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People On The Move - Alexandra Kerenyi Augustyn
07/01/2009 - By by Tobi D. Tesoriero
PROTECTING PRECIOUS PUPS
Unspeakable horrors are inflicted on man’s best friend every day, every hour, every minute…in the world of puppy mills. There, puppies are housed in unsanitary, unhealthy, harmful environs; they are locked in crates and never let out. Some of these poor creatures have never had their paws touch solid ground. Others are blinded by the urine that constantly lands on them from crates stacked above them. They suffer from malnutrition and isolation, and are scarred both emotionally and physically. The awful living conditions to which they are exposed cause terrible problems for these helpless creatures.
Learning of this widespread and horrific predicament, Colts Neck resident Alexandra Kerenyi Augustyn decided to dedicate herself to saving these dogs from that nightmarish existence. Alexandra shared that she became aware of the plight of dogs in puppy mills soon after buying her dog from a pet shop in New York City about 5 years ago. She and her husband decided they wanted another puppy from the same lineage as the one they already had so they contacted the shop. It was then that Alexandra began researching where the pets were coming from and discovered the whole seedy side of puppy mills. While conducting her research, she found an ad for dog rescue. There was a trucker who had a route delivering pharmaceuticals from Missouri to New Jersey; he transported dogs from Missouri to rescues here. At that time he had two labs and a Shih Tzu. Alexandra met him at depot and adopted her 10-year-old blind Shih Tzu. The poor dog was terrified. When Alexandra took her to the vet they discovered the dog had a broken jaw. Unfortunately, they were unable to repair the jaw and the dog had to be put down. Alexandra was so moved by this encounter that she continued researching and came upon the Shih Tzu and Furbaby Rescue (STFBR); she became actively involved.
Alexandra is now a Dog Adoption Counselor with STFBR. According to Alexandra, the organization was founded by Meredith Coley, who, after rescuing her first dog, became passionate about saving others. She recruited friends to help set up a network of foster homes for the rescued animals that come from various places. Some are from puppy mills, others are there because their owners could or would no longer care for them, and others are from “high kill” shelters. The organization makes sure that these animals receive proper medical attention; they are nursed to recovery, and are also spayed or neutered. And, of course, the group tries to find adoptive homes for them. STFBR tries to take in senior and special needs dogs…dogs that otherwise would not have a chance…and work to rehabilitate them. Alexandra further shared that the organization works nationally; in addition to its foster home network, it has a network of transport volunteers who move the animals to any loving home in the country.
As a Dog Adoption Counselor, Alexandra reviews the applications of potential candidates for adoption. Before allowing an adoption she interviews applicants, speaks to veterinarians, and requires two non-family references. She also conducts or sets up home visits, depending on the geographic location of the applicant’s home.
Alexandra and her husband now have four dogs: the original two that started her journey from the pet store, along with two rescued dogs. Through the years she has also fostered about 20 other animals.
In addition to her affiliation with STFBR, Alexandra is also involved with the Monmouth County SPCA, fosters for Wag On Inn, and is involved with Fuzzy Paws in Harleysville, Pennsylvania. She is also an attorney, who had previously practiced law in Manhattan. She and her husband moved to Colts Neck about 4 years ago. Alexandra said that they fell in love with the town because of its wide open spaces and horse pastures.
*Alexandra encourages anyone interested in adopting a pet to visit the website at www.STFBR.com. Please write Alexandra’s name as a reference on the application.
STATS
FAVORITE RESTAURANT
Balthazar, NYC
FAVORITE MUSICIAN
Pete Yorn
FAVORITE MOVIE
Fletch
PET PEEVE
people who chain their dogs outside
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH
Ghandhi, Harriet Tubman, and President Obama
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