Usually the Bergen County search and rescue dogs are out helping their best friend in times of trouble, but Saturday they took time to help celebrate the rescues performed everyday by The Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refugee as the RBARI celebrated their 30th Birthday on Saturday. Parked cars lined both sides of the street and visitors made their way, by foot and by paw, down to 2 Shelter Lane in Oakland to show their support for an organization that proudly serves the community and the region. Raffles, food, music and some puppy love were all in play.
Volunteers are always needed in a variety of areas ranging from working with the animals, to helping with fundraising, to educating the public. The RBARI draws volunteers from all over the area, so it’s a great way to meet people who share the same passion. The more people who can volunteer their time, resources, or talent, the easier the burden in providing this humane service which displays the better quality of human nature. Even if you cannot volunteer on a regular basis, offer up some talent the way John Moroski from Montebello, NY did. His opening song, “Here Comes The Sun”, worked a little magic as the threatening skies soon gave way to the sun and a full day of fun at the celebration.
The RABRI has a number of options for volunteers to consider based on their time and abilities, and they welcome area youth whose contribution ranges from hands-on work to substantial fundraising. They also maintain a wish list of items such as pet food, cleaning supplies, pet accessories, and office supplies. This is an excellent outing for people to be meaningful participants, and a great civics lesson for parents teach their children. It is best to call the center at 201.337.5180, so you know in advance which items are a priority and which particular brand might be best. You can also visit their website at RBARI.org to learn more about the different volunteer and donation options
A society should be judged on how it treats the most vulnerable amongst them, and Oakland is proud to be home to Bergen County’s only non-profit, no-killshelter. The RBARI is run without the aid of municpal, state or federal aid, and are not subject to the euthenia standards mandated by organizations excepting tax dollars. They are supported by donations and volunteers, and also operate a gft shop on the premises which offers an array of mostly new, and some gently used, items. All the items are donated to the shelter, and all the profits go directly into funding the operations. Keep them in mind for donations before you “re-gift” that birthday or christmas present you really have no use for yourself.
I went to the RBARI birthday open house. It was a great and fun time and everyone there is very nice. It was also great to see some pets being adopted and I hope that continues! 🙂
It was a great day for RBARI! Cars were parked way up onto Raritan with a steady stream of supporters walking in. Members of the Sheriff’s K9 squad lead by Captain Mickey Bradley and assisted by Officers Scannel, Ryan, Wengrin and K9s DAK and Ural put on a demonstration to showcase their talents. The Rescue Inc. guys were terrific and really care about stopping animal abuse. If you know of any animal in distress and feel there is a danger to the animal, please do not hesitate to contact your local police department- an animal’s life may depend on it.
Congratulations RBARI!