NORWICH – This week downtown Norwich’s favorite ice cream parlor has gone to the dogs. Literally. Now through Saturday is SPCA Week at Ives Cream, 10 South Broad St. in Norwich.

According to owner Alex Ives, the event is designed to raise awareness for the animal shelter. “Most of us don’t realize the condition some of these pets come from,” he explained.

Pictures of animals awaiting adoption at the shelter are on every table in the South Broad Street ice cream parlor, and plenty of information about the non-profit agency is readily available.

The event will also raise money for the SPCA, with all tips from the week being donated to the organization. SPCA T-shirts will be available for sale throughout the week and Ives Cream is also accepting donations of “wish list” items on behalf of the shelter. Those items include dog and cat toys and chews and supplies such as clay cat litter, paper towels, beach and garbage bags. Copies of the wish list are available at the ice cream parlor.