3 Abandoned Huskies In Snow, Cold Rescued By Somerset Regional Animal Shelter

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — After four nights in the snow and cold, three Husky dogs, who were dumped off a road in Bridgewater, are now warm and safe thanks to the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter(SRAS).

The two-year-old mother Husky and her two pups (six-month-old females) were reported abandoned off Frontier Road behind the Bridgewater Sports Complex on Thursday morning, said SRAS Director Brian Bradshaw.

However, Bradshaw told Patch he believes the dogs were more likely abandoned on Wednesday night and first spotted on Thursday morning.

Animal Control Officer Karen Fisch was able to trap the mother and one of her daughters right away on Thursday. However, she was unable to catch the other daughter, a grey Husky.

The Shelter continued to set traps and look for the last pup.

Bradshaw's Assistant Brittany Pellegrino, who lives in the area, on her extra time off the clock would try to catch the poor frightened pup.

"Buying all sorts of food to attract the pup. Even though Brittany was able to get close to the pup she would always run away," said Bradshaw.

The first two pups the shelter caught were wearing sweaters at the time so Pellegrino used the sweaters to get the last pup.

"Brittany was smart. She put one sweater in the trap and one on top of the trap in an attempt to lure the puppy toward the trap," said Bradshaw. "During the night, the dog wouldn't go in the trap but she did go on top of the trap and took the sweater off, put it in the bushes, and was sleeping on top of her mother's sweater."

Bradshaw said the dogs were scared at first and it took him time to gain their trust. On Sunday morning, Bradshaw decided to bring the mother back to the area where Pellegrino spotted the puppy sleeping on the sweater

"As soon as the pup realized it was his mom the pup got excited and ran over to see her. While the pup was distracted Brittany was able to slip a leash on her," said Bradshaw.

Right now all three Huskies are staying at the shelter where they will be spayed and cared for before going up for adoption - if no one claims them.

"We're also trying to find who dumped them, because the adult dog, had a microchip," said Bradshaw.

The shelter employees did go to the person's house listed on the chip but Bradshaw said the resident said "they'd never had a dog."

SRAS is a nonprofit organization that services pets in the Somerset County area. The shelter is always in need of donations.

Community members can help the shelter by purchasing supplies from the shelter's Amazon Wishlist or by making a monetary donation visit srasnj.org/donate.

The shelter is open daily from noon to 3:30 p.m. at 100 Commons Way in Bridgewater. No appointment is necessary.

Anyone interested in fostering, adopting, or learning more about the shelter can call 908-725-0308 or visit srasnj.org or facebook.com/somersetregionalanimalshelter.

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