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Westport-Weston Chamber Donates Dog Festival Funds To Animal Charities

WESTPORT, Conn. – The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce donated the proceeds from its inaugural Westport Dog Festival to three local organizations.

Ronnie Behringer, secretary of TAILS, Dorrie Harris, president of TAILS, and Matthew Mandell, executive director of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.

Ronnie Behringer, secretary of TAILS, Dorrie Harris, president of TAILS, and Matthew Mandell, executive director of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.

Photo Credit: Contributed

TAILS, The Westport Police Department’s K9 and Animal Control units and Adopt-a-dog were the recipients of the donations.

More than 1,500 people and nearly 400 dogs came out to the festival last month at Winslow Park. It included competitions, demonstrations, seminars and more than 55 vendors, vets and nonprofits. 

“It was a wonderful day,” said Matthew Mandell, the chamber's executive director. “It’s our pleasure to be able to return these donations back to the community and to these deserving groups who helped make the festival the success it was. We also thank our many sponsors including lead sponsor Choice Pet.” 

TAILS, the chamber’s partner in the creation and operation of the festival, received $3,000. TAILS is a Westport nonprofit whose mission is to promote spaying and neutering and aid other nonprofits in aiding and limiting the number of strays and unwanted dogs.

 “What a great event this was and will be next year,” said Dorrie Harris, president of TAILS. “The chamber of commerce is a great partner and what an asset to the town and its businesses.” 

The chamber gave $1,000 to the Westport Police Department’s K9 and Animal Control units to be used exclusively for the care of the dogs within their purview. 

Adopt-a-Dog, from Greenwich, received a $500 donation. The group ensures unwanted dogs find a home. 

It is the chamber's goal to make this an annual event.

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