Essex County Dogs Need A Home After Languishing In Shelters For Years

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — When a longtime animal shelter resident finally gets released, whether it’s for a temporary or permanent home, the emotional payoff can be immense.

Last month, “Red” – a dog that had spent more than third of his life in a kennel – finally left his longtime home at a Newark animal shelter. The hard-luck pooch is now in training, and is a huge step closer to finding a forever home. Read More: The Face Of Happiness: Newark Dog Finally Leaves Shelter After 2 Years

There are still many canines in animal shelters across New Jersey who are in need of a warm heart and a happy home, however. Statistics from the New Jersey Department of Health show that there were 18,548 dogs impounded in the state in 2022, up more than 100 from the previous year. And many of them have spent just as much time behind bars as Red.

Here are just a few of the deserving doggos who need your help in Essex County for the holidays.

TITAN

Titan has spent two years at the Montclair Township Animal Shelter, and he is in need of a forever family, staff say. Learn more about adopting dogs and cats at the Montclair shelter here.

According to a recent social media post from the shelter:

“Titan, a volunteer favorite at the Montclair Animal Shelter, is about 3 to 4-years-old. As we approach his kennel, he barks letting us know that he is ready to go on a walk. Once outside the sidewalk is his! He enjoys stopping for the occasional sniff and smell but he truly enjoys just being outside. He is great on leash and easy to walk. But the way to his heart is through a good ol' Jolly Ball! He LOVES being outside playing with the Jolly Ball! This is where you truly get to see his fun personality blossom! While Titan loves people, he would prefer a home without young children and cats.”

SNIPER

This will be Sniper’s second holiday season spent at the Bloomfield Animal Shelter, and rescuers are hoping it will be his last.

After being surrendered in 2022 when his owner fell on hard times, the 6-year-old pooch is now the shelter’s longest-tenured canine resident, staff members say. Learn more about adopting dogs and cats at the Bloomfield shelter here.

According to Sniper’s profile on Petfinder:

“While he was very loved and spoiled in his former home, he lacked manners and boundaries, and would need a little fine tuning & training before adoption. Thanks to daily training with a local training facility, he has learned how to be a very good boy and now responds well to basic commands and understands boundaries (and that he is not a lap dog). In fact, he looks forward to daily exercise and training with staff! He has made tremendous progress over the last several months and deserves a new home of his own … Sniper is a happy, friendly boy, who doesn't know his own size. Due to this, we recommend an adult-only home. At approximately 70 pounds, he’ll do best with a strong, experienced owner who's familiar with training techniques and consistency in order to maintain good boy behavior. His ideal owner will enjoy activities together, going for long walks, and hanging out during down time. In return will be a new best friend.”

LONG-STAY DOGS IN NEWARK

Have you been following the news about “Red” in Newark? It’s definitely a bittersweet story, advocates say – there are lots of other dogs at the shelter who desperately need a home.

According to Humane Montclair, an Essex County-based group that has been trying to find new homes for many pets in the area, there are five dogs that have been overlooked at the Associated Humane Societies in Newark for far too long. Learn more about adopting dogs and cats at the Newark shelter here.

Together, the quintet of Thurman, Barkley, Emi, Eeyore and Beau have spent more than 2,200 days at the shelter.

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