Local Hero Carley Burgess Helps 'Ferdi'

On the day that a by the for donating $9,500, 10-year-old Carley Burgess, a fifth-grader at , marched into the shelter to give $85, specifically to help Ferdinand.

An , who still needs a home (call 203-315-4125 to adopt), Ferdinand or “Ferdi” came to the animal shelter from North Branford after being hit by a car. Ferdi, an 8-year-old male, had to undergo three surgeries before becoming adoptable. After reading about him and seeing his photo in the Sound newspaper, Carley said she just had to help him.

Days after , on Labor Day weekend, Carley posted flyers around town asking people to donate money straight to the shelter and she took up a collection from her friends and family to help Ferdi. Her mother Chris Burgess said, “She shook them all down.”

Noting that Carley wanted to foster Ferdi, mom said he was a little too big. Carley quickly snapped, “But they call him the gently giant!.”

For now, Carley has her lapdog Tuxy and guinea pigs, and she visits the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter as often as possible. When she’s old enough to go to the shelter on her own, Carley said she plans on becoming a regular volunteer (volunteers must be accompanied by an adult if under age 16.)

“It’s funny,” mom said, “how kids can have a passion at such a young age.”

We chatted with Carley about why she went above and beyond to help Ferdi:

Patch: What inspired you to donate all your money to help Ferdi?
Carley Burgess: I always go to the animal shelter a lot and I saw him there and I read the story and wanted to help him.

Patch: How did you raise the money?
Carley: A lemonade stand [made $37.50 in three days; the rest came from friends and family].

Patch: Why do you spend so much of your time helping others?
Carley: Because it makes me feel better about myself.

Patch: Why did you choose Ferdi?
Carley: Because I saw he needed surgery and I felt bad for him.

Patch: Why do you usually donate money to the Animal Shelter?
Carley: They help animals that need help and they don’t ignore them like most people would.

Patch: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Carley: A shaman.

This weekend is the annual on the Town Green to benefit the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter and the Branford Compassion Club. Be sure to bring your favorite pet down and bring a camera! Patch will be there snapping photos and we want to see your pix as well!