The Little Guild of St. Francis
Our Mission
The Little Guild is dedicated to strengthening the loving bonds between people and pets in our community. We strive to rescue and nurture homeless dogs and cats, ensuring they are placed into safe, caring homes where they can flourish.
Our Story
Founded in 1960 by Muriel Alvord Ward and Eleanora Kleinschmidt, we are proud to be the only limited-admission shelter in northwest Connecticut. Over the decades, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to providing a sanctuary for animals in need while offering essential support to local pet owners.
The Little Guild Difference
We are a lifesaving organization that goes far beyond basic daily care. Under the guidance of our professional staff, we provide individualized training, socialization, and enrichment for every animal in our care. This specialized development ensures that our residents grow into good citizens, ready for their forever families.
Finding Your Perfect Match
Adoption is a joyful partnership, and we are committed to making it a lasting success. We focus on thoughtful, individual matching rather than a first-come, first-served process, ensuring that every pet and adopter are set up for a lifetime of happiness. Whether you are a first-time pet parent or an experienced owner, our team is here to support you through every step of your transition.
Join Our Community
Are you ready to change a life? We invite you to explore our adoptable animals online or visit us in West Cornwall during our public hours to meet your new best friend. You can also get involved by volunteering, fostering, or supporting our community programs that keep pets fed, healthy, and happy in their homes.
- Staff dedication
- Clean facilities
10/7 - Run & Wag 5K returns to Cornwall Oct. 17
CORNWALL – The 13th annual Run & Wag 5K, sponsored by the Little Guild animal shelter, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 17, at noon at the town Green (27 Pine St.).Billed as the premier human/dog race in the region, the event offers runners, walkers and their canine companions an opportunity to compet...
8/26 - Teen rides from Salisbury to the Canadian border to raise funds for The Little Guild
I’ve learned more about the incredible work The Little Guild does to rescue homeless dogs and cats, help them heal, and find them loving homes,” Reid wrote on her fundraising page. “They also provide training, food, and other support that helps keep pets with the families who love them.— Maggie Reid...
5/13 - Little Guild opens doors to new West Cornwall animal shelter
WEST CORNWALL – The Little Guild opened its new animal shelter Saturday, May 9, welcoming hundreds of visitors to the grand opening of its new 8,000-square-foot facility in West Cornwall. The opening comes after eight years of planning and fundraising, and two years of construction.Community members...
10/14 - Some bonds are meant to last a lifetime. Tucker and Scooter are the perfect example.💕 These two boys came from the same home and over the years, they became so much more than brothers. They became each other’s comfort, constant companion, and safe place. Tucker is a big, lovable goof who happily brings Scooter his favorite toys, while Scooter stays close by as his gentle, soulful shadow. Scooter even sweetly grooms Tucker, and together, they share the kind of quiet understanding that only comes from a lifetime side by side. They may look different, but they fit together perfectly. At 8 and 11, Tucker and Scooter are a little older, but their hearts are still full of so much love, joy, and tenderness. They adore people, treasure their cuddles, and would happily spend their days curled up beside someone. Scooter is a perfect lap dog, and Tucker is absolutely convinced he belongs there too. Adopting a pair means opening your heart to twice the love, twice the sweetness, and the incredible gift of watching two best friends continue life together. After everything they’ve shared, Tucker and Scooter deserve a family who will cherish them both and let them grow old side by side. They have already found their forever bond. Now they’re waiting to find their forever home.🏡💞 We’re in West Cornwall, Connecticut. For more info or to fill out an adoption application go to littleguild.org #adopt #animalshelter #shelterdog #bondedpair #connecticut
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10/12 - The countdown is on! 🐶 Dogs. 🏃 Runners. 🎶 Music. 🌮 Food. ❤️ Community. One unforgettable afternoon supporting homeless pets. ⏳⏰Register before Friday at www.littleguild.org!
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10/7 - Meet Dakota.🤍 When Dakota first arrived, she was absolutely terrified. She shook in her kennel and growled at anyone who came near. But little by little, she’s beginning to realize that she is safe. As Dakota gets to know you, she starts to show the sweet, special dog hiding beneath all that fear. She loves butt scratches, gives kisses, and will happily snuggle up close once she feels comfortable. Shes obsessed with tennis balls and will get the silliest zoomies when chasing them. Every small sign of trust feels incredibly meaningful as Dakota learns to open her heart again after losing the only home she had ever known. Dakota needs someone patient. Someone who won’t give up when she’s scared. Someone willing to move at her pace, earn her trust, and show her the love that she deserves. Dakota is special, and she has so much love left to give. She just needs someone willing to take a chance on her.🐾 📍 Little Guild, West Cornwall, Connecticut For more information or to fill out an adoption application, visit littleguild.org #adopt #animalshelter #shelterdog #connecticut
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9/30 - Meet Simba, a big blue-eyed goofball with a heart as big as his head!💙🐾 This handsome boy loves long walks, playing fetch, and snuggling. Simba adores his people and will happily run over to jump up and give them big, enthusiastic hugs. Personal space? He’s never heard of it. He can be a little unsure around some men at first, but it doesn’t take him long to warm up with patience and positive introductions. Before you know it, he’ll be charming them, too! If you’re looking for a loving, hilarious best friend with big hugs and absolutely no concept of personal space, Simba is your guy! Come meet this lovable goofball and see if he’s ready to join your family!🐶💕 We’re in West Cornwall, Connecticut. For more info or to fill out an adoption application go to littleguild.org #adopt #animalshelter #shelterdog #connecticut
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