Animal adopters offer advice

The Terp family of West Milford adopted Snowy, a white Huskie, a year ago.

The 2 1/2-year-old dog was mischievous, smart and active and still is, Michelle Terp said.

“One look at Snowy while on a drive to the animal shelter after seeing him on the shelter’s Facebook page, and that was it,” she said. “Those blue eyes!

“We did visits with Snowy and our family, including our 5-year-old dog, Bailey, a Blue Healer. All went well, and we brough Snowy home.“

Terp said there were early challenges for the dogs and the family.

“It took him (Snowy) time to realize this was his home and family. Snowy and Bailey became pals, and he gets along with everyone. As with Bailey, we can’t picture life without him.”

She underscored the need for animals to acclimate to their new environment and urged people to provide time and care to build the animals’ confidence and trust.

“Be patient, you don’t know what dog has been through,” she said. “Don’t give into to minor challenges or inconveniences. It takes a bit of time and understanding. And ask for help.”

Adopt a Shelter Pet

Wednesday, April 30 is National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, which serves raises awareness of the role of shelters in providing pets.

“Too many pets are simply not wanted and are either abandoned or surrendered,” said Doug Weed, president of the West Milford Animal Shelter Society (WMASS).

“That is where shelters come in. Best case, animals that come to us have lost everything and everyone they ever knew. At worst, they have suffered neglect, abuse or even abandonment.”

WMASS, a nonprofit organization with an all-volunteer staff, does not give animals to anyone who will have them.

“Our adoption process is rigorous and can take time for good reason,” Weed said. “When adopting from a shelter, it is important to realize that you are adopting an animal that has experienced some sort of trauma.

“We don’t send animals back out into a situation where they will be retraumatized. We try to find people who can provide stability, comfort, routine, safe space and family bond that comes from a forever home.

“That is the mission that our donors support. That is the work that our volunteers do each day. That is the mission we will continue to carry out until every pet has the right home.”

‘Don’t give up’

A Himalayan-Siamese-Bombay mix breed cat, given the name Darrin Stephens, was one of 11 cats that came to WMASS from a hoarding situation in 2022.

In October 2023, he was adopted by Laura Dewey and her husband of Hawthorne.

“We made a little progress his first week; this cat was a hoarding victim. Things with him improved slowly, especially with our other cat, Kittle,” Dewey said.

“Very timid, he soon began exploring outside his room. He used his litter box like a little gentleman, ate well and drank his water beautifully - all glimmers of hope that this was going to work out just fine.

“Kittle ordinarily doesn’t take kindly to other cats, but the two are best friends. Darrin Stephens is obsessed with Kittle and very intrigued with my husband; both are night owls.

“His fear of strangers and loud noises became apparent a week or so after adoption during Halloween with doorbells ringing. He found a safe and cozy space in the attic when needed for privacy.”

Dewey notes that WMASS volunteers helped ensure a successful adoption.

“The adoption process was diligent yet fantastic. We keep in touch with the shelter,” she said. “There’s an adjustment period. Be understanding, reaffirming and patient. Put in the time with the animal. Help ease the transition, stay the course and don’t give up.”

‘It’s a great match’

A highly active, athletic, friendly female pit bull terrier-American bully mix dog, Xena, had been at a few animal shelters for almost two years.

On March 18, the nearly 3-year-old dog was adopted by Toni Esso and her son, Anthony, who is autistic.

“As a first-time animal adopter, I was looking for the right dog for our home,” Esso said. “My son and I fell in love with Xena right away.

“The adoption experience was a bit nerve-racking. The shelter and I wanted to make sure of the right fit. After several meetings and discussions, Xena came home with us. It’s been great ever since.”

She said Xena is a cuddler, loves long walks and rough play, and obeys. “She acclimated very quickly, snuggles and plays with Anthony yet follows me everywhere I go. She’s perfect!”

When adopting an animal, people need to be thoughtful about its needs.

“Get a dog that fits your personality and lifestyle. Get to know each other. I’m an active person who enjoys jogging and hiking. Xena is very energetic and friendly. It’s a great match.

“And take the input and advice from the shelter team. That makes the transition a lot easier.”

A room to acclimate

Erin Howard went to the West Milford Animal Shelter early last year after having lost her cat of 18 years.

After meeting adoptable cats from all kinds of circumstances, she found Orange Marmalade in an area where cats are separated for medical reasons.

“She purred and I noticed her coloring was very unique,” Howard said. “She wasn’t there for medical reasons. Because of the stress of her prior life with two different owners, being declawed and now surrendered, she had a demeanor and behaviors which required isolation.

“Being declawed, she lacks the ability to communicate and defend herself in typical cat ways. She was scared, nervous, anxious, and would hiss and try to bite out of defensiveness.

“I felt drawn to her as the environment was making things more stressful. My previous cat had also been very anxious, especially when younger.”

Howard prepared a room for the cat to acclimate as suggested by WMASS staff. Timid and tense for the first several weeks, Orange Marmalade eventually sat in the living room with Howard for petting.

“Orange Marmalade loves to lounge in the sun, sniff and listen from open windows, and head butts me until I make a place for her next to me,” she said. “She drools when really happy, purrs and scratches posts even without her claws.

“She prefers quiet toys that don’t startle her and Churu-type treats. She is unique and has changed drastically from when we first met.”