Volume 18 Issue 2 FALL/WINTER 2013 FRIENDS OF THE

Volume 18 Issue 2
FALL/WINTER 2013
A Time for Thanks at the Clifton Animal Shelter
O
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R OFFICERS
S Evelyn Ackley-Raps PRESIDENT
Liz Taranda
VICE PRESIDENT
SECRETARY
& Yvonne Skikus
T
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T
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S
TRUSTEES
Laurie Egan
Caroline Herrmann
Joshua Schmieder
Mary Scorpati
WE ARE A 100%
VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION
FRIENDS OF THE SHELTER, INC.
P.O. BOX 4923
CLIFTON, NJ 07015
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MONDAY-FRIDAY
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
SUNDAY 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
SATURDAY - BY APPT ONLY
Shelter Answering Machine
(973) 470-5936
Visit us ANYTIME at:
CliftonAnimalShelter.com
www.PETFINDER.com
The holidays are here again... A time to reflect on what you have to be
grateful for. Here at the Friends of the Shelter in Clifton, we have a long
list of things we are grateful for and now we would like to share two
special stories in particular... Jericho and Kitty.
KITTY is a beautiful gray cat that was with us for a very long time before
finding her forever home... she is the kind of cat you get to know, the kind
that the volunteers root extra hard for, the kind of cat that you just know
will finally catch a break. Kitty had so much to offer a potential adopter
and she needed a home where she would be the apple of their eye... that's
probably why it took a little longer than usual—but she was worth the
extra effort. Then one day, a potential adopter came in looking for
something altogether different, but Kitty kept reaching out of her cage
during their visit and got their attention! It was as if SHE CHOSE
THEM...rubbing up against their legs, showing them the great cat we all
knew so well and that was the end of Kitty's shelter stay; she found
her forever home right then and there. This beautiful green-eyed girl got
the new beginning she deserved! Please read the letter from Kitty's family
in this issue to see how she is doing now.
Some of you already have heard about JERICHO, the bait dog rescued
on St. Patrick's Day. Bait dogs are used to incite fighting, usually among
pit bulls... a smaller, hyper or younger dog is used to get the bigger dogs,
who have been trained to fight, all worked up. A small, young, black-andwhite male pitbull was found on the street March 17. He was cut up,
bloodied, emaciated and brought to the shelter by a Good Samaritan...we
named him Jericho. To be perfectly honest, when we first met him we
were not sure he would survive. But thanks to round-the-clock care, the
dedicated work of our veterinary staff and volunteers, Jericho not only
survived but is thriving. After being stabilized, he was taken in by one
of our most experienced foster homes, and in their care he started to fully
blossom. Our foster parents, Lynn and Al, bonded with Jericho like no
other foster dog they have cared for over the years. When it came time to
start looking for his new forever family, Lynn and Al informed us he had
already found it... with them. Now at a robust 60 pounds, this healthy
happy one-year-old has hit the jackpot. Jericho loves people and dogs,
and his story is the kind that keeps our volunteers motivated year round.
This holiday season we are grateful for Jericho, Kitty and all the other
animals who have found their happy endings, thanks to the work we have
done together, with your support, at the Friends of the Shelter. We are a
100% volunteer organization that depends on happy endings
and good people like you.
Please everyone take special note that Santa Pet Days will be
held at Foster Animal Hospital on Sunday December 1 and
Sunday December 8 from 12 noon to 4 PM. Foster Animal
Hospital is located at 1347 Broad Street right here in Clifton. No
appointment necessary and we hope to see you there with Santa Paws!
Page 2
ANIMAL ANTICS
Wally Has Two Mommies
A little over a year ago, I started fostering kittens
for the Clifton Animal Shelter. It sort of happened
by accident (which is just one benefit of living a
few houses away from one of the shelter
volunteers), but before I knew it, I had a little tiny
kitten that I bottle fed and raised until he was ready
to go to his forever home. It was hard. Really hard.
And, I sobbed so much that the poor adoptive
mom must have felt awful taking him from me, but
all of the volunteers at the shelter assured me that
the first one was the hardest and that it would get
easier each time.
It has gotten easier. It’s gotten easier because I
have been fortunate that my former foster babies
have found wonderful loving homes. It has been
easier because the people who have taken my
fosters into their homes and hearts have been so
very kind to me and have kept me updated on their
progress with pictures, emails and even with the
occasional visit.
One of my favorite foster kittens was an adorable
tiger stripe named Wally. Wally was so small when
he arrived at my house, that I was able to hold him
in the palm of my hand. Wally stayed with me for
several weeks while he grew big enough and
strong enough to move on to his forever home.
