May 22, 2024
By Dana Treier
Webmaster
This article is part of an in-depth reporting project for National Pet Month.
The Humane Society of Bergen County holds a special place in my heart.
With the compassion and diligence of approximately 20 volunteers and employees, this Lyndhurst-based animal shelter positively impacts the lives of animals in our community.
I became aware of this organization in 2019 when my family and I adopted two guinea pigs from the shelter, which rescued them from a pet store that had been feeding their species to snakes.
Believing in the shelter’s mission, in 2021, I decided to do a Girl Scouts service project with the organization. As part of the service project, I created pet drives to collect items the shelter needed, created care packages for adopted animals, volunteered at pet photo fundraising events and helped with adoptions at the Lyndhurst PetSmart located at 540 New York Ave.
Through this process, I learned about the dedication, resources and time involved in caring for shelter pets.
When the service project ended in Summer 2022, I became a volunteer at the shelter, which I quickly learned was tedious work.
Every Saturday morning from 10 a.m.-noon, I clean cages, feed the animals and sweep the floor, among other jobs.
After completing those tasks, the other volunteers and I spend time socializing with the animals.
Everyone at the shelter works hard to find forever homes for the animals, and their effort does not go unnoticed.
Some animals I interact with have been abandoned, neglected or surrendered by their previous owners. I’ve learned that patience is key with animals who may be aggressive or hesitant at first.
On my first day at the shelter, I encountered an older, orange tabby cat named Sam who was hostile and often bit the volunteers. After months at the shelter, Sam finally calmed down and started trusting people. A man looking to adopt saw Sam’s potential and adopted him.
Knowing I played a role in the positive change in Sam’s demeanor was uplifting. It reminded me of the good things people can accomplish when they dedicate themselves to helping others.
While the Humane Society of Bergen County never discriminates against animals they accept, the animals are screened by a veterinarian before they are available for adoption. Those animals who cannot leave the shelter for medical reasons become office pets.
When I first started volunteering, there was a brown tabby cat named Rocco, and then there was a gray tabby cat named Quarter. He came to the shelter in a litter of four cats, but because of a heart condition that required medication administered by the shelter staff, Quarter was ineligible for adoption.
On May 5, Quarter found his forever home when he was adopted by a family who has experience with his condition.
Everyone at the shelter works hard to find forever homes for the animals, and their effort does not go unnoticed. Patrons who adopt an animal from the shelter never forget the welcoming environment to which each volunteer and employee contributes.
Witnessing an animal get adopted is both difficult and rewarding.
I’ll never forget Amazon, the first cat at the shelter with whom I bonded. One morning, a couple visiting the shelter saw Amazon’s gentle and playful nature and immediately put in the paperwork to adopt him. As I prepared the cage for Amazon to go to his new home, I felt sad to see him go, but I was happy he had been matched with a loving family.
From birds, bunnies, cats and guinea pigs to the occasional dog and even a pig once, my time at the shelter has reminded me that every creature should be valued and appreciated. It has also helped me realize that no matter the size or type of animal, they each deserve the love and care our shelter provides.
The Humane Society of Bergen County does tremendous work caring for animals before they find their forever homes, and I feel privileged to contribute to this local non-profit organization.
