Milford's Newest Rescue Warns About Winter Dangers For Dogs

Patra's Pitty Project is relatively new to the Milford area. Opening its doors this summer, the rescue organization sees an immediate mission with winter closing in - keeping dogs warm. The harsh weather can often be some of the toughest for stray or unwanted dogs -- and for shelters that reach capacity with increasing demand.

As a foster-based rescue organization that matches unwanted dogs with temporary homes, Patra's Pitty Project noticed that the town's Animal Control had their hands full and shelters are hard to come by. The mission started as a way to protect local animals- just those from the Milford area and Massachusetts. Lindsey Boulay, vice president and co-founder of the organization, says the biggest concern right now is dogs being left outside in the cold.

"We've already received calls about dogs outside," she says.

Boulay adds that some people leave their dogs outside when they don't want them anymore: "The best thing we can do is educate people that we are here as a resource to help those animals."

Many of the dogs the rescue organization has taken in have been surrendered by their owners. Boulay says this is the safest way to part ways with a pet, instead of just leaving them outside. In addition to placing unwanted dogs in foster and adoptive homes, the organization also provides help with feeding pets.

"No one should have to give up their best friend because they can't afford food," Boulay says. "We're here to help with that."

Boulay adds that since the rescue organization is foster-based, they don't have a facility to house the dogs, so it needs the community's help.

"The more foster homes we have, the more dogs we can save," she says. The organization hopes that the message will get out in time to pull more dogs off the street this winter.

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Photo Credit: Lindsey Boulay/ Patra's Pitty Project