Mountain Lakes businesses teaming up to help homeless dogs

Tiffany Palisi is a dog lover. After rescuing two, she wondered what their lives might have been if she'd chosen not to adopt them.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIFFANY PALISI

Sugar, the black lab mix, had been hit by a car while in her foster home, and subsequently had many surgeries, including one that required pins in her leg. At nearly 18 months old, the black dog, shaved and ratty with an offset under bite, wasn't the most coveted dog. Rocco, her greyhound mix, was 14 pounds of noise. He lived in foster care for a year, but no one would adopt him because he barked endlessly.

Palisi adopted both (on separate occasions) and they have changed her life.

Wanting to help more dogs, but not having the space or ability to adopt more, Palisi set into motion a fundraiser for her favorite animal rescue group, Coming Home Rescue.

'The way I see it,' said Palisi, 'is that if I can raise some money, collect some food, and get a few other supplies, I can help the rescue. And if I can raise awareness, maybe a few dogs will be adopted. But with so many fundraisers out there, I knew we needed to do a little more to get people out, up the ante.'

Teaming with her friend Pam Saldutti, owner of P.S. I Love Soap Co. in Boonton, they decided to offer giveaways to everyone who donates items, or makes a monetary donation, of $5 or more. Palisi's company, Domestic Goddess Ltd., is giving away candles, while P.S. I Love Soap Co. is offering free Bow Wow body bars (soap for doggies).

Other local businesses jumped in to help. Bubba Rose Biscuit Company, 421 Main St. in Boonton, will conduct a donation event on Saturday, March 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Owners Jessica and Eric Talley, whose business was inspired by their rescue dogs, Bubba and Rose, explained, We are fully committed to helping make sure every dog gets a loving home to call their own, and a portion of every sale goes toward an animal rescue organization.'

Mountain Lakes Bagel & Deli, at 350 Route 46 east, will host a similar event on Saturday, March 15, from noon to 2 p.m. Dawn Brodsky-Imbert, owner of the bagel shop, said that she 'would love to have a farm for older unwanted dogs or for families who can't care for their aging pets.' She's rescued seven dogs to date, and says she 'would do anything for animals.'

For those who cannot make the events but wish to help out, Nancy Moran Mermelstein, owner of Prana Yoga in Denville, has offered her space for dropoffs, beginning on March 1.

'We are dog lovers and see the need to help,' she said. 'When you are able to work as a community, you have a greater outreach!'