Knowing that Wally was going to leave me was
very, very hard.
But, as luck would have it, Wally captured not just
my heart, but the hearts of many friends and family
members who visited my home during his stay with
us. When Wally left, he went to the home of a
good friend of my family, a family where he is
pampered and loved as much as any cat could
hope to be. Wally is very happy and he is very
lucky.
Since Wally’s new Mom still sends me pictures of
funny things he has done, it’s sort of like he is still
one of my own—Wally even got me a Christmas
present last year! I like to think that Wally, and all
of my other former fosters, has two mommies: the
one who took care of him when he was too small
to take care of himself and the one who will take
care of him for the rest of his life.
WALLY
SANTA PET DAYS
Santa “Paws” will be helping the Friends of the Shelter raise money
for animals looking for a home for the holidays!! This year we are
trying something new and exciting…
Santa Pet Days will be held at Foster Animal Hospital 1347 Broad
Street in Clifton. ALL PETS WELCOME!! Santa will pose with your
dog, cat, ferret, rabbit, guinea pig or whatever animals share your
heart and home. Affordable holiday merchandise will be available
for sale in addition to other goodies!! As always, all proceeds
benefit the animals!!
Santa Pet Days: SUNDAYS DEC. 1 & 8
12 noon to 4 p.m. at Foster Animal Hospital
1347 Broad Street, Clifton NJ 973-777-0064
ANIMAL ANTICS
Page 3
SPRING HOLIDAY TREE
These beloved animals were remembered over the Spring Holidays...
Noelle, Mandy, Lucky, Buck, & Munchkin Anderson
Bear Arvanitakis
Cleo & Baxter Binaso
Misty, Penny, Chloe, & Baxter Bionci
Cookie & Muppet Bonfante
Charlie Dog Bove
Shadow & Kirby Bove
Heidi, Klause, & Nicky Bremer
Nick Brienza
Miami & Luna Cabrera
Patty Campbell
Rigel, Smudge, Flash, Tex, Blaze, Sweetie, & Kit Campo
Sunny, Tommy, & Tammy Carafello
Bubba & Suzy Casale
Mott, Mugsy, Hank, Harley, & Hoop Casamenti
Taffy, Sabrina, & Lacey Chiarella
Sean, Brett, & Casey Connor
Sunshine, Ginger, & Midnight Dandy
Big Daddy, Tweety, Godzookie, TinkerBelle, & Penny
DeLuca
Tabithia & Tucker DeVries
Gyro Diakakis
Pepper, Angel, & Beauty DiSanto
Mama, Precious, Smoki, & Baby DiStefano
Buddy, Morris, & Chopper Doyle
Belle & Scruffy Dymek
Tommy Ferlise
Ivy, Samantha, & Squirrel Fernandez
Sundance, Franny, Marco, & Bali Fisher
Gus, Cody, Jojo, Benny, Jordan, & Scotty Fisher
Rawley & Charlie Gorbaty
Dee Grass
Rascal, Willie, & Nelson Greco
Harley, Lucky, Moose, Belmont, Boots, & Buddy Gruno
Meghan May Henn
Shanna Lee & Maggie Lee Hilsinger
Bentley Huang-Mapp
Corki Huber
Bandit, Baby, Perry, & Salem T. Hughes
Sidney & Vito Iannicelli
Onyx & Shadow Janusz
Pepper Josephson
Homer, Mr. Dinkins, & Rusty Kaminski
Rebecca & Ari Kanter
Hannah & Frankie Kemp
Diller Kievit
Muffin & Button Kievit
Keshmesh & Mittsie King
Peanuts & Teddy Kommer
Lily Belle Koske
Kiki Lewis
Shannon, Myles, Owen, Chloe, & Nikki Mariano
Jimmy Marotta
Precious, Muffin & Tammie Marren
Rocket Marzocca
Miss Kitty Matulewicz
Nikki, Princess, Midnite, Kelly, & Pappy McShane
Toby, Murphy, Rambo, & Buddy Meyers
Cody Mihalik
Chevy Miller
Cindy Miller
Dayton Myers
Pepper, Samantha, Kitty II, Donna, & Mandi Narish
Trouble & Romeo Pinchak
Calico, Princess, Target, Montague, & Mooch Pirozzi
Spotty Plokhooy
Venus PraSisto
Star, Darla, Munchkin, Trinkz, & Toby Rastaetter
Timmy & Romeo Reonieri
Benji, Oscar, & Lizzie Riglian
Maggie, Penny, Toby, Gigi, & Annie Sadowski
Ting-Ting Scuttaro
Beau & Mittens Sgambat
Shelter Animals
Sinatra Gang
Lady Sisco-Rusnak
Adam Sisco
Smokey, Dukie, Tawny, Missy, Tiffany, Vivi, Suko, &
Keiko Smolensky
Squeaky Talamini
Rita Thorn
Tuck
Blake & Crystal Turba
Sampson VanNortwick
Rocco & Benni VanNortwick-Healy
Jake, Casey, & Emma Van Vliet
Q-Tip & Blackie Vilardi
Midnight Walden
Trax, Tippy, Cali, Ditto, Sox, & Ashes Wasnesky
Emily, Sophie, Toby, & Stanley Weisgrau
Shamrock White
B.B., Sammy, Cosmo, Lucy, Mookie & Mojo Wilson
Lucky Woehrle
Lucy Young
Beau, Andie, Harley, & Tony Zisa
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR HARDWORKING
AND GENEROUS VETERINARIANS WHO SUPPORT
US ALL YEAR ROUND!
