5677aa437bc09c6c98333938fbe25c53.jpg

EAST WINDSOR: Nonprofit seeks loving home for rescue dog

By David Kilby, Special Writer
   EAST WINDSOR — Emma is a pit bull in need of a home, yet it is not because nobody wants her.
   The founder of Animal Friends for Education and Welfare, based in East Windsor, actually has become quite attached to her, but the nonprofit just can’t give her the undivided attention she deserves.
   ”She’s a real sweet girl, and we’re just looking for a home for her,” said Marilyn Hondorp of East Windsor, co-founder, operations manager and veterinary chairperson for AFEW. “Emma always has a smile. You look at her, and she just gives you that big old grin.”
   Emma was found by AFEW just roaming the streets in Hamilton as a stray about a year ago.
   ”She probably did have an owner at one time,” Ms. Hondorp said. “She’s good in the house. She just wants to be with somebody.”
   She said it’s understandable that in these economic times people can’t afford dogs sometimes and mentioned AFEW has received a slight increase in stray dogs for that reason.
   Emma comes out to AFEW’s adoption days at the Corner-Copia Farm Market and Garden Center, 299 Princeton-Hightstown Road in East Windsor on the corner of Old Trenton Road. Adoption days are every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The weekly event is a time for people to come see the shelter’s dogs and cats. Between eight and 20 dogs attend.
   Emma, a 10-year-old Stafford terrier, weighs approximately 55 pounds.
   ”With an older dog, what you see is what you get,” Ms. Hondorp said. “There are no surprises. Their physical size is established so there are no mysteries about whether they’ll exceed the weight limit for your apartment, and, by and large, their temperament and personality are also fully developed. In other words, they’ve become what and who they are going to be.”
   She also mentioned older dogs, including Emma already are trained, and they’re past the chewing stage. She said they require less exercise and are often a wonderful match for a senior citizen.
   ”The older dog enjoys walking. Your companionship, can lower your blood pressure and reduce anxiety,” Ms. Hondorp said. “If you have been lucky enough to hold a warm dog next to you, you know how comforting their breathing can be. They are also good listeners, enjoy your singing whether it is on key or off key, and when they wag their tails, look up at you and smile — there is nothing better!”
   Today, Emma is staying at a foster home in Mercerville with Fran Duffy, who admits he has gotten a bit attached to the dog.
   ”During that month (February), she’s done nothing wrong at all,” Mr. Duffy said. “She hasn’t peed in the house; hasn’t destroyed anything. The only thing she asks for is to be part of the gang, relax, interact and play.”
   He added, “I said we’ll keep her for a week or so. When it came time to return her to the shelter, I couldn’t, in good conscience, bring her back. I know she’s enjoying her time away from the shelter. We’re preparing her for life in a domestic environment. She gets fed twice a day, walked twice a day.”
   He said the only reason he’s willing to part with her is because he already has two other dogs, and three dogs in the same house becomes a little overwhelming.
   ”I want what’s best for her, but at the same time, we’re hoping for a good home for Emma, not just a home,” Mr. Duffy stated.
   AFEW is a nonprofit organization made up of about 20 to 25 active volunteers, along with other supporters. The organization, established in 1993, finds foster homes for stray dogs and cats while searching for permanent homes for them.
   The nonprofit also hosts fundraisers such as the Twistin’ Your Tails Away, to be held at Hamilton Manor on April 19 at 7:30 p.m.
   The event, now in its ninth year, will have cash bars, dinner, 50/50 raffles and a performance by The Fabulous Greaseband. All proceeds from the event will benefit AFEW.
   March 16, AFEW will participate in Haldman Ford & Subaru’s ninth annual St. Petrick’s Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., located at 607 Route 33 in Hamilton. Items will be collected for the Hamilton Animal Shelter and AFEW.
   Since 1993, AFEW has placed more than 2,000 animals in new homes, Ms. Hondorp said.
   It works with the Hamilton Animal Shelter and individuals who need to re-home their pets. Some animals stay at the shelter, and others stay in foster homes. AFEW procures rabies vaccinations and as well as spaying and neutering of all the shelter dogs in its care, Ms. Hondorp said.
   Meetings are held 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month at the East Windsor Library on Hickory Corner Road.
For information, call 609-586-7600 or visit www.afewpets.org. Those interested in donating to AFEW can mail donations to PO Box 1341, Hightstown, New Jersey, 08520.