Annual Dogtoberfest raises funds
By Amy Batista, Special Writer
MONROE — Etsch Farms opened its farm for the day to celebrate dogs and raise money for several charity groups as thousands came from all over the area and out of the state to join L’Oreal’s annual Dogtoberfest on Sept. 20.
"I know a lot of breast cancer survivors," said Becky LeLong, of Manchester. "Of course, for the dogs too. It’s a chance for her dog Daisy, a black lab and greyhound mix, to socialize."
She has been attending the event for the past seven years.
"They do a great job every year," she said.
Her favorite events are the pumpkin bowling and hayrides.
Money was raised for dog rescues and non-profits organizations in attendance including Farmers Against Hunger and Learning Through Gardening.
"We raised over $17,000 for Susan G. Komen Foundation," said Rich Werner of L’Oreal.
He said there were 26 dog rescues and one photo vendor.
"We wanted to make this a rescue only event," he said. "The rescues raised over $12,000 and we are already aware of two dog adoptions so far."
The farm hosted the fifth annual Dogtoberfest on Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Etsch Farms located at 556 Buckelew Avenue.
The admission was a $15 donation from which the proceeds will benefit the Farmers Against Hunger, the New Jersey Agricultural Society and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
In addition, L’Oreal patron bags were available for a donation of $25 and a limit of four and were filled with a variety of items ranging from shampoo, conditioner, skin crèmes, makeup removing towelettes, mascara, suncare, makeup products, skincare products, perfume, nail polishes, and much more
Laurie Oister, of Howell, and Trink Poynter, of Piscataway, were volunteering for L’Oreal and selling the patron bags.
Ms. Oister said she has been volunteering for 11 years and "likes being part of the team."
Approximately 1,200 people attended the event, according to officials.
"I love coming here because this is one of the only places that I know of where they let you bring your dogs in a corn maze," said Lisa Scico, of Dayton, adding the corn maze is her favorite part.
Toni Shatusky, of South Brunswick likes riding on the hayride.
"This is my first time to the farm one," said Stephanie Decker, of North Arlington. "It’s cute. We just enjoy being outside and having the dogs."
Ms. Decker was there with her two dogs and her friend, Lois Krupowies, of Iselin, and her two dogs.
"We love dog events," said Ms. Krupowies. "It’s a place where I can enjoy my day with my dog."
Albert Cintron, of Queens, New York was taking some photos with his dog, Casper, posing on top of a toy tractor.
"I wouldn’t miss this for the world," said Mr. Cintron, who has been attending for the past four years.
Erika Searl, of Manhattan, New York "loves it here."
"We love it here being in the country and it’s for charity," said Ms. Searl.
Robyn Synder, of Branchburg, took a ride in the corn train ride with her dog Chesney, 5, a black lab.
"I enjoy it," said Ms. Synder. "I hope they keep it up."
Events were set up around the farm for guests and their dogs to participate in including a hayride, corn maze, pumpkin bowling, Cornhole tournament, Rescue Bingo, corn train ride, dog on leash egg on spoon races, and much more.
Mike Detorrice, of North Brunswick, was the lucky winner of one of the races.
"It was pretty cool," said Mr. Detorrice, adding fast and steady was his technique.
Jersey Animal Coalition of South Orange was one of the many rescue groups in attendance.
"We lost our lease and we are closing," said Kim Block, of Westfield, who is a volunteer at the shelter.
We are closing possibly the beginning of Oct., she said.
"The animals desperately needed a home," she said, adding there are about 10 animals left.
According to its website, it is a no-kill shelter.
Seer Farms of Jackson is a people-centered animal sanctuary and a "different model of shelter."
"We take in animals when families are facing some kind of crisis and then we reunite them when the crisis is over," said President of the Board of Directors Anne Ciemnecki.
Our reunion rate is about 95 percent, she said.
An example she provided was Superstorm Sandy.
"We’ve had over 400 so far," she said. "We will also take animals for health crisis, domestic violence, and economics."
The shelter opened around five years ago.
"Our Executive Director (Laura Pople) was a volunteer after Katrina and she noticed how many people would not come into shelters to protect their animals," she said.
Blind Dog Rescue Alliance of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was on hand with Einstein, a blind dog.
"He’s completely blind," said Doug Ehling, of Sayreville, adding he was born that way.
Gloria Kukan, of Sayreville, and a volunteer with the alliance said he was adopted through this rescue and brought up from Texas.
"We do transports all over the US most situated through the East Coast," said Ms. , adding there are volunteers in Canada.
They can be born blind, from abuse, glaucoma, old age, diabetes, anything, that’s what we work with, she said.

