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Dogs saved from slaughter in China

In China, dog meat has been an acceptable cooking ingredient for hundreds of years. So-called wet markets are a source of fresh meat, fish, wild animals and produce for many consumers there, just as farm markets provide opportunities to shop for freshly grown foods here. However, over the last 10 years or so the 10-day Yulin Dog Meat Festival has escalated the interest and demand and led to unscrupulous dealers profiting from the torture and sale of dogs.


In 2016, New York resident Jeffrey Beri founded No Dogs Left Behind (NDLB) to rescue dogs from inhuman treatment in China. Some activists there have also begun protesting and caring for dogs slated for slaughter. Beri’s nonprofit is based in Fort Pierce, Florida, with an office in New York City, and has forged relationships overseas that allow his organization access and advance notice in time to save thousands of dogs and send them to the United States for adoption.


Nicole Kocay of Avon has been looking forward to greeting her rescued dog Buddy, a mixed breed, at JFK airport in October. She became involved with NDLB when the U.S. was first locked down because of the pandemic. Her research into dog rescue opportunities then led her to the nonprofit’s website, which states the organization’s goal is “to rescue dogs who are illegally trafficked and killed for meat in China.” It has been described as “a leader in global animal rescue.”


Kocay also found out that the consumption of dog meat is a practice that still exists in Thailand and Switzerland as well.


“What horrifies me the most is the intentional torture. Because China believes that as the dog is tortured, the adrenalin that is produced is pumped through the body and tenderizes the meat so it tastes better. This happens every day – limbs are torn off, the whole dog is boiled alive, and it is skinned alive. There are no animal laws in China, and they also eat cats,” she said.


When she read about the work of NDLB, Kocay decided she needed to do something to support their efforts, maybe even go to China and save dogs.


“Jeff Beri works with activists there who intercept meat trucks headed to slaughterhouses. The dogs are kept in tiny cages stacked on each other. The dog meat is sold every day to restaurants there. But dog traffickers don’t have the necessary paperwork for them. Many times, the dogs are stolen from people’s yards,” said Kocay.


She adds there are also dog-breeding farms where the animals are “inhumanely treated” and then shipped off for slaughter. When they are transported, they are “not given water nor food,” and they are “not treated for diseases.” The wet market in Wuhan has been linked to the outbreak of COVID.


“Activists there want to stop breeding these dogs because they are breeding coronavirus. These dogs are served in Chinese restaurants. Many people there are against this practice and have their own dogs,” said Kocay.


After a dog is rescued, it is taken to a veterinarian to be vaccinated and dewormed, and then his temperament is evaluated. Because most dogs have been mistreated and even tortured, they are sometimes aggressive in the beginning. During a process of socialization, each one interacts with a caregiver until he trusts humans again.


The dogs are not potty trained and not familiar with living in a home. Each dog leaves with “a doctor’s cheat sheet,” according to Kocay, that contains basic advice on adjustment such as what to do and what not to do.


“Jeffrey Beri is bitter, but does not stop what he’s doing. When [the socialization] is done, the dogs are so happy, they wag their tails, and they want love,” said Kocay.


She is the mother of two small boys – one will be three in November and the other will turn two in February. After applying online to adopt a dog, she spoke with the president of adoption at the organization and found out that Buddy, the dog she selected, has a close friend named Hunter, who is a lab mix. Her thought was to find someone in Avon or nearby who might want to adopt Buddy’s friend so the two dogs could meet up occasionally. Through the Next Door neighborhood app she found Mariya Kozlova, who had been thinking already about adopting a dog and volunteered to take in Hunter.


“I have always been interested in getting a dog. With COVID I am finally home enough to take care of one. I need a dog to have a reason to leave the house. I need him more than he needs me,” said Kozlova, who works from her Avon home for Disney.


She was not taken back when she read about the work of NDLB as she was already familiar with the Yulin festival.


“It’s heartbreaking [how dogs are treated there]. Adopting a dog is always risky on some level because there could be trauma, but that should not dissuade anyone,” she said.

Kozlova was even more certain she was making the right decision when she saw a video of Buddy and Hunter playing together.


“They looked healthy and they have a great bond. I did not see aggression nor that horrible sadness. The opportunity to offer Hunter a home is a privilege for me,” she said.


One of the obligations of adoptive families is sponsoring “the freedom flight” from China to the United States, which totals $1,275 for a large dog. The dogs and their new owners will meet for the first time in the arrival terminal.



“Several people responded on the app offering to help pay for the flight. One person even donated $500. So now Buddy and Hunter will be in each other’s lives forever. Mariya and I will go together to JFK when we get the call sometime at the end of October. There will be hundreds of people, and a mix of emotions including sadness that so many can’t be saved,” said Kocay.


She wants to bring awareness to Jeffrey Beri and the work of the No Dogs Left Behind rescue mission.


“He risks his life every day to rescue those dogs. And he is reaching children by going to schools and teaching compassion and respect for dogs and all animals. I hope people will read about him and research the organization. They might want to adopt or donate,” she said.

Kocay knows of other people in Connecticut who have adopted through NDLB. A majority of adoptive families are from New England.


“We want this barbaric practice to end. Many people in the world don’t know about it. The more people we reach, the more awareness there will be. And we can put pressure on China to stop,” said Kocay. VL

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Valley Happenings

Canton Community Health Fund Applications Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton...

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Valley Happenings

UPDATED:

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Sunday, February 23, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Farmington Polo Club, 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington

 

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. Cheese and crackers from 3:00-4:00 p.m., buffet from 4:00-6:00 p.m., and coffee and dessert from 6:00-7:00 p.m. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or online at www.HometownFoundation.org Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

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