The Alternative Press

SUMMIT, NJ - Saturday afternoon in the heart of Summit at the Village Green, hundreds of people displayed love and affection for man’s best friend as the Home for Good Dog Rescue held their second annual “Bark-a-Que.”

The organization, which started in 2010, rescues dogs primarily from the south where strays are predominant and finds them homes in New Jersey. Over the past two years, over 1,200 dogs have been adopted and about 1,000 people were expected to attend the fundraiser.

According to the organization’s’ website, their goal is to rescue, nurture and adopt dogs into loving homes.  They have several foster homes committed to the well-being of adoptable pets and it is run by dedicated professionals who volunteer their time and resources to help homeless animals. They rely solely on adoption fees, donations and fundraisers to save the lives of adoptable pets in our care.

“It’s a great opportunity for our  fosters and volunteers to be able to reconnect with the community and the dogs that we saved from being euthanized,” said Ailie Aschton, the director of operations for Home for Good Dog Rescue.

Aschton, who has been with the organization since its inception, said she anticipated many people attending the event because there were many fun activities planned and several dogs up for adoption as well. Any dogs that were not adopted will be up for adoption at the New Providence Street Fair on Sunday. 

It’s really a great way to raise funds to save more dogs, she said. In October, she is going down south with the organization to assist with rescuing dogs. The hard work done by numerous volunteers and foster families does not go unnoticed and they are all a vital part of the organization, Aschton said.

Shari Nyman, who has been fostering dogs for a year, said she enjoys taking care of the animals, but it is hard to see them go when they get adopted. While she has two dogs of her own, taking care of others is never too much of a burden, she said.

“I think the organization is great,” Nyman said.  “Everyone who does it loves animals and is willing to do whatever is necessary.”

Two families who recently adopted pets through the Home for Good Dog Rescue are the Nagy’s and Palmasiono’s. Ken and Pam Nagy of Fords adopted Mack two weeks through Petfinder. After finding out that Mack was found in the woods of Georgia without a mother and was malnourished, they knew they had to have him, he said.

“When they told us that, we said oh no we need to give him a home,” Ken said.

The Palmsaino’s were searching for a dog for a long time when they finally came across Rocky and knew they had to have him, Tom Palmasino said. He’s a great dog because he’s house trained, said 13-year-old T.J.

The event included tricky tray prizes, Super 50/50 raffle, dog adoptions, contests, children’s activities, a microchip clinic, food and entertainment, photos with your pet and more.  Families will receive dog goody bags (valued at $25) with a $5 donation. Attendees can also visit the microchip clinic where a veterinarian or veterinary technician will be inserting microchips for $35, which includes the microchip, insertion and enrollment in a recovery service. Families can learn the latest tips on dog manners from certified behavioral trainers.

Pet owners also showed off their dog's talent to compete for contest prizes. Home for Good’s adopted canines and their owners were invited to march at the Adopter Dog Parade and the most fashionably-attired dogs were crowned as "Mr. and Mrs. Bark-a-Que”.