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.

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. 

 

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.

Earthquake tremors in Morris County didn't alert this writer's pet

Emma didn't have a clue that anything was happening.

Yesterday's earthquake along the east coast brought to mind the long-standing question as to whether animals can sense pending disasters. If I had to base it on my pet's lack of response to the tremors felt in the Morris County area yesterday, I'd have to say "no."

Because animals have keen senses, researchers suspect they may possess the ability to detect earthquakes. Studies have been conducted on the detection of earthquakes by animals, but to date there has been no conclusive evidence to support animals having the ability to sense the earth's vibrations.

Other researchers are skeptical about using animals as earthquake and natural disaster detectors. They site the difficulty of developing a controlled study that can connect a specific animal behavior with an earthquake occurrence.

Whether or not our pets can detect natural disasters is of little importance. As animal lovers, we're just happy to have them around as a source of comfort during difficult times.

For those looking for that kind of companionship, adoption events always are the best way to find a new pet. The Friends of the Randolph Animal Pound have some planned. Each event will feature kittens. Mark these dates on your calendar:

Suzy Mae, is one of two kittens, sister and brother, that will be available for adoption.

Saturday, Aug. 27: 11 am. to 1 p.m. at Pet Valu, 84 E. Main St., Mendham.

Saturday, Sept. 3: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Randolph Animal Pound, 1345 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph. This "Black Cat Special" will have an adoption fee of $25 for any black cat or kitten (even those with just a spot of black on their fur). There is an additional spay/neuter deposit for young kittens. Adopt two pets (of any color) and the adoption fee will be waived for the second pet.

The Randolph Animal Pound is open for adoptions during its regular hours: Weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed Sundays and holidays. For more information, call 973-886-1485 or e-mail Doggie54@optonline.net.

Booda, an adorable Pekingese, needs a home to call his own

OK, don't tell my teacup Yorkie Emma that I'm smitten with another dog. Yes, she refuses to believe a person can share their love with more than one pet, so I guess it will be another case of unrequited love for yours truly. However, if you are looking for an adorable pooch to share your home, please consider adopting Booda (shown above).

Booda is a 15-year-old Pekingese, whose owner recently died. This perky pooch has a wonderful disposition. He loves to ride in the car, gets along great with other dogs and cats. Booda is totally housebroken -- he never barks and never makes a mess in the house.

If you can give Booda a home that will make his senior years more comfortable, call 973-886-1485 or e-mail Doggie54@optonline.net.

Looking for upcoming adoption events? Here is what the Friends of the Randolph Animal Pound have planned:

Saturday, Aug. 20 - Special Pet Adoption (lots of kittens)

Place:  Winky's Pet Boutique, 92 Main St., Chester

Time:  11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Contact:  Claudine 973-886-1485 or Doggie54@optonline.net

Saturday, Aug. 27 - Special Pet Adoption (lots of kittens)

Place:  Pet Valu, 84 East Main St., Mendham, NJ

Time:  11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Contact:  Claudine 973-886-1485 or Doggie54@optonline.net

Saturday, Sept. 3 - Kitten Mania and Black Cat Special at Randolph Animal Pound

Adopt any cat with black on him/her for $25. Get the second free!  (for young kittens, a spay deposit is required).

Place:  Randolph Animal Pound, 1345 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph (In the new trailer)

Time; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Contact; Claudine at 973-886-1485 or Doggie54@optonline.net

Can't make it to our special pet adoptions? Stop by the Randolph Animal Pound, 1345 Sussex Turnpike during regular hours:  11 a.m. to 1 p.m., weekdays; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays (closed Sundays and holidays).  Adoption Fee $50* - If you adopt two pets, fee is waived for the second pet (young kittens require a spay/neuter deposit).

Vendors needed for annual Puptoberfest event; families needed for rescued dogs

Here’s Trixie from Eleventh Hour Rescue.  She is an adult, Siberian Husky.  She has wonderful, intense, light-brown eyes and a blonde coat of luscious fur.  She loves the company of other dogs and she loves people, too.  In the hot summer, swimming is her favorite pastime to beat the heat and after some good doggy paddling time, she’ll gladly sleep by your side on the bed.  Just make sure she’s had plenty of time to dry first.   This obedient, sensitive girl will make a terrific addition to your home.  To read more about Trixie, 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,

You've got to hand it to pet people in the Morris County area. They sure know how to plan great events. One example is Puptoberfest, sponsored by Eleventh Hour Rescue (EHR). This year's seventh annual event takes place Sept. 24, rain or shine, at the Craigmeur picnic grounds, 1175 Green Pond Road, Rockaway. Gate opens at 11 a.m. and activities continue through 5 p.m. As always, Puptoberfest will celebrate pets and their people with activities for adults and children, with two legs or four.

Vendors are needed to take part. If you'd like to be a vendor, e-mail puptoberfest@ehrdogs.org.

Join the crew from WDHA and WMTR radio stations and more than 3,000 other dog lovers for this family friendly event. There will be keepsake pet photos, games, contests, paw painting, canine good citizen testing, food, entertainment and the always popular canine fashion show. Rescued dogs will be available for adoption throughout the day.

Entrance is $5 for individuals and $10 per family. This fee is waived for previous EHR adopters. All proceeds will benefit EHR, a volunteer-based, non-profit organization which has rescued more than 4,000 dogs since 2004 and continues to save dogs from euthanasia throughout the United States. EHR provides food, shelter, medical care and loving attention to each dog in its care.

For more information about Puptoberfest or EHR, visit www.ehrdogs.org or call 973-664-0865.

Shown above (at top) and below are two "Dogs of the Week" available for adoption from Eleventh Hour Rescue:

This is Buddy from Eleventh Hour Rescue.  Buddy is a small terrier who is less than 1 year old and has had a very tough start in life.  Dumped on the side of the road by owners who no longer wanted him, Buddy was then attacked by a vicious animal.  This savage attack left poor Buddy with a broken neck and paralyzed from the neck down.   What would have ended the life of most other animals didn’t stop Buddy.  His will to live was strong, and his desire for human companionship is just as strong.  He just wants to be with you, to pick his head up just enough to smile at you and to make eye contact with you as well.  Now outfitted with a stroller so the foster family can wheel him about, he’s starting to feel better.  The latest report is that he’s just starting to re-gain the ability to wag his tail and ever so slightly move one leg.  This is good progress, but Buddy has a long way to go.  To read more about Buddy, to see all of EHR's adoptable pets, to see upcoming events, or to make a donation to help dogs in need, including Buddy, visit  www.ehrdogs.org  or call  973-664-0865.