Timid shelter dog blossoms with love, hopes for family
courtesy of Friends of Northern Ocean County Animal Facility

Timid shelter dog blossoms with love, hopes for family

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1 min read
April 10, 2025
Matilda is ready to trade her kennel for a couch — all she needs now is someone to open their heart and home.

TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Matilda may have come into the Northern Ocean County Animal Facility scared and unsure, but with time, love, and patience, this gentle girl has started to show her sweet and affectionate side. Now, all she needs is a quiet foster home to help her blossom even more.


Key Points

  • Matilda arrived as a terrified stray, but has since opened up
  • She loves being with people and walks beautifully on a leash
  • A rescue is ready to take her — but needs a foster home first

From frightened to full of heart

Believed to be around two years old, Matilda was found wandering alone before arriving at the shelter. At first, she was too overwhelmed to interact, shutting down in fear. But with each passing day, her gentle spirit began to peek through.

Timid shelter dog blossoms with love, hopes for family
Photo: timid shelter dog blossoms with love, hopes for family

Matilda now greets her favorite humans with soft eyes and quiet affection. She walks calmly on a leash, enjoys being near people, and has passed all of her temperament tests. She shows no signs of resource guarding and is eager for connection, though she still sometimes gets nervous around new faces or too much commotion.


Ready for rescue, waiting for love

Matilda did well meeting another dog at the shelter, but because of her sensitivity, a calm canine companion would be the best match. A proper introduction would, of course, be part of the process.

Pitties and Pals Rescue NJ is ready to bring Matilda into their care — but they can’t do it without a foster home to welcome her in. With just a little more support, this lovely girl will finally have the comfort and safety she’s been waiting for.

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News

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