BY SANDI CARPELLO
Staff Writer
On the top of each kitten’s Christmas list is a bowl of Purina Cat Chow.
That’s why Rumson Fair Haven Animal Aid Club –– a 35-member student group that offers financial and emotional support to homeless and abandoned animals –– is putting out a call for donations to the Jersey Shore Animal Shelter in Brick.
"Each year the Animal Aid Club has come to the rescue of needy animals that are housed or processed through that shelter," said Susan Parmly, an art teacher and Animal Aid Club adviser at the high school. "We have been working with that shelter for a while, and they are so appreciative. They have been running on a low budget. Nowadays, everything is so expensive."
In the past few months, the four-year-old club has raised more than $300 to purchase stainless steel food and water bowls for the dogs at the shelter. The club plans to present them with food donations right after Christmas.
According to Jersey Shore Animal Center Director Heather Cammisa, the Brick-based shelter is especially in need of blankets, towels, and, of course, Purina Cat Chow.
"We like Purina because it does not have red dye and it’s affordable, good quality food," she said.
The shelter is also seeking non-clumping cat litter, laundry detergent, doggie treats, rawhide, bird seed, rabbit food and office supplies.
While the shelter’s cats, dogs, kittens, parakeets and hamsters are in need of homes, Cammisa said she does not encourage people to adopt pets as gifts.
"A pet is a life; it’s not a gift," she said. "At the shelter, we get a lot of animals that were gifts. Having a pet is a lifetime commitment, in some cases 15 to 20 years."
Cammisa suggests buying a stuffed animal for a potential pet owner before purchasing an actual animal for them. She also said a pet owner should be part of the adoption process.
Although SPCAs and animal shelters exist throughout Monmouth County, Cammisa said the club has established a close relationship with the Brick facility.
"Susan spearheads [the effort] every year, and we truly appreciate it," she said. "We think these kids are wonderful to care about helping homeless animals."