A message from Montclair Animal Shelter Manager Melissa Neiss.

It’s that time of year again at the Montclair Township Animal Shelter when we receive lots of phone calls and email messages about wildlife. Everything is starting to stir in nature. The days are a little longer, the animals are a bit friskier, and the temperature is a bit warmer.

In a highly developed and bustling area such as ours, interactions and close encounters with wildlife are becoming more and more commonplace. Habitat is being destroyed for the sake of expansion and growth and we are almost literally painting wildlife into a corner. When their natural habitat is removed wild animals are forced to find creative alternative living and dining arrangements… such as your house and your trash cans.

The Montclair Township Animal Shelter recently found this elderly lady wandering the streets of Montclair and are looking for her family. If you know to whom she may belong, please contact the Shelter at 973-744-8600 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Mazzie (Medium Adult Female English Bulldog)
It’s not very often that you find an English Bulldog as pretty as Mazzie in a predicament. Mazzie's family had another dog and well, the long and short of it is the two just weren’t the best of pals. So here she is, a little puzzled, but she's going with the flow because she's a laidback, calm kinda gal.  But Mazzie certainly would like a new family soon -- the truth of the matter is, she loves hugs and belly rubs. And she's an excellent kisser! There's a family out there just waiting for this lovable dog. Mazzie is only three years old, totally housebroken, and super, super sweet.  So maybe you can be her family? And the best kind of family for Mazzie might be with kids 15 and older so there’s not too much excitement, and a family with no other dogs so she can be the princess!

Keep your pet safe and warm during winter storms and in extreme cold weather. Do you have enough of the following items to last a few days, should the roads become unsafe for travel or the veterinary office is closed?

• - pet food
• - litter
• - fresh water supply
• - soft warm bedding
• - any medications your pet takes on a regular basis

Outdoor pets
Some pets are better suited than others for living outdoors. There is a common misconception that dogs will be "fine" if left outside. This is not true.

All pets need adequate shelter from the elements and insulation against cold weather. Pets should not be left outside for long periods in freezing weather. Like humans, they can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite. The young and the senior pets are especially at risk. Pets with arthritis are prone to more discomfort in cold and damp environments.