Home Posts tagged Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center

Pioneer Valley Financial Charitable Fund Donates $10,000 to TJO Animal Shelter

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Foundation for TJO Animals announced a $10,000 donation from Pioneer Valley Financial Charitable Fund to support the Thomas J. O’Connor (TJO) Animal Control and Adoption Center as it responds to recent cases of parvovirus and panleukopenia that temporarily disrupted shelter operations.

The gift will provide critical funding to help the shelter recover from the outbreak and ensure it has the supplies needed to continue providing lifesaving care to animals. Funds will be used to replenish personal protective equipment and parvovirus vaccines for the veterinary clinic, as well as purchase diagnostic tests, treatment supplies, cleaning and disinfecting products, and food for the animals currently in the shelter’s care.

“An outbreak like this places an enormous strain on shelter resources,” said Janna Brown, executive director of the Foundation for TJO Animals. “Every day, the veterinary and animal care teams are working tirelessly to protect the health of the animals while preventing further spread of disease. This generous donation from Pioneer Valley Financial Group allows the clinic to replace critical supplies and continue providing the highest level of care during a very challenging time.”

Parvovirus and panleukopenia are highly contagious viral diseases that primarily affect puppies and kittens, as well as unvaccinated animals. Managing these illnesses requires strict isolation protocols, enhanced sanitation procedures, additional personal protective equipment, specialized medical treatment, and increased vaccination efforts, all of which significantly increase operating costs for the shelter.

“This contribution is about more than replacing supplies,” Brown said. “It’s about ensuring that every animal who comes through the doors has access to the medical care, protection, and nutrition they need while their team works to safely navigate this situation.”

The Foundation for TJO Animals serves as the nonprofit fundraising partner for the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center, providing financial support for veterinary care, medical equipment, shelter improvements, enrichment programs, and emergency treatment for thousands of animals each year.

The foundation extends its sincere gratitude to Pioneer Valley Financial Group for stepping forward when the need was greatest. Its generosity will have an immediate impact on the health and well-being of the animals in TJO’s care.

The Reese Fund to Host Day of Compassion on June 24

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — On Wednesday, June 24, the public is invited to come together, online and in person, for a powerful, 24‑hour Day of Compassion fundraiser supporting the Reese Fund, created in honor of Reese, a dog who endured unimaginable cruelty at the hands of a human. Today, the fund provides emergency medical and recovery care for animals who have experienced severe neglect, cruelty, or abuse.

Participants’ generosity will also help support the Reese Pet Food Initiative, a new partnership with Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen in Chicopee. This program provides pet food and supplies, both onsite and through a mobile delivery service, to families who need extra support to keep their pets healthy, safe, and at home where they belong.

From midnight to midnight on June 24, the organization will raise funds online, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., all are invited to stop by the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center at 627 Cottage St. in Springfield for an in‑person pet food drive. Among the requested items are dog and cat food (wet and dry), treats (no rawhides), and new toys.

Attendees will be able to enjoy lunch from Wandering Waffles and check out the exclusive Reese Day T‑shirt, available both online and onsite at TJO for one day only.

“Please consider making a gift on June 24 to the Reese Fund Day of Compassion,” organizers said. “We have a goal to raise $10,000 for the Reese Fund and to collect 400 pounds of pet food for Lorraine’s. Together, we can give animals a second chance, keep pets fed, and strengthen the bond between people and their animals.”

Foundation for TJO Animals Raises More Than $57,000 on Giving Tuesday

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Foundation for TJO Animals and the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center (TJO) are celebrating a record-breaking Giving Tuesday, marked by exceptional community support, a highly successful adoption event, and an outpouring of generosity that far exceeded expectations.

To kick off the campaign, the foundation hosted a two-day adoption event in which all adoption fees were waived thanks to a $2,000 sponsorship from longtime supporters Ted and Barbara Hebert. Over the course of just 48 hours, 18 animals were adopted into new, loving homes.

“The adoption center was buzzing with people who wanted to support TJO and open their homes to animals in need. It was incredible to see,” said Janna Brown, executive director of the Foundation for TJO Animals.

The foundation initially set a Giving Tuesday fundraising goal of $20,000, with every dollar matched by supporters Jan and Bernadette Piepul. As donations surged, the goal was increased to $25,000 — and the Piepuls matched that as well. By the morning after Giving Tuesday, total donations had climbed to more than $57,000, making this one of the foundation’s most successful campaigns to date.

A significant portion of the funds came from Monarch Fore Charities, whose contribution exceeded $10,000 and helped propel the campaign to new heights.

“Our main goal for Giving Tuesday this year was to spread awareness about TJO — who we are and what we do for animals in the Pioneer Valley,” Brown said. “Money raised will go directly toward medical care for the never-ending influx of animals coming into TJO, as well as clinic supplies and a much-needed new washer and dryer — you wouldn’t believe the amount of laundry.”

The Foundation for TJO Animals extends its deepest gratitude to its donors, supporters, volunteers, and the community for rallying behind local animals in need. The funds raised will provide vital medical treatment, support adoption efforts, and enhance the overall well-being of animals throughout the region.