WEST MILFORD — February is known as the month of love because of Valentine's Day and became very popular in the United States because of Esther Howland (1828–1904). Before 1847, elaborate Valentine greeting cards were imported from Europe and not affordable to many Americans.
Ester's father operated the largest book and stationery store in Worchester, Mass. and he provided the supplies for her cards project. She made a dozen samples which her salesman brother added to his inventory for his next sales trip. Hoping for $200 worth of orders, she was elated when he returned with over $5,000 worth of business for her. She named her business the "New England Valentine Company." Her valentines became renowned throughout the United States and she was called "The Mother of the American Valentine."
During the month of February, The Messenger will be featuring "Sweethearts of the Week" from the West Milford Animal Shelter. Love comes in all shapes and sizes and sometimes has four paws and a wet nose! This week, it's Oscar, Jack and Tiger.
Oscar is a four-year-old terrier and pit bull terrier mix. He is looking for someone who will love him forever. Oscar was found abandoned with a dirty and smelly blanket. He was very frightened and would not leave his blanket. The only way to get him into the animal control van was to put his blanket in first. Oscar was very lucky because he was found and taken to the shelter.
Oscar not only has a sweet, hopeful face, he is very affectionate, curious and loves to play. But when playtime is over, he quickly settles down and relaxes. He is much loved by the volunteers.
When he first arrived, it was not easy to walk him on a leash.
"It was like being pulled by a freight train," according to one volunteer.
When he walks nicely and then sits, the volunteers give him a treat. He still needs some training but he is improving. Many of the volunteers believe that in a home setting, with love and proper training, his skills will improve faster than in a shelter environment. Oscar is neutered and up-to-date with all inoculations and medical needs.
Jack is a beautifully marked, 11-year-old, black and white cat. He is front declawed. He came in with his friend Tiger, who is 12 and also front declawed. They came from the same home.
Jack is very loving, super friendly and outgoing and thinks age is only a number. He does not let it slow him down. He purrs if anyone just looks at him!
Senior pets are available for adoption to all adults but Jack and Tiger can also be adopted by seniors (humans) who are 62 years of age and older at a reduced fee of $25 each. Both cats are neutered, up-to-date with all inoculations and all necessary medical needs.
Come meet these "sweethearts" or any of the others that just may become the love of your life.
The shelter is located on Lycosky Drive (behind recycling). For information call 973-728-2859 or visit the shelter's website or two facebook pages, The West Milford Animal Shelter and The Real Cats At WMASS.