By Sarah Opdahl

New Fairfield Sherman Animal Welfare Society (NFSAW) is always hard at work saving animals, and they were quick to answer the call when a new opportunity recently arose. Wings of Rescue, a non-profit focused on flying at-risk pets from overcrowded shelters and disaster areas to safety, was in need of recipients for animals that were coming from high-kill areas in the South. “When the call came, we were proud to step up and help,” Board President and Shelter Director Agi Pace said.

“There was an urgent need to move many dogs from high-risk shelters in the South to northern states where adoption demand is stronger,” Pace shared, saying that this was their first time working with Wings of Rescue, which is based in San Diego, California. The connection was made through Border Animal Mission in Del Rio, Texas, which works closely with NFSAW’s national partner, Best Friends Animal Society, and “we were incredibly grateful for the opportunity,”Pace  said. 

Meeting the airplane in Hartford, NFSAW volunteers picked up eight dogs from the flight and welcomed them to shelter. “In total, we welcomed 18 animals — eight from the flight and 10 additional at-risk  animals who desperately needed a safe place to land. When we have the capacity, we are always willing to say yes to lifesaving partnerships like this,” Pace said.

Understandably, the journey is disorienting for the animals, and Pace stressed that “decompression is critical. When the dogs arrived, they received medical evaluations, nutritious food, fresh bedding, and a quiet space to rest.” She went on, “Our staff and volunteers focus on calm, positive interactions and allow each dog to adjust at their own pace. Walking, enrichment, and gentle socialization help them build confidence quickly — and that makes all the difference in helping them find permanent homes.”

“We are thrilled to share that seven of those dogs are already in loving homes. As they are adopted, we continue to take in additional at-risk animals on a weekly basis. We are incredibly fortunate to have such wonderful adopters in our community who make lifesaving efforts like this possible,” Pace happily added.

If you are interested in aiding in NFSAW’s efforts, there are a number of ways to get involved, including volunteering. Pace said, “With the nice weather coming, we especially need more dog walkers and socializers. Daily enrichment and positive human interaction are essential to help dogs adjust and become adoption ready. Even a few hours a week can dramatically improve their confidence and well-being.” Visit NFSAW.org for more information on volunteering.

Following a  difficult 2025, given the massive strain of the cat-hoarding situation they navigated,NFSAW is  happy to have rebounded. The holiday boutique was a “wonderful success,” Pace shared, “It brought the community together while raising critical funds to support medical care, food, and daily shelter operations — especially during high-intake times.” She added, “We’re already planning for next year and are looking for volunteer crafters and creative donors to begin preparing handmade items. It is never too early to start, and we would love to welcome more community makers to be part of it.”

Happily, there are two exciting community events right around the corner, Pace highlighted:

Our annual Kitten Shower will take place on April 12 from 12:00–3:00 PM at the New Fairfield Senior Center (Community Room). This fun, family-friendly event helps us collect much-needed monetary donations and kitten supplies just in time for kitten season, when vulnerable kittens begin arriving in large numbers.  Lots of fun activities for kids of all ages!

Then on April 25 from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, we’re hosting Shred for Strays in the Senior Center parking lot. Community members can safely shred sensitive documents while supporting our shelter — a win-win for protecting personal information and saving lives.

“Both events are wonderful opportunities for the community to come together and directly support the animals in our care,” she said.

It is easy to give to NFSAW on their website, NFSAW.org. They accept financial donations with the click of a button, and you can access lists of supply needs under the Donate tab, which can be dropped off at the shelter at 223 State Route 37, New Fairfield, CT 06812. “As always,” Pace remarked, community support through financial and supply donations “truly makes lifesaving efforts possible.”