Since 2009, Donna Weinhofer has been the animal control officer in Plainville, and her aim is to make a positive difference in the community.

“I find this job rewarding. There have been some sad situations,” she said, “but the good outweighs them.”

Weinhofer works with animals she finds and, at times, takes in surrenders. She also steps in to help animals vets cannot care for. 

At the moment, Plainville Animal Control has a dog in need named Princess, who requires surgery to fix a dislocated hip. Best case scenario, the procedure will cost about $4,000.

“We will be doing all sorts of fundraisers for Princess,” said Weinhofer. “She is such a sweet dog.” 

When Weinhofer found Princess, a pitbull mix, the poor girl was severely underweight. Princess appears to be between 1 and 3 years old. So far, nobody has claimed her.

While the cost of taking care of lost and abandoned animals can be very expensive, animal control facilities seek to avoid euthanizing healthy animals. “We want to do the right thing by them,” said Weinhofer. “I do whatever it takes for that animal to get adopted.”

Last year, Weinhofer came up with the concept of PAWS (Plainville Partners of the Animals Welfare Society), which is now officially a 501(c)3 organization. The group was created to assist Plainville Animal Control and the Plainville Pet Food Pantry.

To help with the cost of Princesses’ surgery, PAWS is holding a bottle and can drive throughout January. Drop-offs can be made at the pound, 29 Granger Lane. Checks marked “Plainville Animal Control” can be sent to 19 Neal Court, Plainville, CT 06062.

As for Princess, Weinhofer is hoping for a fairy tale-ending. “We would love to see her go to a good home after her surgery is done and with a place she can grow.”