Some of the many homeless animals in New Jersey awaiting adoption.
Profile: Karma Cat and Zen Dog Rescue Society
Karma Cat and Zen Dog Rescue Society in Milltown describes its mission as "providing a safe and peaceful haven for homeless, abandoned or abused animals. We will help decrease the number of cats and dogs being destroyed in kill shelters through the work of our foster, spay/neuter, trap-neuter-return, and education programs."
The rescue group was founded In 2010 by sisters Christie and Michelle Arlotta after, as they put it, "10 years of envisioning helping animals in some way." Christie Arlotta left a career as an engineer to start the rescue while Michelle has continued her professional photography while also working with her sister.
With the support of volunteers and donors, the group maintains an adoption center at 39 S. Main St. in Milltown, hosts adoption events at pet supply stores and educational and support events including spay/neuter and microchip clinics while continuing to rescue cats and dogs.
The nonprofit group will hold a fundraising event, "Paws for Celebration," on April 6 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Pierre's of South Brunswick, 582 Georges Road in Monmouth Junction. Tickets are $65 per person which includes a vegetarian dinner and silent auction, a gift bag and custom wine glass. For more information and tickets, go to karmacatzendog.org/support/pfc/.
Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.