By Cathy Miller

Saturday, September 28, was Pet Appreciation Day at Washington Borough Farmers’ Market. Having a serious soft spot for such critters, a visit was made and happiness ensued.

Two Hearts Animal Rescue, based in Oxford, was in the (dog)house, having brought along at least eight dogs, from puppy to adult, ranging from fairly small to medium-ish. The sizable pooch presence had the desired effect, with a constant flow of visitors to their booth.

Two Hearts Animal Rescue is a non-profit, 501c3 volunteer animal rescue, being 100% volunteer and foster home based. It operates on donations, both monetary and material, from the public. It was founded about five years ago by Lisa Melberger, of Oxford, who previously worked with other animal rescue groups for 30 years.

Lisa explained Two Hearts Animal Rescue is dedicated to rescuing animals left homeless for any reason – animals in public shelters where they are at high risk of euthanasia due to pet overpopulation, animals given up by their owners because of difficult circumstances, and those in danger of abuse or neglect. They assist dogs in distress without regard to age and breed.

All the animals that Two Hearts rescues are quarantined for two weeks. Working closely with Dr. Robert Blease, owner, and Dr. Sara Amento from Animal Health Center in New Village, the newly rescued are spayed or neutered, receive all appropriate veterinary care and treatment, and ultimately are placed in nurturing foster homes while they await their permanent homes.

Two Hearts Animal Rescue takes in 20 to 25 dogs a month, most of whom are successfully adopted within a few weeks. They also aid owner-surrendered pets from local homes. Lisa said, “We have a very good reputation because we go above and beyond.” As of Dec. 20, 2017, Two Hearts Animal Rescue has been approved as an Animal Referral Agency for the NJ Animal Population Control Low Cost Spay/Neuter Program. Even though it’s a small group, they’ve handled over 800 dogs since their founding five years ago. In 2018 alone, Two Hearts Animal Rescue found forever homes for approximately 550 dogs and cats.

Lisa said when she first brings her rescues into the fold, she determines the dog’s temperament and personality, then places it in the foster home deemed its best fit.

With an inordinate number of animals being rescued from southern states, the question is “Why?” Why are there so many unwanted, neglected, and abandoned strays in that area? There are several reasons. The regular flooding of certain regions leaves the homeless animals in grave danger. Another problem stems from the lack of strict spaying and neutering regulations – it’s a very different family/pet dynamic. Finally, in an already overpopulated situation, no-kill shelters are outnumbered by those that practice euthanasia.

Meet a few of the doggie ambassadors from Two Hearts Animal Rescue who made an appearance at Pet Appreciation Day. Lisa is frequently asked “what kind of dog is that.” She explained that unless you do a DNA test or know both the mother and father, it’s difficult to accurately determine a dog’s lineage. It’s much easier to “guesstimate” its size and weight, although, that’s not necessarily foolproof either.

Chase, a rescue, is about three months old. He loves dogs and children, but has yet to be “cat tested.” He walks well on a leash, is crate trained and his housebreaking is coming along well. He is a neutered, lab mix.

Forman, a rescue from Georgia, is about three years old, loves everybody – kids, dogs, and cats. He knows basic commands. He is a neutered, long hair chihuahua-terrier mix.

Nelson, a rescue from the Florida floods, is around two to three years old. When the animal shelters were being evacuated, Nelson had already been placed in a shelter, so he was not a family’s dog. He’s shy, but friendly, and crate trained. He is a neutered terrier mix.

Freddy, a rescue from Georgia, is around eight or nine months old. He came from a hoarding situation, and when he was rescued, had no fur, due to a bad case of mange. He’s a dachshund mix and will be neutered before he’s adopted.

Skye, a rescue from North Carolina, is around two to three years old. She’s crate trained, housebroken, microchipped, and good with kids and dogs. She’s a spayed Australian cattle dog/lab mix with the most beautiful sky blue eyes ever!

While chatting with Lisa at the Farmers’ Market, she received an urgent call from one of her foster families. There was concern about a six week old puppy suddenly perceived as not doing well. Within a few minutes, the pup showed up in a little cat carrier, announcing his arrival with boisterous baby dog barks. This was six week old Handsome Jack, a bully breed mix from Georgia, whom Lisa quickly examined, assuring his foster mom he was in good health. He cuddled with Lisa for a while, nibbling her chin, and licking her cheek, then made his way to Sarah Price, to share some kisses. This little guy was part of a litter of ten very recently found under a porch in Georgia.

Lisa Melberger thanked her husband Jeff, for all of his help and support, and her assistants Robin Raible, from Bangor, PA, and Bobbie Pene, from Stewartsville, along with all the caring people who donate, because as Lisa gratefully noted, “Two Hearts Animal Rescue couldn’t do what we do without them. We need more fosters. Without host homes we couldn’t save all these babies.”

• For those who want to help or get involved:
• Become a host home (Two Hearts Animal Rescue pays for all expenses)
• Be an adoption event organizer or an administrative helper
• Be a transporter from the shelter, to and from the vet, to and from adoption events, etc.
• Volunteer at events and fundraisers
• Collect newspapers, blankets and towels
• Purchase items from Two Hearts Animal Rescue’s Amazon Wish List
• Shop Amazon Smile with Two Hearts Animal Rescue as your charity
• Donate – every penny helps!

For more information about available pets, fostering pets, adopting pets, or to simply donate, visit twoheartsanimalrescue.com or find them on Facebook at “Two Hearts Animal Rescue.”

Have an idea for person of the week? Contact Cathy at info@insidewarren.com.