A Connecticut-based nonprofit organization that rescues dogs from shelters where they’ll be euthanized because they’re sick, there’s no space or just that their “time is up” is coming to New Canaan’s independently owned pet store Saturday to talk about its fostering program.
Hello ultra-comfy Max, a Bichon who was adopted (owner surrender) at 9 months old by Village Critter Outfitter owner Shirleen Dubuque. "He is 16 1/2 years old and still going strong," she says. Contributed photo
Green Fur Kidz will also bring some of its rescue dogs to Village Critter Outfitter on Cherry Street for the 12 to 3 p.m. event.
NewCanaanite.com took the opportunity of the Green Fur Kidz visit to put some questions to Shirleen Dubuque, on-site owner of Village Critter—who not only invites rescue organizations into the store but last weekend was very hands-on in rescuing a lost dog herself.
We talked a bit about Village Critter’s active participation in animal rescue, and found out some things we didn’t know about Dubuque herself, including the singular fact that she is that rarest of breeds among us pet folks: Cat-lover and dog-lover at the same time.
Hendricks is a Quaker parrot, rescued from Wilton Parrot Rescue and owned now by Shirleen Dubuque, owner of Village Critter Outfitter. Contributed photo
Here’s our exchange.
New Canaanite: Village Critter Outfitter does many of these events with rescue and rehabilitation groups. How did you connect with Green Fur Kidz?
Shirleen Dubuque: Over time, we’ve developed a network of rescue organizations that are always looking for ways to showcase their animals to find them loving homes. Green Fur Kidz is part of that network.
Tell us a little about why you go beyond the strictly retail side of things at Village Critter to do these types of events.
Duke the Airedale, who was rescued from the Stamford pound at about 2 years old. Duke is now 11 years old, says Shirleen Dubuque, owner of Village Critter Outfitter on Cherry Street in New Canaan. Contributed photo
What is your gauge on New Canaan residents’ interest in animal rescue?
The interest is huge. If they are unable to provide a home, many have been known to go out of their way to find someone who could be a good match for that animal within their circle of friends. The number of customers that have adopted animals from rescue organizations has increased significantly over the years.
Tell us a little about your own history with pets. What kinds of animals did you grow up with — and where — if any? What do you have now?
Meet Oreo, Village Critter Outfitter owner Shirleen Dubuque's Bichon/Yorkie mix—surrendered by her last owner, in Bridgeport, when she was about 10 months old. She is seven or eight years old now, and sometimes makes an appearance at the Cherry Street store. Contributed photo
Growing up, I had the greatest cat. His name was Minou (French name – grew up on the Canadian border) and he lived 18 years. We also had a Beagle named Muffin and a yellow lab named Frosty. I currently have Max, a Bichon who was adopted (owner surrender) at 9 months old, is 16 1/2 years old and still going strong, Duke the Airedale, who was rescued from the Stamford pound at about 2 years old. Duke is now 11 years old. We also have Oreo, a Bichon/Yorkie mix who was an owner surrender in Bridgeport when she was about 10 months old. She is 7-8 years old and sometimes makes an appearance at the store. Also, a couple birds – Beaker, a conure parrot, and Hendricks, a Quaker parrot. Both rescued from Wilton Parrot Rescue.