There was plenty of woofing and tweeting. There was probably some meowing, too.
Welcome to the Denville Animal Shelter. Here everyday has gone to the dogs—or the cats—and yes, even the birds.
Located in Building 9 in the Department of Public Works complex on Morris Avenue, the shelter tends to about 150 animals per year and is operated by the Denville Police Department.
“Every animal that comes here has a story to tell,” said Denville’s Animal Control Officer Meredith Petrillo.
Meet, Radar, for example. The bright green conure, was rescued during a storm in 2005, and landed an adoption by Denville’s finest. It lived at the police station until about 2020.
“He’s really very happy here,” Petrillo revealed. Radar also keeps good company with his chirpy sidekick, a Budgie named Buddy, who was rescued by a Good Samaritan who found him at Cook’s Pond.
As the birds continued to chirp, the shelter’s three resident puppies chimed in, eager for attention: The 7-month-old cream and tan colored Anatolian Shepherds, who Petrillo refers to as “the ladies,” are “sweeter than sweet.” Their size to the tune of 120-160 pounds just comes with the territory of the breed..
“These are unique dogs,” she explained. "They’re working dogs from Turkey and were used to guard livestock against predators.”
Two of the pups, Diamond and Cici, recently gained celebrity status, courtesy of DJ Terrie Carr from WDHA, who featured them—along with Petrillo—on her regular Rock ’N Ruff segment.
On the feline front, the shelter is home to a few feral kittens still adjusting to the human touch, and Anastasia, a blue-eyed white rescue from South Carolina, who has been a semi-permanent resident for the past 11 years.
Cats are boarded in a separate room away from the fray of their canine and avian counterparts.
As of press time, the shelter was home to eight cats, the oldest a whopping 18-years and named Neo.
In addition to housing animals, the shelter also serves as a lost and found of sorts. Its Facebook page, Friends of the Denville Animal Shelter, has led to reunions of lost pets with their equally as lost humans.
Over the years, Petrillo has encountered her fair share of unusual guests including snakes, reptiles, pigs, and even a goat, who was en route to greener pastures.
What sets Denville apart is the all paws on deck contributions made on behalf of the the community. Local veterinarians provide spaying and neutering services and up-to-date vaccinations. Plus, the shelter also coordinates with other animal welfare organizations in neighboring towns.
Thanks to fundraising efforts such as the "Dogs Gone Wild" splash bash at Cook’s Pond and lemonade stands furnished by the business-savvy students at Riverview Elementary School, the shelter is able to provide adoptions free of charge.
“One of the benefits is that this town is awesome in supporting projects,” she said. “It’s one of the reasons I don’t want to retire. It’s such a supportive community.”
For more information on adoptions, contact Meredith at 973-983-7538, mpetrillo@denvillepolice.org, or check out the Denville Animal Shelter on Facebook.
“Every animal that comes here has a story to tell."