Working it Out- September Sanctuary Update
Hi Everyone!
You’ve all heard it mentioned before, that at Our Companions, we care as much about the people as we do the pets. It’s a central part of our foundational principles. Without the dedicated and inspired work of our staff and volunteers, we would never be able to help these animals with all their special needs. Rehabilitating animals with such a variety of health and behavior concerns requires the kind of knowledge, skill, and experience that only comes from doing this work for years, sharing ideas, and always striving to learn more. We’ve always felt in our hearts that we were succeeding at this aspect of our mission, but now we have the numbers to attest to it!
Every year, the Hartford Courant engages with workplace data researchers to poll the workers at companies all over the eastern and central parts of the state. They score the companies according to how much the staff reports that the workplace is enjoyable and supportive. Companies that reach a certain threshold score are then named among Connecticut’s Best Places to Work.
In 2025, Our Companions surpassed 50 employees and was able to participate in the polling for the first time. On September 16th, a group of Our Companions staff attended the Best Places to Work awards ceremony. Not only did we achieve the minimum score to be named among the Best Places to Work, our score was actually the highest among small companies between 50 and 150 employees, garnering us the award for the Best Place to Work among small companies in Connecticut. This was something that was almost unheard of for a company’s first year participating in the poll.
It was an amazing moment, to have our workers express so much confidence in and enjoyment for working in this environment that we worked so hard to create. We were immeasurably grateful, not only for their recognition, but for the way each and every one of our staff participate and strive to foster our people-focused values in everything they do.
And while our volunteers were not included in the polling, we are also grateful for the way they show up in a people first way when they come to help out. I see it every day when these lovely souls come in to not only take care of the dogs, cats, and small animals, but also help out each other and the staff through all the challenges we face every day.
Vinny’s View
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
This year’s Chow Down Showdown event was a massive success! While I can’t share any specific numbers or results yet (you’ll have to come to the Sanctuary Birthday Party on Sunday for that!), I can say that we are all astonished at the generosity of our community. As we watched the boxes flow in and the storeroom shelves fill up, we felt overwhelmed with gratitude. As anyone who comes to Jon’s office knows, food is very close to my heart, so you all have made me and all the furry friends at the sanctuary really feel the love this year. None of the magic of the Sanctuary could happen without the best supporters around, and you have once again proven yourselves to be just that. Thank you all so much!
See you soon!
Our Paws for Thought panel event series continues Thursday, October 8th with “Curiosities of Cat Behavior”! 😺
Come discover the fascinating world of cat behavior with local experts! Learn how cats communicate with you, discuss common behavior quirks, and how you can use this information to create a purrrfect home environment & stronger relationship with your furry feline! 🐾😊
The CAT-tastic panelists joining us for the evening are…
Archie Crouse, Cat Haven Collective
Amanda Caron, Frisky Feline Behavior Counseling
Michelle Christensen, Our Companions Animal Rescue & Sanctuary
Bring your questions, topics, and thoughts as we “pause” and reflect on animal advocacy, awareness, and education within our local community! 💗
Be sure to RSVP for this FREE event! We look forward to seeing you there!
And of Course…Adoptions!!
September was unusually active on the dog team. Long-time resident Missy found her forever home and we welcomed the epic duo, Luke and Leia, to our galaxy. The cat team welcomed in sweet sisters Chloe and Mila and welcomed back handsome Scooter. And in small animals, our lop-eared friend, Skip, went home.
Farewell Callum
We lost someone very special this month. As bunnies go, you couldn’t ask for a better buddy than Callum. Always happy to see a friend and ask for a snuggle, he brought immeasurable sunshine to Suzanne’s Place. Unfortunately, as with many shooting stars, his light was far too brief. Soon after arriving, Callum began to show some small signs of ill health. We sought veterinary assistance immediately and Callum proceeded through a few different medical interventions to find a cause and address his symptoms. He happily and easily participated in all the care we needed to perform with an agreeableness nearly unheard of in rabbits. Unfortunately, his health continued to decline and, as we progressed through several veterinary specialists, it was determined that his ailments required a level of invasive care that he was unlikely to recover well from, and we helped him pass. We will miss him and we are so grateful for everyone who put so much work and dedication into his comfort and care.
Thank you all so much for whatever way you support us and our mission. We couldn’t do it without you.
Jon Phillips
Sanctuary Director