Meet the adorable 11 cats and dogs who are longtimers in N.J.’s animal shelters – NJ.com
Liam loves treats, walks and playtime. Austin is good with kids. And Sweet Momma is a cuddly purr machine. But, sadly, all of these furbabies are known as longtimers in New Jersey’s animal shelters, unable to find their forever homes.
Of the 53,892 dogs and cats that entered New Jersey shelters in 2020, 35,976 found placement or were redeemed by their owners, according to the latest data provided by the New Jersey Department of Health. That’s a total state save rate of 67%, slightly higher than last year’s 66%. But what happened to those that didn’t find a home?
In New Jersey, impounded animals only need to be held for seven days at a licensed facility prior to adoption or euthanasia. In 2020, the state euthanized 8% of all cats and dogs impounded. This represents a decrease from 2019, when 11% were euthanized, but it still means 4,106 dogs and cats were put down. The thousands of animals currently in New Jersey shelters are hoping to avoid a similar fate. For these animals, and the shelter staff and volunteers who take care of them, the New Year brings with it renewed hope of finding a forever family.
NJ Advance Media reached out to shelters throughout the state to learn more about their “long timers” — an affectionate term for those animals that have been in the shelter system for an extended period of time. Their stays range from two months in the shelter to three years in one case. These animals are fortunate in that they’re housed in shelters that have chosen not to euthanize due to space, length of stay, or for treatable/manageable conditions. However, it’s a poor quality of life for a dog, said Geoffrey Santini, founder of New Jersey Animal Control and Rescue and New Jersey Humane Society.
“Shelters can be loud and distressing places, and the dog is affected by that. It’s not the best place to keep them safe and comfortable — it’s not a long-term solution like a forever home,” said Santini, who has been involved in animal control for 30 years.
Staff and volunteers said there’s a number of reasons why an animal becomes a shelter long timer — medical conditions, behavioral issues, breed discrimination. But every long timer could make the perfect companion if given the chance, they said. So without further ado, meet the eligible long timers in New Jersey’s animal shelters.
Bluebell (three months impounded) and Ronnie (two months) at Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, Inc. in Bergen County
Bluebell, left, and Ronnie, right, are long-timers at the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, Inc.
Bluebell, an American pit bull terrier, is a senior who was rescued from a local hoarding situation when her owner passed away. Though she’s 12 years old, Bluebell still has a lot of energy and loves her walks, said Executive Director Megan Brinster. While she loves human attention, she prefers to be the only pet and can be reactive around other dogs.
Ronnie is a Dutch shepherd mix who’s having a particularly hard time in the kennel surrounded by barking dogs. Thought to be 7-8 years old, Ronnie acts younger than his age and is an active 70-pound dog who likes to stay busy. He prefers to be the only pet in a household.
Interested in adopting either Bluebell or Ronnie? You can apply here.
Liam, two years impounded, at AHS-Newark in Essex County
Liam is a nearly 5-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier who has been at AHS-Newark for almost two years.
Liam is a Staffordshire bull terrier who has been at AHS-Newark for nearly two years. He’s 5 years old and full of energy but may come across as shy at first since he’s wary of strangers. But given time, he’s extremely lovable and affectionate, said Olivia Gonzalez, social media coordinator for Associated Humane Societies – Newark. Liam has also been working with a trainer on his commands and walking skills.
“Liam loves treats, walks and playtime and would benefit from a patient and understanding adopter who can give Liam the time he needs to destress from his extended stay at the shelter,” Gonzalez said.
Interested in adopting Liam? Fill out an adoption application here. AHS – Newark is also open for walk-in appointments from 12-5 p.m, seven days a week.
Sweet Momma (four months impounded) Bessy (one year) and Roxy (one year) at EASEL Animal Rescue League in Mercer County
Sweet Momma is 2 1/2 years old and has spent four long months at EASEL Animal Rescue League shelter.
Sweet Momma, 2.5 years old, was found outside four months ago trying to protect her litter of kittens. Each of her babies has been adopted, but Sweet Momma remains behind. Described as a “purr machine,” Sweet Momma would flourish in a low activity home.
