A Super Bowl-Themed Event Changed The Life Of A New Jersey Animal Shelter’s Longest Resident

Burlington County Animal Shelter’s longest resident finally found his forever home during a Super Bowl-themed event on Sunday, February 11.

The Burlington County announced the Super Bowl-themed event, called Ultimate ‘Tail’-gate Party and Open House, on February 05. And residents were able to tour the shelter and meet several adoptable dogs and cats.

Burlington County shared the good news two days after the Super Bowl saying that five dogs were adopted during the event.

Among those five dogs were Chief, the Burlington County Animal Shelter’s longest dog resident, who has been a resident for more than 740 days.

To say Chief’s story is heartbreaking is an understatement. Chief is a 10-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix who was surrendered twice by the same owner.

He was first surrendered in June 2021, and was given back again in January 2022, after his owner briefly re-adopted him.

Despite being surrendered twice, Chief had a lot of love to give. And during his 2-year stay at the shelter, he was a “volunteer and staff favorite”.

“Chief is described by a foster family as “the most loving, caring and patient dog” who has been great with both adults and children of all ages,” the Burlington County shared.

“Chief may be partial to Kansas City in Super Bowl LVIII but he’d love to come home with a family of any NFL team,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Dan O’Connell.

“He’s been a resident of the shelter for more than 740 days, so what we’re rooting for most on Sunday will be his adoption.”

So, when Chief was adopted on Super Bowl Sunday, the animal shelter was “thrilled to learn that he was adopted by someone who was willing to open up her home and her heart to this loveable dog”.

The Burlington County reveals that Chief’s new owner, Rose Marie Ragone, first saw him when the shelter showed off its Super Bowl-themed event on a local TV outlet’s news segment.

The Burlington County shared, “The Williamstown resident visited the shelter after seeing Chief on a television news broadcast about the pregame party.”

They thanked Chief’s new owner and everyone who came to the shelter to adopt or simply stop by to spend time with the animals.

“Events like Sunday’s Super Bowl Tailgate Party bring more visibility to our shelter and the amazing pets that reside there,” the County wrote in a Facebook post.

“Visitors not only got to meet and interact with the dogs and cats but also our incredible shelter staff and volunteers who provide such wonderful care and go the extra mile to find these pets homes. Thanks to them and everyone who visited Sunday and helped make this open house a super success.”

Chief’s adoption story is definitely one for the books. However, there are still adoptable dogs and cats from the Burlington County Animal Shelter waiting for their forever homes.

If you’re interested about how you can meet their adoptable animals, visit their website here.