Page 4
ANIMAL ANTICS
LOW COST
SPAY & NEUTER
In October, which happens to be FIRE SAFETY
MONTH, the Friends of the Shelter happily
donated PET oxygen masks to all the firehouses
in Clifton that did not have them!
PEOPLE FOR ANIMALS
People for Animals is a low cost spay/neuter clinic
for dogs and cats. Located in Hillside, NJ this
clinic is well known for affordable surgery, vaccines,
microchipping and FELV/FIV tests.
CALL TO MAKE
AN APPT:
973-282-0890
pfaonline.org
401 Hillside Ave
Hillside NJ 07205
YES! I would like to help combat the pet
overpopulation problem. Below is my contribution
towards spaying/neutering an animal:
DOG
$ ________ ($100)
CAT
$ ________ ($65)
OTHER ANIMAL
$ ________
Please make your contribution payable to:
The Friends of the Shelter and mail it to us today!
P.O. BOX 4923, CLIFTON NJ 07015
Update from Kitty
Headquarters
Kitty has made herself at home
very quickly and has basically
become the Queen of the House!
She seems very happy being able
to roam around as she pleases and
has been making very good use of
all the toys everyone over at The
Friends of the Shelter was nice
enough to give her ( Thank You
Liz !) .Kitty never hesitates to
give a little wake up call first
thing in the morning when she is
hungry and is always first in line
when the family has dinner. I
couldn’t imagine a better addition
to our home! I couldn’t possibly
be more in love with her and I
couldn’t be more grateful that you
introduced us! Kitty is the
sweetest, most affectionate cat
EVER and we are so lucky to
have her as a part of our family –
THANK YOU for everything!
ANIMAL ANTICS
Page 5
Notes and Letters
We are so happy to have our little Boo and love her dearly. She
has adjusted wonderfully and is very comfortable here! She is a
food bandit! She will remember if something is left on the coffee
table for hours and when no one else is looking, it is hers!
She doesn't seem to like other dogs but we are slowly working
on that...She loves loves loves people and children.
She has some allergies and we are slowly figuring that out as
well. All and all she is a wonderful little girl who we love dearly.
Thank you for letting us give her a forever home.
Here is Boo sleeping in her favorite spot. She loves to nap with
a warm summer breeze! Sometimes she has to be told to get
down because she barks and growls at dogs passing by. She's
learning that if she wants to look out the window she has to
keep her comments to herself though! - Salena Holman
I have always been a dog person, but that was only
because I never knew how much love a cat could offer.
As a first-time cat owner, I wanted a nice and easy-going
cat. After searching on Petfinder for a while, I came
across an adult female named Mous. The video posted of
her was adorable and I knew I wanted to meet her. At the
shelter they told me that she had been there for over 8
months. 8 months! And it wasn't because she was a highmaintenance cat, nobody had ever come to look at her.
She was a favorite at the shelter because of her
personality, and now she's my favorite. Now I get to look
at her every day and listen to her purr with content. It's
been over a year, and she is still the princess of the
house. I can't imagine my life without my cat, and yes,
now I am officially a cat person.—Mous’ Mom
In September 2010, I adopted my English Spot Pumpkin
Spice (formerly Margaret) from the Clifton Animal
Shelter. I still can't believe she was simply found on the
streets abandoned. I instantly fell in love with her
curious, snuggly personality and demand of frequent
pets. As I'm sure most of you know, the shelter's usual
residence is made up of other furry friends like cats and
dogs. In fact, Liz even wrote (and of course, crossed
out) "cat" on Pumpkin's application out of habit. As a first
time bunny owner who was learning as I went along, it
was nice to be able to rely on Astrid and the volunteers
for tips and advice on bringing a bun into my home.
