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.

Morris County residents, their pets are getting 'all shook up' over Hurricane Irene

Mother Nature is packing a one-two punch along the East Coast this week. First, it was the affects of the DC earthquake and now Hurricane Irene is threatening to blow into town. Even if this storm doesn't pack a real wallop in the Morris County area, it's still good to take precautions for your own safety as well as for your pet's well-being.

What can you do to keep your animal friends safe? Here are some tips from the ASPCA:

• Anticipate your animals' needs before the storm hits. Be sure to have sufficient food, treats and water (a three-day supply is minimum) for them in advance. This also applies to any medicines they may require. Even if evacuation seems unlikely, be sure to have necessary supplies on hand.

• If you do need to evacuate, plan on taking your pets with you. Each pet should travel wearing identification tags (or have a microchip). Take along necessary supplies, along with carriers, collars and leashes.

• Bring all outdoor pets inside -- don't take any chances.

• If you need to leave home, bring some familiar toys or a favorite blanket to help keep your pet calm.

In other words, just use common sense and you -- and your animals -- should be able to weather the storm safely.