3 Adoptable New Jersey Dogs: Misty, Maggie, and Jonah are Ready for a New Beginning

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There’s something special about a rescue story, especially the kind that ends with a dog finally finding its forever home. That’s exactly why The Local Girl team continues to spotlight adoptable pups across New Jersey through this ongoing series with Wise Animal Rescue, in partnership with Bond Vet. Each month, we feature incredible dogs, whether they’re still waiting for the right family or already living their happy ending. This month, we’re shouting out not one, not two, but three very good dogs (because one just wasn’t enough to handle all this cuteness). Along the way, we’re also raising funds for Wise and working with Bond Vet to support these animals every step of the journey. Read on to meet this month’s pups and learn how you can help give them the homes they deserve.

This Series is Sponsored by Bond Veterinary Group

This series is sponsored by Bond Veterinary Group, which is also providing a $150 gift of vet services to each animal we feature.

At Bond Vet, pet care is centered around one simple belief: it should feel thoughtful, transparent, and as stress-free as possible. The modern veterinary clinic provides urgent and primary care for cats and dogs, pairing high-quality medicine with a warm, welcoming experience designed for both pets and their people. With convenient locations, extended hours, and seamless online booking, accessing care is simple and efficient. From routine checkups to unexpected illnesses and injuries, Bond Vet is a trusted partner in every stage of a pet’s health journey. Bond Vet has launched a new membership program packed with perks for your pup, including a free annual exam (fully covered once per year), 20% off all additional exams, priority access to virtual care through teletriage, and exclusive member benefits like swag and special events. Bond has locations throughout New Jersey, including Hoboken, Jersey City, and Montclair.

Each adopted pet will receive a $150 credit to Bond Vet, applicable toward a future visit for care. It is a meaningful way to support a healthy, happy start in a new home.

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Adoptable(s) of the Month: Misty + Maggie + Jonah

Misty is the kind of dog who quietly steals your heart. With her sweet nature and gentle spirit, she is learning what it means to feel safe, loved, and cared for. After everything she has been through, Misty is ready for a calm, cozy forever home where she can continue to blossom at her own pace.

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Maggie is all about fresh starts and happy tails. Full of personality and ready for her next chapter, she is looking for a forever home where she can play, explore, and soak up all the love she has been waiting for. Maggie’s future is bright — she just needs the right family to make it official. 

Jonah is a sweet, affectionate pup who loves being close to his people and forms deep, loyal bonds that make him an incredibly special companion. Though he’s deaf, Jonah is eager to learn and would thrive with someone patient and committed to using hand signals and consistent routines to help him succeed. With his gentle nature and loving personality, Jonah’s future is full of possibility — he just needs the right home to help him grow into his best self.

Here’s more about Misty, and you can fill out an adoption application.

Here’s more about Maggie, and you can fill out an adoption application.

Here’s more about Jonah, and you can fill out an adoption application.

If you’re reading this and adopting a dog isn’t in the cards for you right now, you can still help! Wise handles a lot of medical cases and is always in need of donations. As little as $5 can add up to make a big difference: donate here.

Misty at a Glance

Name: Misty

Breed: Bichon Frise

DOB: December 30, 2019 (6 years)

Home Recommendation: Misty would do best in a calm, loving home where someone is around most of the time, as she does experience some separation anxiety. She may need help with stairs or longer walks, so her adopter should be comfortable picking her up when needed — luckily, at just 10 pounds, she is easy to carry. Misty would likely thrive in a home with other gentle dogs, as they help boost her confidence. A patient, nurturing environment filled with reassurance and companionship would suit her best.

Why She Came to Wise: Misty spent her entire life as a breeding dog in a puppy mill and was at risk of being discarded when she was no longer useful. Thankfully, Wise Animal Rescue stepped in and gave her a second chance to experience the love and comfort of a real home.

Personality: Misty is a shy, gentle girl with the sweetest heart. While she may take a little time to warm up, once she feels safe she becomes incredibly loving and devoted. She enjoys a quiet lifestyle, spending most of her time resting, relaxing, and cuddling up in cozy blankets or close to her person. She brings a calm, comforting presence and is the perfect companion for someone looking for a low-key, affectionate lap dog.

Kids: Yes, kids 10+

Dogs: Yes

Cats: Yes

Training: Misty sleeps in her crate at night, especially when it is placed near her person’s bed, and typically settles in well. She is learning her bathroom routine and will need continued consistency and patience. She walks at a slow, gentle pace and does not require long walks, making her a great match for a quieter lifestyle.

