen. Shopping hours are 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. See what's on sale before you shop at www.shopwestfarms.com.
Founded in 1888, the University of Connecticut Alumni Association is only a few years younger than the University. Today the Association numbers 150,000 alumni. The aims and objectives of the Alumni Association are much the same as originally outlined. The Alumni Association is dedicated to promoting the welfare, interest and excellence of the University of Connecticut by fostering a mutually helpful relationship among the alumni, the faculty and the student body of the University and by creating and maintaining a better understanding between the citizens of the State of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut.
The Connecticut Humane Society was founded by Gertrude O. Lewis, a Hartford High School senior in 1881. For 125 years the Society has followed her mission to care for homeless, abandoned and abused animals. We are now the largest and oldest animal welfare organization in the state with shelters in Newington, Waterford, Westport, Bethany; Cat Adoption Centers in all Connecticut PetSmart locations and a Mobile Adoption Center and Disaster Response Vehicle. The Connecticut Humane Society helps thousands of animals become pets each year and is a private, not-for-profit organization that does not receive any state or federal funding.