SUPPORT FOR SAVE: The “Furry Friends Fall Fete” fundraiser for SAVE, A Friend to Homeless Animals was held this month at the Nassau Club. Shown, from left, are SAVE staff members at the event: Jack Griffin (shelter director), Ayako Yoshikawa (bookkeeper), Lauryn Walsh (special events), Heather Achenbach (executive director), and Cynthia Johnson (board president). (Photo by Felix Bird)
By Jean Stratton
Many of us remember that first dog or cat who came into our lives. It might have been when you were a small child, a teen, or even an adult — you had always wanted a pet, but circumstances had prevented it.
But it is never too late — or too early — to discover the unique bond that develops between human being and companion animal.
SAVE, A Friend To Homeless Animals knows all about this. The longtime animal shelter will celebrate its 85th anniversary in 2026, and it has provided dedicated support and care for homeless dogs and cats ever since it opened its doors in 1941.
Founded by veterinarian Dr. Cornelia Jaynes — the third female graduate of Cornell Veterinary School — and Emily Myric, its goal was to rescue stray dogs and cats, shelter them on Jaynes’ farm in Princeton, provide spay/neuter services, and ultimately find them new homes.
FAMILY FOCUS: SAVE employee Nikki Alphonse is making sure this mama cat and kittens have all the TLC they need. Providing such TLCand supporting animals in need is the mission of SAVE, A Friend to Homeless Animals. (Photo courtesy of SAVE, A Friend to Homeless Animals)
Animal Welfare
After Jaynes’ death in 1969, her farm at 900 Herrontown Road was bequeathed to SAVE to further the cause of animal welfare.
Over the years, SAVE’s mission, with a focus on six core programs —rescue, shelter, health and welfare, spay/neuter, adoption, and humane education — has not changed. It continues to focus on the rehabilitation and successful placement of treatable and adoptable animals, and to build, foster, and strengthen the human-animal bond.
SAVE Executive Director Heather Achenbach is dedicated to supporting that human-animal bond and to furthering SAVE’s mission. She is aware of the continuing need to find homes for the many stray, lost, and surrendered dogs and cats, so they can live a safe and happy life.
As she says, “I am excited to keep making a difference for homeless animals and to evolve our programs so more pets find — and stay in — their forever homes.”
Achenbach joined SAVE in 2017 after a previous career in the pharmaceutical industry. As an animal lover (she received her first dog, a little poodle, on her fifth birthday) and a SAVE donor, foster “parent,” and adopter, she was familiar with the nonprofit organization’s mission and long history.
As increasing numbers of animals came under SAVE’s purview over the years, the necessity for expanded space became apparent. Animals needed to be outside of their cages, to have dog runs, and cats needed modern rooms, with perches and space for toys, litter boxes, etc.
Largest Shelter
With those needs uppermost, in 2006, SAVE merged with Friends of Homeless Animals, an organization founded in 1998 that had purchased property in Skillman for a shelter. The merged organization was renamed SAVE, A Friend to Homeless Animals, and it is now the largest shelter for companion animals in the greater Princeton region.
The property, located at 1010 Route 601 in Skillman, included the historic James Van Zandt house, an Italianate mansion built in the 1860s. The house was in complete disrepair, and part of the merger agreement stipulated that it was to be fully restored. It now serves as SAVE’s administration headquarters.
In addition, a new shelter was constructed, which can comfortably accommodate 75 cats and 25 dogs. It includes rooms for prospective adopters to see and bond with the animal, as well as a surgical unit, food preparation area, and comfortable quarters for the dogs and cats. SAVE moved into the new shelter in 2015.
As a private organization and No Kill shelter, SAVE is unique in important ways, points out Achenbach. “We are a limited intake shelter. That is, we do not take in more animals than we have room for. Our goal is first, to reunite the animal with its owner, if possible. We have seven days to do that, and often, it does happen. If not, after seven days, they are considered a lost pet, and SAVE prepares them for adoption.”
She explains that SAVE has a relationship with 11 surrounding towns, and rescued animals from those areas can be brought to SAVE by animal control officers. “If a person finds a stray or lost animal, they must first contact the animal control officer, who will take it to SAVE.”
Special Addition
SAVE’s available cats and dogs can be viewed on the SAVE website. Individuals wishing to adopt must file an online application, and all adoption visits are by appointment.
Regarding adoptions, kittens and puppies are always appealing, but as Achenbach points out, an older animal can be a special addition to a household. “Older animals are often overlooked, and they can be wonderful pets. They are mature, often house-trained, and can be calmer. Also, their personalities and sizes are established. You know what you are getting.”
