Posted on May 23, 2016
During a school-wide assembly, State Reps. David Labriola and Rosa Rebimbas presented a legislative citation to St. Hedwig’s School student Kaylee Fitzgerald for her winning essay on Eileen McCaughern, Founder of REGAP of CT. REGAP is a greyhound rescue organization based in Bethany, CT.
Fitzgerald was one of 13 students who submitted essays (posted below) on the topic of “an important CT woman who shaped the state and me” for the contest, which celebrates women’s history month.
Principal Dr. John Salatto and Susan Guarino, Kaylee’s sixth grade teacher, organized the assembly.
Eileen McCaughern
Founder of REGAP of CT
By: Kaylee Fitzgerald
Eileen McCaughern is an important woman in Connecticut. She founded REGAP of CT, a retired greyhound rescue group in Bethany, CT. She is an inspiration to me, because of her commitment to helping animals. I am also fortunate to know her personally. She and my parents have been close friends for many years. My parents volunteered for REGAP of CT and have adopted/fostered greyhounds.
Ms. McCaughern was honored as The Animal Planet Hero of the Year in 2008. This is an annual campaign which recognizes people that show extraordinary service for the welfare of animals. Her efforts as the founder of “Retired Greyhounds as Pets”(REGAP) earned her the title. The title was given to her because she rescued more than 5000 greyhounds. REGAP was formed as a nonprofit organization to educate the public on what wonderful pets greyhounds are. She works a full-time job and two part-time jobs just to keep REGAP going. She is often on the news and talk shows to inform the public of the greyhound plight to find homes. She also holds an annual fundraising event at her home to raise money and awareness.
Ms. McCaughern has faced obstacles along the way. Lightning struck her house when she was not home and the house caught on fire. The house was severely damaged, but luckily all of the dogs made it outside alive by using the dog door. Eileen uses her house as a temporary refuge for dogs leaving the track, but not yet adopted. She often has up to 20 dogs at a time staying in her home.
I have a great appreciation for people who try to help animals. Ms. McCaughern could have just thought about it, but instead, successfully helped and placed the retired greyhounds in their forever homes. If she hadn’t, they may have been killed. I feel so fortunate to actually know Ms. McCaughern. She acts so selfless and I hope to help animals too.
Kaylee Fitzgerald
Grade 6
St. Francis-St. Hedwig School
Naugatuck, CT