nothin New Haven Independent | Until They All Find a Home

Until They All Find a Home

Mark Johnson Photo

Laura Burban and staff with Daniel.

It was a magical night, one that paid tribute to people and causes near and dear to many hearts.

At the forefront were two people (among many) who have dedicated their lives to the welfare of animals: Eunice Lasala, volunteer extraordinaire, and Joe Dwyer, spokesman for Daniel the Beagle, who both went against lucrative mainstream pathways as a result of their love for animals.

Mark Johnson Photo

Animal Carnivale, a fundraiser for the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter on May 9, set the stage for the tributes.

Mark Johnson Photo

According to shelter director Laura Burban, the event evolved out of a brainstorming event between her, Ken Engelman, and graphic artist Deb Frano. The idea of a pet prom” was raised and grew from there. Albeit they were a tad fearful knowing that some people had dreaded their prom! However, Engelman’s girlfriend, Josephine Savino, suggested the Venetian carnival theme, complete with masks and beads.

Mark Johnson Photo

Their goal was a classy, upscale event and they surely succeeded. Engelman, (pictured here with LaSala) a volunteer himself and director of business development for BMW Motorcycle Owners of America, stresses that it’s about how all the volunteers came together; it’s never just one person. The Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter, led by Laura the Tireless Leader,’ is very lucky to have such caring, selfless, and passionate staff and volunteers,” he said.

Mark Johnson Photo

The highlights were many. Daniel the Miracle Beagle, for instance.

Sally E. Bahner Photo

Daniel’s dad, Joe Dwyer, explained that Daniel, estimated to be about 6 months old at the time, was one of 18 dogs placed in an Alabama gas chamber on Oct. 3, 2011. When the door was opened hours later Daniel walked out, the only one alive. Hence, his miracle” title. Daniel was subsequently taken in by a rescue group, fostered, then adopted by Dwyer and his family in New Jersey as their fifth dog.

Mark Johnson Photo

Once Daniel’s story got out in the local press, he started making appearances immediately all over the country. Dwyer left his position as vice chancellor for administration with the Archdiocese of Newark (where he was known for his love of dogs) to campaign with Daniel for the banning of gas chambers. Such a ban, he said, speaks to a compassionate society.” Thus far the ban has been successful in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania (where a bill was named after him), and Texas. Even a humane injection costs less than a gas chamber,” said Dwyer.

The duo, who make two to three appearances a month, is also promoting an adopt, don’t buy” pet policy and the spaying and neutering of pets. They’ve been to California, Alabama, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, as a few, plus there have been various media appearances. Dwyer says Daniel, who is also a certified therapy dog, travels well and his mellow nature was apparent as he sat obediently surrounded by fans in the crowded room.

This was Daniel’s first appearance in Connecticut and Laura Burban said she hoped they could return for Animal Awareness Day in October.

Eunice Lasala Honored

All in all, the top honors of the night went to Eunice Lasala, whose diligent volunteerism has touched every area of town. Trained as a school teacher, she could have taken the straight and conventional path of advancement, like Joe Dwyer. Rather, she chose to spread her talents in the areas of social services and animal welfare. Her most recent efforts can be seen through the Branford Compassion Club, the Branford Community Foundation, BranfordCares, the Branford Garden Club, the Blackstone Library, the Cosgrove shelter itself, and much more.

Burban, who has been shelter director for six years, shared prior to the Carnivale that she’d been scheming for some time about how to give Lasala a lifetime community achievement award.” Turns out that she found the perfect venue. Burban met with various friends of Lasala and they planned what to do. The biggest challenge was keeping it all a surprise. It was evident by tears all around that it was mission accomplished.

Bill O’Brien Photo

The highlight of the evening came when Burban and First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove presented Lasala with a framed paper cutting by Martha Link Walsh, which represented all aspects of her work in the community. Burban also gave her a bracelet with a pawprint charm that said, Till they all have a home.”

Mark Johnson Photo

As she stepped forward to gaze at the framed portrait of her life, LaSala gasped. 

Burban said, “[Eunice] has inspired thousands of people, changed lives for the better of both furry and non-furry creatures, and is constantly creating a better community for us all. She never tires, never says no, never gives up and constantly leaves people like me in the dust with all of her abilities, creativity and positivity.”

Burban acknowledged the efforts of the shelter commission and the Carnivale committee. She also praised her staff with a special comment for each of them, including Wendy Joyce, who has served for almost 30 years; Pam Medlyn, 10 years; Eve Vandewerker, eight years; Dawn Buffone, five years; and newer employees Kristin Judd and Kara Rowell. (See top photo)

She said she was thrilled to see them all dressed up, They’re more tomboys than I am!” 

They are supported by more than 200 volunteers, Burban said.

Mark Johnson Photo

Apart and aside from the honors bestowed, guests were treated to ballroom dancing demonstrations by the Fred Astaire Dancers. More than a few people showed off their moves on the dance floor to the disco tunes of the 80s.

Mark Johnson Photo

Recent Tony Award nominee Greg Nobile, who calls Branford home, served as emcee.

Mark Johnson Photo

In addition, silent and live auctions provided guests with the opportunities to bid on various goods and services, including a print of Daniel with a pawtograph.

Mark Johnson Photo

One table was set aside to display framed photos of the animals who live at the shelter and are waiting to find a home.

According to Burban, the sold-out event raised about $20,000 though final figures are not in. Despite the Carnivale’s success, she doesn’t think it’s something that will be held every year. With the well-known annual events such as Woofstock and Animal Awareness Day, she said they like to plan one in the course of the year that’s different.

Burban said fundraising totals $75,000 to $100,000 a year, which goes toward special foods, medication, and equipment. It helps with so much stuff,” she said.

Mark Johnson Photo

Including the stuff memories are made of.

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