def #280 10/31/08
NEW SOUTHERN ANIMAL SHELTER OFFICIALLY OPENED
STAFFORD TOWNSHIP – It may have been 60 people gathered outside in the cold to cut a ribbon to mark the official
opening of a new animal shelter but the event was all about the animals.
“At least 1,000 adoptions take place from this shelter annually,” said Freeholder Gerry P. Little, as he addressed
those present for the grand opening of the Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter on Haywood Road, here. “That is 1,000
animals that have seen the worst of times and have now been placed in loving homes with big-hearted owners.
“From our youngest of kittens, to the older feline, to the white pitbull many thought didn’t have a chance at a
good home, to the energetic puppy, we can confidently say they have received a new lease on their life. And the gift they
give to their owner – unconditional love – truly is priceless,” said Little, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County
Health Department.
And with those words and the cutting of a ceremonial red ribbon decorated with biscuits, the new animal shelter
and its occupants were blessed and the facility was officially opened to the public.
“We provide a host of services for the animals,” said Dr. Ella Boyd, Ocean County’s Public Health Coordinator.
“Before being adopted they have been spayed and neutered, their shots are up to date and they are in good health when they
leave here for their new home.”
John “Jack” Mallon, chairman of the Board of Health, gave his appreciation to the shelter staff and the many volunteers
who help with the animals each and every day.
“We cannot thank you enough for all that you do in helping these animals whether it be walking them or helping with their
adoptions,” Mallon said. “It makes all the difference.”
Special recognition was given to Dorothy Reynolds, who serves as president of the Friends of the Southern Ocean County
Animal Facility.
“I want to thank Dorothy Reynolds of Barnegat Light who has been an animal advocate in Southern Ocean County for decades,”
Little said. “Dotty has been involved with us since before the first shelter was built and after it was built in 1992 she
has continued to volunteer and support this shelter.
“Working with her at this shelter are about 15 volunteers who daily come to walk the dogs, make sure the cages are clean
and the animals are fed,” Little said. “They also help mediate adoptions with potential owners and work with the nearby
Petsmart in the ongoing effort to find homes for those animals left in our care.”
Little also noted the work of animal control officers from throughout the county who work hand-in-hand with the shelter in
assisting abandoned and stray animals.
The new facility was built as a result of the work of the developer Walters Group and Stafford Township in partnership
with the County. In order to make way for other new facilities, the county’s original shelter needed to be moved.
“Had we built a new facility like this the cost would have been about $1.5 million,” Little said. “This was built at no
cost to the taxpayer.”
The new shelter provides for additional space and upgraded facilities for lost, stray and abandoned cats and dogs. A new
cat room features spacious cage suites while additional dog runs accommodate the largest of breeds and a custom built
breezeway offers fresh air and sunshine. A “get-to-know-you” room provides a space for the pets to socialize with their
new owners. A new surgery center and treatment area has also been built.
“It would be great if we didn’t have to have these kinds of facilities,” Little said. “It would be wonderful if every
animal had a loving home and there was no abandonment. But in the absence of a perfect world, certainly the work done at
this premiere facility makes a significant and important difference each and every day.”
The shelter hours are from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. daily including weekends and from 1 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
“We encourage our residents to stop by and maybe spend sometime with what could be their future best friend,” Little said.
