Calling themselves “the little shelter that can,” the activists behind the financially-threatened John A. Bukowski Animal Shelter have been working hard to draw attention to the local no-kill facility, which has recently come under consideration for defunding by the town council.

In the last 24 hours, the shelter’s Facebook page has gained nearly 4,000 new fans, including internationally-renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall, shelters in Pueblo, Colorado, Orange County, California and supporters of Patrick, the abused Newark pit-bull pup. Comedian and self-proclaimed animal rescuer Elayne Boosler has joined the cause and there’s also a call for Montclair’s Stephen Colbert to get involved.

One Bloomfield resident and shelter supporter, Steve O’Byrne posted this:

“The way I see it Mayor McCarthy has two choices now, he goes on public record as being a Merchant of Death or he goes on record as being a Champion of Life. McCarthy CHOOSES Death will make for some interesting campaign posters in future elections.”

Another poster said: “There are so few no-kill shelters that Bloomfield should be really proud of theirs and it should be a “selling point” for the town! It’s a huge service for the community and these innocent animals who have no control over their destiny. I hope the mayor sees this shelter as a great part of his town, something to value and support as time goes on and to be an example to other towns who could work towards the same goal.”

Other fans — including supporters of Patrick — are asking for information on how to donate money to the shelter.

The Bloomfield town council votes tonight, Monday, April 4, on funding for the shelter and other elements of the Health & Human Services budget at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

Read more about the shelter going viral here.