JACKSON, N.J. – A Jackson family is making an urgent appeal to the community to help find the owner or a new home for a dog they rescued and later had to surrender to the Ocean County Animal Shelter. The dog, affectionately named Scooby, has been described as frightened and struggling in the shelter environment, with just days left to find safety through adoption or a rescue placement.
Kevin Ryan, a Jackson resident, shared the plea on the “Jackson, NJ Residents” Facebook group earlier this month. He explained that his family found Scooby wandering without identification and took him in temporarily, contacting local police and checking for a microchip. When no owner came forward and no reports of a missing dog matched Scooby’s description, the family attempted to care for him but ultimately could not keep him due to their home situation.
“We called every other day about him and it gets more heartbreaking,” Ryan wrote. “Scooby is terrified in the shelter and it is not helping him in any way. We are asking that if you could reach out to any rescues, please help get him out where he can be as happy as he was here.”
Dog found with no chip or missing report
According to Ryan, the family checked with Jackson Police and local animal control but found no record of any missing dogs matching Scooby’s appearance. Shelter staff also confirmed the dog did not have a microchip. In the meantime, the Ocean County Animal Shelter has been caring for him while waiting for either his original owner or a rescue organization to step forward.
Ryan said Scooby has been described as gentle, affectionate, and deeply appreciative of human attention. “He’s not broken—he’s a survivor and a fighter,” Ryan wrote. “He’s still willing to show love even when he wasn’t given any.”
Time running out for Scooby
Ryan said Scooby may only have until February 7 to be claimed or rescued. The family is hoping someone recognizes him or is willing to foster or adopt him to prevent him from being euthanized. “He needs experienced ‘pitty’ people or rescues,” the post read. “If anyone knows any rescue that can help him, please get him to a life he deserves.”
- Dog named Scooby surrendered to Ocean County Animal Shelter
- Found in Jackson, NJ, with no chip or missing reports filed
- Family and community seeking owner, adopter, or rescue before February 7
How to help
Anyone who recognizes Scooby or wants to help should contact the Ocean County Animal Shelter or message Kevin Ryan through the Jackson, NJ Residents Facebook group. The family says they’ll gladly arrange a meet-and-greet for anyone interested in giving Scooby a home.
Residents are being encouraged to share the post across local rescue pages and social media in hopes that Scooby’s original owner—or a new family—can be found in time.