Autumn is the best time to adopt a furry friend

It's a great time of year to adopt a new pet. The weather will be turning cool and crisp soon, so taking walks and acclimating your new friend to the great outdoors will be enjoyable for you both. Here are some pets currently available for adoption in the Morris County area:

Speck is searching for his 'furever' home. He is approximately 4 months old and is adorable. Speck has one eye with a touch of blue in it -- hence his name. If you're interested in adopting him, e-mail FureverHomeRescue@att.net and request an adoption application.

Meet Bonito  from Eleventh Hour Rescue.  He and his other siblings, Pee Wee, Herman and Barbie are 4 months old.  They are all neutered/spayed and up to date on shots.  The foster mom reports that they are the most affectionate kittens that she has ever fostered.  They adore human companionship and purr whenever any human comes close to them.  They love to be petted and held, too.  They are very playful and get along  with other cats.  To read more about Bonito and his siblings, to see all of EHR's adoptable pets, check upcoming events or to make a donation,  visit www.ehrdogs.org  or call 973-664-0865.  

Derby from Eleventh Hour Rescue is a young, energetic, female Shepherd mix.  She has a beautiful coat of soft fur, wonderful markings and a beautiful personality to match.  She’s a girl full of love and affection and wants nothing more than to give out kisses and snuggle up by your side.  She’ll quickly roll over on her back to get some good belly rubs.  She is a total sweetheart and ready to be adopted now.  To read more about Derby, to see all of EHR's adoptable pets, check upcoming events or to make a donation, visit www.ehrdogs.org  or call 973-664-0865.

Here’s BC Sassy from Eleventh Hour Rescue.  She is a young, beautiful,and very sweet Border Collie (BC) mix.  She is 2 years old and full of love.  She is playful, but not overly excitable.  Sassy is a gentle girl who loves to swim.  On a recent field trip for some of the kennel dogs, she had a wonderful time playing in a stream, splashing about and actually doing the doggie paddle.  She is good with other dogs and walks well on the leash.  To read more about BC Sassy, to see all of EHR's adoptable pets, to check upcoming events or to make a donation,visit  www.ehrdogs.org  or call  973-664-0865

Everything from fairs to fashion shows will benefit homeless pets

Check out the Barking Beauty Pageant to benefit Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter on Sunday, Sept. 25, starting at 4 p.m. in West Orange.

It's the weekend and a variety of pet-related events are taking place now or in the weeks to come. Check out what's going on and mark your calendars:

• PUPTOBERFEST, Saturday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Craigmeur picnic grounds, 1175 Green Pond Road. This seventh annual event will benefit Eleventh Hour Rescue. For everyone, including their four-legged friends, this event will feature contests, paw painting, pet photos, games, contests, canine good citizen testing, food, entertainment and more. Rescued dogs will be available for adoption, too. Cost is $5, individual; $10, family. Fee is waived for previous Eleventh Hour adopters. For more information, visit www.ehrdogs.org or call 973-664-0865.
•  BARKING BEAUTY PAGEANT TO BENEFIT MT. PLEASANT ANIMAL SHELTER, Sunday, Sept. 25, 4 p.m., The Loft at the Wilshire Grand Hotel, 350 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange. Participating pooches will vie for a grand prize package, which includes a fashion photo shoot and an original Ed Hardy Pet Lounger. Category winners and runners-up will receive prizes. Celebrity judges will be Leslie Hughes, host of the "National American Miss" pageant and star of "NYC's Doggie Moms." She'll be joined by her Yorkshire terrier, SalliSue. Other celebrities will take part. For more information or to register a dog, visit www.thebarkingbeauty.com. Registration is encouraged for those planning to attend. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door. Audience members may bring leashed dogs.
•  RANDOLPH COUNTRY FAIR, Saturday, Oct. 1, rain or shine, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Town Hall Field, 502 Millbrook Ave., Randolph. Stop by the Randolph Animal Pound tent and take part in a tricky tray, kitten adoption and a dog costume with prizes for all. The contest begins at 12:30 p.m. There will be food, music, prizes and activities for children. For more information, call 973-886-1485 or e-mail Doggie54@optonline.net.
• O.S.C.A.R. DINNER DANCE, Saturday, Oct. 29, 6 to 10 p.m., The Barn at Hillside Park, 146 Iliff Road, Andover, to benefit One Step Closer Animal Rescue in Sparta. Tickets are $25, adult/$15, children 6 to 15 (in advance); $30, adult; $20, children 6 to 15 (at the door). No children under age 6. For tickets, make checks payable to: O.S.C.A.R. and mail to P.O. Box 248, Sparta, NJ 07871.

