Couple intent on helping cats, dogs find nice home
BY PATRICIA YOCZIS Correspondent
Mitch Geier and his wife, Betsy Lane, went to the Northern Ocean County Animal Shelter in Jackson to adopt a dog and a cat. They came home with Jack, an 8-year-old dog, and Tiberius, a 3-year-old cat, and something more - a project to increase pet adoption at the shelter.

"There were so many beautiful, healthy animals waiting for adoption that I decided to help them find homes by using my hobby as an amateur photographer," said Geier, who has more than 30 years of experience in animal rescue, including special-needs animals and birds. "My wife, who is in pharmaceutical marketing, joins me in promoting this project."

Geier, who lives in the New Egypt section of Plumsted, calls his project Critter Corner. Once a week he visits the Jackson shelter, spends times with the adoptable dogs and cats and takes their photos. Then he writes a short history of each animal photographed and submits the information to Internet Web sites and online and print media.

"My hope is that the publication of photos and stories will make a difference in helping people to adopt and increase the adoption rate at the shelter," said Geier, who is the president of the Computer Emergency and Consulting Group, New Egypt.

Geier noted that one special need at the Jackson facility is used tennis balls for the dogs to use a toys. Also, he said that people, especially senior citizens, should consider adopting older animals.

"The older animals are often more mellow, sociable and trained," said Geier. "I hope the photos make things better for the animals and help to find them homes."

Flo Essig, a volunteer and the treasurer of the VolunteerAuxiliary forAnimal Shelters Inc., at the Jackson animal shelter, has seen Geier's photos.

"They are wonderful and really capture the dog's or cat's spirit," she said. "The before photos when the animals come in and the after photos are striking."

Essig, 85, a resident of Bayville, has volunteered at the shelter since 1983. She started taking puppies and dogs from the facility to visit residents in nearby nursing homes.

"I've always loved dogs and working with the elderly," said Essig. "A former shelter veterinarian back then suggested we volunteers form a group to extend our activities, so we incorporated into the volunteer auxiliary."

In addition to socializing with the animals, she said the extended activities in- clude taking a petmobile to the nearby PetSmart in Lakewood on Saturday mornings to showcase the adoptable dogs and cats. A three-day Adopt-a-Thon is set for May 1, 2 and 3 at the store.

Essig, who has adopted three dogs from the Northern Ocean County Animal Shelter, said the homeless and unwanted cat and dog population would be decreased if people would spay and neuter their pets. Anyone who wants more information about the volunteer auxiliary can call Essig at (732) 269-0182.

The Northern Ocean County Animal Shelter and the Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter, Manahawkin, are under the auspices of the Ocean County Health Department.

Robin Staley has been the manager of both facilities for 13 years.

"The services of the volunteers are invaluable and just wonderful," Staley said. "The Friends of the Southern Ocean CountyAnimal Shelter are a great group, too."

At present, she said the Manahawkin shelter has room for 97 cats and 24 dogs, while the Jackson shelter can accommodate 136 cats and 33 dogs. The weekly adoption rate is about 15 animals.

The procedure for adoption involves an application stating home ownership or rental approval for pets. All family members and other household pets must visit a shelter prior to adoption.

"We want to make sure the adopted animal and the new owners are suitable to each other," said Staley. "It has to be a good match for the animal and everyone in the household."

The adopted animals are spayed and neutered, medically up to date, and implanted with a microchip for identification. The fee is $55 for cats and $60 for dogs.

Staley, who has adopted three dogs and three cats, said animals brought to the shelter are held for eight days to give the owner time to find the pet. After the eight days, the animal is eligible for adoption.

"Every effort is made to find the animal a home, through a foster program and networking with other animal rescue groups," she said. "The photo project will help expand our networking and hopefully find more suitable homes for the adoptable cats and dogs."

The hours at both shelters areMonday through Sunday 1-4 p.m., with extended evening hours onWednesday to 6:30 p.m. The Northern Ocean County Animal Shelter is at 615 Freemont Ave., Jackson, (732) 657-8086. The Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter is at 321 Hay Road, Manahawkin, (609) 978-0127.