A Jack Russell terrier pup who was found running on the highways around Newark Airport has been rescued and is slowly healing at the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge (RBARI) in Oakland where he will await his fur-ever home.
For weeks, reports came in of the Jack Russell terrier pup, since named Monkey, running around the busy and dangerous highways near the airport.
Last Saturday, Sept. 7, the frightened pup was finally caught by a professional trapper with Buddha Dog Rescue and Recovery and was taken in by RBARI.
"It is a true miracle that Monkey survived. Surprisingly, Monkey is not the first Jack Russell terrier dumped in the area in recent months," said RBARI in a post on Facebook . "And, even more unexpectedly, it only took minutes for this adorable dog to warm up to human touch, despite evading rescuers for so long."
Upon rescue, Monkey was treated for fleas, ticks and parasites. He received a thorough examination and vaccinations.
As expected, he is cautious of humans, but he adores other dogs who are teaching him that humans aren't so bad, including the refuge's office dog CC, to whom Monkey was introduced to early on. With CC's reassurance, Monkey slowly came out of his shell, finding comfort in a safe lap or with gentle scratches, said RBARI in an update on Facebook.
Curious and treat motivated, Monkey is doing great in his rehabilitation sessions, and he is very smart, learning to walk on a leash and socializing with the staff. Enrichment items such as music and Kongs are helping him adapt to human contact and companionship.
"Consistent training and socialization support will help Monkey become more comfortable, and ultimately help him find a home of his own," said RBARI on Facebook.
As of Friday, Monkey was going in to be neutered, according to RBARI Executive Director Megan Brinster who said that he is making more friends both with the dogs at the refuge as well as the staff as he opens up more and learns to trust.
While Monkey is not currently up for adoption, the refuge is accepting early applications with the hope of having a wonderful home lined up by the time he is ready.
According to Monkey's adoption profile , he is very skittish at first and he is a "major escape artist" with his first instinct being to run.
Monkey's adopter will need to be someone who is paranoid patient and will be diligent in making sure he does not have a chance to flee out a door, squeeze or dig under a fence.
"You always have to be two steps ahead of these little flight risk dogs to keep them safe from themselves," says his profile.
The refuge is still getting to know Monkey's personality and needs, but he seems to like female dogs, following and wagging his tail with them.
According to his adoption profile, Monkey has the potential to be a "fun little companion" for an active and experienced terrier lover. He is described as the "cutest active little JRT pup with a comically large overbite that looks more like a beak than a muzzle."
When he finds the right home, he will need a double slip lead plus martingale collar, an air tag, and "lots of stern warnings and horror stories to fill your head and make sure you take extra steps to keep him safe," not letting your guard down as he acclimates to his new home.
"The rescue of local animals in our community goes beyond the initial critical days," said RBARI on Facebook. "We will continue to highlight Monkey’s journey to a forever home, sharing how emergency medical care is just the start of healing. The next step for local animals, like Monkey, is the rehabilitation of wounds on the inside."
If anyone has information on Monkey's previous owners or where he came from, RBARI asks that you please contact your local police.
If you think your home could be a good fit for Monkey, you can submit an application through his Adopets profile at https://adopt.adopets.com/pet/2c22fcfa-d584-4e88-8013-10865df3acc8?tracking=b65b2246-6539-433b-abfe-00ba10de8d0f .
If you would like to donate to Monkey, and other urgent cases in RBARI's care, visit https://rbari.org/donate/rbari-medical-fund.html .
"We need your support for local animals in our community now, more than ever," said Brinster. "Together, we can ensure the funds on hand to be there for dogs like Monkey, who cannot wait another day for rescue to come."
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Meet Monkey, a Jack Russell terrier pup rescued from the highway near Newark Airport
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