Pet-related events are plentiful during the fall season

Adorable cats and kittens like the one above are available at the Randolph Animal Pound. Check out the pound's special kitten adoption on Saturday, Oct. 23, from noon to 4 p.m. at Morris K9 Campus, 1 Aspen Drive, Randolph.

Morris County, and other nearby, animal shelters and rescue groups are in full wing with their fall events. Here are some happenings for this weekend and in the week ahead:

• Dance to the sounds of the '40s during a dinner dance on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Barn at Hillside Park, 146 Lake Iliff Road, Andover, to benefit One Step Closer Animal Rescue (O.S.C.A.R.). Cost is $25 per adult/$15 per child ages 6 to 15 in advance; $30 per adult/$20 per child ages 6 to 15 at the door. No children under age 6. There will be a DJ and dancing; B.Y.O.B. beer and wine only. There will be a hot and cold buffet. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. Make checks payable to O.S.C.A.R. and mail to P.O. Box 248, Sparta, NJ 07871, or visit www.oscarcanimalrescue.org, click the donate button and write, "Dinner Dance," in the memo.

• A special kitten adoption will be sponsored by Friends of the Randolph Animal Pound on Sunday, Oct. 23, from noon to 4 p.m. during the Fall Festival at the Morris K9 Campus, 1 Aspen Drive, Randolph. Look for the Randolph Animal Pound table. A special pet adoption will take place Saturday, Oct. 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Randolph Animal Pound, 1345 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph. Adoption fee will be $50. For more information about either event, call 973-989-7090 or e-mail Doggie54@optonline.net.

Go 'Fetch' lunch or dinner at one of two canine-themed restaurants

On Saturday, I took a drive to Warwick, N.Y., to go apple picking. After visiting Applwood Orchards and Winery, I stopped to browse some of the shops and antiques stores in town. Looking for a place to grab a quick lunch, I stopped at the Fetch Bar & Grill at 48 Main St. in Warwick. Unfortunately, having just opened, the proprietor informed me that the restaurant was not open for lunch and is only serving dinner temporarily.

As an animal lover, the canine-themed concept of this eatery was so appealing, that I plan on dining there soon. I just wanted to let fellow dog owners know what it's all about. This isn't the only location, either. There is another Fetch Bar & Grill at 1649 Third Ave. in New York City.

So what makes this restaurant so unique? Not only does it offer an appealing menu offering a varied menu American comfort foods, Fetch Bar & Grill has a mission --to support dog rescue efforts. Both restaurants' walls are adorned with hundreds of photos of their customer's furry friends, with more added daily, plus colorful prints of various dog breeds.

One table along a wall of the Warwick restaurant's is dubbed the "Dog House." Twenty percent of the patrons' tab at that table is donated to animal rescue efforts. Both locations hold weekly Sunday Brunch adoption events (for dogs and cats). In Manhattan, the restaurant has an Animal Haven and Canine Rescue Adopt a Dog Wall.

Here is a video featuring the original Fetch Bar & Grill in Manhattan. Do homeless dogs a favor and check this place out.

Halloween events guarantee a howling good time for people and their pets

With Halloween just around the corner, it's time to start howling at the moon -- well, not literally, but a good way to start having some holiday fun is at the Boonton Howl-O-Ween Canine Costume Parade and Contest on Saturday, Oct. 15, starting from Upper Plane Street parking lot in Boonton and ending at Santa Land (North and Main streets). The annual event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. Cost is $5 per entry, which includes a doggie goodie bag). Eleventh Hour Rescue and Best Friends Grooming are hosting the event.

Here is the schedule: 11 a.m. to noon, registration; noon, parade starts; 12:30 p.m., parade ends; 12:45 p.m., costume contest begins; and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., adoptions, games, children's activities, pet photos and more will take place.

The event benefits Eleventh Hour Rescue, a volunteer-based nonprofit, that saves dogs from death row. Eleventh Hour Rescue is made up of dedicated individuals who believe that innocent pets deserve love and a place to live where they are honored and cared for. No dog deserves to die simply because they do not have a home. Visit www.ehrdogs.org to see all of EHR's adoptable dogs and cats, upcoming events and to learn more about the organization.



Another holiday-themed event is the "All Howl's Eve Dog Parade." This annual event will  take place Sunday, Oct. 16, in Morristown (meeting at Town Hall parking lot, Franklin Street) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rain date is Oct. 23. Registration is from 10 to 11 a.m.. Cost to march is $5 and includes a goodie bag.



Pets and their people will march in costume down South Street to the Green. Prizes will be awarded to the five best costume winners. Special guests will include Rufus, the 2005 Westminster Dog Show winner and a variety of adoptable pets from Randolph Animal Shelter. Proceeds of the event benefit a local shelter.

Planning ahead, there's the Coming Home Rescue Inc.'s Halloween Party on Sunday, Oct. 23, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pawsitive Experience, 114 Beach St., Rockaway. There will be a variety of activities, including a hot dog toss, Snoopy Says game, Ring Around the Doggie, costume parade, Tarot Card readings for dogs and people, pumpkin bowling, cider and donuts, agility area and take-home paw print card. Author David Doyle will sign copies of his book, "Blood Works."

