Bergen animal shelter that needs 'so much stuff, it's unbelievable' asks for volunteers
A longtime Englewood animal shelter is asking for help from the community to repair its aging facility, tend to its cats and dogs, and find a grant writer who could apply for more funding.
"We need so much stuff, it’s unbelievable," said Diane Errichiello, a longtime volunteer.
As a volunteer-run, no-kill animal rescue group, START II — Save The Animals Rescue Team II — doesn’t receive funding from the state or local government. The group was started about 41 years ago in Elmwood Park by Marge Kayne, who moved the operation to a larger facility in Rockland County, New York, for about 15 years.
About 21 years ago, the group moved to its current location in Englewood. From the beginning, taking care of the facility proved to be a challenge: located in an industrial park in the city, it was actually condemned when they got it.
"It was a mess," Kayne said. "The roof was leaking, there was no toilet, no bathroom; it was a complete mess."
The volunteers persevered, however, cleaning it up and turning it into a workable, comfortable space for them and the animals they rescue. However, it's been many years since then, and time is beginning to take its toll on the building.
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The shelter is now taking care of about 20 kittens, 40 cats and a few dogs. This is one of the lowest populations they’ve ever seen, since many people have adopted cats and dogs during the pandemic, Kayne said.
"A lot of people just got animals, and they were very happy to have them and kept them," she said.
A smaller population, however, doesn’t mean there isn’t work to be done.
Looking for a carpenter
The paint is peeling off the walls and is in need of a fresh coat. The group also needs help filling the many holes in the yard, dug over the years by dogs. They are a hazard for people walking around.
The shelter has an outside house for feral cats, but the floor has collapsed due to recent flooding. About 10 dog runs have also aged and rusted and need replacing.
"We’re a pretty good-sized facility, but we need a lot of funding," Errichiello said. "We’re in dire need of help."
She said they may need less funding if they can attract volunteers who can do carpentry. In addition to volunteers, START II needs foster homes for cats and dogs.
Volunteers could also help with adoption as part of the shelter's partnership with PetSmart in Paramus and Wayne. Overall, the group has about 40 volunteers, but Kayne would love to see the number expand to 75.
"There’s so much to be done, and there’s such a lack of time," she said. "When you have animals, you have to give them your world."
For Kayne, dedicating her life to saving animals came naturally. She grew up on a farm on Long Island with her grandparents, constantly surrounded by all sorts of animals.
"My grandfather would also say that if someone doesn't like dogs, cats or any kind of animal, stay away from them because they have a cold heart," Kayne said. "He always said to us, 'If you love animals, only good things will happen to you.' "
To volunteer or donate, visit START II's website at sites.google.com/view/save-the-animals-rescue-team-2/. The shelter can be reached at 201-797-8861.
Stephanie Noda is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: noda@northjersey.com
Twitter: @snoda11
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Englewood NJ animal shelter needs volunteers, pet supplies
