Rescue Dogs Arrive in Union Beach

After a long 16 hour transport, 13 dogs and puppies arrived in Union Beach in search of a new life. The dogs were rescued from a high-kill shelter in Tennessee by Castle of Dreams Animal Rescue. The dogs arrived scared and hungry but were soon scampering around the yard of Castle of Dreams Intake Coordinator, Pam Frasco, as volunteer families arrived to pick up their fosters.

Executive Director of the program, Jackie Hastings, Cliffwood Beach, accompanied Frasco up to Vauxhall, New Jersey to pick up these homeless pups. Once they arrived at the designated meeting place in Vauxhall, all 13 dogs were transferred into the Castle of Dreams rescue van and driven down to Union Beach to meet their new foster families.

“These dogs were transported from Tennessee to New Jersey by two retired teachers who donated their time to save these dogs,” said Hastings. “We have 13 dogs in this transport, including 6 shepherd mix puppies, 1 Bull Dog, 2 Boston terriers, a Chihuahua and 3 Shih Tzu’s. All are available for adoption.”

Theresa Najjar of Holmdel and her children, Kayla and Kinsey Clark and Kelly Burmeister have been fostering for over two years. They have had dogs of all ages and sizes in their home. When asked why they do it, Najjar replied, “It’s sad and we cry when they leave, but then there’s another dog that needs us and we do it again.”

Najjar explained that the whole family takes part in the care of the dogs. The children help out and work in shifts to make sure the dogs are well cared for. Today they are fostering two of the Shepherd mix puppies from the transport.

Ilene Evans of Hazlet arrived to pick up Simba, a Shih Tzu. Her three children, Brooks, Fiona, and Scarlett were excited to see all the dogs and meet their new foster dog. The Evans’ have been fostering for a year and Simba is the 11th dog they’ve welcomed into their home. All were adopted to great homes.  

“Every time we take a dog, we save a life,” said Evans. “The dogs can be a little scared for a day or two but settle in quick when they’re in a home where they’re loved.”

Castle of Dreams Animal Rescue, all volunteer organization that includes a network of foster homes, saves over 300 dogs and puppies each year. Foster families provide food, shelter and love while the dogs wait to be adopted into their forever homes. All veterinary care, food, and necessities are supplied by Castle of Dreams. To find out more about becoming a volunteer foster family or to adopt a dog go to their website at www.castle-of-dreams.com. Donations for the veterinary care are always welcome.