Tales Of Joy, Woe Highlight Need For Adopters At Newark Shelter

NEWARK, NJ — An adorable young pooch was left without a home after a tragic house fire. A gentle senior dog is searching for a family after finding himself alone for the holidays. A “miracle reunion” came true for a lost French bulldog and his owner. And a deserving doggo who spend nearly 600 days waiting for a reprieve from the kennels has finally found a foster home.

These are some of the recent tales of woe – and joy – that have come out of the Associated Humane Societies (AHS) animal shelter at 124 Evergreen Avenue in Newark.

Things have been busy at the shelter, which is one of the largest in New Jersey and provides services to several nearby towns. This frustrating reality – a shelter operating at “critical capacity” – has unfortunately been the status quo at the AHS-Newark for the better part of two years, a spokesperson recently told Patch. Read More: Newark Animal Shelter Is Overflowing With Dogs, Urgent Help Needed

“We have been posting an urgent need for fosters, adopters and rescues for some time, but there is little that is helping the matter,” she said. “It seems that when five dogs leave the building, 15 are coming in as strays, neglected or abandoned or as surrenders, to take their place.”

Here are three things the community can do to give the doggos and kitties at the Newark shelter a much-needed boost, staff said:

• Adopt – Give one of our amazing dogs a forever home today. Every adoption opens up a kennel for another dog in need. Apply to adopt here: ahscares.org/adopt
• Foster – Even a short-term foster can make a huge difference. Fostering dogs 50 pounds and up allows us to free up space and care for more dogs while they await their forever homes. Apply to foster here: ahscares.org/become-a-foster
• Donate – Donations of dog & cat food, treats, toys, and even financial support can help keep these pups well fed and comfortable while they wait. Donate via Amazon here: https://a.co/ggAkeOz

Catch up with a few of the “tails” that have been happening at the shelter lately below.

A NEW BEGINNING FOR BROWNIE

Brownie (ID# 77590) – an adorable young pittie mix – is looking for a fresh start after her world was turned upside down by a tragic house fire.

“Her family had no choice but to bring her to the shelter,” the Newark AHS reported. “In the face of this sudden change, Brownie keeps her spirits bright by being playful, full of love, and ready to chase down squeaky toys.”

“This sweet girl is waiting for a new family to call home, and you can be the lucky family to do so,” the shelter continued. “It's less than one week until Christmas – let's work together to find Brownie a home for the holidays!

Article continues below

MIRACLE REUNION

Ducky, a sweet French bulldog who was lost for an entire year, has finally made his way back to his owner’s arms. And it’s a reunion worth celebrating, the Newark AHS reported.

According to the shelter, Ducky’s owner, Kassandra, “never gave up hope,” and on her birthday, her wish came true – she was reunited with her beloved fur baby. Tears of joy and wagging tails rapidly ensued.

It’s a story that reminds the staff at the shelter of why they chose their profession, the AHS-Newark said.

“Every animal deserves a chance at love and safety, whether they’re lost, abandoned, or waiting for their forever home,” the shelter wrote.

ALONE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

A 10-year-old senior dog who has been dubbed “Kris Kringle” was recently found as a lost dog.

The pooch has already left a big paw print on the hearts of the staff at AHS-Newark, which named him as one of their weekly “Desk Dogs.”

Kringle is “gentle, house-trained and a cuddle puddle,” the shelter says.

His only wish for the holidays? To trade the kennels for a cozy home where he can enjoy his golden years in comfort.

GOOD NEWS: CHRISSY HAS A FOSTER

There’s some good news for a familiar face at the shelter, staff recently reported: Chrissy has found a foster home.

According to a social media post from the shelter:

“Chrissy (ID #65016) has spent about 600 days waiting for a reprieve from the kennels, and she's finally got one! A wonderful foster has opened their home to Chrissy, but now it's our mission to find her a forever family! Chrissy is a young, 4-year-old dog. She's super playful, loves walks and exercise and naps on the treadmill.”

“Chrissy is thriving in her foster home with just adults, so we think a similar environment with just adults would suit her well forever,” staff reported. “She is a little picky with her dog friends, but is open to meeting them.”

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page.