Bev Greco

Executive director, South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter

In just a few days, we’ll be “Marching” into spring. In a little more than a week, we’ll be “springing” ahead and enjoying a little more daylight in the evening. Any minute now, the skies will open up and the kittens will rain down and wreak havoc on our poor shelter worker souls.

Having had such a mild winter, there’s no doubt that the breeding season will be early, hot and heavy. The good news is that we’ve seen a definite uptick in spay and neuter appointments in our clinic; many thanks to those of you who are being proactive by altering your pets before they start to reproduce.

Sadly, everyone hasn’t gotten the memo about pet overpopulation.

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A woman came into the shelter last week to reclaim a young pitbull puppy that had been removed from her property for being improperly tethered. She wanted assurance that we hadn’t “done any surgeries on her,” so I guess we know the fate of that little pup.

Unfortunately, I was not in the office at the time she made this inquiry. I would have liked to take her for a tour of our shelter. I would like to have walked her past kennel, after kennel, after kennel, of homeless pitbulls. I would like to have asked her why she would want to contribute to the horrific overpopulation of the most abused, neglected and feared breed in America. They also are, by far, the number one breed of dog to be euthanized in shelters.

In hindsight, maybe it’s a good thing that I wasn’t out there to talk to her. Perhaps my professional filter would have failed me. Between the neglectful and irresponsible acts of having tied a three-month old puppy to a truck, leaving it unattended and without shelter and then having the audacity to be concerned that the pup might be ruined for breeding purposes, it just might have gotten ugly.

I read a study back in 2018 that estimated there were 3.6 million pitbulls in the U.S. at that time and that 1.2 million of them would end up in shelters. I cannot speak for the validity of these numbers, I just know from what we see here in our shelter and what I see in and hear about in other shelters across the country that the numbers are staggering. This can only be the result of human irresponsibility. Whether it’s breeding for the sole purpose of selling the puppies, breeding them for blood sports, or simply neglecting to spay or neuter them in general, it is uncaring, uneducated, self-serving pitbull owners who are failing these poor dogs so dreadfully. The saving grace is that there are now so many people out there who love and celebrate the breed and who make every effort to help their own pits be every bit the loyal, loving, beautiful dogs they can be.

It made my staff sick and heartbroken to have to hand that poor puppy over to her owner. Even though the pup had only been in our care for four days, she had already stolen the hearts of those caring for her. Fortunately, law enforcement officials are involved and perhaps the consequences of the violations found on the property will help influence, in a positive way, the course of this little puppy girl’s life.

Please help spread the word — our spay and neuter clinic runs two to three times a week. Appointments can be scheduled easily and conveniently online. Go to our website, SJRAS.org, hit the SERVICES drop down menu, click on SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC … and perhaps, the world will be a more humane place for one lucky cat or dog.

Shelter Needs: Canned Cat Food, Lg Dog Chews, Canned Chicken Broth, Canned Chicken & Tuna, Liquid Hand Soap, Rubbing Alcohol, Paper Towels, Gift Cards for Pet Supply & Grocery Outlets.

Shelter Events: Dine & Donate: Join our friends at Buffalo Wild Wings in Millville and they will donate 10% of your tab to the shelter! Enjoy some great wings and a beer for a good cause! Offer stands through the month of February.

Pocketbook Bingo! March 28 @ 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Millville Elks Lodge, 1815 E Broad St., Millville Cost: $30. Tickets available on line at sjras.org and at the shelter.

DOGS OF THE WEEK

Caleb is a silly, fun-loving boy ready for a fresh start! He’s a one-and-a-half-year-old mixed breed that is super smart and loves to play!

Harvey is a darling, 5-month-old mixed breed. This sweet puppy is a loving little boy. He is currently in foster care, so if you are interested in meeting him please contact the shelter or go online and fill out an adoption application.

Herman is a handsome, 3-year-old low rider bully looking for a fresh start! He has good looks and intelligence! Herman looks tough but is actually a quiet, reserved gentleman.

Lola is an adorable little 13-year-old chihuahua. She is currently in foster care, so if you are interested in meeting her please contact the shelter or go online and fill out an adoption application.

Princess is a pretty, 3-year-old mixed breed. She is a shy girl that will need some socialization and confidence building. Once Princess trusts you, you have a devoted friend for life.

Shadow is a great dog. He is a one-and-a-half-year-old lab with a heart of gold. He is happy, bouncy and eager to please. Shadow loves to play fetch and even drops the ball at your feet!

Trina is a lovely, 6-year-old boxer mix. She is a reserved girl that will need to take her time learning to trust you. Once she trusts, Trina is a sweet, affectionate pup with loads of love to give.

CATS OF THE WEEK

Silly, playful, fun and curious and just a few of the words that describe Ranger.

Big Mama. Big kitty, big love. This girl needs a home with a soft bed to snuggle on.

Jazmen clearly has no idea why her world has been turned upside down, and it’s even more heartbreaking because she can hardly see. Please consider opening your heart the Jazmen — she’s seeking rescue or adoption. Please contact Outreach@sjras.org to help Jazmen.

Meet Rhett. He’s a 2-year-old Tuxedo. He’s sweet and ready to get out of the shelter and into a warm home.

Biscotti is a 3-year-old boy. He is waiting for his “furever” family.