Peter Suchy Serves as Board Member for STARelief Animal Shelter in Stamford CT & Tells Us Why

By Mike Izzo

Founded in 2012 by, Heather Scutti, STARelief and Pet Care Assistance in Stamford Connecticut is dedicated to helping stray and unwanted animals and also participates in community fundraisers, education programs and financial assistance for pet care.

Peter Suchy of Peter Suchy Jewelers is a leading citizen in Stamford and via his love for animals has joined the board of STARelief Animal Shelter.

How does the shelter help the community at large? We talked with Peter to see how the shelter works.

Helping Animals, One at a Time

MI: How does STAR help local animals?

PS: Well, Heather has a motto that “no animal should ever be abandoned” and I believe in that motto. Not only does the shelter offer aid to homeless and misplaced animals, our team does our very best at finding each of them a forever home. The shelter also works with other animal rescue organizations to develop strategic plans on animal control, care and adoption.

And, we're pretty happy we've obtained ta 2012 Top-Rated Non-Profit Award!

Community Programs

MI: What are some of the community programs STAR offers?

PS: STAR is involved in many community programs. First off, we have the STARescue Aid-a-Pet Grant program. This helps those who can’t afford proper routine or emergency veterinary care. We also provide emergency shelter and hospice care.

Some other services in the Aid-a-Pet Grand program include spaying and neutering, vaccines and microchips for pets.

MI: How to residents apply for these programs?

PS: It’s pretty simple, they can go directly to the website and download an application and bring it to the shelter to see if they qualify.

MI: How successful has the Aid-a-Pet program been?

PS: So far we are overjoyed that we’ve been able to offer vet care to 49 pets, assisted 173 pets and covered approximately, $19,000 in pet care costs—expenses the shelter incurred for pet owners that couldn’t afford proper care.

Adoption Days

MI: Tells us about Adoption Days

PS: We try to hold as many adoption days as possible. If anyone is interested in helping dogs, cats, puppies and kittens, they can check the calendar on the website for upcoming adoption day events. All adoption days are held at the High Ridge Shopping Center in Stamford from March through November.

MI: Have your events been successful?

PS: We realize we’re a relatively new rescue shelter but so far our Adoptions Days have connected 32 pets with forever homes and prevented 58 pets from being surrendered to animal shelters. As we advertise the event more, we are confident many pets will find new families.

STARescue Pet Food Pantry

MI: Tell us about the Pet Food Pantry

PS: One of our goals is to keep animals in the Stamford area healthy and that means adequate food and pet essentials. Our Pet Food Pantry distributes donated items such as food for cats and dogs, leashes and collars, flea and tick control, towels, pet shampoo and pet beds—and we’re always accepting donations!

We are blessed with so many donations and there is a STARescue Pet Food Pantry application on the website for those who can’t afford these pet essentials. We’re proud to say we’ve donated over 4600 pounds of pet food.

STARelief Readers

MI: Tell us a little bit about the STARelief Readers Program

PS: This is a fantastic idea! The program helps children explore positive relationships between people and animals through storytelling and discussion groups. We need to let children know at a young age why they should always be caring and loving with their pets and to have empathy for needy animals.

Programs That Work

MI: Who can benefit from STARescue Programs

PS: The board thought about who is most needy in the Stamford area so we chose to help broad groups including senior citizens, pet owners experiencing financial challenges, pet owners who are sick or terminally ill and of course Military veterans and their families who give back to us with their lives and support. We are very proud of the groups we support.

We encourage everyone in the Stamford area and the State of Connecticut to like us on Facebook and check out STARelief's Pinterest Boards for some animal loving information.

Peter’s Love for Animals

MI: Why did you get involved with STARelief?

PS: When I was asked to join the board I was not only honored but said yes right away! Stray and unwanted animals face a hard life on the streets and we need to help them every way we can.

Our board has come up with the best programs and fundraisers to ensure our goals are met. We’ve got a good group on the board and Heather is just fantastic. Her enthusiasm is bar none—without Heather, STARelief would still be an “idea.”

I also love all types of pets and have owned many in my lifetime. When I look in the eyes of my pets, I see the eyes of happy pets and wagging tails and I know that with my influence in the Stamford community, becoming a board member of STARelief was an absolute must-do.

Peter Suchy is the owner of Peter Suchy Jewelers located at 1137 High Ridge Road in Stamford where people can find elite jewelry lines as well as antique and estate jewelry for women and men.