Telethon raises over $46K for shelter’s kitty

Adopted pets and their new families take to
the airwaves

PHOTOS BY SEAN BRADY Karin Kunz (holding Griffin), Tom Kunz (petting Murphy), Rosemary Todino and Heather Cammisa talk live on the set Saturday.

BY DANIELLE MEDINA

Correspondent

BRICK — The Comcast television studio on Brick Boulevard literally went to the dogs — and cats — on Saturday as dozens of furry creatures put their best paw forward to help raise over $46,000 for the Jersey Shore Animal Center’s (JSAC) annual telethon.

The daylong fund-raiser featured animals available for adoption, as well as appearances by adopted animals and their new families. Wildlife rehabilitators, veterinarians and animal trainers were also on hand throughout the day.

Jersey Shore Animal Shelter volunteers answer the phones during the telethon.

The money raised will go into a building fund for renovations at the shelter, Brick Boulevard, that will include the creation of examination rooms, kennel upgrades and the expansion of dog runs, according to Kathy Koos, a volunteer and member of the JSAC board of directors.

According to Rosemary Todino, a volunteer and president of the JSAC board of directors, the highest pledge on Saturday was made by an anonymous donor for $8,000, but the majority of pledges were in the $25 to $50 range. A $700 donation was made by Toms River High School South students participating in the school’s Protection of Animal Welfare (PAW) club, which raised money by selling gift wrap.

Koos estimated that the center has a 95 percent return rate on pledges made and that it is rare for them to have to call donors to remind them to remit their donation.

"Very few people who pledge don’t come through," Todino added. "We’re very grateful to the community."

Karin Kunz, of Toms River, shows off Griffin Saturday at the Comcast studio, Brick Boulevard.

The JSAC is a nonprofit shelter that adopts out approximately 700 dogs and cats, as well as other animals like rabbits, parrots and hamsters, each year.

"These animals are not damaged goods," said JSAC Executive Director Heather Cammisa. "They are often the victims of human circumstances like divorce and relocation."

The center has approximately 25 employees and relies heavily on a network of volunteers for dog walking, grooming, playing with cats, fund raising, office help and giving tours of the shelter to the public.

Before the JSAC adopts out an animal, they carefully review the applications they receive and perform background checks and make calls to local veterinarians.

According to Amy Delaney, another volunteer and member of the board of directors, the staff at the JSAC is so in tune with the animals and their personalities, they can easily see matches between animals and potential families.

"I remember a man who came in wanting a German shepherd, and walked out with this tiny little Pomeranian," Delaney said. "It was just a good fit."

Toms River resident Helen Gailey said the dog she adopted from the JSAC in November was perfect for her and her husband and their 15-year-old Yorkshire terrier.

"Sweet Pea just fit right in," Gailey said of her 11/2-year-old silky terrier mix. "It’s just been terrific having her around."

Anyone interested in making a donation or volunteering time to the shelter can visit www.jerseyshoreanimalcenter.org or call (732) 920-1600.