Calendar Contest Benefits Branford/North Branford Animal Shelter

The Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter is turning the page on its fundraising wall calendar with a contest seeking pet photos. Between now and Oct. 1, whether your best animal friend is a cat, dog, lizard, or rat (or any other domesticated pet), Shelter Director Laura Burban wants you to send her your best shot.

"Last year's calendar was photos of only adopted shelter animals. This year, it's open to everybody," said Burban.

Burban said there are no hard and fast rules to the contest, so long as the animal is a domesticated pet. She hinted that "normal activity" will likely make the best shot.

"They could send us a picture of a dog with a tuxedo on or they could send us a picture of their horse, ferret, or rat; as long as it a domesticated pet. Whatever's the normal activity of your pet will make a good photo-if it happens to be a dog in a pumpkin costume or a cat lying on the couch with a smile," submit it, she said.

Each photo submitted with a $5 entry fee donation will be put before a panel of judges from the shelter. Twelve winners will be selected and receive a free calendar as a prize. Business can get in the act, too, by purchasing a sponsorship of a calendar page. The completed calendar will be on sale at the shelter and through its website, www.branfordanimalshelter.org.

All proceeds generated from entries, business sponsorships, and calendar sales will benefit the shelter's "Cause" account.

"The Cause account is for animals with serious illnesses or needing surgeries. We have six puppies here right now with parasites and worms who are being helped by the account," said Burban.

Last year, Burban, her staff, and volunteers orchestrated a series of fundraisers and marketing efforts to support the account, raising approximately $35,000. The medical services provided are given to sick and injured animals of all types and ages, which were left or otherwise delivered to the municipal shelter. The shelter, located in Branford, serves Branford, North Branford, and Northford.

"We've helped animals with the oddest rare diseases to autoimmune disorders. Right now, with the economy the way it is, a lot of animals are coming in so sick," said Burban.

Remember Rhonda, last year's shelter "poster" dog in need of medical assistance? The older, big black dog with the gentle disposition arrived at the shelter with a bad case of heartworms. During her treatment, Rhonda was also diagnosed with mammary tumors. Thanks to the Cause Account, Rhonda received the treatment she needed and now is living with a loving adoptive family.

"We're lucky people support us and for all of the community support we receive," said Burban.

Enter a photo of your pet by sending the photo with your pet's name and your name and address and a check for $5 made out to Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter, c/o 749 East Main St., Branford, CT 06405; visit www.branfordanimalshelter.org;or call 203-315-4125 for more information. Entries must be received by Oct. 1.