Montville Pet Parents reminds us that all kinds of animals need loving homes and are available at local shelters

When most people hear of pet adoptions, they usually assume cats and dogs in need of loving homes. But there are plenty of other breeds available for adoption, too. Consider rabbits, for example. The one shown above is just one of two now available through Montville Pet Parents at the Montville Township Animal Shelter, 86 River Road.

Montville Pet Parents Inc. (MPP) is an all-volunteer, non-profit corporation dedicated to building "a kinder world for homeless pets." Organized in 2005 by area residents concerned with the conditions at the Montville Animal Shelter facility built in the 1970s  MPP is committed to improving the township's animal shelter. Its goal is to raise money toward building a new shelter. The effort is being funded through grants from foundations and donations from individuals and corporations.

MPP also helps the homeless pets currently at the Montville Animal Shelter by providing funds for spay/neuter and the care of sick and injured animals. For more information, visit Montville Pet Parents or contact the shelter at 973-334-6410. Shelter hours are 9 a.m. to noon and 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday; Sunday by appointment.


Anyone interested in adopting an animal -- whether it has fur, fins or scales -- should visit Petfinder online to see a variety of pets available for adoption throughout the tri-state area. This website offers a plethora of valuable information on everything from choosing a pet and pet care to training and exercise, plus more.

Foster homes being sought for 11 puppies in jeopardy of being destroyed

First, down to some important business before I begin sharing some interesting upcoming events. Furever Home  Rescue in Randolph is seeking foster families (or individuals) to provide temporary homes for 11 shepherd mix puppies (one is shown above), approximately 7 to 8 weeks old. The rescue group is trying to keep any of these adorable animals from being destroyed. If you can help, e-mail to FureverHomeRescue@att.net. Please help spread the word.

Elmo is just one of many adorable kittens and cats available for adoption from the Randolph Animal Pound.

Looking for a new best friend? Attend one -- or two -- of the pet adoption events planned by Friends of the Randolph Animal Pound this weekend. On Saturday, Sept. 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., visit Pet Valu, 84 E. Main St., Mendham, or on Sunday, Sept. 18, from 1 to 4 p.m. attend Rockaway Day, where kittens and cats will be available for adoption. For more information, call 973-886-1485 or e-mail Doggie54@optonline.net.


Mark your calendars now for the Friends of the Randolph Animal Pound's annual Dog Costume Contest during the township's annual Country Fair, held rain or shine, on Saturday, Oct. 1. Contest registration begins at 12:30 p.m, with the contest starting at 1 p.m. Prizes will be given to all in attendance. A tricky tray also will be held to benefit Friends of the Randolph Animal Pound. Cats and kittens also will be available for adoption. For more information, call 973-886-1485 or visit Doggie54@optonline.net.

One Step Closer Animal Rescue (O.S.C.A.R.) is planning a fundraising dinner dance featuring the sounds from the 1940s to today on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Barn at Hillside Park, 146 Lake Ifliff Road, Andover. Tickets are $25 adult/$15 children ages 6 to 15 in advance;  $30 adult/$20 children ages 6 to 15 at the door. No children under age 6 will be admitted. There will be a DJ, dancing. Participants may bring their own beer or wine only. There will be a costume contest for the best-dressed (come as your favorite movie star or starlett), a hot and cold buffet starting at 6:30 p.m.and an auction. Tables of eight are available. Ticket price will not be refunded. To buy tickets, make checks payable to O.S.C.A.R. and mail to: P.O. Box 248, Sparta, NJ 07871, or visit online at www.oscaranimalrescue.org/ and click the donate button and write "dinner dance" in the memo.

There's no better time to adopt an adorable shelter animal

There's a little feeling of fall in the air today. Maybe it's just because schools are open and leaves are already littering yards (of course, that could be from recent storms), but summer is nearing an end whether we're ready or not.

Besides the beautiful foliage that comes with autumn, it's also a nice time of year for outdoor activities. I never planned it this way, but most of the pets I've adopted have come into my family during the fall season. If you're ready to adopt a pet, consider some of these beauties that are waiting to be adopted:

Chantelle is a real sweetheart! She is a labrador/hound mix about 11 to 12 weeks old. As you can see she is pretty cute!
Chantelle has an easy going personality that will fit any home. She is friendly, sweet and loves to play. She likes playing with other dogs and hanging out with people. She is so sweet, she will steal your heart.
If interested in adopting this pet, e-mail FureverHomeRescue@att.net and request an adoption application.

 

 

This is Billy. Billy is a loveable aussie/shepherd mix pup, about 5 months old. He has the most beautiful greenish eyes. And, Billy has a soft tan and white coat with some black mix in. He is a handsome boy. Billy is friendly, outgoing and would make a wonderful family pet. If you are interested in adopting him, e-mail FureverHomeRescue@att.net and request an adoption pplication.

