By Caitlin Reidy, Reporter
When people think of Animal Control, they’re usually reminded of their favorite childhood animated films that feature man’s best friend being pursued by peevish, short-tempered characters. However, that’s the opposite of Louis Massa; he’s an animal-lover and a well-liked citizen of Sterling who enjoys reminiscing on the many experiences and conversations he’s had with community members while serving his town.
Massa has worked two jobs in Sterling for the past 17 years; he’s been an animal control officer for the Sterling Police Department and he’s also worked for the Sterling Senior Center as a transporter to bring senior citizens grocery shopping and to appointments. A positive and upbeat soul, Massa said that “he loves both of his jobs,” because it has given him the opportunity to hear “such amazing stories” from the people he serves, especially at the retirement home. He stated that the seniors he’s worked with are the “heart of the community.”
Massa hasn’t only heard some fascinating stories throughout his career in Sterling, but he’s experienced them as well. He stated that several years ago, while working for Animal Control, he got a call that an emu was on the loose and evading officers when it had escaped a farm. The tall bird took off running and charged through peoples’ yards in Princeton, Sterling, and eventually ended up in the middle of Worcester.
“Emus tend to be escape artists,” Massa stated. He further exclaimed that this particular bird had dodged attempts to be “apprehended” by running up Route 62 and “boogying through peoples’ yards.”
Fugitive emus aren’t the only animals that Louis has encountered. Throughout his tenure at Sterling Animal Control, Massa said that he has come across “bears, raccoons, deer, snakes, bobcats, fisher cats and some exotic animals such as hybrid wolves.” However, he said that one of the hardest parts of his job has been when he receives a call that a dog, cat, family pet, or even a deer has been hit by a car and needs to be put down. He expressed that when he has gotten these calls, it has been “absolutely heartbreaking.”
An animal empath himself, Massa recalled once adopting some feral kittens that he had encountered on the job; he said that his kids ended up naming them “Sweetie and Pumpkin.”
Not only does Massa have a heart for the senior citizens he’s worked with and the animals he’s protected, but he also expressed a deep “nostalgia” for the town he’s called his home for the past several years. Though he’s excited for what the future will bring, Massa expressed that he gets “choked up” when the thought of leaving Sterling arises and saying goodbye to the people and town he loves so much.
“This is a great town, and I am really going to miss talking to everybody,” Massa said. “When people drive by, they wave to me because everyone knows everyone.”
Now recently retired, Louis said he is moving to Colorado Springs with his wife, Lorie, whom he has been married to for more than 31 years. Expressing that the timing is right, and the area is familiar to his wife, who used to live there, Massa said he’s excited to start hiking and traveling. He said that he’s particularly interested in visiting Wyoming and venturing out to the Grand Canyon. Massa also said that he may look for another animal control position if it’s a good fit and “it feels right.”
Massa’s excitement for his new stage of life isn’t replacing his love for Sterling and the people and animals that reside in this community. Though excited for new opportunities and adventures, Massa said he’s definitely going to miss “the small town charm” that Sterling has provided to him and his family for all of these years – and with everything he’s done for this community, Sterling will miss him too.
CREDIT: Caitlin Reidy