Last year, Pumpkin Spice was diagnosed with Breast
Cancer, and although she has had surgery, it returned
and she is now on a steady course of prescription
medicine. I'm relieved to say that right now she seems
so happy and healthy and is definitely up to her usual
fresh hijinks. She loves playing in her homemade
tunnels, romping around the apartment, playfully
nudging, digging up a storm, sneaking into forbidden
territory such as closets, doing crazy binkies, lounging
lazily, begging for treats, and rolling and flopping for
attention. As spoiled as ever, she now even has her
very own room.
Pumpkin Spice continues to
be one of my greatest
sources of joy; she is my
dear furbaby and I couldn't
imagine my life without her.
I am so grateful that we had
the opportunity to rescue
each other and am eternally
thankful to everyone who
made it possible. On
another wonderful note, we
recently celebrated her 3rd
Adoption Anniversary this
fall! - Jennifer Holsman
I want to thank you so much for taking such great care
of the Schultheis Farm kitties. You found homes for
Toast and her three babies!
Liz, your daily emails in helping me capture and
foster kittens were my lifeline. Thank you for your
tireless dedication.
Caroline, you had faith that the semi-feral ginger kitty
could be a loving pet...I’m so glad you took the time
and gave him his chance at life.
FOS volunteers are the BEST! -Terrill
Page 6
ANIMAL ANTICS
~HAPPILY EVER AFTER~
EDITORS NOTE: The Denman Family are adopters
from this past year who made a difference for cats
who they felt were passed over by others. They
opened their hearts and home and for that they
have OUR thanks…...So this is why I say no thank you needed.
We renamed HOOCH to MAXIMUS! He is a Loving DOLL, we
love him SO much in such a short time! ( Hooch / Maximus is a
Dogue de Bordeaux - like in the Movie “Turner & Hooch”! )
- MIKE & ELYSSA
I should thank you and your crew. Not just for our new family
members, but for the love and dedication you show in all that you
do. So we want to thank you all for giving hope to all that come
through your door. Coming to your shelter is the beginning of a
much better life for all that come to you in their time of need. You
have a dedicated family of people that really seem to love what
they do so one more time I want to thank you for everything.—
Fred Denman Jr & Family
TIGGER & BETSY
Hi Evelyn! It's me Howdy-Denver!
I have attached a few photos of Peanut. Haven't been
able to get too many good ones because she and
Germ haven't been still for too long since we got in!!
When we first got home, Germ slowly approached
Peanut and started smelling her. He went back and
forth doing this a number of times. Then when Germ
was sitting on his blanket, Peanut went over and sat
right by him—it was the cutest thing! They have been
chasing each other since!
I'm at my new home after 4 weeks of training and my new
family loves me and tells me I'm perfect! I got to sleep on their
big bed with them last night!
We walked 3 miles in the forest today and I feel great !!
Thanks for everything !!
Peanut loves him...it is so funny! And she does so
many things just like Germ; the little "jumps" when
she's excited, going down on her front paws with her
little butt in the air-we have been cracking up. When
we take the dogs out to potty, Scooby stays right by
her side; I feel like he is protecting her. I am going to
film that and send it to you.
This little one is such a doll, and we all love her
already! - Jacquie :)
PEANUT & GERM
I saw Sadie's picture on your Tricky Tray flyer and
thought I would give you an update.
I adopted this senior beagle from you late Dec. 2012.
She was 30 lbs of pure love. Weight loss is going well,
and her heart murmur seems to be correcting itself as
a result. It's an advantage that I babysit for her
veterinarian. I have prescription drops for her dry eye
that is remarkable. You would not believe how active
she's become.
Still don't understand how someone could lose such a
great dog, but it's my gain. She is so comfy here, and
just unbearably cute.
Thank you again. - Francene Pimenta
ANIMAL ANTICS
Page 7
Happy Tails * Happy Tails * Happy Tails* Happy Tails * Happy Tails * Happy Tails Happy Tails
We adopted Tyson, an under weight Boxer, on 03/09/2013.