Maggie at a Glance

Name: Maggie

Breed: French Bulldog

Age: 10 years old

Home Recommendation: Maggie would thrive in a loving, stable home that offers reassurance as she adjusts to life’s recent changes. She has a calm, easygoing nature and can do well either as the only pet or alongside other animals, though she may benefit most from being the center of attention. Maggie is a great fit for seniors, families with respectful children, or anyone looking for a steady, low-key companion. A peaceful home filled with consistency, gentle affection, and patience will help her continue to settle in and feel secure.

Why She Came to Wise: Maggie was surrendered after her owner experienced a change in living situation and could no longer care for her. Now safe in a foster home, she is ready for her next chapter with a forever family who will love her just as much as she loves them.

Personality: Maggie is a curious, cuddly girl who is always happiest right by your side — especially if snacks might be involved. She loves gentle pets, cozy couch time, and being close to her people. While toys are not really her thing, she is perfectly content lounging nearby and soaking up attention. She has recently discovered the joy of the couch and is learning to use stairs so she can climb up for snuggles whenever she wants.

Kids: Yes

Dogs: Would benefit from being the only dog

Cats: Yes

Training: Maggie is generally house-trained and continues adjusting to apartment living, working on making it outside consistently. She is comfortable in her crate and will settle there on her own when needed, though she prefers being close to her people. On walks, she may pull at times, but is improving with consistency and practice.

Jonah at a Glance

Name: Jonah

Breed: Pit Bull Mix

Age: Almost 2 years old

Home Recommendation: Jonah would thrive in a patient, understanding home with someone committed to helping him build confidence and learn clear communication and basic manners. He forms strong bonds with his people and is incredibly loyal, but he’ll benefit from gentle, consistent guidance as he becomes more comfortable with independence over time. A quieter suburban setting would suit him best, giving him the space and stability he needs to truly settle in and grow.

Why He Came to Wise: Jonah was rescued from a municipal shelter and is now ready for his forever home.

Medical: Jonah is deaf, so his adopter should be open to using clear visual cues, hand signals, and consistent routines to communicate with him effectively.

Personality: Jonah is an incredibly sweet and affectionate dog who absolutely loves being close to his people. His gentle nature and loving personality make him a wonderful companion. He thrives on connection, enjoys attention, and has a soft, endearing demeanor that wins over everyone he meets.

Kids: Yes

Dogs: Yes — Jonah does great with other dogs and currently enjoys socializing at daycare.

Cats: Unknown, but a cat test can be done for approved adopters

Training: Despite being deaf, Jonah is doing wonderfully and has shown how adaptable and eager he is to connect. He is currently being trained in daycare, where he’s building valuable skills and continuing to thrive around other dogs. He’s doing well with pottying outside and is making steady progress with leash training.

APPLY NOW FOR MISTY 

APPLY NOW FOR MAGGIE

APPLY NOW FOR JONAH

VIEW ALL THE ADOPTABLES

DONATE $5 TO WISE (you can also Venmo @wise-animalrescue if easier!)

About Wise Animal Rescue

Since March 2015, Wise Animal Rescue has been saving dogs in need across New Jersey and beyond — and has rescued thousands of dogs across the region, finding them forever homes. The organization is a 501C3 nonprofit and 100% volunteer and foster-based, which means every dog is placed in a loving home instead of a traditional shelter. From seniors to puppies, giant breeds to super tiny, and pets with a myriad of medical conditions, each one receives the same thing first and foremost: love.

Beyond rescue, the team focuses heavily on education and advocacy by promoting responsible pet ownership and raising awareness about unethical breeding practices and the inhumane conditions many dogs face before entering rescue. A meaningful part of its work is ensuring every dog is thoughtfully matched with the right forever home, setting both the pup and their future family up for long term success.

Most recently, Wise rescued 20 breeder mama and papa adult Malteses, which required over $20,000 in medical bills to ensure each senior dog received proper care after being saved from a commercial breeding facility. They’re also The Hoboken Girl’s non-profit partner in The Rainbow Bridge Project, which will be providing a safe and loving space for the community to grieve pets that have passed on.

Supporting Wise is not just something we write about; it is something we truly believe in.

Please join us in helping this amazing organization, whether it’s sharing their posts online, donating your time or resources, or considering adoption.

Thank you to Bond Vet for sponsoring this monthly initiative!

DONATE THROUGH VENMO: @wise-animalrescue

DONATE THROUGH ZELLE/PAYPAL: [email protected]

DONATE DIRECTLY THROUGH WISE: wiseanimalrescue.org

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