Great news! Kent Animal Shelter has received a $200,000 “Challenge Grant” from Maddie’s Fund, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals.
This Challenge Grant is named in memory of Dr. John Andresen, a beloved Long Island Equine and Large Animal Veterinarian. Dr. John Andresen administered caring and compassionate treatment to thousands of animals in numerous east end communities on Long Island, including horses, pigs, goats, exotics for over 55 years. He was a kind and generous man and the ability to pay was not his priority rather the health and well-being of the animal. Dr. Andresen was well integrated with east end communities and was the “go-to” for large animal medicine. With Dr. Chuck Timpone, he founded the Mattituck-Laurel Veterinary Hospital.
The Dr. John Andresen Challenge Grant is part of Kent’s Building Project. This project, 20 years in the making, is re-building the kennel constructed in 1968 and adding a new isolation/quarantine building for the rescues coming to the shelter on the road to their forever homes greatly assisting in life-saving efforts. The new construction which has already begun will allow the Kent Animal Shelter to provide excellent care in a climate controlled, comfortable environment providing a less stressful setting that will benefit our four legged friends and be a welcoming place for new families to come and adopt. The new facilities will ensure that Kent Animal Shelter will continue its work of helping homeless animals for decades to come.
Maddie's Fund was established in 1994 as the fulfillment of a promise to Dave and Cheryl Duffield’s inspirational miniature Schnauzer, Maddie. She provided them joy for over ten years and continues to inspire us all today.
We need your help! In memory of the life and work of Dr. John, Maddie’s Fund is challenging Kent Animal Shelter to raise $200,000 that will then be matched by $200,000 from the Foundation.
My contribution to the Dr. John Andresen Challenge Grant is enclosed! The funds raised will help to build and equip a medical treatment room in the new isolation facility. What better way to honor the life and legacy of Dr. John Andresen! The new kennel and isolation facility will allow Kent Animal Shelter to continue its mission of helping homeless animals for decades to come. Every contribution helps!