For any pet entering a new environment, there is a period of adjustment, she explains. “The time frame can vary. They need time to become familiar and comfortable in their new surroundings.”
The holidays are often a popular time to adopt a pet, and as Achenbach notes. “People are more apt to adopt this time of year, and we are all for it! We require that all family members be present during the adoption appointment. This helps ensure that the match is a true fit for everyone involved. We’re here to help families find the perfect pet, and in our experience, pets adopted around the holidays stay in their homes. These aren’t impulsive, ‘whim’ adoptions. Families are making a thoughtful, permanent decision to welcome a new furry family member.”
Also, she adds, “We stay in touch with the adopters to see how they are doing, and they’ll often send photos and emails to share their news. I love the personal friendship of people who have helped us make a difference in the lives of these animals.”
As a nonprofit, SAVE relies on adoption fees and donations to fund its operation. Costs are $125 for an adult cat, $175 for a kitten; $300 for an adult dog, and $500 for a puppy. These costs help to cover the 24-hour, seven-day-a-week services, including food, spay/neuter, inoculations, vaccinations, medications, microchips, and other needs.
In-Kind Donations
“SAVE is not supported by federal, state, or local taxes, nor do we qualify for any state grants because we are a private shelter,” explains Achenbach. “We are 100 percent supported by private donations, which includes private grantors. A very small portion of our budget (less than $200K) is funded by adoption fees and animal control contracts.”
In-kind donations, such as food, supplies, and toys, are also welcomed, she adds. There is a Wish List on the SAVE website.
Recent reports across the country have indicated that more and more shelters are having to support more and more animals. In addition to abandoned animals on the street, pets living in homes are affected. Economic hardships are forcing a number of animal owners to return pets to shelters.
As Achenbach points out, “Money is always tight — we start every year at zero, and have to fundraise every single dollar to keep the lights on. But the bigger challenge isn’t just finances; it is finding enough adopters and having enough space for all the pets who need us. If adoptions picked up, we could help more animals faster. Right now, there are far too many homeless pets in New Jersey and far too little room for them all.”
“This is a tough economy, and unfortunately, owner surrender (returnees from pet owners) is high,” she reports. Many reasons can account for this: financial, death of an owner, too many other pets, children developing allergies, etc.
In addition, she points out that SAVE also takes animals from other shelters that have too many to care for. And, also, many of the animals who come to SAVE have serious medical conditions, and they are never turned down.
Events and Programs
SAVE has a staff of 20 full- and part-time paid employees and a core group of 60 to 80 volunteers on a weekly basis. Many of the volunteers donate a great deal of time, says Achenbach. They are there every day to help feed the animals, clean the cages, walk the dogs, socialize the cats, etc.
SAVE also has events and programs helping to inform and enlighten the community about SAVE’s mission, and this extends to the youngest among us. As Achenbach points out, “We offer a youth program, Paws for Reading, for children 7 to 15. It is counselor-led, and they will interact with the animals and read to them. Many children participate year after year, and then become hands-on volunteers at age 16.”
During her time with SAVE, Achenbach has witnessed continuing changes and challenges, As she says, “I’ve been with SAVE eight and a half years, and I am surprised all the time, in good and amazing ways and ways that are disappointing, heartbreaking, and sometimes even horrifying.
“The biggest change we have seen is the impact of COVID — not just the virus itself, but what it did to the economy and pet ownership. During the epidemic, the market became saturated with dogs, and adoptions have never been quite the same since. There has been a noticeable shift in how many people want to adopt, the types of pets they’re looking for, and their ability to afford them. Unfortunately, none of these shifts have been in favor of homeless animals.”
Decades of Dedication
Coping with these changes and challenges is part of Heather Achenbach’s focus every day, and she never loses sight of SAVE’s purpose. It fills a need that is important and ongoing. As she observes, “Its 85 years of operation represents decades of dedication to animals and our community.
“Being involved with animals, especially dogs and cats, offers so many benefits. Animals teach us compassion, patience, and responsibility, and they provide companionship and unconditional love. At SAVE, the impact is even deeper: helping a homeless pet find a forever home not only transforms the animal’s life, but it enriches the lives of the people who adopt them. Volunteers, staff, and adopters alike experience joy, connection, and a sense of purpose through their relationships with these animals.”
Indeed. For those who have loved a companion animal, the bond is deep and true. It could be that special dog, now grown old, you knew as a puppy. Or the kitten you watched play all day, now content to catnap the hours away. Both are still such a valuable and loved part of the family — whatever their ages.
There are as many such stories as there are dogs and cats. Each is unique and lasting. And SAVE has been a part of so many of them.
SAVE’s lobby hours are Sunday and Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For further information, call (609) 309-5214; website: savehomelessanimals.org.