Advocates Host Vigil for Puppy Doe

Pet Rock Fest, Inc., has joined MetroWest realtor Lyn Gorka and local animal advocate and artist Cathy Staniunus to host a “Vigil for Kiya” on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 4:30 p.m. at Ellsworth-McAfee Park, Route 135, Northborough, MA.

Kyia, dubbed “Puppy Doe” by those who found her, is at the center of an investigation, as this pit bull was found in a park in Quincy, MA, earlier this month. She had been brutally tortured and left for dead, and because of extensive injuries, Kyia had to be euthanized.

Police, following many leads in an effort to find the perpetrators of this vicious act of animal cruelty, made an arrest of a man they believe is connected to the crime. He faces charges of 11 counts of animal cruelty.

The vigil offers concerned citizens an opportunity to mourn together, show appreciation for the Quincy PD and DA’s office for the recent arrest, and also join others in solidarity against those who abuse, torture and murder animals. The vigil includes speakers Staniunas, Gorka, Sen. Michael Moore and animal rights lawyer Heidi Webber. Brianna Grace will sing a song in Puppy Doe’s memory and Jeffrey Brandt will read a poem. People should bring candles, though some will be available, for the lighting of the candles and prayer for pets. Pastor Jennie Thrash-Crichlow from Wesllspring United Methodist Church  in Shrewsbury will perform a “blessing of the animals.”

IMPORTANT: Because this park is not illuminated, it is very important, to insure the safety of guests, to make sure to bring flashlights (if you have them), keep your pets leashed, and carpool if possible. There are a limited number of parking spots, and no on-street parking is allowed.

“The purpose of the vigil is to remind people that this kind of cruelty on animals cannot be tolerated,” said Gorka. “We want to thank the Quincy Police for bringing this monster to justice…they worked hard and were persistent in capturing this monster. I want to have this vigil to remind people that this dog died because of the abuse it took from a monster…and to remind people not to give their pets away free or on Craigsist…give to a shelter when in doubt. We all need to be the voice for our animals because they all depend on us and we need to keep them out of harm’s way.”

St. Paul's Outreach Food Pantry hosts a food and supply drive for local animal shelters at the vigil. Please bring donations, which will be graciously accepted and given to rescues and shelters such as Sweet Pea, New England All Breed and Broken Tail Rescue.

Special thanks to Laurence Candle and Egan Church Supplies of Millbury for donating hundreds of candles for the event.

Gorka was chosen as one of this year’s Pet Rock Fest heroes, acknowledging her actions after she discovered an abandoned dog in a property she was showing in Hudson. The dog had been left behind by previous owners, and starved to death. Gorka has relentlessly pushed for changes in state law as it relates to pet abandonment.

Joining throngs of concerned citizens and animal advocates throughout New England, and around the country, Pet Rock Fest is donating $1,000 toward the reward fund for Puppy Doe.

Celebrating 15 years, Pet Rock Fest is the largest event of its kind in the Northeast, an annual festival that promotes kindness to animals and responsible pet ownership. Pet Rock Fest, held in September each year, is a family festival that features guest speakers, vegetarian food, live music, games, events, a raffle, vendors, and hundreds of area animal welfare organizations. Pet Rock is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. Donations are tax deductible.

If you’d like more information, visit www.petrockfest.org.