Tails of Courage, a national dog rescue organization, held a fundraiser in mid-October to raise money for repairs to its new permanent home in Danbury, the oldest kennel in the state of Connecticut. The Pasta Paws event was held at First and Last Café in Danbury.

Kristan Exner, a Brookfield resident, local immigration attorney and founder of the group after surviving 9/11, took over the former Wilcroft Kennels on Pembroke Road over the summer.

“We are really excited to have our own permanent home right here in Danbury,” Exner says. “The organization has really grown tremendously over the years, and we really needed the space. It’s growing faster than we ever envisioned.”

Exner says the group needs Danbury-area volunteers and has an ongoing wish list of supplies, including dog food, bedding and cleaning products. “We do what we can, but we are very grateful for the generosity of others,” she said. “It’s amazing to see what beauty came from the ashes.”

Location: 1 Pembroke Rd., Danbury. To donate or for more information, call 877-63-TAILS or visit TailsOfCourage.org.