Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, Inc. (RBARI)Funded from 2016 to 2017 and 2019 to 2020
Operating as the leading no-kill animal shelter in Northern New Jersey, Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, Inc. (RBARI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving all of Northern New Jersey.  RBARI is founded on the belief that all animals have a natural right to humane treatment including proper care and safe shelter. RBARI relies solely on independent giving, receiving no local, state or federal funding. Known for their extraordinary rescue work, RBARI aims to help those dogs and cats most in need, while making a lasting impact on the community around them.
The Grey Muzzle Organization grant will provide the Ramapo Bergen Animal Refuge, Inc. (RBARI) the opportunity to initiate a new program to provide medical care to senior pit bulls in low-income, inner city areas.   This innovative project targets three areas of need that RBARI focuses on – age, breed and socio-economic status - and earmarks medical funding specifically for a partnership with Jersey Pits rescue to assist senior pit bulls within the Paterson, NJ community.   As seen time and again, these dogs suffer immeasurable abuse and neglect. To help save lives, provide medical care, educate, network and make a difference for these vulnerable animals, RBARI and Jersey Pits work together to tackle the overwhelming volume of need in the community.
The program will help dogs like Buttons.   With limited eyesight and hearing, this emaciated senior pit bull was left to roam off a major highway, alone and confused.  RBARI joined with their partners at Jersey Pits rescue and secured a hospice foster for sweet Buttons, where he received all the love and care he so deserved – despite having lymes disease, arthritis, kidney value elevations, prostate issues and a heart murmur.   Buttons passed a few short weeks after finding his happily-ever-after and left everyone heartbroken, but without this collaboration, he never would have known love and comfort in his last days.
