Valley Paw Partners, Our First Year in Review
Hi, Friends!
It’s hard to believe that we’re approaching our first birthday. What started as a mission to support the animals and Animal Control departments in Prospect and Naugatuck has grown into something bigger than we could have imagined, thanks to the incredible generosity of our community. So, for our very first newsletter, we thought we’d take a look back at an amazing first year and share what’s ahead!
One Year of Valley Paw Partners
Since our formation, our community has helped us raise more than $13,500* through donations, merchandise sales, and fundraising events. In 2026 alone, we’ve raised more than $11,900*! But the numbers are only part of the story. Every dollar raised has helped us work toward our mission of supporting the animals in our local communities and the Animal Control departments that care for them.
We’ve also hosted and participated in seven events, including Naugatuck Animal Control’s annual Christmas Vendor Fair, our first-ever Easter Vendor Fair, a Paint & Sip fundraiser, and Diesel’s fundraiser at Señor Pancho’s. And we’re just getting started!
*Numbers as of 8/28/2026
Growing Our Reach
Our social media community has grown to more than 550 followers across Facebook and Instagram! Through social media, we’re able to help spread the word about adoptable animals, animals in need, upcoming events, and ways our community can get involved. Every follow, like, comment, and share helps us reach more people and gives more animals a chance to be seen. Thank you for helping us grow our reach and our impact!
Making an Impact
One of the most rewarding parts of our first year has been being able to directly support animals in need. Valley Paw Partners has sponsored veterinary care for multiple adoptable dogs, including spay and neuter procedures, vaccinations, and other necessary medical care. We’ve also worked to increase awareness of adoptable animals through social media and community outreach, while sharing information about animals in our area who need help. Every animal deserves a chance at a safe, loving home and we’re proud to play a small part in helping make that happen.
Adoption Successes
Of course, the best part of what we do is seeing these animals find their forever homes. Here are just a few of the pups we’ve been lucky enough to celebrate this year:
Luna: after spending almost two years waiting for her chance, Luna was finally adopted!
Diesel: after his successful surgery in May, Diesel went on to permanently join his foster family.
Winter: found her forever home!
These are the moments that remind us why this work matters so much.
*If you have a NAC or PAC adoption success story you’d like to share, please reach out to valleypawpartners@gmail.com to tell us!
Looking Ahead
We have a busy fall ahead, and we’d love for you to join us! Coming up, we’ll be participating in and hosting several events, including:
Our first annual Poker Run & Vendor Fair
The Harvest Moon Festival in Naugatuck
Our November Calendar Raffle
Keep an eye on our social media for dates, details, and ways to participate. We hope to see you there!
A New Shelter Is on the Horizon
One of the biggest goals at the heart of our mission is helping make a new Animal Control facility a reality. We’re continuing to communicate with the Borough of Naugatuck to help keep this important project at the forefront. While there is still work to be done, a new shelter feels closer than we ever imagined when Valley Paw Partners was first formed. We’re incredibly excited about what this could mean for the animals (and for the community) and we’ll continue doing everything we can to support this effort.
Want to Get Involved?
There are so many ways to help Valley Paw Partners, even though we’re unable to work directly with shelter animals.
We’re always looking for volunteers who can help with things like:
Hanging flyers and promoting upcoming events
Helping at fundraising events
Assisting with grants
Providing specialized skills or expertise
Supporting community outreach
If you’d like to volunteer, we’d love to have you join us!
Volunteer Application - Valley Paw Partners
Thank You. Truly.
We’ve been blown away by the support Valley Paw Partners has received during our first year. From the people who donate, to the businesses who partner with us, to the volunteers who give their time, to everyone who shares a post or shows up to an event, you have all helped us grow. We’re so grateful to work alongside the Animal Control staff, the Borough, local businesses, and our incredible community. Thank you for believing in what we’re building. We can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together in the year ahead, and, most importantly, how many more animals we can help along the way.
With gratitude,
Valley Paw Partners
