MONMOUTH COUNTY – Another rescue dog has found a new home, thanks to the successful pilot program the Monmouth County SPCA have introduced.
In January of this year, the Monmouth County SPCA initiated a program where shelter dogs are placed within police departments to serve as emotional support animals. The shelter was successful with placing Tala, a purebred husky. Tala was adopted by the program’s first participate, Eatontown Police Department. After the program’s story was shared throughout the community, many local departments inquired about the program.
The program has now been able to place a second dog. The shelter shared the happy news that a dog named Luke was adopted by the Neptune City Police Department.
In December of 2020, Luke, a 6-year-old Catahoula mixed breed, was brought to the Monmouth County SPCA from an overcrowded shelter. The individuals who initially rescued Luke weren’t aware that he had a broken hip and that he was in living in pain. Once he came to MCSPCA, the medical staff quickly assessed the dog and scheduled the surgery Luke needed.
“Luke spent 4 months in a loving foster home recovering from his procedure, and it was there that we were able to determine his calm and gentle demeanor would make for a perfect match for the placement program,” the MCSPCA said.
“It’s been a tough time for everyone, including our officers – we’re human beings and have bad days too so Luke brings us joy and comfort when we need it most. Being that Luke is over 6-years-old, which sometimes makes dogs harder to adopt, we’re happy that our station family could take him and give him love and be loved in return, he really is a ray of sunshine,” said Matt Quagliato, Chief of Neptune City Police Department.
Neptune City Police Department Patrolman Matt Edwards, who adopted Luke, expressed how Luke has brought nothing but joy to everyone at the station.
“Every time we walk into headquarters, you can hear Luke shaking out his fur, see his tail wagging and you can’t help but smile and start playing with him. While inside, he loves to hang out and follow you around, and when we take him on walks, he treats it like a new adventure and greets everyone he sees! We are so thankful and lucky to have adopted Luke,” Edwards said.
Executive Director of the Monmouth County SPCA, Ross Licitra, said everyone loves seeing this important initiative grow into a successful program.
“The relationship we’re able to create between shelter dogs and our local officers is what our mission to serve our community is all about. We look forward to MCSPCA shelter dogs in police departments throughout Monmouth County,” Licitra said.
The MCSPCA are welcoming any interested parties to contact them about the placement program. For more information, email info@monmouthcountyspca.org or call 732-542-0040 ext. 7.