Interested in adopting Sweet Momma? You can apply here.
Bessy, left, and Roxy, right, have both been at EASEL Animal Rescue League for over a year looking for their forever home.
Bessy is a 4-year-old Staffordshire terrier mix who has been waiting more than a year for her permanent home. This 80-pound girl has been described as “calm, affectionate, and very easy to manage” by her foster families but she is strong and will require an owner who can physically handle her, said Mark Phillips, director of Animal Services for EASEL Animal Rescue League. Bessy should also be the only pet in the home and would be happiest with children 12 years of age and up.
Roxy is a friendly 9-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier mix who was surrendered to the shelter more than a year ago when her owner became unemployed. She was adopted for a period and did great with young kids, but was returned due to there being lots of dogs in the area and concerns she would get loose while on walks. However, Roxy is very easy in the home and welcoming to visitors. Future owners should be mindful Roxy has a skin condition that is treated with diet and antibiotics.
“She has lacked structure in her life and will need some work, but she is very affectionate and loves attention,” Phillips said.
Interested in adopting either Bessy or Roxy? Apply here.
Petunia, three years impounded, at Monmouth County SPCA in Monmouth County
Petunia is a loyal pit mix available with Monmouth County SPCA.
Petunia is a 3-year-old pit bull mix who has spent most of her life in the shelter. She struggles with “stranger danger,” so she takes a few meetings to warm up to new people and she can also be fearful in unfamiliar situations. At the same time, Petunia has a lot of staff and volunteer friends whom she absolutely adores and when she’s with them, she’s the perfect canine companion, said Lindsay Sanator, media and marketing manager for Monmouth County SPCA. With the right person and environment, Petunia would be a wonderful addition to a family, Sanator said.
Interested in adopting Petunia? Contact the Monmouth County SPCA adoption department at adoptions@monmouthcountyspca.org or 732-542-5962.
Austin, three months impounded, and Reese, three months, at Parsippany Animal Shelter in Morris County
Austin, left, and Reese, right, are long-timers at the Parsippany Animal Shelter.
Austin is a sweet 8-year-old pit bull mix originally from the Bahamas. He’s a “goofy, fun-loving, sweet, well-behaved guy” who will make a “fantastic companion,” said Heidi Mooney, Assistant Animal Control Officer with Parsippany Animal Control and Shelter.
Austin likes other dogs and is good with children, making him an ideal family pet.
Reese is a 3-year-old chocolate Labrador Retriever mix who greets everyone with a happy, bouncy, tail wag and wiggling behind. She is very friendly, loves to play and has lots of energy. Reese also gets along well with other dogs.
Interested in adopting either Austin or Reese? Apply here.
Avocado, nine months impounded, at Vernon Animal Shelter in Sussex County
Avocado is 8-9 years old and lived outside her whole life as a colony cat till she was taken in last spring by Vernon Animal Shelter.
Avocado is thought to be 8-9 years old and spent her whole life as a colony cat till she was taken in by Vernon Animal Shelter last spring. Though she’s shy, Avocado gets along well with other cats and enjoys being brushed by humans. She has a good appetite but mainly eats wet food due to having one tooth, which she would benefit from having removed. Avocado is spayed, fully vaccinated and negative for FIV/FELV.
Interested in adopting Avocado? Apply here.
Sebastian, five months impounded, at Somerset Regional Animal Shelter in Somerset County
Sebastian is a 1.5 male at Somerset Regional Animal Shelter.
Sebastian is a handsome male of 1.5 years old who has a big personality, said staff at Somerset Regional Animal Shelter. He is a social and inquisitive boy who loves to be around people, so long as you respect his boundaries. Sebastian is selective with other cats, but he can get along with laid back peers. He enjoys being held, walking on leash, and playing with toys. So why is he still in the shelter?
“In short, he can be spicy when he gets frustrated… so he’ll do best with an experienced owner that is well versed in cat behavior and knows when to give him his space,” Assistant Shelter Manager Rose Tropeano said.
Interested in adopting Sebastian? The shelter is open from 12-3:30 p.m. daily and you can submit an application here.
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Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com and @ByJackieRoman.