 Meet a Kids In Crisis Volunteer Supporting Vulnerable Children Kirstin Mende is the Co-Founder and CEO of Lucky Dog Refuge in Stamford. She is also part of the Kids In Crisis volunteer family. Here is her story. Tell us about yourself. I grew up in Darien, CT, with my parents and an older brother. Recently, I moved back during COVID-19 to help establish Lucky Dog Refuge, an animal rescue in Stamford, CT, with my family. Within our family, we have seven dogs, many of whom came from severe circumstances that inspired us to start our own charity. Since our launch in 2020, we’ve saved the lives of over 900 dogs, rehabilitating them and finding them loving homes. I’m deeply committed to helping vulnerable populations, especially children, animals, and seniors, offering them the support and voice they need. In my free time, I love to read. My perfect day involves staying at home with my dogs, a cup of tea or coffee, and a great book. What is Lucky-Paw-Palooza? Lucky-Paw-Palooza is Lucky Dog Refuge’s annual fundraising festival, held every October at Mill River Park. It’s a family- and pet-friendly event with adoptable animals, food trucks, live music, performances, local vendors, and activities for kids. This year, for the first time, we’re expanding it to two days to offer a full weekend of fun. Admission benefits both Lucky Dog Refuge and Mill River Park’s dog park improvements. Join Kirstin’s 3rd annual fundraising festival for the dogs! Proceeds will benefit Lucky Dog Refuge and improvements to Stamford’s Mill River Park’s dog park. Click for more information.  How did you learn about Kids In Crisis?
I learned about Kids In Crisis through my best friend, Amber Boissonneault, who is also a Kids In Crisis volunteer. We met in graduate school and share a passion for charitable efforts. Amber always spoke so passionately about her work with Kids In Crisis, so I knew it was a top-notch organization. When she told me more about it, I immediately wanted to get involved. What inspired you to become a Kids In Crisis volunteer supporting vulnerable children? Children are among our most vulnerable populations, and I’ve always felt strongly about giving them the care and attention they need. You don’t have to be a parent to care about the welfare of children. There’s a strong overlap in empathy between people who love animals and those who work to protect children – they share the desire to help those who cannot help themselves. Working with Kids In Crisis was an easy decision. I’ve been involved in youth advocacy since my early adult life, starting with my job in the policy office for then-First Lady Laura Bush. We focused on initiatives like literacy, early childhood development, and youth well-being. Twenty years later, volunteering for Kids In Crisis felt like a natural next step. What part of Kids In Crisis’ mission stands out to you the most? The mental health support that Kids In Crisis offers youth is particularly meaningful to me. When I was a child, mental health was not discussed much, and many struggles went undiagnosed. Today, children can access counseling earlier in life, but often the help they need is delayed by long waitlists. That’s why Kids In Crisis’ real-time services, both in and out of schools, are so crucial. I feel especially grateful that I didn’t grow up with the pressures of social media, which amplifies the natural challenges of childhood. Kids today need professional support more than ever, and I’m proud to be a Kids In Crisis volunteer supporting vulnerable children. What has been your most memorable moment with Kids In Crisis? Touring the Kids In Crisis facility was a powerful experience. It’s a safe, welcoming space for children who have nowhere else to go. Seeing firsthand how Kids In Crisis provides refuge during a child’s most vulnerable moments was incredibly inspiring. Their work ensures that these turning points in children’s lives lead to positive outcomes. What should people know about Kids In Crisis? It’s important to understand that Kids In Crisis helps ALL children, regardless of background, race, religion, or socioeconomic status. Mental health and sensory challenges affect children everywhere, and any child can be vulnerable to bullying or other issues. Kids need a safe space to share their struggles, and Kids In Crisis provides that. As a Kids In Crisis volunteer supporting vulnerable children, I’ve seen how vital their services are. Their programs give children the help they need when they need it most, making a lasting difference in their lives.
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NORWALK, Conn., Aug. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- If you enjoy the powerful social and emotional benefits of the human bond with animals, head to Stepping Stones Museum for Children for the BooZoo's Adoption Expo on Saturday, September 14 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.  Hosted by members of the museum's Youth Enrichment at Stepping Stones (YES2) volunteers, Norwalk PAWS animal shelter, North Shore Animal League and Stamford's Lucky Dog Refuge, families and children will learn about the many ways adoption benefits communities. The expo will feature meet and greets with museum mascot BooZoo™, who champions early childhood learning and literacy, plus a special Mutt-i-grees program, giveaways from local vendors, dog-themed activities and a special visit from SPCA Westchester's "Puppy Truck."
