The Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge Inc. (R.B.A.R.I.) celebrated its 30th birthday on Saturday, May 31st. The event, held at the shelter on 2 Shelter Lane in Oakland, NJ, featured lots of pet related exhibits, special demonstrations from the Bergen County K9 team and New Jersey Search and Rescue, and a special guest appearance from the nationally known animal advocacy group Rescue Ink.
“This was a very special day for R.B.A.R.I. as it gave us a chance to share our 30 year life-saving history with the public” said Christine Taylor, R.B.A.R.I.’s Executive Director. “We want the community to know that homeless pets can depend on R.B.A.R.I.” Taylor said, “And we thank everyone who came to support us.”
The highlight of the day was the presentation of a Certificate of Commendation from Bergen County Sheriff Leo P. McGuire to Executive Director Taylor. “R.B.A.R.I. should be proud of what they have done for the past 30 years for the homeless animals of our community” said McGuire.
Perhaps the most moving part of the ceremony was when McGuire introduced a dog named Ural who the Bergen County Canine Division adopted from R.B.A.R.I. a few years ago. Ural is now serving the County as a full-fledged police dog. “It just goes to show the potential that the wonderful animals in our shelters have” said McGuire as Ural took center stage. Ural is one of many homeless animals rescued from local kill shelters by R.B.A.R.I. before being adopted by the County.
Also on-hand for the presentation of the award was Bergen County Freeholder Julie O’Brien.
Another highlight of the event was seeing all of the R.B.A.R.I. alumni dogs that showed up. “It is so great to see all of them and talk to their adopters and hear how much joy our amazing animals are bringing into their lives” said Robyn Hendrix, a dedicated R.B.A.R.I. staff member. “We work so hard to help these dogs and it makes us feel so good when they find their new forever homes.”
“We were very pleased with the turnout and the support from the local community, but unfortunately, our work is not done” said R.B.A.R.I. Board Member Kevin Boyle. “While R.B.A.R.I. is a non-kill shelter, unfortunately, thousands of healthy adoptable dogs and cats are put to sleep each year in NJ simply because they don’t have homes.” With less than 15% of family pets being acquired through our shelter system, Boyle urges the public to consider the adoption alternative, and looks forward to the day when there are no more homeless pets.
If you are interested in adopting a cat or dog or learning more about R.B.A.R.I. and how you can help, please visit their website at www.rbari.org, call the shelter at (201) 337-5180, or stop by the shelter at 2 Shelter Lane in Oakland during regular business hours.
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!
Sheriff Leo McGuire