By Mary Ellen Zangara, Special Writer
In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, the emergency animal shelter at Manville High School closed last week with all but a few animals reunited their owners.
More than 40 dogs, cats and birds took up a temporary residence in the gym lobby and the grounds outside after being evacuated from their flooded homes.
Residents who had been evacuated were able to bring their pets and not leave them behind this time as the flood water forced them out of their homes. An animal shelter was set up at the high school with food, cages, and helpers.
Christy Pruiksma ran the animal shelter with a group of volunteers.
”I am very grateful to be appointed to this position of animal manager for the Borough of Manville, which is a part of the Office of Emergency Management,” she said. “This has been a wonderful experience seeing people working as a team and supporting their community through these tough times. The animal shelter program will be activated when the shelters are open for displaced residents of the borough.”
Ms. Pruiksma thanked all who made the first emergency animal shelter a huge success.
Capital Bank of Somerville donated $1,500 towards the care of these animals while away from their owners, Local residents, Camp Bow Wow of Bridgewater, Rawhide Rescue, Long Hill Kennels, Belle Mead Animal Hospital, One of the Family Pet Supplies, Somerset County, Somerset County Animal Shelter, Hungry Hound, Love Your Pet, Manville Fire Department, Manville VFW, Manville Pizza, Manville BBQ, North End Fire Co. No. 3 Ladies Auxiliary, Frank’s Pizza, Dollar Zone, Wal-Mart and One of Family Pet Supplies in Middlesex gave time, money or materials.
There were dedicated volunteers from Rawhide Rescue, the High School, Middle School, Residents of Manville and Junior Fire Fighters who spent their time cleaning cages and walking dogs, said Ms. Pruiksma. Volunteers Elizabeth Bony-Roche, Briana Roche, Nikki and Scott Titus, Nathan Baker, Suzanne LeGrand and Janice Martino stayed overnight to keep watch over the animals.”
On Oct. 1 at Community Day, Ms. Pruiksma and her volunteers will hand out pamphlets and emergency packets for animals and pets at the Office of Emergency Management table.
They are still in search of the owner of a 5-year-old male orange/cream tabby cat. He is about 18-20 pounds and was found in the area of North 3rd. ’For information about this cat or anyone needing pet food, contact Ms. Pruiksma at 908-575-7556.