BooZoo's Adoption Expo brings to life the museum's work with the Mutt-i-grees® Curriculum, which is a unique PreK – Grade 12 program that uses the natural affinity between children and animals to enhance their social and emotional skills while promoting respect and appreciation for shelter pets. Joining to support the cause this year are valuable partners Animal Wellness Veterinary Center, Bespoke Veterinary Services, Cornell University Veterinary Specialists, plus table sponsors Pet Pantry Warehouse, Camp Bow Wow-Bridgeport/Stamford, Norwalk Animal Hospital, The Pawprint Market and VCA Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center. "Animals teach children important social and emotional skills such as effective communication, empathy and how to manage emotions. Boo Zoo's Adoption Expo is a fun-filled event that promotes emotional intelligence, pet-friendly play, early childhood development, reading literacy and intergenerational learning between children, parents and caregivers," said Rhonda Kiest, President and Chief Executive Officer. An initiative of The Pet Savers Foundation™, Inc. (the program development arm of North Shore Animal League America), the Curriculum was developed by Yale University's School of the 21st Century. Stepping Stones is unique in that it has adapted the Curriculum to its museum setting and the daily variety of children that it serves. The museum is proud to have been designated a National Demonstration Site for Mutt-i-grees. Stepping Stones partners with local animal shelters, including Norwalk PAWS, Lucky Dog Refuge and North Shore Animal League to provide twice weekly Mutt-i-grees programming at the museum on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 1:00 pm. During the program, children get to enjoy a book about dogs and learn how to safely meet a dog brought into the museum for these sessions. About Stepping Stones Museum for Children Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk, Conn., is an award-winning, private, non-profit 501(c)(3) children's museum committed to broadening and enriching the lives of children and families. Located on five acres in Mathews Park, the LEED Gold certified museum encompasses five hands-on galleries, state-of-the-art Multimedia Gallery, Healthyville cafe and The Shop retail store. For more information about Stepping Stones, to book a field trip or schedule a class, workshop, facility rental or birthday party, call 203 899 8820 or visit www.steppingstonesmuseum.org. Get social with Stepping Stones on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. About the Mutt-i-grees® Curriculum The Mutt-i-grees® Curriculum is a unique Pre-K – Grade 12 program that uses the natural affinity between children and animals to enhance their social and emotional skills while promoting respect and appreciation for shelter pets. An initiative of The Pet Savers Foundation™, Inc. (the program development arm of North Shore Animal League America), the Curriculum was developed by Yale University's School of the 21st Century. To learn more, visit www.education.muttigrees.org. Media Contact: Robert Townes Director of External Affairs 203 899 0606, ext. 262 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dogs-rule-at-stepping-stones-museum-for-children-with-boozoos-adoption-expo-302222658.html SOURCE Stepping Stones Museum for Chilldren NOTE: This content is not written by or endorsed by "KWKT/KYLE", its advertisers, or Nexstar Media Inc. For inquiries or corrections to Press Releases, please reach out to Cision. By Keren Aronoff Masser
Published on Aug 7, 2024 at 3:55 PM This skinny senior pittie was found all alone in the woods — three years later, she bosses everyone around the house ❤️ We talked to her parents about her adorable breakfast routine, and how she convinced them to adopt her BFF! Keep up with Tatiana on Instagram. And learn more about Lucky Dog Refuge on Instagram.  Our pets are members of our family. They provide love, loyalty, and fun, and sometimes, they listen better than their human siblings. In return, we do everything possible to keep them happy and well. We’ve put together our fourth annual Guide to Pet Care in Fairfield County. Please support our sponsors!  LUCKY DOG REFUGE
Lucky Dog Refuge is not just a rescue; they are a refuge, a safe haven for dogs from dire backgrounds. They focus on the dogs most in need of saving – those abandoned by their families, the strays, the starving, the injured, the sick, and those in immediate need of help. They take them in, rehabilitate them, and provide housing, vetting, training, and extra doses of love. Whether at their physical site in Stamford, CT or placed with one of their rescue partners, every dog they commit to is guaranteed love and a beautiful life with the forever family they deserve. Since opening in June 2020, they have placed over 850 dogs in loving homes throughout Fairfield County and beyond, and they’re just getting started! If you’re searching for a furry family member, they have dogs available in all shapes, sizes, ages, and temperaments. Learn more on their website about opportunities to help by donating, volunteering, fostering, or adopting! Bring the family to their 3rd annual fundraising festival, Luckypawlooza, on October 19 and 20 at Mill River Park in Stamford! Friendly, on-leash dogs are welcome, and children four and under are free! |
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We are not just a rescue, we are a refuge.
Lucky Dog Refuge CT
36 Pulaski St, Stamford, Connecticut 06902 | (203) 434-1402
501(c)3 - EIN/Tax ID: 84-4146698
IRS Determination Letter & Licenses
501(c)3 - EIN/Tax ID: 84-4146698
IRS Determination Letter & Licenses
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