Brighton Gardens Resident Shares the Love with Neighbors

by Roseann Trezza, Executive Director of Associated Humane Societies

“Gizmo is doing remarkably well,” Ms Fuellhart said. “He loves his tummy rubbed and sits on anyone’s feet that happen to be near him. Even the advanced Alzheimer’s residents will reach out to put a hand on his head, or tell him a story. It is really heartwarming.”

“A gentleman I spoke with at Brighton Gardens told me a story of a dog he once had that Gizmo reminds him of. He leaned down from his wheelchair to give Gizmo an ear scratch and included him in the conversation,” Ms Fuellhart said. “Giz listened politely, licked his hand and then went in search of another tummy rub.”

New Beginnings really is just beginning and as such, Ms. Fuellhart said much of the organization’s focus now is on getting more volunteers.

“Right now, we are concentrating on getting the volunteers organized and trained so we can get more done,” Ms. Fuellhart said.

The group recently held its first volunteer organization meeting and about 25 people attended.

“We will need a lot more volunteers in the future, but this is a great start if even four or five of them continue with us,” she said.

Meanwhile, the organization’s namesake, Beethoven, a 12-year old chocolate Labrador retriever placed in the Edgewater Sunrise Senior Living facility, is thriving in his home, as well.

Ms. Trezza said Beethoven and Gizmo are the lucky few, as there are so many senior dogs and cats destined to live out their lives in kennels.

“Our hope is that many of the other senior dogs now living in kennels get to live out the remainder of their lives in safe, loving happy homes like Gizmo and Beethoven,” Ms. Trezza said. “We openly invite individuals to come out and see the love that these older pets have to share.”

Associated Humane Societies has hundreds of dogs, cats and small animals waiting loving homes. To see all of the animals available for adoption at the Tinton Falls, Newark and Forked River shelters, log on to www.ahscares.org or www.petfinder.com.

Nationwide Rescue Groups Dedicated Especially to Helping Senior Dogs: CLICK HERE

To learn more about New Beginnings – Inspired by Beethoven,” click on the link “New Beginnings” at www.EvakPak.com. For more information, contact Ms. Fuellhart at NewBeginnings06@verizon.net or EvakPak@ optonline.net
or by phone at 973-887-4542.

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The Associated Humane Societies features cats, dogs, kittens and puppies for adoption at four shelters located in Newark, Forked River, Tinton Falls and Union. Small animals such as guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits may occasionally be available for adoption as well. The Society takes in approximately 15,000 animals annually, and although that figure includes wildlife, the larger proportion is cats and dogs who wait for their `forever home'. Approximately 25% of our dogs for adoption are purebred, and a smaller amount for cats, but they are no more or less lovable than the mixed breeds or many domestic shorthairs we accept. Some of our animals are strays, some turn-ins, and some are confiscations and/or victims of cruelty. We work hard to find those "little old dogs" special homes as well as homes together for pets who have come in together. And we always give extra attention to handicaps who need a little something extra. Visit our web site