Grumbles is very friendly. She was found on the street. Montville Pet Parents named her Grumbles because whenever you talk to her or pet her it sounds like she is complaining about everything. Grumbles is spayed/neutered, is up todate on routine shots, house-trained.Grumbles would prefer a home without other cats or dogs. She is de-clawed. Her coat is short. She is available for adoption at the Montville Animal Shelter. Call 973-334-6410.

Waffle is about 2 years old, very sweet, likes children and other dogs. He is a small adult male and is available for adoption from the Montville Animal Shelter. A Pomeranian mix, Waffle is neutered, up to date on routine shots. For more information, call 973-334-6410.

Meet Spike! A new arrival to the Randolph Pound! He is a 7 year old Pure Bred Jack Russell who is as cute as can be! He is quite the cuddler. Spike is available at the Randolph Animal Pound, 1345 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph. Call 973-989-7090.

Mutts Mania, Puptoberfest, Cash for Gold and other events will raise funds for shelter animals

Mutts Mania, the annual fundraiser for Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, takes place from noon to 4 p.m. on Sept. 18 at Lurker Park in East Hanover.

Well, the long Labor Day weekend has passed and most schools are back in session. Don't let the return to routine spoil your fun. Thanks to local rescue organizations, the upcoming calendar is full of events that not only help raise funds for shelter pets, but guarantee a good time for the family. Here is what is coming up:

O.S.C.A.R. Pet Adoption Fundraisers: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 17, a benefit for One Step Closer Animal Rescue (OSCAR) at Inspire Fitness, 172 Woodport Road, Sparta. There will be 15-minute workout sessions for $5 per session, with all proceeds benefiting OSCAR. There will be boot camp, Zumba and more for all ages. Some animals will be available for adoption during the event. Another adoption event is taking place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 11 during the Irish Festival at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta. Individual donations are welcome by sending checks payable to O.S.C.A.R., P.O. Box 248, Sparta, NJ 07871. For more information, e-mail lilfurryanimals@yahoo.com.

Cash for Gold, Platinum and Sterling Silver Fundraiser: Sponsored by Montville Pet Parents from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Montville Senior House, 356 Route 202 (next to the Public Safety Building), Montville. Bring your gold, platinum or sterling silver jewelry, coins, flatware, etc., and appraisers will provide you with a private and confidential valuation. Items sold will be paid in cash (photo ID required). RSVP by Sept. 10 by calling 973-727-9959 or e-mail to info@montvillepetparents.org. Walk-ins also welcome.

"Celebrate Rockaway Day" Special Pet Adoption: 1 to 6 p.m. Sept. 18, Friends of the Randolph Animal Pound will man an information/adoption table during this annual event. For more information on the pets available, e-mail Doggie54@optonline.net, call 973-886-1485 or visit www.allorphans.petfinder.org.

Mutts Mania: Noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 18 to benefit Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter at Lurker Park (intersection of Ridgedale and Eagle Rock avenues) in East Hanover. There will be vendors, food at the Ye Olde Pub and adoptable animals from local shelters and rescue groups, including Mt. Pleasant, Noah's Ark and Liberty Humane. There will be live demonstrations, pageants and costumes, special guests and the premiere of the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter's 2012 Pet Photo Calendar. Entry to the event is $10 per adult; free for children and dogs. Calendars cost $12 and can be pre-ordered for pick up at the shelter after Sept. 18 by calling 973-386-0068. A discount microchipping clinic also will be held for $25 per dog. No appointment required.

Puptoberfest: Eleventh Hour Rescue's annual fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 24 at Craigmeur Recreation Complex, 1175 Greenpond Road,  Rockaway. The day is filled with vendors and fun activities for children, dogs and the entire family. There is entertainment, a dog fashion show, celebrity appearances, Canine Good Citizens tests and more, including pets for adoption. Vendors and tricky tray sponsors are being sought to participate. For more information, visit www.ehrdogs.org or call 973-664-0865.

Friends of Randolph Animal Pound Pet Adoption Events: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 10, a special adoption event for older kittens and cats ($50 fee includes vaccinations/spay or neuter/de-worming) at Petco, 275 Route 10 East, Succasunna. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 17, pet adoption , featuring a lot of kittens at Pet Valu, 84 E. Main St., Mendham. Through September, "Black Cat Special" at Randolph Animal Pound, 1345 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph. Any black cat/kitten (even with only spot of black on fur) will have a special $25 adoption fee (for young kittens there is also an additional spay deposit). Anyone adopting two pets of any color, will have the second adoption fee waived. Hours are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays (closed Sundays and holidays). For more information, call 973-989-7090.