Admission is $5 per adult. Children and dogs will be admitted free. There will be prizes for best pet costumes. A pet adoption will be held and there will be a 50-50 raffle. All proceeds will benefit Coming Home Rescue Inc. Pet photos will be available for $8 each; $13 for two. Reserve a time slot now by e-mailing to courtneycominghome@gmail.com. Walk-ins also welcome.

Furever Home Dog Rescue in Randolph has a pair of faithful friends for adoption

The weekend is nearing and it's time to make those "what to do" plans now. Thankfully, the Morris County area is filled with places to go and things to do. The most worthwhile activities are those that help a good cause. Like those events planned by volunteers and staff to benefit local animal shelters and animal rescue groups.

Many of these family friendly events include participation by pets. Don't have a pet yet? Camille Montagna Oakie, founder of Furever Home Dog Rescue in Randolph has two particularly cute puppies available for adoption as a pair, plus a weekend event to benefit her group's rescue efforts. The event is a multi-family garage sale on Friday, Oct. 7, from noon to 3 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 18 Orchard Street, Randolph. Meet Ben and Beth below:

Ben and Beth are Labrador Retriever mixes about 5 months old. Ben's coat is a mix of white and black; Beth has a beautiful soft black coat. They have the sweetest puppy dog eyes and look at those ears. Ben and Beth are happy, sweet, playful pups and they are living in a foster home. Their foster mom says the duo are affectionate pups who love to cuddle and love giving puppy kisses. Ben and Beth enjoy playing with their toys, playing in the yard with the foster family's children and their dog. The pups are very good on a leash when being walked and are on their way to be house trained. Ben and Beth are so good together and bonded, that we would like to find a furever home for the two together. If you want to add a lot of happiness to your home, adopt Ben and Beth. They are an amazing pair. If interested in adopting, e-mail FureverHomeRescue@att.net and request an adoption application.

 

 

Find a warm, fuzzy friend during Adopt-A-Dog Month

Honey is a young Pit Bull-mix female available at Randolph Animal Pound.

Did you know that October is the American Humane Association's "Adopt-A-Dog Month"? Local shelters hope everyone gets in the spirit of the event by adopting a shelter dog to experience the joy of pet ownership.

Yes, it's a lot of responsibility to own a pet, but consider the advantages. A dog can be an exercise buddy; a confidant; a constant companion; or just a fuzzy face to greet you after a difficult day at work. That's just a few of the advantages. Here are some upcoming adoption events to begin your search.

Saturday, Oct. 8: Special pet adoption at Randolph Animal Pound, 1345 Sussex Turnpike, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Adoption fee is $20 for an adult dog, older kittens and adult cats (if adopting two pets, the fee is waived for the second). All animals are spayed/neutered, de-wormed and vaccinated. Applications and references are required. Renters must have a lease agreement indicating that pets are permitted. For more information, visit www.pound.petfinder.org.

Stewart a 4-month-old male kitten in foster care.

All cats and kittens at the off-site pet adoption are from foster care.

Saturday, Oct. 8: Friends of the Randolph Animal Pound is holding a pet adoption from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Petco, 275 Route 10 East, Succasunna. If adopting two pets, adoption fee is waived for the second.  For more information, call 973-886-1485 or e-mail doggie54@optonline.net.

The following pets are available for adoption from Eleventh Hour Rescue:

This is Jake from Eleventh Hour Rescue. He is a 1-year-old, handsome, brindle, Pit Bull mix.  Although neglected as a young puppy, and in need of finding the “right” family to adopt him, he has made wonderful progress in gaining appropriate social skills.  This dog may not be for everyone, but truly is a diamond in the rough.  With the right environment, the right training, and the right owners, Jake is ready to blossom now.  He is a favorite amongst the volunteers and many of them have been working with him one-on-one to bring him along.  He has been attending adoption events on a regular basis now and really showing off all that he has learned and the adversities that he has overcome.  We are proud of his progress and want to find his forever home now.  To read more about Jake, to see all of EHR's adoptable pets, to see upcoming events, or to make a donation, visit www.ehrdogs.org  or call 973-664-0865.

This is Huck from Eleventh Hour Rescue. This 6-month-old black lab mix would be an adorable addition to any home. Full of puppy love and curiosity about his surroundings, Huck will explore everywhere he goes, and when needed, he will obey the “no” command.  Huck is very playful and enjoys a good game of “fetch” whenever he can.  He’ll chase his toy and then dutifully return it to you and drop it for another toss.  As with all youngsters, Huck is full of enthusiasm and has a lot of energy.  He will need a family that is willing to train him and harness that energy.  To read more about Huck, to see all of EHR's adoptable pets, to see upcoming events or to make a donation, visit www.ehrdogs.org  or call  973-664-0865.