Loving homes needed for dog, cat with most time at shelter

Egypt BRICK TOWNSHIP — No animal should spend its life living in a kennel.

That's Jersey Shore Animal Center executive director PatriciaWallace's thoughts on the two animals at the shelter who have been there the longest - Egypt- a brindle pit bull mix, and Rozzie, a gray and white tabby cat.

"It's heartbreaking," Wallace said. "They really belong with a family. As much as we love them, a family can give them individual attention. We do have to spread love out over a lot of animals. That's the hardest thing, when you know they deserve so much more."

Now full-grown, Egypt came to the shelter when she was four months old.

"She was still a puppy when she got here," Wallace said. "She's had her puppyhood and adolescence with us. She's a wonderful dog. People don't look past the name pit bull. If they got to know the dog, they would see how wonderful she is. She has a lot to offer a family."

Egypt has graduated from obedience classes "at the top of her class," Wallace said.

The roughly 65-pound dog is a "dominant" female, which means she should only be placed in homes with male dogs. She would also do best in a home with no cats and no children under 12 years of age, according to her description.

Rozzie Egypt is very affectionate, is good on a leash and would thrive in a home with owners that would take her for long walks and give her plenty of playtime in a yard.

"She will return your love tenfold and be forever grateful to be part of a true family," said shelter spokesperson Susan Richmond. "Egypt has spent her life so far living in a kennel. Please make her and our dreams come true by giving her the forever home she truly deserves."

Two-year-old Rozzie, the tabby cat, has been at the shelter since March 2008. She often greets visitors at the door of the cat "roaming room" at the shelter on Brick Boulevard.

The curious and affectionate cat has a stripe on her pink nose and dainty white paws. Rozzie needs a home without dogs, but is very friendly with other cats, Richmond said.

Both Egypt and Rozzie have been altered, are up to date with routine shots and are house trained.

Having animals up for adoption for a long period of time is a "double-edged sword" for shelter workers, Wallace said.

"We become attached to the animals," she said. "But the shelter is not their ultimate home. They belong in a loving home and we strive to place them in a good home. But we have mixed feelings because we love them so much.

For more information about Egypt and Rozzie, contact the shelter at 732- 920-1600, or visit www.jerseyshoreanimalcenter. org.

The shelter's adoption hours are 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.