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.

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.

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.

 

Pictured are Marky and Sissy. These two kittens are in the home of a volunteer. They are very special, sweet, calm kittens (most of the time - except when they want to play). They sleep in bed with foster mommy, always use their litter box, and purr up at storm. Black cats make GREAT pets - they are very affectionate!

Take advantage of the upcoming pet adoptions being sponsored by Friends of Randolph Animal Pound (For more information, call 973-886-1485 or e-mail Doggie54@optonline.net.) at the following locations and dates:

• Wednesday, Aug, 10 (rain date is Aug. 11):   7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Randolph Library, 28 Calais Road, Randolph.

• Saturday, Aug. 13 - Petco, 275 Route 10 East, Succasunna, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Saturday, Aug. 20 - Winky's Pet Boutique, 92 Main St,, Chester  11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• *New location* - Saturday, Aug. 27, Pet Valu, 84 East Main St., Mendham, NJ  11 .am. to 1 p.m.
  
  
  
   

Party time? Plan a fun, informative event that encourages a love of all critters

Bill Boesenberg, owner of Snakes-N-Scales and Turtle Tales,  center, holds Blue, a nearly 6-foot-long alligator. Members of his educational staff hold some of the facility's other rescue animals.

I just read an article on MSNBC online that  children's birthday parties are getting way out of hand. Some families, in their quest for a spare-no-expense celebration for their tots, will spend upward of $40,000 to host a lavish event -- sometimes for toddlers.

Granted, many children today -- and their parents -- have moved away from the standard soda, snacks, cupcakes and pin-the-donkey games that once were popular, but if you're going to throw a birthday bash, why wouldn't you expect your child and those invited to get something more out of it than a lot of glitz?

You don't need to spend a lot of money to offer a fun, yet educational and environmentally based, event for your tykes. There are other options that provide these kinds of programs for parties that give kids more than a sugar rush and mindless time spent in a bouncy house.

One such company is Snakes-N-Scales and Turtle Tales, based in Wanaque, the largest Animal Outreach Educational Organization of  its kind in New Jersey. Snakes-N-Scales maintains over 500 reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.

Owner Bill Boesenberg and his Snakes-N-Scales staff present informative, educational and fun programs and parties for audiences of all ages (including school groups, Scouts and other organizations)  in an effort to share their concern and respect for these unique animals.

While Boesenberg and his educators enjoy sharing the lighter side of  their work with audiences — the alligators pulled out of people’s pools or the monitor lizard found wandering along the turnpike –  they also share stories of  the more tragic incidents, too, in an effort to inform, educate and instill in youngsters an appreciation for these sometimes misunderstood or mistreated animals.

Many of the Snakes-N-Scales animals were rescued from a variety of  situations. Some were  unwanted or abused pets, others were confiscated by authorities or picked up in neighborhoods, along roads or from abandoned apartments, but all of them now have found a safe, secure haven under the care of Boesenberg and his trained staff, who provide them with proper nourishment, appropriate habitats and medical attention for the rest of their lives.

Interested in learning more or booking a show? Call 973-248-9964 or e-mail bill@snakes-n-scales.com.