Danny Boy, a dignified-looking 8-year-old black Labrador, didn’t beg as he made his rounds at the Secaucus Pet Adoption Day on Sunday, Oct. 2 wearing a yellow sign with red letters that said, “Adopt me please.”
As a flow of visitors stopped by for the three-hour event in the center of town, some gave cash contributions for the Secaucus Animal Shelter that ended up in Danny Boy’s pouch.
“There is always more love in the world.” – Judith Greenberg
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Hasn’t lost her bark
Although old dogs don’t often get adopted, there was hope for Danny Boy.
Just four months ago, a 16-year-old dog named Daisy found a home with Judith Greenberg, 45, and her mother Alice Greenberg, 78, after her owner died.
“Most people would not adopt a 16-year-old dog,” said Connie O’Connell, a volunteer dog trainer at the shelter who gets the dogs “people ready.”
“Daisy incredibly bonded with my mom and got along with my dog Ralph,” said Judith Greenberg. She said Daisy hangs out with her mom and take naps together.
“There is always more love in the world. We feel like we are the lucky ones,” said Greenberg.
Making room for more furry friends
Many visitors already had several adopted pets or rescues of their own and were considering adding one more.
“I’m looking to adopt a dog,” said Anna Becker, 49, a lifelong Secaucus resident. Becker said she had one adopted kitten, Alex, that she picked up from the town shelter. She said the only condition was that her daughter, Sarah, a fourth grader at Huber Street Elementary School, who really wants a dog, had to get straight A’s.
“I have four cats already and me and my mom want to get another one,” said Gina Fayazi, 11.
“I can’t tear myself away,” said her mother Carmela Baines, 43. She has lived in Secaucus 25 years. Of her four cats Midget, Bella, Misty, and Harley, one was adopted from the town animal hospital, two are rescues from Jersey City, and one is a rescue from New York.
Visitors held the kittens available for adoption, got a dog license, or stopped in with their own dog.
Other people stopped by after visiting the local farmer’s market or to see what was in the cages such as Kristall King, 26, resident of three years.
“I have a cat but I think she needs a friend,” said King.
“It was a no-brainer,” said John Voli, head of the Recreation Center, about his adoption. He adopted a dog Caramel from the shelter two weeks ago.
The Freshpet company, which offers freshly prepared meals for pets with no preservatives, gave out free samples from their truck. Freshpet drops off 400 pounds of food to the town shelter each month.
“Today has been a great day….Secaucus is great. It is just a wonderful, loving crowd,” said Belkis Cardona-Riviera, co-founder of Don’t Be Cruel, a non profit based out of East Rutherford, which had a table at the event. The group partners with local animal shelters and rescue organizations, and donates money and other items.
Pet Adoption day is one of many the town is hosting to raise awareness and funds for the town shelter. The town will host the first annual Halloween Costume Dinner Dance Secaucus Animal Shelter Benefit on Oct. 14 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza. The event is $45 per person and includes psychics, dance performances, and raffle prizes. For more information, call the Secaucus Senior Center at (201) 330-2034.
Adriana Rambay Fernández may be reached at afernandez@hudsonreporter.com.