BY JENNIFER AMATO
Staff Writer
PHOTOSBYJENNIFER AMATO Over 50 dogs participated in the third annual North Brunswick Humane Association Dog Walk-a-Thon Saturday at Sabella Park to raise money in hopes of building a new pet shelter and to continue funding existing programs. NORTH BRUNSWICK – Look who’s walking.
Over 50 four-legged friends took part in the third annual North Brunswick Dog Walk-a-Thon in support of the township’s Humane Association at Sabella Park on Saturday.
“It’s amazing how all the dogs get along so well. That doesn’t always happen in politics,” joked Township Council President Bob Davis. “Maybe we should turn it over to the dogs.”
The private volunteer organization has continued the tradition in order to fund a community shelter, contribute to the upcoming dog park in town and assist residents in need with spaying and neutering their pets. They also present programs in the public schools and the library as well as publishing the quarterly newsletter “Paws and Concerns.”
“We’re very excited about the dog park. It was the first thing we’ve asked for,” said Annemarie Walters, founder and president of the Humane Association. “And we are in desperate need of a shelter – that’s our focus.”
North Brunswick resident Ron Eichert brought his Chihuahua Jet (l) and Italian greyhound Sweet P. to the walk-a-thon to socialize them with other dogs, but instead they remained close to their owner. With the underlying cause of supporting the association, residents also came out to enjoy the beautiful weather and get some exercise for both them and their pets.
“It’s a good cause,” said Dawn Gorman, owner of her 3-year-old beagle-collie mix Tucker and 6-month-old cairn terrier Texas. “[Tucker] did pretty well. [Texas] kind of took little breaks here and there but he did really well.”
Italian greyhound Sweet P. and Chihuahua Jet also did well, although not enjoying the company of their fellow dogs as their owner had hoped.
“I wanted to socialize them, not that it did much good, as you can see where they’re at,” Ron Eichert said of his lap accessories. “Plus, I think this is a good idea. It helps the township. I hope the township gets its dog park built soon.”
Awards were presented to Harley, the youngest pup at 4 months old; Muttley, the oldest dog at 17 years old; the mini-Yorkie Abbey, the smallest puppy; and mixed-breed Princeton, who was the biggest.
“He’s mellow as anything,” owner Jay Soloway said of Muttley, a shepherd-greyhound mix he found 15 years ago. “We have two cats and he gets along great. The cats probably could do without him, but he just hangs around. People see him and they just get drawn in.
“I love going and doing things with him outside and getting him out. He likes to interact with other dogs and people,”
the first-time walker Soloway continued. “I’ve always felt strongly about anything to do with animal issues. Anything that can be done to help them to me is a plus. I can’t see not helping. They didn’t ask to be born; we have a responsibility.”
Also present were several of the Middlesex County 4-H Puppy Pals, a group for Seeing Eye puppy-raisers. The volunteers receive the golden retriever, Labrador, German shepherd or boxer pups when they are 7 weeks old and train them for 12-18 months.
“Imagine doing the walk-a-thon without vision. Blind people walk around without vision every day and they permit the dogs to guide them,” member Marie Lockhart said.
Last year, the Humane Association aided victims of Hurricane Katrina by donating over 700 pounds of pet food. This year, Walters suggested locals take heed of any potential disasters and compile a kit of tweezers, scissors, bandages, tape, antibiotic cream, peroxide, water, three days’ worth of food, a picture of all pets, license numbers, the owner’s names and address inside a waterproof container.
Sponsors included radio station WMGQ 98.3 FM, Allstate, Adorable Doos grooming and Edgebrook Animal Hospital. Donations were received from several local businesses.
The Humane Association meets the second Tuesday of every month at the municipal building. Visit www.northbrunswickonline.com for more information. Monetary donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 7522, North Brunswick 08902.