Murphy needs a foster or adopter to begin his next chapter
JACKSON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — An Ocean County animal shelter is making another appeal for a young Labrador Retriever after widespread interest on social media resulted in just one adoption application.
Friends of Northern Ocean County Animal Facility said Murphy, an approximately 1-year-old black Labrador Retriever, remains at the shelter and is looking for a foster or foster-to-adopt home through its rescue partner, Pitties and Pals Rescue NJ.
According to the organization, our earlier post about Murphy generated more than a dozen phone calls, emails and social media messages from people expressing interest in helping him.

Shelter staff said they responded to each inquiry by directing potential fosters and adopters to complete an application through Pitties and Pals Rescue NJ, which is prepared to assist throughout the placement process.
Despite the initial response, the shelter said it received only one completed application, and communication with that applicant did not continue.
Murphy is on the shelter’s “rescue only” list because he needs additional training and structure before being placed in a permanent home. The organization said he has already shown a willingness to learn and believes he would benefit from a home where he can continue building those skills.
Pitties and Pals Rescue NJ is offering support to anyone who fosters or adopts Murphy.
Those interested can apply at pittiesandpals.com. More information is also available by emailing kathleenfrett1@gmail.com.
Key Points
- Murphy, an approximately 1-year-old black Labrador Retriever, is seeking a foster or foster-to-adopt home.
- Shelter officials said numerous people expressed interest, but only one application was submitted.
- A rescue partner is ready to assist anyone who fosters or adopts Murphy.