Two months later, he’s gained about 10 pounds and found his
forever home. Our lives have been changed, we feel so
blessed. He’s inquisitive, loves to play and is always by our
side. He has made so many new friends (2 and 4 legged) in the
neighborhood, everyone loves him. Thank You,
Rick & Claudia Szafranski
Our family adopted Champ at the end of March. I cannot
begin to tell you what an absolute perfect fit he’s been for
us. It’s like Champ has always been here.
To be honest, we were somewhat ignorant about his
breed and really only know the bad press that pit bulls
typically get. What encourage us was the way you and
your staff educated us and showed your genuine love for
this dog.
Your sincerity sold us and we couldn’t be happier with
him. I look forward to engaging people when I walk him
and just let Champ be himself. He’s an extremely well
behaved, very lovable dog that just wants to please you.
ISIS & CHARLIE
Karen's out shopping, so Charlie and I thought we'd send
a note to say hi and to let you know how much we love
our new home. We've been here seven months now, and
it feels like we've been here forever. There are lots and
lots of toys to play with, windowsills to watch birds from,
and a warm lap and a cuddle anytime we want (and we
want a lot!). As is only appropriate (I was named after a
goddess, after all!), I am the queen of all I survey, and
Charlie is my devoted BFF, always ready for a game of
kamikaze kittens, or a snuggle in our favorite spot. I've
attached a couple of photos of us doing what we love
best. Thanks for taking such good care of us at the
shelter, for introducing Charlie and I, and for letting
Karen take us home with her. Meow to you, Isis and
Charlie P.S. Hi from Karen, too!
Champ is a great ambassador for pit bulls that has
already changed several people’s perspective on his
breed, and no doubt will change many more. Much thanks
to you and your staff for the vital services you provide to
so many animals in need...and thanks for taking such
good care of Champ...he’s awesome. -Lee and Emily To
CHAMP
TYSON the BOXER
Get in the holiday spirit by honoring a pet who held (or holds) a special place in your heart! A $5 donation
purchases a light on our TREE OF LOVE outside and an ornament with your animal’s name that will be hung
in our shelter. The TREE OF LOVE tradition is observed NOVEMBER 24 - JANUARY 5. All proceeds
will benefit the homeless animals in our care. Celebrate the life of a beloved pet while helping other
animals trying to find new homes for the holidays!
HOLIDAY ORNAMENT COUPON
Name:
———————————————————————————————–———————————–————
Address:
———————————————————————————————–———————————–————
Telephone Number :
———————————————————————————————–———————–————————
NUMBER OF ORNAMENTS : _____ X $5.00 = $
———————————————————————————————————–———————————-ANIMAL’S NAME (S) :
Please make checks payable to Friends of the Shelter, Inc.
and mail To: FOS, P.O. Box 4923, Clifton NJ 07015
Page 8
ANIMAL ANTICS
*UPCOMING EVENTS*
HOLIDAY TREE OF LOVE
November 24-January 5, 2014
SANTA PET DAYS
AT FOSTER ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Sunday, December 1 & 8
12:00 p.m.—4:00 p.m.
BARNES & NOBLE GIFT WRAPPING
(Clifton Commons)
Sat. Dec. 21, 5-9 p.m.
Tues. Dec. 24, 8 am-12 noon
10th ANNUAL
Beefsteak Dinner and Tricky Tray
MAY 2, 2014 7:00 PM
For more information, please call
973-470-5936
www.CliftonAnimalShelter.com
ANIMAL ANTICS
FRIENDS OF THE SHELTER, INC.
P.O. BOX 4923
CLIFTON, NJ 07015-4923
www.CliftonAnimalShelter.com
WISH LIST
ITEMS IN BOLD NEEDED MOST :
CAT’S PRIDE Cat Litter (non-clumping)
SPECIAL KITTY Cat Litter (Walmart-red bag)
COMPLETE FORMULA Purina Cat&Kitten Chow
Friskies & Fancy Feast Canned Cat Food
Jars of Baby Food (chicken, turkey or beef)
KMR Kitten Formula Powder
Small & Medium Plastic Litter Boxes
PEDIGREE Dry Dog Food
PUPPY CHOW Dry Food
PEDIGREE GROUND Canned Dog Food
Pouch Dog Food for Small Dogs (Little Champions)
Nylabones & Kong Toys
Leashes, Collars & Harnesses (all sizes)
Liquid Anti-bacterial Soap
Liquid Dish Soap
Sponges, Dish Towels
Towels, Clean Dog & Cat Beds
Dog Crates, Rabbit Cages
* Please visit our AMAZON.COM Wish List!*
NON - PROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PATERSON, N.J.
PERMIT NO. 602
....OR CURRENT RESIDENT