20K Dogs And Counting, Madison Shelter Flying Pups To Forever Homes

MADISON, NJ — St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center, a humane animal sanctuary, will fly its 20,000th dog one step closer to her forever home next week as part of a huge milestone celebration.

The lucky 20,000th passenger is named Sweetie Johnson, and she is a 5-year-old terrier mix from Louisiana.

On Aug. 16, Sweetie will touch down at the Morristown Airport, where she'll be welcomed with a party and treats for both her and the other dogs at the Madison shelter.

The St. Hubert's WayStation initiative relocates animals from southern overcrowded shelters to northeastern loving homes. They collaborate with more than 90 shelters around the nation to save the lives of animals and donate money for spay and neuter initiatives as well as animal health care.

St. Hubert's, which has been in operation for more than 80 years, currently houses more than 160 cats available for adoption, as well as approximately 39 dogs and 35 small animals in need of homes.

Currently, the shelter is home to a wide variety of animals, including elderly pets and animals of various ages, sizes, and kinds. Diane Ashton, director of communications, claims that adoption counselors are available at St. Hubert and can help customers locate the best pet for their household and way of life.

Adoptions are available at St. Hubert's Madison location, 575 Woodland Ave., from 1:30 to 6 p.m. on Monday through Wednesday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, and 1:30 to 6 p.m. on Friday through Sunday.

At the shelter, foster parents are also sorely needed. Until they find a permanent home, fostering is a great method to provide an animal a little vacation from the shelter. Ashton added, "it's rewarding and fun too."

Anyone interested in adopting a shelter animal can view all available animals on St. Hubert's website.